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Quotation: The love of liberty is the love of others;
the love of power is the love of ourselves.
-- William Hazlitt

Monograph 6:

Ritual Tools

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The home sanctum you will lean about in this monograph is a small corner of your home where you can set up a mirror and a pair of candles, maybe even light some joss sticks. Soon you will be given your first taste of temple ritual. Most Witches set up a temple in a room of their house. Some, who have the privacy to do so, use a secluded part of their garden for outdoor ritual. A few who own or have access to land can even work ritual in a woodland glade somewhere - marvelous!

But even if you live in a studio apartment you can set up a temple that will be perfectly adequate. Just move the furniture up hard against the walls and work in the middle of the room. Before you can begin temple work you will need certain tools. We are going to take a close look a these now to give you plenty of time to acquire them. Please do not leave everything until the last minute.

Students often ask whether all the tools are really necessary. The answer to this "yes" and "no", It all depends on what you want. To the Witches of old, Witchcraft was "kitchen sink magick". Many of them couldn't afford many tools. Then, during the times of persecution, they didn't dare have tools in their homes for fear of discovery. For these two reasons they would improvise as much as possible. 

The athame would be a kitchen knife, the pentacle would be made of wax and melted down after each ritual, candles were not objects of suspicion in those days. 

On the other hand many modern day Wiccans enjoy the pomp and ceremony. These people are probably in the majority nowadays and they take great pride in collecting the best tools possible, making most of them themselves, empowering them with great love and devotion at every stage of their manufacture. This type of Wiccan probably lives in a city and works mostly indoors.

The other type of Wiccan prefers very simple tools or even no tools at all. This type of country Witch lives close to nature and works outdoors as much as possible. The close proximity of natural forces; the energies of being outside at night, with the breeze in your hair and in your face, the full moon overhead, and night birds and bats nearby; more than makes up for the lack of ritual tools.

As I said, it all depends on what you want and what kind of witch you want to be. For most of us its a compromise. We get out as much as possible, but time and climate mean we work indoors a lot too. So we collect the tools anyway.

Some inner city Witches say they can't work outdoors, and they can't afford the tools either. For them its hard at first but if their desire is strong they find ways. Tools are not expensive if you make them yourself. Nor do they take up much space, even in a small flat. The key in ingenuity. You are never given a problem without also being given the power to resolve it. And in finding that power within you you grow as a person and as a Witch.

A quick final word on rituals before going on to discuss the tools you will use in them. In Craft there are two different types of temple rituals: Esbats & Sabbats. All rituals consist of Work & Worship in varying proportions.

Esbats may be preformed at any time, although they usually coincide with the Moon Cycles. The most common esbat is the FULL MOON RITUAL which nearly all solo and coven witches celebrate. There are 13 Full Moons each year, one every 28 days. Esbats are mostly working occasions when witches cast spells for healing and advancement.

Sabbats are preformed to celebrate the eight seasonal festivals. They are occasions for rejoicing and giving thanks. In Old Ways Wicca each sabbat lasts for three days.

The Ritual Tools:

Certain tools or implements are used in ritual. In some books you will read that we use eight tools. This has become dogma for many witches. As I have told you before, there is no (or should be no) dogma in Wicca. Eight has become a bit of a sacred number for many Wiccans; eight sabbats, eight ritual tools, eight ways of making magic etc. However, only the first of these examples is actually true (and many people even disagree with this and celebrate other dates as well). There are certainly more than eight ways of making magic, you are limited only by your own imagination.

So here I will list all the tools you will need to start celebrating the Esbats & Sabbats:

THE ALTAR. An altar is a your ritual desktop. It should normally be placed on the North edge of your circle (ritual space), although some people prefer it in the centre. It can hold all of your tools for whatever purpose you feel is important. It can also be a quiet spot where you can sit and meditate, write or do whatever else you feel. It functions on both a practical and religious level, like most things in Paganism.

You can use almost anything as an altar, from a tree stump to a coffee table. Use whatever works for you. The main consideration is the location of your temple. Are you working outside or inside? If you are working inside, do you have a special room that you use for nothing else, or do you need to use your lounge and just the furniture around for ritual?

If you have the privacy you can make your altar as ornate and esoteric as you wish. But if your temple has to double up as your front room, you may prefer just to put a cloth over your dining table. This altar cloth is quite important. You should ideally have a selection of different coloured ones for different ritual purposes. We will discuss this aspect more fully in a later monograph. For now a plain white one will do. Some people think a black one looks more "witchey" but they have probably read too many Dennis Wheatly novels.

You should have two white altar candles, and one green or brown one to represent the element of earth. What else goes on the altar is more or less up to you. You might like to have statues or pictures of the God and Goddess for instance. 

An altar is YOUR sacred space, a place for you to be with and commune with the things that matter most to you and your spiritual path, and it should be a reflection of what you feel is important.

The PENTACLE is a circular plate on which certain ancient symbols are engraved. It is traditionally made of wood or copper and is about 30 cm. in diameter. It represents the element of Earth and helps you connect with that element. The main symbol is a large pentagram (five pointed star) which is placed dead centre, point upwards! (This is important!!!). This is easily made and a simple one is all you need for now. As you get more advanced you may wish to add other small symbols between each of the points. These advanced symbols are very powerful and will be described in a later monograph. The Pentacle is an Earth symbol and is associated with the direction NORTH.

The ATHAME (black handled knife) is your magical knife. It is used to direct the power you have raised in ritual. As with all ritual equipment, buy a new one as a second hand one will have other peoples’ energies on it and it may also have an unpleasant history. If you wish, you may inscribe the handle with whatever symbols you feel are appropriate but this is not essential. Never use your athame as a cutting tool, its use is purely symbolic. The Athame is an Air symbol and is associated with the direction EAST.

The WHITE HANDLED KNIFE is used in ritual for all cutting, candle engraving etc. If you wish you may inscribe the handle with whatever symbols you feel are appropriate but this is not essential. There is no element or direction associated with this tool.

The WAND is used in the same way as the athame. It should be made of hazel wood engraved with certain symbols. A five pointed star will do for now. Some witches like to fasten a quartz crystal or a pine cone to the tip. The wand is also a phallic symbol. The Wand is an Fire symbol and is associated with the direction SOUTH.

The SCOURGE or soft corded whip is a purely symbolic instrument. It is used in certain initiation rites to symbolise the principle the “we need to suffer to learn”. It is never used to inflict pain. Ideally it should be made with a holly wood handle. There is no element or direction associated with this tool.

The CHALICE is your ritual cup. It is used for holding wine or ale in ritual. When working in a group or coven everybody drinks from the same chalice once the wine has been blessed. The chalice is passed deosil (clockwise) from man to woman, woman to man, always with kiss on the lips and the words “blessed be” or “may you never thirst” or what ever else the group finds appropriate. Sharing a chalice is also a traditional way to greet visiting Pagans. The Chalice is a Water symbol and is associated with the direction WEST, although in practice it often lives on the altar in the north.

The CENSOR is an incense burner. You can obtain one easily enough. For serious ritual you will need fresh incense burned on a small charcoal briquettes and your censor should be of this type. For lesser rituals you may find joss sticks to be sufficient. The direction associated with this tool is EAST (Air).

The CORDS symbolise binding, either to restrict the actions of another or to bind things together. They can also be used by a group or coven to raise power. All this will be dealt with in length in a later monograph. There is no element or direction associated with the cords.

You will also need six CANDLESTICKS; two altar candles and four quarter candles. It is also a good idea to acquire two or three spare candlesticks for candle magic etc.

You may use an ALTAR CLOTH (see above) although this is optional. If you have a wooden or stone altar with a natural grain you may wish to dispense with the cloth altogether. If you do use one it is important that it should be of an appropriate colour for the ritual. White is always good and silver is good for Full Moon rituals, while gold is perfect for solar rituals. Other colours can be found in the tables of correspondences given in a future monograph.

A ROBE is optional too. If you use one please make it yourself and adhere to the same colour principles as for your Altar Cloth. However most witches prefer to work skyclad (naked). Please never enter a temple ritual in your street clothes!

For some rituals you may wish to use a traditional witch’s BESOM BROOM. Ideally this should be made from Rowan twigs. No, its not for flying over the rooftops on. Behind this silly idea is a very simple fact, often misreported in earlier time. Witches have oftentimes used a simple hallucinogenic narcotic called “flying ointment”. Being highly poisonous, this was never swallowed but applied externally and absorbed through the skin. Some female witches have discovered that it is readily absorbed through the tissues of the vagina and so they apply it with a broom handle.

The more common use of the besom broom is for ritually sweeping the temple clean. By all means clean before the ritual with a vacuum cleaner or mop & bucket, but some rituals require you to clean it psychically as well.

Occultists from many different traditions like to have a small white candle or night light burning on the altar in BLUE GLASS BOWL. This is a symbol that the temple is dedicated to the Right Hand Path, the path of good.

You will definitely need two small bowls, a WATER BOWL and a SALT BOWL.

In works of fiction you will read of witches boiling up all kinds of hideous concoctions, such as bats eyes and frogs toungs, in a CAULDRON. The truth of course is much more down to earth. The strange ingredients are in fact just country names for various herbs used in healing rituals. These days few witches have open fires over which to boil a cauldron. The most usual application of the cauldron in modern Wicca is as a fireproof vessel in which to light a ritual fire. Many of the eight sabbats are fire festivals and it is convenient to light a few twigs in the cauldron and place it in the centre of the temple floor. In such rituals we often jump over the cauldron to bring good luck. 

A cauldron is a three legged pot. Be careful however if buying a brass ornamental one because the legs or often soldered instead of welded; and they may fall off when hot!

A small silver BELL with a good, clear, high pitched tone should be acquired in time for your 1st. Degree Initiation.

One thing you will need to consider is which tools you can make yourself and which ones you will need to buy. Your decision should be based on much more than budget alone. You will always find tools you have made yourself to be better and more powerful than bought ones. Some of course will be almost impossible to buy. 

There are a few “New Age Shops” but they are fairly rare, and even the ones that do exist will not necessarily be run by witches, or even by sympathisers. If you are very lucky you might find what you need at a psychic fair somewhere but don’t hold your breath, they are few and far between in most parts of the world.

Church supply shops may be able to help with incense and maybe candles but don't tell them what you want them for or they may get very silly. 

We especially recommend one particular supplier Fairmoon. The Witches Web is also very good. So why not take a look at their websites? Even if you intend to make your own tools, looking at what is available commercially can give you some good ideas.

Its worth shopping around for candles as prices vary widely. The colours you will need are:

Two White altar candles

One light Yellow candle in the East

One Red candle in the South

One deep Blue candle in the West

One dark Green or Brown candle in the North

There is a very old tradition that ritual tools must me bought new, and without haggling. This is very important as it will affect your attitude to them for all time.

So you will probably have to make much of your own equipment. Its not as difficult as you may think, and if you are working solo, nobody but you will ever see them. A Pentacle can be made from a piece of wood (a bread board is good) or copper. It can be engraved with a chisel, knife, hot poker, soldering iron or special pyrography tool if you are lucky enough to have one. The important point when making tools is not so much technical perfection; but rather to concentrate all your inner power and love into the work you are doing. 

Your athame will probably need to be bought from a hardware shop. Choose a large, good quality, well balanced knife. Make sure it looks good and feels good in your hand. It is to become an extension of your will so chose carefully. If working with other people your Athame should be blunted for safety.

Your White Handled Knife will also have to be bought unless you are gifted in that direction. A small one is more practical for engraving candles (A sowing needle will do).

Your Wand is not essential in the early days as it serves pretty much the same function as the Athame. Go into a hazel thicket or hedgerow and find a tree that feels good. Make friends with the tree, put your arms around it and hug it. This may seem silly at first but trees are alive too, and should not be taken for granted just because they cannot walk or speak. Paganism is about showing love and respect for all life. Then ask the tree if you can have a small branch; and really listen for the answer. You will not here anything with your ears but if you open up you will hear an answer in your mind. If the tree says “yes” then take the branch, causing as little damage as possible. Then thank the tree and leave a small offering as payment. Tree spirits are call “Dryads” and can be very powerful. Keep them working with you not against you and your magic will benefit.

If you want to attach a crystal or pine cone to the end of your wand, use copper wire to tie it on.

The Scourge is another tool you will almost certainly need to make for yourself. There is no panic though, because you will not need it before your 1st. Degree Initiation. It should consist of eight silk cords, about six or eight inches long, attached to a holly wood handle. Please don’t buy a lead tipped leather thronged whip from a sex shop. Sadomasochism has nothing to do with Wicca!

You will probably need to buy your Chalice. A glass one will do but a pewter of copper one is preferred by most Pagans. Please get a new one especially for ritual, don't use a drinking glass you just happen to have knocking around in the cupboard.

There are some really nice censors on the market. Personally I like the brass ones imported from India. Alternatively a rustic censor can be made from an earthenware or clay plant pot with stones at the bottom. You will need to obtain some charcoal blocks. Barbecue charcoal will do at a pinch but is not ideal. New Age and Church Supply Shops sell small, flat charcoal blocks about an inch in diameter. There are ideal. A word of warning: censors get hot! This is something to consider before placing one on wooden furniture.

The cords are not really necessary at this stage. Of course, none of the tools are really essential; for instance your index finger makes a good athame or wand. When you get more practiced all the tools can simply be visualised. Or you will simply see the thing done and it is. But in the beginning the tools are of great psychological benefit.

May your Gods Within guide you in your studies and in your life.

Blessed be!

MONOGRAPH SIX - The Ritual

This week I want you to take your first steps into sanctum ritual.

The Preparation: First you will need to construct your home sanctum. This is an altar in a quiet, darkened room, where you will not be disturbed. If possible you should make something permanent in a private corner of your home that you can set aside for ritual. If this is impossible you can use a table or dressing table, returning it to its original use afterwards.

For temple rituals your altar should be in the north, but it doesn't mater much for a sanctum. Position a large mirror centrally above your altar, and two white candles, one either side of the mirror. You will also need some incense or joss sticks. These should either be burned on the altar itself or away from the altar near the east wall of the room. Make sure the smoke will not irritate your eyes or nose during the ritual.

The Self Purification: Clear your mind and cleanse your body with a ritual bath. A single candle should be your only illumination in the bathroom. Use bath salts or essential oil to perfume the water. Also add a handful of table salt to the water. Salt is Nature’s great purifier and we use it a lot in ritual. Just lie quietly in the bath and think of nothing. If your mind will not be still do not force it, just think of the ritual you are about to perform. When your mind is clear get up and dry yourself. Then go to your ritual altar. If you feel comfortable doing so, go skyclad before the Gods as a symbol of your purity and openness.

The Ritual: With no other illumination in the room, sit at your altar facing the mirror and light the candles & incense. Then stare into your reflected eyes in the mirror. Say to your innermost self:

IN THE NAMES OF THE OLD GODS AND GODDESSES
I CALL UNTO MY INNERMOST SELF.
I HEREBY OPEN A LINE OF COMMUNICATION.
BETWEEN THE SELF WITHOUT AND THE SELF WITHIN,
BETWEEN THE WORLD WITHOUT AND THE WORLD WITHIN.
THROUGH RITUAL I SPEAK TO THE SELF WITHIN.
THROUGH MEDITATION I LISTEN TO THE SELF WITHIN.
MAY THIS LINE OF COMMUNICATION BE OPEN ALWAYS
SO MOTE IT BE.

This week’s meditation is intended to be preformed in ritual so please do it now. Stick with it for five or ten minutes and then close the ritual by saying:

SELF UNTO SELF HAS SPOKEN
THE GODS WITHIN HAVE SPOKEN
THE SELF WITHOUT HAS LISTENED
BLESSED BE THE GODS!

MONOGRAPH SIX - The Meditation

As you sit quietly staring into you own eyes visualise a shaft of light (just out of your direct gaze) passing between your third eye (the area of your forehead, between your eyes, just above the nose) and that of your inner self in the reflection. Visualise a wide, clear band of white light. Visualise messages passing freely along this band of light in both directions. Then sit for a few minutes and contemplate what benefits this new channel of communication will have for you in your daily life. When you have finished, end with the salutation given in the last section.

You can return to your altar and ask any questions at any time. Always listen quietly and passively for the answer. If you force the answer you want from your outer self, your inner self will not be heard. If you seem to get several conflicting answers, always go with the very first one. 

When you get more proficient you can even use this technique in the mirror of you work's lavatory! Proficiency comes with practice. Eventually you will not even need a mirror. You will be able to simply visualise one in your mind. This is true of all the rituals you will learn. 

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MONOGRAPH ONE - The Meditative Ritual

Go alone into some natural place where you feel good. It may be a high mountain top or a particularly lonely part of the coast. It could be in a dense wood or a piece of desolate moorland. If possible try to go when the weather is especially alive but do not delay the ritual waiting for the weather. Nearly everybody can find somewhere suitable within a short distance from their home. If you really cannot get to such a place go into a quiet, darkened room, where you will not be disturbed and imaging you are in such a place.

Sit or stand quietly and just feel the energies of the place. Then try to feel the way a primitive person would have felt in the same place. Try to feel his / her feelings of awe, or even of fear. Remember, he could not rationalise his feelings as you can, so just feel the raw emotions he would have felt.

At this stage of your training, your meditations should last about five or ten minutes, fifteen tops! Whatever feels comfortable to you. Never force yourself, just increase the time gradually as you get more experienced. Its best to delay eating or sex until after your meditation. On no account should you attempt fasting at this stage of the course.

Remember, these exercises are supposed to be FUN!

If you have any questions or comments, you can E~Mail us anytime.