Altar tools, etc.

The tools you use in ritual can be old or new, purchased, found, or made by
you. If new, especially if you make it yourself, the tool should only need
consecrating and charging before use. If the tool is old and/or used, and you
are not sure of its origin, cleansing before consecrating and charging is
important. If you can not make a tool from scratch consider personalizing it in
some way.
Many practitioners of magic avoid using any ferrous (that which a magnet will
attach to) metals on the altar except for the athame and sword. Because
energy is considered to be something akin to an electrical force, and
electrical forces can be affected by ferrous metals we try to use bronze,
copper, pewter, gold, silver, ceramic, wood or glass for altar tools. Some even
go so far as to be sure there are no ferrous nails or screws in any table they
use for an altar.
The powers of Air, Fire, Water and Earth are used when cleansing,
consecrating and charging your tools and other magical objects, so
knowledge of the elemental correspondences is essential.
Athames, swords, staves and wands are usually considered male tools, while
chalices and cauldrons are usually considered female tools. The shape of
each tool is a clue. Of course a person of either gender may use any of these
tools and balanced energy is best achieved when a solitary or group
consisting of people of all one gender uses at least some tools and/or
symbols of the opposite gender.
Remember: Many people consider their magical tools to be intensely personal
objects-so never touch anyone else's magical tools without asking permission
first. The same goes for magical jewelry. Since the purpose of an object or
piece of jewelry may not be obvious it is best to err on the side of caution and
ALWAYS ask permission before touching anything which belongs to anyone.
a. Athames and Swords:
Usually not used for cutting any actual objects, but some people use their
athame for food preparation or inscribing candles with the belief that the
athame then lends its magic to the task at hand. Athames or swords are used
for directing energy and may be used for casting the circle, invoking and
banishing the elements, and for "cutting" people in and out of the circle. The
sword is also traditionally used for "parting the veil" at Samhain. Research by
the Farrar's shows that a sword or athame is appropriately used for cutting a
wedding (or handfasting) cake even if it is never used for cutting any thing
else tangible.

b. Staff:
A staff is a large version of the wand. It is typically the same height as its
owner. Before choosing a tree from which to make a staff carefully research
the magical properties of various types of wood and the methods for ritually
cutting the tree. Standard length for a staff equals that of its user's height.
A staff can be used for casting a circle, directing energy, and challenging
those entering the circle.
c. Wand:
The wand may be used for casting the circle, invoking the elements and for
sending energy. Wands may be made of wood, copper, crystal, or
combinations of these. Do not choose a wand on looks alone-research the
magical properties of each material before including it in your wand. Standard
length of a wand is found by measuring from your elbow to the tip of your
middle finger.
d: Chalice and cauldron:
The chalice and cauldron are both representative of the womb of the
Goddess. A goblet, bowl, small cauldron or shell may be used on the altar to
hold water. An additional goblet or chalice for holding wine or juice is usually
present as well. The chalice is used during the Symbolic Great Rite and for
sharing the liquid libation.
e. Pentacle:
The pentacle may be made from wood, clay, glass, copper, or other natural
materials and is etched or otherwise decorated with a pentagram. A copper
pentacle or disk is sometimes used to reflect Moonlight onto the Priestess
during a "Drawing Down" of the moon.
f. Broom:
While it is usually o.k. to buy used altar tools, we do not recommend buying
used brooms even though you will find some fascinating ones in antique and
thrift shops. A broom tends to collect dirt, both physical and otherworldly and
you do not need the burden of dealing with someone else's ickiness. The
traditional materials for a magical broom are willow and ash, but any natural
materials will do.
The broom is used for clearing the circle of all negativity and mundane
thoughts.
g. Censer:

A Censer is usually a ceramic or metal vessel for holding sand and a block of
special charcoal for burning granular incense on. This type of censer is also
good for cone incense. Be sure to use sand in the censor and a heat-proof
coaster under it to prevent burns.
If the incense will be carried around the circle be sure the censor is easy to
handle. If stick incense is used it can be removed from its holder for purposes
of censing.
h. Cakes:
The food shared during the ritual should be a wholesome example of the
bounty of the Earth - a gift from the gods to us. Making the cakes from
scratch is ideal. If this is not possible buy some crackers, cookies or bread
with as many pure ingredients as possible or use slices of fresh fruit. Have a
libation dish on the altar for setting aside portions of the cakes to give to the
gods when the ritual has ended. This can be done by placing the offering
under a tree, burying it or placing it in a stream or the sea.
i. Wine:
The traditional liquid libation used in a Wiccan ritual is wine or ale but many
people find it more appropriate to substitute juice or other non-alcoholic
beverages. The Chalice used by the High Priestess may be passed around the
Circle or, if there is concern about passing germs around each person should
bring his or her own cup or one should be provided for each person. A libation
bowl or cup for an offering of wine to the gods should also be available. Do
not mix the offerings of wine and cakes together!
Elemental representations and tools associated with each element to be
placed on the altar:
Air: Censer with incense; athame
Fire: Red candle; wand
Water: Dish, cup or cauldron of water; chalice of wine or juice
Earth: Dish of salt; pentacle
Symbols of the Goddess: Candle (white, silver, or female shape) and a
representation of a goddess in the form of a statue, shell, or other feminine
object.
Symbols of the God: Candle (white, gold, or male shape) and a representation
of a god in the form of a statue, antler, or other masculine object.
Other items which are also on the altar: Bell; candle snuffer; small candle for

lighting other candles; pantacle (cake plate); libation dish(es); Book of

Shadows; Optional: additional candles; flowers; other items for specific
rituals.
To be placed near the altar: Broom; staff; sword