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|  Altars and Tools
A wide variety of tools are found in Pagan beliefs, the tools or objects used in making magic are just tools. Most do not hold inherent power within themselves, but focus and refine the power within you. But do remember objects can be charged with energy from you and others. Mostly they are visual and manual aids or symbols to help in contacting the subconscious mind and persuading it to work the magic you desire. The success of magic is in the belief, emotion and discipline you bring to the ritual, not in the tools you use.
Altar
Since ancient times humans have built altars to connect with Spirits of their choosing. It is a powerful way to anchor the energy and intention of your home or business. Altars create special and sacred places in the middle of our ordinary lives. A personal altar provides you with a place to seek quiet, a basic human need which we often forget in our busy, modern world. Altars are powerful because they are a constant visual reminder of our spiritual connection. Building an altar is easier and less complicated than some folks would have you believe. It can be as simple as a tabletop or as complex as an entire chamber-full of stuff. What is really important is to build an altar that means something to you. The idea of an altar is to FOCUS the attention, to root it and to gather the energy.
Athame or Knife
An athame can take many forms. It frequently has a double-edged blade with a sharp point, and a handle which is often black. The handle may be inscribed with particular symbols dictated by the tradition. The athame's primary use is to direct energy.
The athame is associated with the Fire Element and the South
(some traditions associate it with Air and the East.)
Bell
The bell is a feminine symbol and so is often used to invoke the Goddess in ritual. It is also rung to ward off evil spells and spirits, to halt storms, or to evoke good energies. Placed in cupboards or hung on the door, it guards the home.
Book of Shadows
This is where you should record everything associated with your journey; rituals, spells, thoughts, inspirations, and any other information you deem needful. It can be in any form you choose; 3-ring binder, journal, or even a computer file
Besom or Broom
The Besom is sometime used to cleanse the ritual area or home.
To cleanse your ritual area, start in the center and moving clockwise sweep the circle from the center to the outer edges, all the while envisioning and chanting that negativity is being swept out and the circle is being cleaned. Same can be said for your house as you clean it in your everyday life focus on brushing out the negative energy.
Candles
Candles are associated with Fire and Air, and are used for everything from lighting the altar to specifics in spells. Colors can be important for focus but do not allow it to limit your options or focus.
Cauldron
A cauldron can be placed in a sacred circle and used to burn items that will be set alight during a ritual. Water can be placed into a cauldron for scrying or it can hold the ingredients necessary for a spell or incantation.
Chalice
Your chalice or goblet can be of any shape, size or composition. Beware of pretty pewter cups, they contain lead and can be dangerous to drink anything from, especially wine. The chalice holds water or wine, but is occasionally used empty. The chalice is of the Element of Water and associated with the West
Pentacle
A pentacle is traditionally a flat disk made of metal or wood and inscribed with a pentagram. It is used as a power point for consecrating ritual objects, such as water or wine in a chalice, amulets and tools; and is associated with the Earth Element and aligned with the North. It can also be used for grounding stray energy in a room.
Stones and Crystals
Colorful stones of various shapes and sizes are used in some spell works. Whether you purchase them or find them yourself, be certain that their vibrations feel comfortable to you. Crystals and other stones are good conductors of magical energy in their natural state and need not be polished to be of use.
All stones and crystals are of the Element Earth
Sword
The sword, like the staff, is a tool of command, It is not used often, but can be necessary for certain spell workings. Its size, style and length are a personal choice; just be careful that you can easily handle the sword you choose.
Wand and Staff
In ecclesiastical and formal government ceremonial, special officials may carry a wand of office or staff of office representing their power. This is a practice of long standing; in Ancient Egypt, priests were depicted with rods. Its age may be even greater, as Stone Age cave paintings show figures holding sticks, which may be symbolic representations of their power.
A Wand or Staff's primary use is to direct energy.
The wand and staff can be naturally-formed tree branches or made of dowels ornamented with crystals, stones, wooden beads, or whatever else you fancy.
The length of the wand depends upon what feels comfortable to you. The staff is the sword and wand rolled into one, and as such is a symbol of both magical knowledge and the right to petition deities or archetypal powers.
Both Staff and Wand are of the Element of Air and are aligned with the East(although some traditions hold that the wand is an instrument of fire and aligned with the South).
Herbs and Oils
Herbs are often burned for incense during a spell or ritual.
Essential oils are used for anointing candles, tools, the altar and the body in rituals and spell working. They may be used as tokens of esteem and respect for the deities and energies of the Craft. As plants of various kinds have customarily been offered to the Lady, herbal offerings can be especially meaningful for their particular significance and properties. Since all herbs and oils have their own particular energies they can be a valuable, if not essential, addition to your magical materials. Herbs are always associated with the element Earth.
Incense Burner
A good incense burner is essential, especially if you plan to use the better incenses that are burned on charcoal.
If you plan to move it as all while hot, chains or handles are a necessity.
Representative of the Element of Fire and aligned with the South.
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