Just as in other religious practices, there are special tools or objects used to enhance ritual and belief. Although none of these tools are absolutely necessary for the practice of Wicca, they help us focus and symbolize the energies of the Universe with which we are working. Not all practitioners use all these tools. It's an individual choice. Tools should always first be consecrated prior to their use. They can be found almost anywhere. We had a lively discussion about where different folks have located their special tools. A specific quote from Cunningham about tools: "Some say that we should use magical tools until we no longer need them. Perhaps it's better to use them as long as you feel comfortable in doing so."

~ BROOM ~

The broom has long been associated with witches. The flying on a broomstick imagery may have come from ancient rituals of riding the broomstick (much like children riding their hobby horses) in the fields as a fertility ritual. Some writings refer to the flying as an ancient way to describe astral traveling. It is a traditional tool and the specific broom should only be used for magical workings, as other tools. It is sacred to both the Goddess and the God.

A broom is often used in ritual as a purifier, with symbolic sweeping of the home or area, to remove negative energies or old astral buildup that occurs where humans live. It is use to cleanse a ritual area to allow for better magical/ritual workings. The bristles do not have to touch the floor/ground, but the sweeping and broom draw power from the practitioner's focus and intention. Cunningham suggests if buying a broom, get one that is round rather than the flat Shaker type. He says they work better. Sometimes practitioners make their own.

Another use of the broom is as a protector by placing it across doorways, on windowsills, under beds or on doors. It is often part of a ritual Wiccan/Pagan Handfasting where the couple leaps over the broom to solemnize their marriage.

~ WAND ~

This tool is thousands of years old, traditionally made of wood (willow, elder, oak, apple, peach, hazel, cherry, etc.). Any fairly straight piece of wood can be used, including dowels from the hardware store. Many carve their own symbols on these dowels and create beautiful wands. New Age stores sell gorgeous silver and crystal ones, but wood has always been the traditional material. Any "stick" you use will work well if it feels right or comfortable to you. Length is up to you, although many set the length as the measurement from elbow bend to forefinger tip. YOU give it its power and energy, not the other way around. It is an invocation tool to call the Goddess and the God.

Sometimes it is also used to direct energy, draw magical symbols or a circle on the ground. The wand represents the Element of Air and is considered sacred to the Gods.

~ CENSER ~

This is an incense burner. Any bowl or cup can work if filled halfway with either sand or salt (keeps bowl from cracking from the heat). Various forms of incense can be used: stick, block, cone or the more traditional "raw" or granulated form (this last must be ignited on top of self-igniting charcoal briquettes, available from occult stores/suppliers). Sometimes specific incense is called for depending on the purpose of the ritual/working; otherwise, follow your own intuition. Incense is often used to symbolize the Element of Air. Sometimes sitting and slowly breathing in the smoke can induce a meditative altered state of consciousness. Some say they can see the forms of the Goddess and the God in the smoke.

~ CAULDRON ~ 

This is considered the symbol of the Goddess, of fertility and femininity as well as symbolic of water, reincarnation, immortality and inspiration. Ideally it is made of iron, has three legs and it's opening should be smaller than it's widest part. Depending on the ritual, fire can be burned within it or flowers can be place in it, or it can be filled with water for scrying. Most occult suppliers have various sizes. You can also burn bits of paper with your spells/intentions written on them as part of your ritual/magical working.

~ MAGIC KNIFE (ATHAME) ~

This is not used for cutting, but for directing energy raised in spells or rites. It is an instrument of commanding and power manipulation. It is linked to the God because of its phallic nature, and with the Element of Fire. It is a tool that causes change.

It is usually dull, double-edged, with a black/dark handle. Because black absorbs power, the handle is usually black or a dark color. The stored energy can be used at a later time. Some people use swords, and like the Athame, can have symbols carved on the blade, although the power, again, comes from the wielder. Swords usually are too long to work well indoors, but can be used well outdoors.

~ WHITE-HANDLED KNIFE (also, BOLLINE) ~

This is a practical, working knife. It is used to cut herbs, wands, inscribe symbols on candles and so on or for cutting cords for magical use. Its handle is usually white to distinguish it from the Magic Knife or Athame. It can be used out of the sacred space/Circle, such as cutting flowers for the altar and so on, whereas the Athame is used only for ritual/workings within the sacred space.

~ CRYSTAL SPHERE ~

This is an ancient magical tool. Quartz has been the traditional material, but there are glass, leaded glass and even plastic available. Quartz, depending on size can be expensive. Its icy surface is a good indicator that it is quartz. It is a symbol of the Goddess, and of Her domain, the sea. The crystal sphere is used for contemplative divination. The user gazes into the interior of the sphere until psychic faculties blossom and the sphere reflects the images of the requested information. It can be used to call up images of the Goddess, to see past lives, receive messages from the gods or store energy from a ritual. Periodic exposure to moonlight or rubbing it with fresh Mugwort increases the sphere's ability to raise our psychic powers. It can be used as the center for Full Moon ritual.

~ CUP ~ 

The cup symbolizes the Goddess and fertility and related to the Element of Water. It can hold water on the altar or the ritual brew to be drunk during ritual. The cup can be made of many different things: silver, brass, gold, earthenware, crystal, etc.

~ PENTACLE ~ 

It can be inscribed with a variety of symbols, but is always a five-pointed star, the pentagram. The Wiccan symbol is with the single point up and the two points down. It is usually a flat piece of brass, gold, silver, clay, wood or wax. It represents the Element of Earth. It can be used to summon the Gods and Goddesses. Pentacles can be used in ritual to draw money, hung over doorways or in windows for protection, or worn as amulets or charms.

~ THE BOOK OF SHADOWS (BOS) ~

A book created by the practitioner to include invocations, spells, rituals, runes, valuable information he/she has found, and so on, that the practitioner believes and uses and to which he/she refers. Sometimes at initiation the new practitioner is given a Book of Shadows. Today most Wiccans compose personal ones. It can be a journal book of blank pages or a notebook or a floppy disk, whatever works. Sometimes one comes across stories that there is "one" ancient BOS that is the source of all information. Many different Wiccan traditions claim to have that "original" BOS. Cunningham considered this story to be untrue. One's BOS is a growing, evolving record of one's magical practice and ritual. It can be changed or revised at will.

~ BELL ~ 

The bell is a very ancient instrument. It is a feminine symbol often used to invoke the Goddess in ritual. The vibrations can have powerful effects. It can be wrung to ward off evil spirits or spells, halt storms, and invoke good energies. They can be placed in cupboards or hung on doors to guard the home. Any bell type can be used.