Tools of the Craft

AKA a glossary of common terms

There are a million and one tools that a Witch can use for their Craft at any point and for as long as they like to use them. No two Witches use the same tool in equal ways.

That's why for this page, I will just be detailing what common tools exist out there for you to use as well as what they're typically used for.

Remember: it's your path, so you can use whatever tools for whatever reason. Some have a set purpose, but that doesn't mean you have to strictly use them for that purpose.

Tool Name	Description	Uses
Altar	A personal workspace for Witchcraft spells and rituals.	The Altar is a fairly universal tool. Mostly used as a dedicated workspace, but it's not the only kind of Witchcraft workspace that exists.
Altar Cloth	A decorative cloth for the Altar.	Can be one cloth that you always keep down for easy cleanup, or can be multiple different cloths that you put down to match your intent for your workings. Should be the first item you place on the Altar when setting it up, if you wish to use one. It's not necessary by any means, but it makes the space "come together" aesthetically.
Apothecary	The space where you store all your herbs, spices, nuts, berries, etc. for Witchcraft uses.	Helpful for keeping all your spell materials in one space, but definitely not necessary.
Athame or Sword	A specialized, double-ended knife used to direct energy during spellwork and rituals. Some Witches prefer to use a Sword rather than the shorter Athame, it sometimes depends on religous beliefs.	Used to represent the Fire element and the God (mostly in Wicca). Purely used as a means to direct energy and NOT to be used as an actual knife (as in, do not use it to cut anything!).
Bell	Used to cleanse the workspace with sound. Can also be used to call upon the divine.	Most Witches use it as a form of cleansing the space, but it's not the only option. Some ring it 3 times, some 7 times, some 9 times, and some however many times feels right. Usually rung at the beginning of the ritual to signal the beginning of your work to both the divine and to others (if working in a Coven).
Besom or Broom	A broom of any size and shape used to physically cleanse the space before preparing the Altar.	Use it to clear any dirt, dust, rocks, debris, or any other unwanted items in the space you plan to use. Mostly used in large areas and Coven work, so not necessary if working on a fixed table or in a dedicated room that doesn't get disturbed. Moden alternatives are vacuum cleaners and sometimes AC units.
Boline	A curved knife strictly used for harvesting natural materials such as herbs, fruits, spices, and anything else that grows in the ground.	To be used in tandem with the Athame. Just like the Athame, you must NEVER use the Boline to harm an animal or human! It is strictly to be used for harvesting plant materials for spellwork. It's considered polite to thank the plant before and after harvesting for providing for you.
Candles	Pretty self-explanitory.	Represents the Fire element and can represent any divine being that you wish to be present for your spellwork or ritual. Can also be used for candle spells, wherein you anoint the candle with oils and herbs and then let it burn out completely. The color of the candle can help strengthen your spellwork, with White being the best color to use for any situation or goal.
Cauldron or Bowl	A rounded container, that can be fireproof, used to mix spell ingredients and/or burn items.	Represents the Earth element and in some beliefs, represents the Womb of the divine feminine/Goddess.
Chalice	A cup used for offerings, sometimes for the practitioner to drink out of.	In coven work, the Chalice is usually passed around at certain points in the gathering. Most solitary practitioners use it for offerings.
Censer	A (usually) metal dish used to hold incense while it burns. Can be used for cleansing rituals. Not unique to Witchcraft.	Represents the Air element in Spellwork and Rituals.
Crystals	Self explanitory. Different practitioners have different meanings for their crystals.	Represents the Earth element. Probably the most misunderstood and egregiously mass-produced part of Witchcraft.
Deity Representation	Most theistic practitioners have some physical representation of the Divine Being they work with. Can be a picture, statue, item, etc.	People like having a way to visualize the divine they work with in theistic Witchcraft. Nothing you haven't seen in other religions.
Essential Oils	Self-explanitory. Usually used in a diffuser or during Spellwork.	Used to represent the Air element. Different oils have different meanings depending on the practitioner.
Grimoire	A collection of Spells, usually ones the practitioner wrote themselves. Different from a Book of Shadows, which is a collection of information to act as a reference book.	Useful for figuring out your own correspondences (which you should definitely do!). Record keeping is how your Craft survives.
Herbs	Self-explanitory.	Represents the Earth element. Different practitioners will have different meanings for each of them.
Jars	Usually glass containers with a lid of any shape and size used for Spellwork. Used when creating Spell Jars. Also used to store ingredients like herbs.	Every Witch has some sort of jar hoard. It's a bit of a meme at this point.
Offering Bowl	Similar to a Chalice, this is used to hold solid offerings to the Divine.	This one is definitely not unique to theistic Witchcraft.
Moon Water	A container of Water that has been left under the Full Moon for one night. Leaving it under the Full Moonlight is called "charging".	Charging Water is said to make its Spiritual abilities stronger and make your Spellwork more effective if you implement it.
Oracle Cards	A deck of cards used to describe the emotional details of a past, present, or future event. Can also be used for dream interpretation. There is no set number of cards in a deck and no guidelines to follow. These cards are unique in that every deck is completely separate from all the others.	Represents the Spirit Element. Not used by all practitioners.
Pendulum	An object, usually a shaped crystal, on a chain used for divination. When held in your hand (it swings using micro-movements in your arm muscles), it's best used to maintain a relationship with your Higher Self, scientifically referred to as your subconscious. When used on a Pendulum Stand, it can be used to interact with Spirits and sometimes Deities.	Many practitioners erroneously hold the Pendulum in an attempt to contact Spirits. As long as you are holding it, then you will be the one moving it.
Pestle and Mortar	A bowl and a stick-like tool that are used to crush herbs.	Mostly used in Spellwork to combine herbs or break down large pieces like Star Anise. Sometimes represents the Divine Feminine, the bowl shape representing the womb.
Poppets	Sewn cloth or string figures, usually in a humanoid shape, used for representing the Self, or a Target in Spellwork. Mistakingly called "Voodoo Dolls".	Poppets can be used for any type of Spellwork. They're mostly used for Spells regarding giving the practitioner something positive like a good mood or healing from an illness. It's not very common for them to be used in Curses and malevolent magick.
Prayer	A method of communicating with the Divine using words and actions. A Spell is a type of prayer.	Strictly used in theistic Witchcraft. What else is there to explain?
Reference Book	Sometimes referred to as a Book of Shadows. It's a collection of information the Practitioner has gathered and uses for their Craft.	In covens, the Neophyte is sometimes tasked with copying one of the existing member's Reference Book as an introductory Rite. In Solitary Work, Practitioners can do whatever they like with theirs. A popular method of binding is three-ring binders.
Runes	Small stones with icons on them used for Divination. They are read depending on how they land when the Practitioner tosses them in the air. There are many different ways of interpreting Runes, each Practitioner will have their own method.	Used for both communication with the Divine and determining past/present/future events, depending on your goal and how you interpret them. The most famous type of Runes used are the Elder Futhark, though many kinds exist.
Sachets	Rectangles of cloth with three sides sewn and one side left open with the intent to place items inside. Usually has a drawstring top, but can also be sewn closed. Can be any color, size, and shape.	Used for Spellwork. Similar to a Poppet, but intentionally doesn't have much shape to it.
Salt	Self-explanitory. The ultimate Spiritual protection tool. The most pure and powerful substance you can use in any kind of Witchcraft.	Represents the Earth Element. It can absorb or repulse energy, keep Spirits in or out, represent good or evil - the possibilities are endless. One of the best tools you can use.
Scrying Tool	A curved, reflective surface that is used for Divination. The Practitioner gazes into the surface (sometimes into a candle reflecting off the surface) and images, sounds, visions, etc. are presented to them.	The most famous example of this is a Crystal Ball, but another common item is a Black Mirror.
Sea Shell	Self-explanitory.	Represents the Water Element. Sometimes used in Spellwork, sometimes just kept for Ritualistic purposes.
Shrine	A dedicated space or box usually devoted to a loved one who has died. Sometimes used to honor the Divine.	Represents the Spirit Element. Very common with Hereditary/Ancestral Witches. Used by both theistic and atheistic Witches.
Sigil	A drawing used in Spellwork or Rituals. For Spellwork, it usually represents an affirmation like "I am wealthy". For Rituals and Ceremonial work, it usually represents a Divine Being like Angels or specific Deities.	Usually created by the practitioner when used for Spells. Almost always made by someone long ago when used for Rituals and/or Ceremonial work.
Singing Bowl	A metal bowl that when struck produces a pleasant sound. Also known as "Tibetan Singing Bowls".	Mainly used for Cleansing using Sound. Can also be used for meditative purposes.
Taglock	A physical representation of a person using something that was produced by said person, such as a lock of hair or spit. A common replacement for biological samples is the person's full name and birthday written on a piece of paper.	They are used to make no mistake as to who the Spell is meant to be aimed at. Mostly used in Curses, sometimes used to benefit the Practitioner.
Tarot Cards	A deck of 78 cards that follow a story. Each deck is divided into 4 suits (Cups, Wands, Pentacles, and Swords) along with 21 trump cards called the "Major Arcana". Used to determine the events of past, present, and/or future events. Sometimes used to communicate with the Divine.	One of the most famous tools on this list. Not used by all practitioners.
Wand	A wooden stick, traditionally created by the Practitioner, used to direct energy as an extention of the hand.	Represents the Air Element. Don't let the media make you think Witches have all their power stored in their Wand or something. You're more likely to find a Witch who doesn't own a Wand rather than one who does.
Workspace	Where the Practitioner performs their workings. Can be permanent (in one place) or temporary (carried with the user). Also called the Altar.	What more is there to say? You have to work somewhere.

Click here to go back to Chapter 1: