The Magickal Reference Library

Tools are an important part of any religion or magickal practice. It is often thought that religion inspires art, and tools are an art form in their own right. The tools of religion inspire us and help us channel the energies raised in ritual.

A magickal or ritual tool is any item that has been cleansed, consecrated and empowered for ritual purposes. At first, tools were simple, natural items that were used by primitive wo/man to provide a sense of identity and connection with unseen spirits. Often, these objects were small fetishes or totems, and were usually made of materials associated with the spirit(s) with which they wished to commune. As the concept of priesthood solidified, tools became highly specialized. These tools were elaborate works of beauty and power which were often passed down through the ages. Ritual tools are found in almost all religions and magickal practices. They range in size from small hand held items and pieces of jewelry, to immovable objects such as idols and stone megaliths. Although the appearances of tools may differ culturally, their functions are basically the same. As the student examines the tools of several different cultures, they will notice that these ritual items are each associated with the different elements.

The tools of Wicca (or modern Celtic Witchcraft) are practical and versatile, for they had to be easily concealed during the times of persecution. The main tool of Wicca is the athame. The athame is a ritual knife; it usually has a double- edged blade and black handle. This however is not the rule; an athame can be made of any material that suits the individual - a student of mine with an interest in anthropology purchased a stone knife with a bone handle that suits her needs very well, and provides her with a sense of connection to the past. The athame is used to channel energy, much like a wand.

There are exceptions; Aleister Crowley felt that an athame should only be used for magickal protection because it is a weapon. Actually, Crowley preferred the use of a sword rather than a knife, because a knife can be easily concealed and is the weapon of a thief; a sword is displayed openly and is the weapon of a chivalrous person. Alexandrian Wicca is one example of a denomination of Witchcraft that prefers the use of a sword rather than an athame, For most Wiccans, the athame is the all-purpose tool of choice. A knife was an everyday item carried by all people, and therefore attracted no attention. In the religions of modern Witchcraft, an athame that cuts meat or draws blood must be thoroughly cleansed and consecrated or it is believed to be powerless.

How do you get an athame? There are two main methods that you can use to manifest a magickal tool; the first method is to make it yourself. There are several good books available on the subject and this is an excellent method to use if you have the spare time and creative ability. Most of us have neither of these, and so we use a technique that I know of as "putting out a call".

In many magickal and religious systems it is believed that anything a person visualizes exists somewhere in the universe - this is the theory behind putting out a call. Place yourself in a quiet meditative state, free from all distractions. Next, create a clear picture in your mind of the item you would like to acquire. Try to see it in as much detail as possible and hold the image in your mind for as long as you can. After you have done this, state that you would like the God and Goddess to deliver this item to you (its equivalent or better) in a way that is most correct and harms none, so that you may perform your devotions and/or magickal workings in their service. Making a list describing the item you would like to acquire can be effective as well. You will often be led to the location of the item, or it will be revealed through dreams. This is the method that I used to find my own athame; I saw its location in a dream.

Many feel that this method does not truly make the item "yours", but I have a different belief. I feel that if you acquire an object by putting out a call for it, the item was created just for you, whether the craftsman was aware of it or not. That particular object has always been yours and has most likely been searching for you as well. You have created this item - it was crafted mentally, as opposed to physically.

The athame represents the element of air. These energies are also reflected in the minor arcana of the Tarot as the suit of swords.

The wand is the alternative to the athame. It is also used to channel personal power or divine energies. [I would like to point out that although a tool is an extension of the practitioner , it lends personal energies of its own. It should be treated like any other entity - with love and respect.] Having no mundane purpose, the use of the wand is most often found in very ancient times. Now that persecution of the religion of Witchcraft is dwindling, the use of the wand is again growing in popularity.

Because wands have no practical use in "real life", they can be made from almost any material and are often very exquisite objects. Even when Paganism was frowned upon, the use of the wand remained - it became the royal sceptre. The material that a wand is made of dictates its use; many practitioners have several wands, each for a particular purpose. Because Witchcraft is a fertility religion, a wand that is often used in High Holiday rituals is a priapic wand. This is any wand which contains a phallic symbolism. The end is usually decorated with an acorn or pineapple shape. The priapic wand is a symbol of the Yang virility that is needed to insure the continuity of life and its cycles.

Most often the wand is made of wood and is crafted by the practitioner, The type of wood used will determine the energies and purpose of the wand; almost any good book on Celtic magick will contain this information. Sometimes wands are made of metal. Different metals have particular planetary influences; check to see which ones would best suit your needs. In other traditions, the staff is used in place of the wand. Wands usually represent the element of fire. Fire is symbolic of transformation , and I believe this is why wands were always used in fairy tales to transform one thing into another.

The cauldron is ruled by the element of water. It is a symbol of the womb, of all life, Although they are not tools, wells and natural springs were chosen as sacred sites for this reason. The cauldron is usually filled with water and then magickally charged, The cauldron can also be used for scrying, or for drawing down the moon's energies, Another tool that is sacred to the element of water is the chalice. The chalice is a smaller representation of the cauldron and contains a similar symbolism. The grail is an example of the chalice's ritual significance. The chalice can be made of any material, but silver is usually preferred. Select a chalice that appeals to you. It will be used during the ceremony of cakes and ale, and for other ritual purposes.

A libation dish or altar paten can be used to represent the earth element. [For rituals of consecration, the athame is used to represent the element of earth, and incense is used for air.] If indoors, a libation dish is used to hold offerings of food for the God and Goddess. Altar patens are often used to strengthen and direct the energies of any object placed upon it. Stones are also used as tools of the earth element. Stones contain and amplify energies, and are invaluable tools of the practitioner. A clear quartz crystal point is most often used.

Other tools are also used in Wicca. Censers (air) are used to purify, cleanse and carry our wishes to the heavens, You will also need a container for consecrated water. If you are lucky, you can locate an asperger like the ones used in the Catholic Church. Another method is to use a nice dish and a branch of rosemary. The rosemary will aid in dispelling negativity and attracting love, and it also adds a comforting, earthy touch. The cord is another tool that was used frequently during the time of the persecutions. It was the least conspicuous of all the tools, because it was also used as a belt.

The uses of a cord are many; in some cultures, a cord is used to measure the outline of a person's body during their initiation. This cord is then given to the initiate - it contains the energies of their physical space and aura. Some believe that the cord should wrap around the waist three times; others feel that the length should be approximately four feet long. Each of these cords are used to mark out a personal circle. The first cord is laid out in a circle from end to end, indicative of an ourobouros (snake swallowing its tail). The other two variations are used to provide the radius of a circle. One end of the cord is staked into the ground, and a circle is traced out. Another use of the cord is for knot magick, which we will discuss later.

Wicca borrows heavily from the old Druidic traditions of the Celts, so it is no surprise that the tools are very similar. The Druids used a sacred stone for earth, and a cup for the water element; the wand, however, was assigned to the element of air. A golden sickle was dedicated to the element of fire. This is the tool that was used to gather the sacred mistletoe on each solstice. The use of a sickle as a religious tool still exists in several forms of modern Wicca; it is not necessarily made of gold, but a small sickle is often used to collect magickal herbs.

The tools of the Egyptian religion give us an example of the broad scope of items that were used when Paganism was an acceptable religious practice. A comprehensive list of these can be found in Murry Hope's book Practical Egyptian Magic; it is from this book that I will draw most of my information. Hope lists fourteen different religious and magickal tools of the Egyptians - the numerous quantity is due to the size of the Egyptian pantheon. There were three major areas of religious development in Egypt, and each recognized a slightly different pantheon. To get a complete understanding of the Egyptian religion, we must recognize and incorporate all three,

The Sistrum

The sistrum is an ankh shaped musical instrument containing four horizontal bars strung with small cymbals. It represents the element of fire and is sacred to Bast, cat goddess of fertility, home and hearth, mental health and the musical arts.

The Winged Disk

A solar-type disk framed by a pair of wings, this symbol is ruled by the element of air. The disk is often seen as an emblem of good fortune, containing energies similar to the card of the Chariot in the Tarot. Some practitioners feel that the winged disk represents the star or planet of our origins.

The Cup or Chalice. Self-explanatory, this tool symbolizes the element of water and is used primarily for scrying.

The Mirror of Hathor

This bronze mirror will reflect negativity back to its source. The mirror of Hathor is an excellent tool for defensive magick; I would recommend that it be among the tools of any serious practitioner.

The Wand. Hope says that the type of wand used should depend on the character of the individual. As in Wicca, the wand is sacred to the fire element, but if the practitioner has an earthy character, they should use the djed or ankh, If their nature is of fire itself, the sistrum is recommended; if air, the caduceus - if a watery personality is assumed, the crook or flail is used for this purpose.

The Uraeus

The symbol of the serpent should be worn only by the advanced masters - it is a representation of their enlightenment and achievement, The uraeus is worn over the third eye, and I believe that it aids in the ability to see and communicate with more advanced beings. The serpent represents wisdom in almost every culture, and the uses of this symbol should not be taken lightly.

The Crook and Flail

These are seen as a symbol of authority on the physical plane. The crook and flail are also representative of the planting and the harvest. These tools are sacred to Osiris, a deity who is often viewed as a corn god (see next lesson).

The Utchat or Udjat

Commonly known as the Eye of Horus, the utchat is used in healing ceremonies of both body and mind. The eye is a protective amulet in all cultures, and I prefer to use the utchat for this purpose.

The Djed or Tet

Hope says that this tool represents a stylized tree and is not indicative of a phallus. I say, "why not a phallus?!" There is nothing to be ashamed of; most religions have objects which represent the male and female creative elements, such as the chalice and athame of Wicca. The Egyptian Buckle of Isis represents the female reproductive organs, and I feel that the djed is its counterpart. It may be a stylized tree, but Murry Hope fails to make the connection between the tree and the wooden phallus that was fashioned for Osiris upon his resurrection. The djed is used as a wand and its energies give one control over their material affairs.

The Ankh

A symbol of the key of life and man, this tool can be used for channeling energies or scrying, if one peers through the center while in a meditative state. The ankh is also a representation of the union of the male and female principles.

The Caduceus

The wand with entwining serpents is sacred to the god Thoth (or Hermes-Thoth, or Hermes Trismegistus). The snakes are a symbol of the Kundalini. They cross each other four times, which symbolizes the integration of the four elements. This wand is used primarily for maintaining equilibrium, and for healing on all levels.

The Scarab

The symbol of the sacred beetle was used in ritual as a representation of fortune and regeneration.

The Lotus

This flower is ruled by the element of water. It is used as a focal point to aid in meditation and tranquility.

The Buckle of Isis

This symbol is a stylized representation of the uterus and ovaries. It carries strong fertility energies, and symbolizes the binding aspect of the nurturing instinct. The Buckle of Isis is used to represent the earth element.

It is not necessary to acquire every tool that I have listed, I simply wanted to show the student just a few of the tools that are available to aid in the practice of earth religions. Research the traditions of cultures that appeal to you, and choose the tools whose energies best suit your needs. As a Basic rule, make sure that you have tools that are sacred to each element; you will use these in the consecration of all tools that may follow.

How do you consecrate a ritual item? I prefer the use of two particular methods of consecration: auric consecration and ritual consecration. Auric consecration is a simple technique that can be used on any object at any time. First, you must relax and achieve a meditative state (this is the way we feel when we daydream, or the feeling that overcomes us prior to falling asleep). Next, visualize yourself surrounded in a sphere of pure white or golden light. Now, hold the object that you wish to consecrate - look at it thoroughly. Feel it with your physical senses.

Close your eyes and let the image of the object appear before you, as if it were being displayed on a screen. First notice any colors that may appear to you; allow any thoughts, feelings or impressions to enter your mind. Does this object feel good or bad to you? Now, visualize the same light or energy that you are surrounded in entering your tool. See all things that existed within your object being wiped clean by this purifying light. I find that it aids in my visualization to move my hand physically across the object while filling it with light.

You have now created a tool with neutral energies; the next step is to make this item yours. Get in touch with your own energies and try to fill yourself with the feeling of unconditional love. This emotion should not be difficult to feel - your tool is willing to devote its life to you! Now, take your energies and see/feel them pour from you into the object, As you do this, state (either mentally or audibly) your purpose to the object and ask its permission to be used for these reasons. State that this should be according to free will and the good of all. This is auric consecration.

Ritual consecration is a physical technique which involves passing the new tool through each of the elements. This ritual requires consecrated water, incense (frankincense and myrrh will do nicely), a white candle and a well-rested you! Until you have prepared a regular space for ritual, it does not matter where or how you arrange these items; place them in a manner that best suits you. Now visualize yourself and the area in which you are working surrounded by a pure white, or golden light. Try not to leave this area until your ritual is finished.

Consecrated water is usually made and charged by the practitioner, but you may also use water obtained from a holy place. To make your own, you will need spring water or well water; if you must, use water straight from the faucet. You will also need some sea salt, or ordinary table salt. Now, using the techniques contained in the auric consecration, purify the energies of both the salt and the water. Place a few pinches of the salt into the water (the water represents the feminine element and the sea salt, the masculine) and stir it clockwise with your index finger. Pour your energy through your finger into the water, and bless it in the names of the God and Goddess. Some Witches will add rose water to the finished product.

Light the candle and incense - they represent the elements of fire and air, respectively. Attain a meditative state, then bathe the object in the consecrated water (if this is not possible, simply sprinkle a few drops of the water over your item.). While doing this, speak these words, or simply focus on these thoughts: "I consecrate this (name tool) with the element of water."

Pass the tool over the candle flame and say: "I consecrate this (tool) with the element of fire."

Pass it through the smoke of the incense while saying: "I consecrate this (tool) with the element of air."

Now, stand with your feet firmly planted and let the energies from the earth come up through your body and pass into the object you are consecrating. State: " I consecrate this tool with the element of earth." [Never forget that the body itself is a magickal tool.]

After you have done these things, hold the item high above your head and say: "I consecrate this (tool) in the name of the God and Goddess, Lord and Lady, May you bless and energize this item, so that I may use it in your honor and service, according to free will and good of all, in ways that are most correct and harm none. So mote it be."

Thank the God and Goddess, and each of the elements. You should keep this newly consecrated tool with you for three days and nights. This ritual is best performed on the new moon; your tools may always be "recharged" on the full moon. You may feel free to make this ritual as elaborate and lengthy as you like - simplicity often works best for me.

In the next lesson, we will examine the religious holidays of Witchcraft and the rituals that are performed in their honor. I will also discuss the best way to set up an altar and/or temple room.

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