Ritual Tools - by Rowan

• Images of the Goddess and God:
  These can range from carved wood figures to abstract representations such as round stones, acorns, and other natural symbols. Some Wiccans use two candles to represent the deities. In any case, the images aren't viewed as the abodes of the Goddess and God; they are simply symbols.



• The Athame, or ritual knife:
  The Athame is a black-handled knife, often having a dulled blade. Most Wiccans never use the Athame for cutting purposes. It is a tool utilized to direct power from the body to the outside world. The Athame is symbolic of the God in some Wiccan traditions. A sword may be used in it's place. Contrary to "popular" belief, the Athame is not used for sacrifice, as sacrifice would be converse to the Wiccan Rede.



• The Wand:
  The Wand is much like those used by early ceremonial magicians. It is often fashioned of wood, and many are engraved with symbols or studded with stones. Some are made of silver. The wand is an instrument of invocation; of inviting the presence of the deities during rituals.



• The Cauldron:
  The Cauldron is a large metal vessel, usually made of iron. It is seen to be symbolic of the Goddess. Fires may be lit within it, or the cauldron may be filled with water and flowers. Despite popular misconceptions, brews are rarely created in the cauldron.



• The Pentacle:
  The Pentacle is a flat piece of metal, clay, wood or some other natural substance. On it are engraved or carved various symbols. One of these is the pentagram, the five pointed star used in ancient magic. The pentacle is sometimes used as a base on which other tools or objects are placed while being charged with energy during a ritual.



• The Chalice:
  The Cup, or Chalice, is another Goddess symbol. It may contain wine or water that is ritually imbibed.



• The Censer:
  The Censer is an incense burner. In common with ancient religions, Wiccans usually burn incense during rituals in honor of the deities.



• Bowls:
  Bowls of salt and water are frequently used on altars. Mixed together, they form a purifying liquid that is sprinkled around the ritual area.



• Besom:
  The Besom (broom) is sometimes used as a tool of purification, to sweep the ritual area. Afterward, it is usually rested against the altar.



• Cords of various natural materials may also be present on the altar. These usually signify the material world and manifestation. They also symbolize the bond of the members to the coven and that between the deities and the Wiccans.

• A quartz crystal sphere, symbolic of the Goddess and used in awakening psychic powers
  
  
• Fresh flowers or greens, representation the bounty of nature
  
  
• Bells and other musical instruments, which are used to create sacred music
  
  
• Mirrors or other reflecting surfaces that are Goddess-symbolic
  
  
• Any other items of personal choice.

• To invoke the Goddess and the God during ritual
  
• To create the area of worship
  
• To serve as focal points for power during magick
  
• To direct energy towards it's destination.