ALTAR TOOLS
Tools are very important to a witch. To practice the magickal arts, you may want to have a couple if not all of these items. It is improtant that you do not decide your tools just on looks, the tool should "feel"right and give off the kind of energy you are seeking. Try to remember that sometimes, the tool that you make is far better than the most expensive one you can purchase.
THE WITCHES WAND
The Wand represents the Air element and is one of the most important magickal tools that you will need. It should be placed at the East on your altar. It is used for calling of the Goddess and God, invocation rituals, circle casting and sometimes for directing energy. These can be picked up from a walk in the woods or mabey even from your front yard. Just remember, if you take the wand from a tree, remember the thank the tree!!!
THE INCENSE BURNER OR CENSER
This also represents the Air element. And of course, is also placed at he East on an altar. The Incense is used for smudging (which we will cover later), consecration of tools, and during rituals and sometimes when casting spells. These can be purchased at any craft store and probably at any grocery store as well. (mine was only a dollar at the grocery store:)
THE CAULDRON
This is a pot that should be made of cast iron. It represents the Water element. You can place a smaller one on the west side of the altar. This can be used for scrying, withches brews, or filled with anything you wish to offer to the Goddess and God. You can order a cauldron off the internet or go to your local magick shop, if you have one, and they should be able to hook you up!
MAGICKAL KNIFE OR ATHAME
The Athame represents the Fire element and is normally placed on the south side of an altar. It is a double edged dagger. Most people prefer to use a smaller one, mine however is about 7 inches long in blade or so. The athame is not used for cutting but for directing energy, casting a circle (if you wish to use it instead of the wand), and to use for rituals and such. You can find them just about anywhere, sometimes the local hardware store has them, or I bought mine ( a really pretty one to boot:) at a flea market for 14.00$. You can also use a letter opener if you wish.
THE CHALICE
This is a cup and also represents the Water Element. It is placed on the West side of the altar. The chalice is simply a caluldron on a stem. It is used to hold water and even ritual beverages such as wine and apple cider. This is also easy to obtain, It can be made of silver, brass, gold, earthenware, crystal, or glass. The best place to get one, if on a budget, is a dollar store.
THE ALTAR TILE OR PENTACLE
The pentacle is a symbol of protection for a witch and is by far one of the most important tools. It is placed in the middle of the altar or can be placed on the North side of the altar. It represents the Earth element. It can be made of brass, gold, silver, wood, glass, wax, or clay. You can place amulets, charms or other objects to ritualy concecrate the top of it. It is also used to summon the Gods and Goddesses. If you are on a budget, you can make one out of clay. (that is how I made mine!)
A couple of other basic things you may want to consider having:
11White handled knife used for physical cutting
2.A couple of small bowls for salt and water.
3.A scrying mirror (generally painted black, the can be made or bought).
4.Candles and Candleholders
5.Divination tools such as runes or tarot cards.
6.Jewlrey and clothing for ritual wear.
7. God and Goddess representations/statues.
As you collect your tools, keep in mind that each will need to be cleansed and concecrated. Especially if you've purchased it from an old thrift shop you will need to strip the tools of it's old energies. You never know what it's purpose may have been before you!!
Information largely taken from http://www.solitarywiccans.com/Magick/Alter_tools.html