The Museum of Witchcraft

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Working Tools

Here we display a vast selection of the tools used by witches during their rituals. Some witches use beautiful, elaborate paraphernalia whilst others prefer crude handmade tools.

It is usual for witches to use an altar which may be a simple cloth laid on the ground or a convenient flat stone in a sacred place. The four elements are usually represented on the altar along with the Goddess and God. It is usual to place something seasonal on the altar, flowers, grain, leaves etc are popular.

	Earth Is usually represented by a pentacle - (a disk with magical symbols). We display pentacles of wood, brass and stone. A dish of salt or earth can also be used to represent the element of Earth.
	Air Is represented by the smoke from a censer or thurible burning incense. Feathers or a bell are also used to represent Air.
	Fire A candle or lantern on the altar will represent this element. It is also good to have a log fire when circumstances permit
	Water A chalice, bowl or cauldron of fresh water represents this element.
	The black handled knife ( Athame) is used for directing magical power. These knives are never used to cut and certainly never draw blood. The knife also represents the God and male energy. A white handled knife is used for cutting magical herbs etc. These knives are often inscribed with appropriate magical symbols.
	The cauldron is a symbol of the Goddess, creation and female energy, as is the chalice. Water for use in ritual is often collected from a sacred well or special place.
	Wands of various woods have different magical qualities. Wands are generally used for directing the flow of energy.
	a broomstick is used to symbolically sweep the ritual area clean of any unwanted negative energies before the ritual. They are also a convenient means of transport for the more accomplished witch !

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