Tools of the Trade

Tools of the Trade

As with any religious practice there are certain tools that become sacred for rituals and everyday practices such as rosaries, talmud's, sacred books, etc. In Wicca, tools used for everyday practices become even more important during special times of the year.

Here is a short list of the most common tools used by Wiccan’s on a day to day basis (when they have financial security to do so, because some of them can be expensive).


A Wand

Simple Wand w/o Decorations

• Used to focus energy 
• Used to charge crystals/stones
• Decorate with symbols, jewels/crystals (amplify power) 
• Represents power, magick & transformation 

The Cauldron

• Symbol of the womb 
• Associated with wisdom, death, & rebirth 
• Linked with the triple Goddess
• Usually cast iron to burn herbs & incense, create magickal brews

The Athame

Simple Athame 

• Represents mind, thought and choice 
• Magickal knife used to direct power 
• Not to cut anything on the physical plain 
• Traditionally wiccans had two, one with a white & one with a black hilt now only one 

The Chalice

• Goblet used in rituals 
• Represents water 
• Can be made from many materials 
• Filled with water or wine for worship or a spell 

The Bell

Bell w/ Pentacle

• Calls the divines attention 
• Ancestors would ring to drive away spirits from people dying 
• Associated with protection & cleansing 
• Some us at the beginning & end of rituals 

Another common tool frequently used is candles, but they are rather complicated to explain. Candles meaning and uses can, and will change based on color and shape. So the part they play depend on what the castor is doing during the ritual. The same principle also applies to the stones and crystals in this situation.

Here are some websites that go into some detail on these tools as well as others that aren’t as common:

• Altar tools
• 14 Magickal Tools 
• Wikipedia Article 

All of these tools have a place on the altar (usually) to guide the ritual. It should be noted that one does not necessarily need to have all of these tools to participate in rituals or cast spells. They are just to help the practitioner to focus their energy and intentions into what they are doing.

Just a blink into our practices. Next week Symbols, Signs & Sigils.

Blessed Be.
Dani