Secondary Ritual Tools

     Listed below are secondary tools that will be extremely helpful when doing rituals.  Although they are not as necessary as the previous tools, they will be of immeasurable assistance throughout your ceremony.  Always remember to choose tools that connect with you, and keep them until you outgrow them.  Some Wiccans use no tools at all, so the idea here is to always use items that will be of real assistance to you.

Censor - This is used to hold your incense while it is burning.  It is occasionally walked around the circle to purify the air.  This is associated to the element of Air, and should be placed in the Eastern quarter of your altar or circle.

Cord - The cord is used to measure the circle.  It should be 9 feet in length and sometimes is knotted when oaths are made to the God and Goddess.  Sometimes it represents the level of degrees in coven work.  It also represents the colors of the Triple Goddess.

Boline - This is a working knife.  It is usually white handled, and it used to carve images or symbols, harvesting herbs and any general cutting.  It is never used to obtain blood.

Bell - The bell is a symbol of the Goddess, and is used when calling elementals, quarters, or watchtowers.  It is also used to change the energy vibration of your working area or home.  It should have a bellowing sound, and you should be able to hear sound vibrations from it.

Broomstick - A broomstick is used to sweep negative energy out of your circle, or to clean the area you are working in.  It is a male symbol, and is also used to jump over during handfasting (marriage) rituals.

Salvers - These are dishes or plates that you would place your offerings on or in.  They are also the bowls in which you put your charcoal, salt, and other ritual ingredients in.

Cauldron - It is used for scrying (when water is placed in it), and it is an actual working tool.  You should have a small one placed on the altar, and a larger one placed on the floor.  You can also use it to place items that may need to be burned into it.  It represents the womb and the feminine aspect.

Book of Shadows - This is basically your journal of all your workings, and any inspirations you may have collected along the way.  My advice is to use spiral bound notebooks until you are ready to put the finished work in your actual book.  It keeps things nice and tidy.  Many people have published their book of shadows, but I personally like to keep mine to myself.  They are used to keep track of dreams and premonitions, and also daily events.

     I hope that this list of items gives you some idea of the sort of time and effort that goes into Wiccan rituals.  All items are symbolic on one level or another and help to focus your energy where you need it to go.  Keep in mind that some of the best rituals are the ones where only a single candle is lit, and a prayer is offered.  Whether you decide to have a formal ritual or a small private one, know that our spiritual Mother and Father will listen always, and welcome all attempts to become closer to them.