Wednesday, April 17, 2002

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.

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