Athame |
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The athame is one of the Witch's best known ritual tools. In fact, it would be very hard for any Witch to practice the craft seriously without having one! Although both the athame and wand are often used interchangeably for casting a circle, in reality the two ritual tools have quite separate and very different purposes. The wand is used for moving and directing energy, the athame actually invokes and and banishes it. It is also used to deal with unseen entities and forces. In other words it holds negative spirits at bay and prevents interference with spell casting. At the same time the athame attracts positive energies and spirits which can be extremely beneficial to the work in hand. The athame traditionally has a steel double-edged blade and usually a black or silver handle although this is not sacrosanct. It must never under any circumstances be used to draw blood. If it is its power will be gone and the tool should be destroyed so that it can never be used again. Element: Fire Direction: South Color: Red - Gold - Yellow - Orange Gender: Male |
Athame Consecration Ritual |
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Unlike most other ritual tool consecrations, the one for the athame should be performed during the waning moon. The ritual is also somewhat more complex and takes longer to complete.
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The Bell |
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The Bell is another ritual tool that is often found on the Altar. The Bell is used to mark the beginning and the ending of a spell. The Bell is associated with the element of air and is a feminine symbol. For this reason it is also used by many practitioners to invoke the Goddess in ritual. It can also be rung in an effort to ward off evil spirits and negative energies. It can be used to invoke good energies and be used as part of a spell to thwart a spell that is cast against you. The Bell also has a protective function in so much that if you hang it on a door (or even put it in a cupboard) it will act as a guard and protect your home. |
Besom Or Broom |
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The Witch's broom - more commonly known as the besom - can be used within the Circle instead of the wand. All the rituals associated with the wand can be used with the besom. When it comes to change of season rituals such as Imbolc (sweeping away the old - winter - to make way for the new - spring - the besom really comes into its own. In effect the besom is used for symbolically cleansing ritual areas. It is also a symbol of the home and therefore is often jumped over at the end of the ceremony by newly handfasted couples. It is also said to be good for fertility so it may not be a good idea to "jump the broom" if you don't want that aspect of a relationship. Although many witches use a store bought ordinary broom for their rituals many prefer to use a handcrafted ritually made and consecrated besom. A purpose made tool always gives better results in magick and spellwork. Traditionally the besom is made from a tree branch and an assortment of small twigs or straw/corn stems. Sometimes it is made with the addition of scented herbs. Originally the end of the besom that was "hidden" by the bristles was actually carved into the shape of a penis. The besom is a very important addition to any witch's ritual arsenal. Element: Air Direction: East Color: Yellow - Pale blue Gender: Male |
Besom Blessing Ritual |
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There, are of course, many blessing rituals in existence and this is the one we use. There is no right way or wrong way - it's whatever works for you. So if this besom blessing ritual doesn't feel quite right don't be afraid to change it. If you have several besoms you wish to bless, they can all be done at the same time. There is no need to perform the ritaul individually although there is nothing wrong in doing so. The ritual should be carried out on the night of the full moon. Make yourself comfortable on the floor with all the items in front of you.
Your besom is now ready to be consecrated. |
Besom Consecration Ritual |
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There are quite a few different consecration rituals but this is the one that we usually recommend. There is no one right way, nor is there a wrong way, so feel free to adapt the ritual if you wish.
Your besom is now ready to be put to work. |
Boleen |
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The bollen (sometimes spelled as bolleen, boline or bolline) is more commonly called the white-handled knife nowadays. Traditionally it was used for herb harvesting and had a small curved blade. Today the blade is rarely curved but is still has a single cutting edge. It has a white handle to differentiate it from the athame. Some witches will make do with a store bought white-handled knife while others will buy a purpose made tool. The boleen is used for cutting and carving. Branches for wands for instance, should be cut with a boleen. The carving of symbols (into a candle for example) should likewise be done with a boleen. It is also used for cutting cords for future use in cord magick. The boleen can be used for any ritual function that requires the physical use of a knife. Cutting wood for wands, flowers for the altar, carving and so on. As long as it's ritually involved it's fine. So unless potatoes are part of one of your rituals, don't use a boleen to peel them! |
Candle |
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Candles are an integral part of any witch's life and their colors have many meanings that are important to understand if you want to get the full benefit from them. Not only does the color have meaning, but also the way the wax melts, the way the smoke drifts, and the way the flame does or doesn't flicker. It is vital when working with candle magick to truly understand how the candle works in relation to magickal practices and/or meanings. The candle should be "read" from the beginning to the end in order to get a clear picture of the processes underway. If you get a thick black oily smoke when lighting the candle it often signifies the removal of negative energy from around you. A mixture of black and gray smoke means that someone or something is trying to block your prayers. White smoke means that your prayers are being answered but a mixture of white and gray means there may be some delay. Smoke drifting to the right and toward you means prayers are being answered but to the right and away from you means that you need patience. Smoke drifting to the left means that you have become too emotional for your prayer to be answered at this time. A flickering flame means there is interference going on and you need to send stronger prayers. A strong long flame, or a short wide flame means that your prayer will work quickly. A low, weak flame means that there will be a delay before your prayer will be granted. If a candle will not stay lit it means that there are blocks to the prayer being answered. Remember, if you need to extinguish a candle, it must be snuffed out and not blown out. |
The Cauldron |
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The cauldron represents Akasha. It also symbolizes the transformation point that happens within the magickal process. It is placed within the center of the circle when used in ritual. The reason being that it is also known as the "Womb of the Goddess". In other words the source from which all magick flows. In ancient times a cauldron was nearly always constructed of cast iron as it held fire. Nowadays of course, that "fire" usually takes the form of incense, paper requests, smoldering herbs, candles etc. so almost any metal will do. Cast iron is still preferable though. |
Cauldron Blessing Ritual |
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There, are of course, many blessing rituals in existence and this is the one we use. There is no right way or wrong way - it's whatever works for you. So if this cauldron blessing ritual doesn't feel quite right don't be afraid to change it. The ritual should be carried out on the night of the full moon. Make yourself comfortable on the floor with all the items in front of you.
Your cauldron is now ready to be consecrated. |
Cauldron Consecration Ritual |
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Once your cauldron has been blessed it is time to consecrate it. Take the cauldron outdoors and hold it up to the light of the full moon (if possible). You should now invoke the Lord and Lady by saying:
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| Oh Lord and Lady hear my plea, |
| Please be present here with me. |
| I dedicate this cauldron to you |
| And your work, both old and new. |
| Lend your power, lend your might, |
| Fill my cauldron with love and light. |
| Bless this cauldron I offer thee, |
| As I will, so mote it be. |
| Your cauldron is now ready to be put to work. |
Anointing Candles |
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It is always a good idea to anoint any candles you intend to use in magick. Sometimes this is done as part of the magick itself, but when it isn't then do it beforehand. There are several reasons for doing this. Firstly it reminds you and the candle that it is in fact a magickal tool. Secondly, it gives the candle a specific property or purpose. And lastly, it lets the candle know that when it burns it must send your message to the Universe. Anointing candles is not difficult. All that is needed is an oil that is appropriate to your intent. If you don't have the essential oil you need, it is alright to substitute any vegetable oil and then use an appropriate herb instead.
Your candle is now ready for magickal use. |
The Censer |
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The censer (sometimes called the thurible) is usually found on the altar. Incense is burnt in the censer in order to symbolize the element of air. It doesn't have to be fancy, a plain one will work just fine. It's what it symbolizes that is important. Censers can be made from all sorts of diverse materials although a form of metal is the most common. Some censers will be designed to be hung, or swung. And these are fine if they suit the way you work. For convenience sake a freestanding one is usually a much better option. At the end of the day, a plain wooden incense holder is fine, although it is obviously nice to have something a little fancier. There are many different kinds of incense out there, with all different kinds of scents. All are suitable for use within your censer although you may benefit from the association of a particular scent when doing spellwork. Some scents may be used to represent particular virtues, or to honor a deity. It doesn't mean though, that you can't use a particular scent you like just because there is no strong association with what you are doing. Use whatever works for you. Gender: Male Element: Fire |
The Chalice Or Cup |
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The ritual cup (or chalice) performs quite different tasks to a tool such as the wand. It is used within the ritual Circle as a drinking device during personal and deity libations. Traditionally it is made from silver which is the metal of the moon. This is quite an expensive option for most so it is not unusual to find plated cups or cups made from an entirely different material such as glass. Most times though you will find it to be made from a silver material. Silver has however, been the choice of material since time immemorial. It is the practitioner's main choice. So although alternatives can be used (and with success) it is better to stick with tradition if possible and go for silver. Beginners in particular will benefit from silver as it is easier and more effective to work with. A cup is one of the four main ritual tools for a Witch and so it is important to get the right one. Don't just "make do" with any old cup. Find one that is right for you and your rituals. Element: Water Direction: West Color: Blue Gender: Femal |
The Compass |
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The compass is an absolute must for any witch. So much magick depends on knowing the polar directions. Obviously the altar should be aligned according to the compass points. Magickal workings themselves will often be in a specific direction. It doesn't have to be an extremely expensive compass. A basic one will do. Either way you need to calibrate it for accuracy. Check for north in whichever room you choose to make your sacred space in and then go outside and make sure that the north that was shown in the room corresponds to the north shown outside. The reason for this is simple. There is so much in a modern house that is made of iron or steel that the compass heading can be affected. Checking for north outside double checks your inside reading and lets you know wheteher you have to make a correction for north inside. If you take your ritual tools with you when traveling then obviously the compass should go with you so that wherever you are, the polar directions can be determined. |
Candle Colors & Meanings |
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Candles are an integral part of any witch's life and their colors have many meanings that are important to understand if you want to get the full benefit from them. |
| Black: Closing of doors, death, dispel negative thoughts, hex removal, negativity protection. protection, psychic work, release, removal of confusion, removal of discord, repel dark magic, spirit communication, and truth. |
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| Blue (Dark): The goddess, water elemental, west, change, dreams, emotions, fidelity, impulse, meditation, peace, psychic awareness, and truth. |
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| Blue (Light): Harmony in the home, happiness, healing, intuition, opportunity, patience, psychic awareness, quests, safe journey, tranquility, understanding, and warding off depression. |
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| Brown: Earth elemental, north, animal health, attracting money, concentration, endurance, ESP, houses and homes, intuition, overcoming uncertainty, steadiness, and study. |
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| Gold: The God, solar energy, creative work, divination, fortune, healing, intuition, mental growth, money, physical strength, power and success. |
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| Gray: Cancellation, competition, hesitation, travel to otherworld, vision quests, and veiling. |
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| Green: Earth elemental, north, balance, courage, employment, fertility, garden blessings, growth, herb magick, healing, luck, marriage, prosperity, and renewal. |
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| Green-Yellow: Anger, cowardice, discord, anger, and jealousy. |
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| Indigo: Ancient wisdom, balance, karma working, meditation, neutralizing of another's magick, spirit communication, and undesirable competition. |
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| Lavender: Blessings, divination, psychic growth, and spiritual development. |
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| Magenta: Exorcism, rapid change, and spiritual healing. Often burned with another color to increase the rapidity with which the magick will work. |
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| Orange: The God, adaptability, attraction, changing luck, clearing the mind, dominance, encouragement, healing, luck, and sudden change. |
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| Pink: Affection, emotional love, femininity, friendship, honor, love, peace, romance, spiritual awakening, spiritual healing, and togetherness. |
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| Purple: Ambition, breaking bad luck, business success, driving away evil, healing illnesses, improving psychic ability, intuition, meditation, occult wisdom, success, and tension. |
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| Red: Fire elemental, south, blood, courage, dispel fear, dispel laziness, enthusiasm, health, passion, protection, sexuality, strength, vigor, and willpower. |
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| Silver: The Goddess, lunar magic, balance, conducting energy, creativity, meditation, opening astral gates, protection, psychic development, removal of negative forces, stability, victory, and warding off negativity. |
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| White: Full moon magick, centering, greater attainment, grounding, innocence, peace, protection, purification, purity, sincerity, and spirituality. |
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| Violet: Creative work, intuition, self improvement, success in quests. |
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| Yellow: Air elemental, east, action, attraction, change, charm, clairvoyance, confidence, creative work, imagination, intellect, persuasion, and power of the mind. |
Candle Safety |
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Candles are safe products, but may become hazardous when used improperly or in an unsafe manner. Fire safety agencies report that the bulk of candle fire incidents are due to consumer inattention to basic fire safety or to the misuse of candles. The National Candle Association recommends the following safety tips when burning candles:
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Lamen |
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A lamen is a magical symbol suspended from a chain or collar and worn on the chest. It is a symbol of authority and is often worn during rituals. A lamen is usually a round disk rather than any other shape and is usually made of metal, although there are no restrictions on what materials can be used. The disk will have a symbol (or symbols) on it. Sometimes the lamen will have words inscribed on it instead. It is not unusual to find a combination of symbols and words. |
The Mortar & Pestle |
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The mortar and pestle is one of those magickal tools that you may well have in your kitchen anyway. However, it's unwise to use your kitchen one for magick. The reason for this is quite simply safety. Many of the ingredients you may grind up for your magick are in fact poisonous. They can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, stone, glass, ceramic, and metal. Price will vary quite dramatically depending on the material it's made from. Wooden ones are usually the most reasonably priced. As well as grinding up herbs for magick a mortar and pestle is often used for making incene (should you choose to do so). Making incense in particular means that the combination of herbs and oils can be quite hazardous if ingested. If you wish to make potions that will be ingested then it's a smart idea to have another mortar and pestle exclusively for this purpose. |
The Pendulum |
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The pendulum is one of the most versatile and convenient of all dowsing tools and this leads to its great popularity amongst dowsers of all ages and abilities. Dowsing is very much an inner process, a collaberation between the normal self and the intuitive self. A pendulum is thus a passive medium to this process. Perhaps the ultimate goal of all dowsers is to dowse without the aid of any tools at all. This is however, beyond most dowsers. It's certainly not impossible but it will take many years of practice unless you are one of those rare individuals with a natural born gift. A pendulum is literally any weight or object that can be made to freely swing. Whilst this can include many different items such as rings, necklaces and a host of home and office items most users prefer a specially made or purpose built pendulum. Many choose pendulums of crystal, brass or copper, or sometimes items which have a personal significance. This may be a wedding ring, or some personal talisman etc. There are various ways to use a pendulum. There is no right or wrong way to use dowsing tools. If you already have a way that works for you, use that. If you've tried something that didn't work for you, try a different way. |
Pendulum Calibration |
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Calibrating a pendulum is relatively easy. Simply hold your pendulum in your receptive (usually left) hand and keep your elbow braced so there is no strain in keeping the pendulum suspended. Next, concentrate on the pendulum and ask it (effectively you are asking your subconscious) out loud to show you its "yes". Next ask it to show you its "no". These are the most basic results that you will need. If you wish you can also try calibrating the pendulum with "maybe" or "I don't know" etc. Or anything else that you think you may find useful. Each time you ask the pendulum to show you its movement, watch carefully to see which direction (or how) it moves. This may be movement to the left, the right, away from you, towards you, circular in either direction etc. The movements may be very, very, slight to start with, but as you become more in tune with the pendulum and your higher self the movements will become stronger and more definite. Don't try and force the movements because they seem small. Once you have calibrated your pendulum try it out with simple questions to which you know the answer. It is a good idea to calibrate the pendulum before each session. Although you will probably find that nothing has changed it pays to make sure. The last thing you want to do is to wrongly interpret an answer when the issue at hand is important. |
Pendulum Uses |
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The pendulum can be used for a multitude of purposes and questions. It's one of the reasons it is such a popular tool for Witches as well as others. It can be used for:
Almost any question you can think of can be answered in its most basic form using a pendulum. The list of questions you could ask is practically endless. The only limit will be a self-imposed one! The pendulum is not going to give you a complex answer to a question but anything that is capable of being answered with a "yes" or a "no" can be tried. If you do have a question that is answered by the pendulum but you definitely need more information than a "yes" or a "no" you can always consider a tarot reading as an alternative. Remember though, the pendulum is not designed to take the place of your own common sense. When you first start using one it is tempting to consult it for anything and everything. That's fine for a little while as the practice will help you get the most from it. It is not intended to be an emotional or spiritual crutch, so if you find yourself always consulting it for everything, take a time out. It's a useful tool so don't waste its abilities. Whenever you're going to have a session with the pendulum remember to recalibrate it first. Yes, it takes a few minutes and probably nothing will have changed, but do so anyway. It can save you from expensive or silly mistakes. |
The Poppet |
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Poppets are small handmade (usually) figurines that can be used as a talisman or in spellwork. Poppets in the popular press tend to be linked with "bad" Witchcraft - the Voodoo doll for instance. And of course there are undoubtedly some who will ignore the Rede's instructions to "harm none, do what ye will". But poppets are extremely useful to all Witches and the good aspects far outweigh the bad. No Witch should be without one! Poppets come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. As always, there is no one right way or wrong way to make a poppet. Nowadays most common poppets are filled with herbs and incense. But pure Witchcraft practitioners will still use the practice of urine, blood, fingernails and hair. CLAY: The clay should be moulded into poppet shape making sure there is a hollow in which to place hair, herbs, nails etc. before being sealed. Features or symbols can be added at this stage by carving with a sharp object. There is nothing wrong with painting instead if you so wish. CLOTH: Make a suitable template and use this to cut out two pieces of cloth. Stitch the two pieces together until almost sealed and then stuff with herbs or whatever is required for the spell or talisman. Again the poppet can be adorned with symbols or the name of the recipient. PAPER: Undoubtedly the quickest way of making a poppet! Simply cut the paper into a figure shape and decorate as you desire. A photograph of the intended recipient can be stuck on if desired. Obviously being made of paper it will not be very hardy and will need to be handles carefully. ROOT: Several roots such as potato, ginseng, carrot (or almost any suitable vegetable) can be carved into the required shape. This is obviously a poppet that is only suitable for short term use as it will rot quite quickly. Once finished it can be used as required but do not do any additional carving or work on it once you have started to use it. WAX: wax can be carved into shape but it is probably easier (and certainly less messy) to soften it first and mould it into shape in the same way as clay. Do make sure it's not too hot to handle first though. Again, leave a hollow for some personal token before adorning. WOOD: Makes for a very durable poppet. Simply carve the wood into a figure shape and glue on something from the recipient. Woodcarving is not as difficult as it sounds provided you take it slow and be careful. The poppet can be adorned as you see fit using paint, pens, crayons etc. |
The Scourge |
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The scourge wass basically a small leather whip or cat-o-nine-tails. Very rarely used by modern day Wiccans it is very much "old style" in tradition. It is however, still used by followers of "old style" Wicca. Despite being an instrument of punishment that is not the way it was used. The scourge was only used symbolically to gently strike the recipient and was intended to ritually purify them, not punish them. It is believed to be derived from the symbolic ritual tools of the Egyptian god Osiris. |
The Staff |
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The Witch's staff is one of the less common tools that you hear about. Everyone knows the wand, the besom etc. etc. but not so many have come across this particular item. The staff does actually have very specific purposes. It can be used for marking out a ritual area. It can also be used to attract spirits by striking it against the ground. It is also used as a power conduit to draw and channel power or energy from the sun, the moon and from nature itself. Some Witches will dedicate the staff to a particular element or purpose. Traditionally, the staff is a long sturdy branch which is often decorated with various symbols, although this is not something that is mandatory. The symbols can be carved, or burnt, or even painted on. It can also be adorned with items from nature. There is no one right length for a staff, shoulder height is comfortable for most people, though longer or shorter is fine. It can be made from any wood although originally elder and rosewood were the most common. They are sometimes dedicated to a specific element or purpose. Generally, however, it is used to mark out the ritual ground or for striking the ground to attract spirits. Also a staff can be used as a power conduit, to draw power from the sun, moon, or nature surroundings.Traditionally staffs were made of elder, maple, cane, poplar, oak, or rosewood. This however, doesn't mean that all staffs must be made this way. You can have a staff just the way you want it, make it personally yours. |
Staff Blessing Ritual |
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There, are of course, many blessing rituals in existence and this is the one we use. There is no right way or wrong way - it's whatever works for you. So if this staff blessing ritual doesn't feel quite right don't be afraid to change it. The ritual should be carried out on the night of the full moon. Make yourself comfortable on the floor with all the items in front of you.
Your staff is now ready to be consecrated. |
Staff Consecration Ritual |
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There are quite a few different consecration rituals but this is the one that we usually recommend. There is no one right way, nor is there a wrong way, so feel free to adapt the ritual if you wish.
Your staff is now ready to be put to work. |
The Sword |
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The sword is not so common a ritual tool, but it can be used in place of the athame. The sword symbolizes authority and can be used to mark cut out sacred or ritual space. Again, like the athame, the sword should never be used to cut anything in the physical plane. Obviously it must never under any circumstances be used to draw blood - even accidentally. If it is, its power will be gone and the tool should be destroyed so that it can never be used again. Also, like the athame, it can be used to deal with unseen entities and forces. In other words it holds negative spirits at bay and prevents interference with spell casting. At the same time the sword attracts positive energies and spirits which can be extremely beneficial to the work in hand. The sword doesn't have to be extremely fancy, or elegant. It is a working tool and a plain sword will work just as well. It's really a matter of personal preference. Some Witch's prefer ornate ritual tools, others prefer plain. Whichever you prefer, or whether you even have a preference or not, it will serve you well. Although it can take the place of the athame, many Witches have both within their collection of ritual tools. They will use whichever seems more appropriate for their purpose. Element: Air Direction: East Color: Blue - Green - Yellow Gender: Male |
The Thurible |
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The thurible (more often called the censer) is usually found on the altar. Incense is burnt in the censer in order to symbolize the element of air. It doesn't have to be fancy, a plain one will work just fine. It's what it symbolizes that is important. Thuribles can be made from all sorts of diverse materials although a form of metal is the most common. Some thuribles will be designed to be hung, or swung. And these are fine if they suit the way you work. For convenience sake a freestanding one is usually a much better option. At the end of the day, a plain wooden incense holder is fine, although it is obviously nice to have something a little fancier. There are many different kinds of incense out there, with all different kinds of scents. All are suitable for use within your thurible although you may benefit from the association of a particular scent when doing spellwork. Some scents may be used to represent particular virtues, or to honor a deity. It doesn't mean though, that you can't use a particular scent you like just because there is no strong association with what you are doing. Use whatever works for you. Gender: Male Element: Fire |
The Wand |
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Both the wand and athame are often used interchangeably for casting a circle. However the two ritual tools in reality have very different purposes. The wand is used for directing energy, the athame invoking and and banishing it. The wand is perhaps the most well known of all the Witch's ritual tools and has featured in books and movies from all over the world. Find a story that involves a Witch and you will probably find a wand! It is irrevocably associated with a Witch. The magickal uses of the wand are widespread. It can be used to attract energy, to repel it and to direct it. During Circle casting it is used to divide the worlds and to then reconnect them once the magick is done. It is the one tool that no Witch can do without. Traditionally the wand is made from a tree branch that has been offered not taken. Often symbols are burnt or carved on it. The length of a wand varies quite drastically. Despite what anyone says there is no one right length, it's what feels right to you. Some people will use the length of their forearm (approximately 12"), some the forearm to the finger tips (approximately 18"), some will use fixed dimensions, we have known wands as long as 21" and as short as 8". Element: Air Direction: East Color: Yellow Gender: Male & female (This varies depending on the belief system - some will say male only) |
Wand Blessing Ritual |
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There, are of course, many blessing rituals in existence and this is the one we use. There is no right way or wrong way - it's whatever works for you. So if this wand blessing ritual doesn't feel quite right don't be afraid to change it. If you have several wands you wish to bless, they can all be done at the same time. There is no need to perform the ritaul individually although there is nothing wrong in doing so. The ritual should be carried out on the night of the full moon. Make yourself comfortable on the floor with all the items in front of you.
Your wand is now ready to be consecrated. |
Wand Consecration Ritual |
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There are quite a few different consecration rituals but this is the one that we usually recommend. There is no one right way, nor is there a wrong way, so feel free to adapt the ritual if you wish.
Your wand is now ready to be put to work. |
White-Handled Knife |
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The white-handled knife (still often called boleen, bolleen, boline or bolline) was traditionally used for herb harvesting and had a small curved blade. Today the blade is rarely curved but it still has a single cutting edge. It has a white handle to differentiate it from the athame. Some witches will make do with a store bought white-handled knife while others will buy a purpose made tool. The white-handled knife is used for cutting and carving. Branches for wands for instance, should be cut with one. The carving of symbols (into a candle for example) should likewise be done with a white-handled knife. It is also used for cutting cords for use in cord magick. The white-handled knife can be used for any ritual function that requires the physical use of a knife. Cutting wood for wands, flowers for the altar, carving and so on. As long as it's ritually involved it's fine. So unless potatoes are part of one of your rituals, don't use this tool to peel them! |
Tarot | |||
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The Tarot is a deck of seventy-eight cards that has become a popular method for seeking guidance or answers by tapping into our intuitive consciousness and/or the Spirit World. By studying the images on the Tarot cards we are able to access a part of our mind that ordinarily tends to be ignored. The Tarot is a tool that allows a reader to enter a contemplative, meditative state in which fresh insight into our physical reality can be gained.
The cards of the Tarot are divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consist of 22 cards that represent the Fool's journey to enlightenment. The remaining 56 Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits, just like modern playing cards. Each suit corresponds to one of the four elements: Fire, Air, Earth, and Water. You will sometimes see Pentacles called Coins and Hearts called Cups. Similarly the Princess and Prince are often called the Page and the Knight. The Princess/Page, Prince/Knight, Queen and King have also been called Seer, Seeker, Sibyl and Sage respectively. Don't worry if they are called something different in the deck you have, they are interpreted in the same way. | |||
| Major Arcana: | |||
| 0: The Fool 1: The Magician 2: The High Priestess 3: The Empress 4: The Emperor 5: The Hierophant |
6: The Chariot |
12: The Hanged Man 13: Death 14: Temperance 15: The Devil 16: The Tower 17: The Star |
18: The Moon 19: The Sun 20: Judgment 21: The World |
| Minor Arcana: | |||
| Wands - Fire: Wands are fiery, enthusiastic, inspirational, and spiritually minded. | |||
| Pentacles (Coins) - Earth: Pentacles are practical, dutiful, business minded, earthy, materialistic. | |||
| Swords - Air: are cutting, intellectual, rational, logical. | |||
| Cups (Hearts) - Water: Cups are emotional, loving, sensitive, caring, nurturing, relationship oriented. | |||
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Tarot readings are explorations of possible future events using a Tarot deck. The cards are shuffled while asking a specific question that an answer is sought for. The cards are then laid out in one of a number of different layouts or Tarot spreads. The Tarot Reader then interprets the cards for the question asked. The Tarot Deck is used as a tool to help promote a better understanding of all the issues surrounding a particular problem. In a gifted reader much of the information is actually channeled direct from spirit, but the Tarot cards are a focal point to draw out the underlying issues and to help get to the heart of the problem during a reading. Tarot readings can help you explore problem areas in your life. Whether it be relationships, career, family or finances. Maybe you feel you are getting nowhere in life. Perhaps you have a choice to make and don't know which path to follow. The Tarot can help give you insight into this. Many people think that a Tarot reading predicts an absolute future. It doesn't. The future is not set in stone! Free will definitely comes into the equation. A Tarot reading will show the most likely outcome if you follow the path you are currently on and do not deviate from it. As an indicator of where you are going and where you might go should you choose a different path, the Tarot is invaluable. | |||
Tarot Interpretation - The High Priestess |
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2 - The High Priestess - Intuition Message: You need to become more aware, receptive, intuitive and even psychic. To do so, know you must get your ego out of the way and let forces of a higher power work through you. Learn to let chaos work for you. Outcome: You will reach a new level of spiritual awareness. You may realize your intuition's power. You may see things are as they should be for your greatest good and greatest joy. An intuitive and psychic person may be important. |
Tarot Interpretation - The Lovers |
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The Lovers: Attraction Message: You need to choose wisely two or more equally attractive allurements. Know that only if you feel satisfied with who you and what you are right now will you choose wisely. Get in touch with what is truly attractive to you. Outcome: You will soon be faced with a major decision. It may involve a love affair or other attraction. It may be a choice between what you have and what you think you want. If you are satisfied within yourself you will choose wisely. |
Tarot Interpretation - Justice |
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11 - Justice: Truth Message: You need to know and speak the truth and perceive it in the words and deeds of others. Be fair and just with all and you will soon be able to detect dishonesty in yourself and others. Learn the rules that govern what you are involved with. Outcome: You will get what you deserve. Agreements may be made and upheld. There may be balance on all levels including financial and legal matters. Truth and justice will prevail. Your life will be beautified in some way. |
Tarot Interpretation - The Fool | ||||||||||||||||||||
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0 - The Fool: Trust Message: You need to trust that you are a spirit born into flesh to enjoy life and grow in experience. Take a chance and see what happens. Be as open as a child. Risk seeming a bit foolish, naive or optimistic. A sense of humour is vital. Outcome: You will soon encounter, or have to act as a person who knows how to trust or to inspire trust. A major new cycle will begin. Look at each event as if for the first time. Enjoy and learn from it. Go with the flow. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Tarot readings are explorations of possible future events using a Tarot deck. The cards are shuffled while asking a specific question that an answer is sought for. The cards are then laid out in one of a number of different layouts or Tarot spreads. The Tarot Reader then interprets the cards for the question asked.
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Tarot Interpretation - The Star |
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17 - The Star: Illumination Message: You need to be the star of your "show" and experience a time of joy, wonder, hope and healing. Relax and re-establish your connection with your body and the illumination of spiritual realities. Outcome: You will know the benefits and the necessity of relaxation, healing and rejuvenation. You may know divine grace and spiritual illumination. Enjoy being the star of your "show". Know that you need and deserve a time for healing after the storm. |
Tarot Interpretation - The Moon |
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18 - The Moon: Night Journey Message: You need to go on without a clear picture of where you are, where you are going or where you have been. You do not have to fear the unknown. With intuition and faith in yourself and benevolent forces you can succeed. Outcome: You may encounter darkness, fear and/or confusion. You will be challenged to go on without a clear picture of the past, present or future. Depend on faith, intuition and benevolent forces to lead you safely home. Get in touch with your dreams |
Tarot Interpretation - The Sun |
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19 - The Sun: Radiance Message: You need to share your highest qualities and achievements. Radiate who you are and what you are doing always and in all ways. Shine love on those you care about. Be a strong, paternal figure. Support all efforts to grow. Outcome: You will enter a period where everything looks sunny and bright. Love, friendships or a patron's gift may empower you or your creativity. Family will be more important than ever. You may go to a warm or sunny clime. |
Tarot Interpretation - Judgment |
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20 - Judgment: Reckoning Message: You need to evaluate past actions to become more aware of who you are and your ultimate goals. This reckoning may surprise and lead to endings, beginnings and the resurrection of things once thought dead or resolved. Outcome: You will enter a time of reckoning and judgment. Prepare for accounts to be settled and past karma to be balanced. Surprising revelations may cause beginnings, endings or the resurrection of things thought dead or resolved. |
Tarot Interpretation - The World |
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21 - The World: Culmination Message: You need to evaluate past actions to become more aware of who you are and your ultimate goals. This reckoning may surprise and lead to endings, beginnings and the resurrection of things once thought dead or resolved. Outcome: You will enter a time of reckoning and judgment. Prepare for accounts to be settled and past karma to be balanced. Surprising revelations may cause beginnings, endings or the resurrection of things thought dead or resolved. |
