CHAPTER II
Tools Used in the Craft
Explanation and Description
(NOTE: Ask me for tools.txt for a more complete listing, which I believe comes from Georgian sources and so is not to be republished or distributed.)
The first of these are the CORDS, given to the new Witch at hir initiation, when hir cords are cut to hir measure. They bind us to the God and Goddess, and are worn at all circles.
The cords represent the umbilical cord between the Initiate and the Mother. The wearing of this cord by the Initiate symbolizes then the Circle of rebirth around the Initiate. The cords are never loosened during the Initiate's life until the day "When thou feelest that thy life runs out, whether thou be on the field of battle, or in the Senate, or in thy house, loosen thy cords and bind them singly about thy waist, that men may know thee and bury thee appropriately." The cords of the first degree are red, symbolizing the life blood and the will. Of hir own free will the Initiate chooses this path. The White Cord is used in the initiation ceremony of the Third Degree. It is called the Ladder of the Goddess, and is used for the measure of the Circle for the Great Rite. It has eight knots and measures nine feet in length. Between the fifth and sixth knots will give the three points of the Triangle of Light and the three points of the Triangle of Darkness. "The meaning of this will be made clear to you at the proper time."
The ATHAME, or sacred black-handled knife is next. This is the hunting knife of Diana, and should be double-bladed; signifying that all wisdom and knowledge cut both ways. It should never be used for cutting, but for casting the circle, for invocations, and for consecrations. It is attuned to the element Air.
The WAND is symbolic of the Magical Wand of VRIL. It should be made of wood, and be at least eighteen inches, but no more than thirty six inches long. It is best if it be the length of the Witch's forearm, from elbow to the tip of the middle finger. The wand is attuned to the element Fire.
The PENTACLE is made of silver, wood, or clay, and is used to invoke the God or Goddess. It is a point of contact for drawing down the power, and is attuned to the element Earth.
The CHALICE holds the sacred wine. We use it to toast the Lord and Lady, and pour libation. It represents the cup of life that never runs dry, and is attuned to the element Water.
The BELL is rung three times to summon favorable spirits. It is attuned to Air.
The KERFAN is the white-handled knife used for cutting, and to do any carving, scratching, etc., necessary to make any instrument of the Art. It is best to use it only within the Magick Circle.
The CENSER holds the incense, used as an offering to the Lord and Lady. It can also be used to attract favorable spirits or outcomes; or to banish undesirable ones.
The CAULDRON is the tripod iron kettle of the Goddess. It should sit in the center-south of the circle, and hold the Balefire. It represents the three great gifts the Lady gave her children. First it is the Cauldron of Wisdom, the sacred rituals that contain the Wiccan lore. These guide us in thought, speech and deeds to a way of harmony and serenity. Second, it is the Cauldron of Eternity, the abyss into which we can discard all in our life that is troublesome or evil. Into this we cast our afflictions, that they may trouble us no more, in a symbolic act of purification that prevents defilement of the Earth and of ourselves. Thirdly, it is the Cauldron of Graal, which contains the sacred stone that is the cornerstone or foundation of the Earth. The Great Mother has promised the Children of Light that, through seeking the wisdom and learning it well, they shall fulfill their destiny. The wisdom was divided among three peoples. When the sons and daughters of light have gathered together that which was divided, then shall the sacred stone rest at the feet of our Mother. The promise shall be fulfilled.
The BALEFIRE is the sacred fire. Once it was a Great fire, and found in every circle. Now it is the cauldron fire. It should contain three, six, or nine woods, laid criss-cross. Herbs or incense may be added as well.
The STAFF is a great wand, as the Sword is a great Athame. It is also the riding pole of the fertility dances. It may be made of natural wood, just the height of the Witch, or of a broom handle, painted in the coven colors and the Goddess color. It is attuned to the element of Fire.
The SCOURGE is a symbol of the Lord and maleness in general. It consists of a number of red cotton or silk threads attached to a handle made of natural wood. The number of threads will vary from coven to coven, but is usually between 9 and 40. It is attuned to the element of fire.
HOLY WATER is self-consecrated if gathered correctly. It should be gathered from three free-running streams (waterfalls are great; undammed streams are best, but if none are available, gather water at least 23 miles from the nearest dam). Water gathered at a confluence of streams counts as two streams and is especially powerful.
Before a thunderstorm, place blade 3-6 inches into the earth where it will not be disturbed until the storm has passed, and if possible, within sight of your shelter (this is in no way necessary, just a nice "bonus"). With your "power", or "dominate" index finger, trace a deosil circle around the blade, in whatever form you wish (blue flame, green mist, white light, etc.). While doing so, say:
Next, call upon the elements, saying:
(that came out a little strange...but I'm sure you understand...I think it was all those capitals"!
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