How to Select Altar Tools

In the Wicca belief system, there are certain objects that are considered tools for magic, for worship or prayer. Those Wiccan who choose to utilize an alter in their practice add some of these tools to their alters. The objects are representative of natural elements, of the God and Goddess, of spirit or spirituality and the practitioner's personal energies.Selecting these tools is a process unique to each individual and to each coven. There is an indefinable quality to these objects; it is a kind of energy created by the force of belief. The practitioner connects with the object during a ritual and the object is imbued with power. How you select them, then, as a follower of Wicca, is guided by instinct as well as practicality.

Instructions

1. The athame is one of your primary tools. It is a double-edged knife that is never used to cut anything physical. Choose an athame that sits well in your hand. The handle, usually but not necessarily black, should nestle in your palm. It should feel like an extension of your hand. Your athame is a personal item representing your energy signature.

2. The chalice is a vessel and brings the element of water to your alter. Select a chalice made from natural elements such as wood, glass or stone. When choosing your vessel, hold the cup in both your hands. Like your athame, the cup should nestle into your palms.Some practitioners prefer to use bowls instead of chalices. This is perfectly acceptable. Select your bowl in the same fashion as you would a chalice.

3. Candles are representative of fire. Choose a small, red candle for this element. Fire is a powerful force; you do not want to choose a large pillar candle. You also need a silver candlesnuffer. Do not blow out any candle used during a ritual; always snuff the candle out.

4. Use an incense burner, otherwise known as a censure, to bring the element of air to your alter. Select an incense burner that can hold a small piece of coal or other fire medium. This allows you to place your selected incense or herbal mix in the burner. Though many incense burners have lids, it's best to keep yours open during rituals. With this in mind, choose a censure that is deep enough and large enough to hold ignited materials.

5. To represent the element of earth, use a small bowl made from clay, wood or stone. This bowl can be quite small, as it needs to hold only a teaspoon of salt. The size of the bowl is a personal choice, however. If you are an earth sign, you may want to use a larger bowl and include a bit of dirt from your herb garden in the bowl during rituals.

6. To represent the God and Goddess, you can use pillar candles. These should be white for the Goddess and black for the God. Place these side by side on your alter. You can also use carvings fashioned from wood or clay; these would be figures representative of male and female. If you do use carvings or statues, select two that are of similar size and weight. The God and Goddess are a balance of power; you do not want to misrepresent that balance.

7. For the intangible element of spirituality, you can select an object that, for you, represents the personal journey to inner peace. This object could be a crystal, a rock or a branch from your favorite tree. here are no specific criteria other than that the object means something to you.

8. The pentacle tile is used as a protective element. It is a tile with an inlay of the circle and star emblem. These are available for purchase, and choosing one in this way is a matter of personal taste. It is the emblem, however, that provides protection. Any jewelry or object with this emblem can be used.

9. All of these alter tools are placed on an alter cloth. The cloth should be woven from natural materials and have the circle and star emblem woven into it, embroidered onto it or painted onto it. Choose a cloth that is large enough to cover your alter.

10. These are the basic tools for your alter. There are kits available from retail outlets specializing in the occult and from websites devoted to Wicca. These kits range from basic to deluxe. However, you may find that acquiring your tools through less commercial means will allow you to develop a more powerful connection with those tools. Select them with care.