Consecration of Tools

1. You'll need a white candle, a cup of water, a small bowl of salt, and incense. Each corresponds to one of the cardinal elements and directions:
   
   • North/Earth: salt
   • East/Air: incense
   • South/Fire: candle
   • West/Water: water
2. If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now. Light the candle and the incense. Take the tool or other item you wish to consecrate in your hands, and face north. Pass it over the salt and say:
   Powers of the North,
   Guardians of the Earth,
   I consecrate this wand of willow (or knife of steel, amulet of crystal, etc)
   and charge it with your energies.
   I purify it this night, and make this tool sacred.
   
3. Now, turn to the east and, holding the tool in the smoke of the incense, say:
   Powers of the East,
   Guardians of the Air,
   I consecrate this wand of willow
   and charge it with your energies.
   I purify it this night, and make this tool sacred.
   
4. Next, face the south and pass the tool over the flame of the candle -- be careful if it's a flammable material like Tarot cards or a robe! -- and repeat the process, saying:
   Powers of the South,
   Guardians of Fire,
   I consecrate this wand of willow
   and charge it with your energies.
   I purify it this night, and make this tool sacred.
   
5. Finally, turn to the west, and pass your ritual tool over the cup of water. Say:
   Powers of the West,
   Guardians of Water,
   I consecrate this wand of willow [or knife of steel, amulet of crystal, etc]
   and charge it with your energies.
   I purify it this night, and make this tool sacred.
   
6. Face your altar, hold the wand (athame/chalice/amulet/whatever) to the sky, and say:
   I charge this wand in the name of Old Ones,
   the Ancients, the Sun and the Moon and the Stars.
   By the powers of the Earth, of Air, of Fire and of Water
   I banish the energies of any previous owners,
   and make it new and fresh.
   I consecrate this wand,
   and it is mine.
   
7. Now you've not only consecrated the tool, you've claimed ownership. In many Wiccan traditions, it's considered a good idea to put the item to use immediately to bind the consecration and strengthen the energy of the tool. If you've consecrated a wand, athame, or chalice, you can use those in a ceremony to consecrate another tool. If you've consecrated something that is worn, such as an article of clothing (for example, a ritual robe) or a piece of jewelry, begin wearing it now.

Food for thought: Why do you think it is important to consecrate your tools before use? 

Tools

Athame (pronounced AH-tha-meh) - This is the magickal ritual knife used to direct personal power. The handle is usually of a dark color to absorb energies and temporarily store it. It is not used for physical cutting but instead used to direct energy. It is a masculine tool and is represented by the Fire element.

Bolline- This is simply a working knife that is used for physical cuttings such as herbs or flowers, or to mark candles, or anything else that is to be used magickally. The handle is usually white to separate itself from the athame.

Censer- This is simply an incense burner. It can be any shape - from the swinging thuribles of the Catholic Church to a simple seashell. You can make one with a bowl or cup half filled with salt or sand. The salt absorbs the heat and prevents the bowl from cracking. Incense sticks can be pushed into the salt or cones can be placed on its surface. In ceremonial magick, spirits are sometimes commanded to appear in the smoke. The Gods can usually be seen in the smoke. The censer is a masculine tool and is represented by the Air element.

Cauldron- This is a symbol of the Goddess. It also symbolizes Water, reincarnation, immortality, and inspiration. Though it is normally used as a focal point for rituals, such as burning a fire within or holding flowers, it may be used for cooking and potion making.

Cup- Also known as the chalice, the cup is simply a cauldron with a handle. The cup symbolizes the Goddess and the element of Water. Though you can use it to hold water for ritual, it can be used to hold the ritual drink if any.

Pentacle- This is usually a flat piece of brass, gold, silver, wood, etc. inscribed with a pentagram, the interlaced five-point star. It represents Earth and is a tool used to place charms, amulets, or other objects to be blessed or consecrated. It is an old symbol of protection and is sometimes used to evoke the Gods.

Wand- This is an instrument of invocation and is represented by Air. It is used to call upon the Gods and sometimes used to direct energy, draw a circle on the ground, or stir brew in a cauldron. Any straight stick will do as long as you are comfortable with it.

Besom- This is a magick broom used to sweep the area before ritual. The sweeping is more than physical - the besom doesn't even have to touch the ground. It is used to sweep out any astral build up and/or negative energy and purifies the area. Because of its cleansing properties it is a feminine tool and is represented by the element of Water.

Bell- This is a feminine symbol used to call up the Goddess during ritual. It is also rung to ward off evil spells and spirits or to evoke good energies.