Ritual Supplies & Crystals

The Witches’ Tools

One cannot expect to do any job without the proper tools and this applies to magickal operations, as well.

Back in the 1970’s, Lord Sariel gave oral instructions for preparing our magickal tools and we took copious notes. He also recommended that we study the book Mastering Witchcraft by Paul Huson, which gives detailed instruction for consecrating the Witches tools. He also cautioned us that Huson’s book contained what he called “blinds” which might confuse the neophyte who was proceeding without the guidance of an elder.

Luckily, I considered all of my family’s personal Wicca hand-written notebooks sacred and I have saved them for over 40 years. It is from these transcribed notebooks, that much of the following information is gleaned.

How does one find the necessary personal tools for Witchcraft? We were instructed to be slow and deliberate in our search for our tools. This is one of the reasons the neophyte is given a year and a day to prepare for the first degree initiation.

It is advisable to meditate and pray, asking for the appropriate personal tools to “find you”. You may also write what you are seeking on a piece of paper and tuck it inside your pillow at night, which could lead to an instructive dream or allow an opportunity to present itself. It is not coincidence that like the teacher, the tool will often manifest when the student is ready. Elders often pass on tools to their students, or help accompany them on their search. When starting out, bear in mind that it can take years to build up one’s repertoire of tools and supplies. The astute Witch is always keen to find objects of magick.

Antique shops, garage sales, etc. can yield objects which are transformed into magickal treasures by the Witch. I found my beautiful, three-legged, cast iron thurible at a garage sale! It was a brilliant find and purchased for a few dollars. Which brings me to my next point, when purchasing any items which are intended for magickal use, never quibble over the price. Always pay the asking price to demonstrate your goodwill and integrity of purpose.

Another option to obtain personal tools is to make them or have them made for you. An example would be my old friend Cerridwen, who gifted me with an incredible, hand-made ceramic scrying bowl and thurible that she created on the pottery wheel and fired in the kiln. These are functional works of art, which she gave to me out of friendship and love.

The third option for finding Wiccan tools, would be to find them in nature. When you find a tool in nature it is a very magickal experience. For example, when I was 18, my best friend and I were coming home from our college art classes at the Toledo Museum of Art. I started screaming for her to stop and car. She slammed on the brakes and I jumped out and ran down the street about 100 ft. There lying in the road was the most perfect Serpent Staff (I call it my Serpent Stick)! It has been one of my most powerful tools for over 40 years.

What differentiates a Witch’s tool from an ordinary mundane object? The answer is consecration and inscription. This, along with the power imbued by you and the workings within the magick circle, will create powerful tools which begin to possess a character of their own.

If you are fortunate enough to have a permanent altar set up in your house, you can leave your tools set up there. If not, it is best to find an appropriate storage place for them such as a special chest, box, etc. My tools are stored in a large wicker, antique picnic basket. I can carry it with me, when I desire to conduct outdoor rituals.

Here is a list of the Witches’ Tools:

Basic Witches’ Working Tools:

• Athame (black hilted knife)
• Thurible
• Cingulum
• Chalice
• Book of Shadows

Additional Witches’ Tools & Supplies:

• Ritual Engraving Tool (I use the Engraving Tool used by Print-maker’s for etchings; any very sharp, pointed facsimile will work)
• Small Artist’s Brush, Enamel Paint, Ink and Pen
• Altar/Altar Cloth
• White Hilted Knife
• Cauldron
• Pentagram
• Wand
• Sword or Staff
• Scrying Mirror or Bowl
• Bell
• Drum
• Representations of God & Goddess (small statues or representational items)
• Asperger
• Robe
• Broom
• Candles and Candle Holders
• Candle Snuffer
• Charcoal Blocks (self-igniting)
• Salt
• Incense and/or Herbs*
• Mortar and Pestle
• Crystals, other Magickal Stones, Amulets and Jewelry
• Parchment Paper

While the first list of Basic Working Tools is considered mandatory, some of the items in the second list could be considered optional. The primary tools of Witchcraft are similar to the sacred tools of Celtic Myth, namely the sword, spear, shield and cauldron. Once again, don’t feel pressured to obtain all the items at once. It has taken me over 40 years of searching to acquire the tools which personally suit me and my ritual work.