Beginner Wiccan Tools

Recently I have had an influx of people asking questions about Wicca, most likely due to the fact that I now sell Wicca items on my Etsy. (JesadasJewels) Thank you for those that have taken the time to browse and send me questions and comments. First and foremost, you do not have to have any “special” tools to practice Wicca, and the list I am going to leave here is only what either I use or what I know others may use, it is in no way a “must-have” or even a complete list. Also I am a solitaire witch and do not associate with a coven, so keep that in mind when reading on as some may not apply to you if you are in a coven.

What are magickal tools? Magickal tools are considered anything you may use during a ritual or whilst you do your magick. These are tools you would only use when doing the aforementioned, they are not used for any other purpose. First thing I would recommend having if you do have ritual tools but do not have a permanent altar with a drawer available is to find something to keep your magickal tools in so no one else can touch them. It is very important that only your energy is associated with your magickal tools.

An athame is a double-edged knife that is used solely for directing energy and it represents the male sex organ. An athame is not meant to be sharp as they are not meant to cut anything other than energy. They usually measure about six inches in length and have black or dark handles to distinguish them from others. Athames originally were made from wood taken from trees and were infused with the user’s energy while they carved or whittled it to their liking.

Amulets, beads, crystals and gems are all used in magick. Amulets are most often nature made items that are used for protection and can be charged with your energy for later use. Beads are often used to decorate items such as talismans and feathers. Crystals and gems are often used not only in ritual but in healings and for talismans; they too can be charged with your energy and stored for use later.

A bell is often used when calling the quarters and deity. (Deity can be the God or Goddess or the four directions) The bell is often rung again at the end of ritual to signal to the God or Goddess or the quarters that your work is done and they may now return to their homes.

The bolline, this is a working knife, often white handled with a curved blade. (You do not however have to have the traditional bolline) This is the only knife that is used to cut actual items such as herbs, candles or string. It can be used to carve magickal symbols into objects also.

A Book of Shadows, this is your personal book of magick. In it you can record whatever you wish, from dreams to spells to ideas. It can be used for whatever you like. In some Wiccan families these are passed down from one generation to the next.

A magickal broom, this is not a regular everyday broom, it is used only before ritual to “sweep” the area of negativity before you begin your work. I, personally like to buy what is called a “cinnamon broom” when they come out near Yule, they smell good and serve their purpose and can be hung up between uses and they are very inexpensive.

Candles and Candleholders, you will go thru many candles during ritual or spell work so it is always a good idea to have some on hand. I have gotten them at the dollar store before in a pinch, but I prefer to buy chime or mini candles (4 inches) as they are just the perfect size. You can use just about anything as a candleholder as long as it is not flammable, never leave a lit candle unattended.

Cauldron or chalices, never mind the old images of witches standing around a cauldron cackling, they indeed can be used for cooking but are more often used to scry, or burn or hold items during ritual. A chalice is the representation of the female and is often used during ritual to drink from but is also used during the great rite where the athame and chalice are used symbolically.

A compass, a feather, a lighter and a pocketknife. Obviously a compass comes in handy for those of us who do not instinctively know what direction we may be facing, it is important to get it right when you call the quarters. Feathers are often used to represent the element of Air. A lighter is for obvious reasons, unless of course you are able to light candles or incense some other way. A pocketknife can come in handy whether for carving or for cutting.

A pentagram is often placed on your altar for protection, but can also be worn as part of ritual jewelry or for everyday.

Mortar and pestle is important for grinding herbs and such, yes I know a food processor is faster, but for traditions sake the mortar and pestle are used. I have two mortar and pestles, one I use for everyday items and one I have that is small and used for ritual only.

Small bowls, sea salt, seeds and statues. All of these may be used during ritual, but I keep most of them readily available on my altar. I also like to keep two small bowls on my altar, one with water and the other with salt. Seeds are often used to represent your magickal intentions during ritual and statues are what we often use as a representation of the God and Goddess. I have small statues of both on my altar.

Incense and smudge sticks, they both can be used to cleanse an area but the smudge stick is also used for heavier work such as cleansing a home or a person. Incense sticks can be burned anytime but are also popular for not only their scent but for bringing their own energy to a ritual or spell. I , myself love incense and usually burn some everyday as a boost or as a calming agent depending on what I need that day.

Last but not least, a wand, many people still like to use a wand as a symbol of their magickal workings, but it is still just used to direct your own energy. There are many people who will not work without it, but you also use an athame for the same purpose and for those who have not found just that right wand or athame a finger will suffice.

Now there is what I would call a beginners list of items you may want to have on hand, it is not necessary to have any of the items, but most, myself included started out small, you can find many items at dollar stores, goodwill or even local shops. You never know what you might find!

If you have any questions or need assistance with anything Wicca please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Blessed Be!