On the forum, questions often arise as to what 'tools' you need to be a Witch? Do you need any at all? If you don't have a sacred Chalice will it prevent your magic from working? The answer is one that seems to echo through every subject relating to the craft. It's down to the individual and what they want to do, what they choose to work with and if they themselves feel the particular item is useful to them.

The next set of questions asked are, what is better a athame that costs £200.00 or one that you found for £1.00 at a car boot sale? The answer is simple, how does it feel to you, we're you drawn to it, is it what you were looking for? Certainly there are some people out there who will pour scorn on a 'cheapo' athame. It doesn't matter, the way they work, works for them, it isn't set in stone and it doesn't have to be followed by everyone. I dislike those popular publications that give you a long list of items that you need before you can even BEGIN to be a Witch. If you glean nothing else from this site then take this thought with you, if you've got this far and you're reading this, then you're already a Witch! You need yourself, the will to succeed and dedication, the tools are secondary. Of course you do need to practise, we all do, a true Witch will never claim to know it all, where would be the magic in that?

Yet another question that crops up often, are tools made by some powerful person who has been practising for years and has more knowledge and experience than you, better than a tool you make yourself? You could answer yes to that question, but be mindful that it's the creators energies in the tool and not yours. I think tools you make yourself are best, it doesn't matter what the end result looks like, so what if your sewing isn't so good, or your painting leaves a lot to be desired? You will have put in your time and effort and if the tool is made with love that strengthens the bond between you and your magic. Making your own magical tool is one of the most powerful things you can do. Magical DIY invests your tools with your personal power and therefore those tools will work better for you, from that tools conception it is imbued with your vibrations, your energy, it is a part of you and you are a part of it.

The magical community is split into the 'off the shelf' type people, the 'no expense spared' people, the 'I just need me and no tools' people, the recyclers, who will find uses for a miriad of items to work their magic and then there's the bargain hunters, those amongst us that like to find their tools in second hand shops or find something that is magically useful but was designed for something else.

I'm sure I've missed out some catergories, whatever works for the individual is what works best. TINROWW applies. All that said, whether you choose to make the tools yourself, use none, or buy them in, there is a generic list most magical practioners work to. The list below was posted on Moonshadows Forum by one of our members. I've adapted it a little and added some further comments. No doubt there are other items that can be added to this list, but please don't feel that you have to 'collect the set' to be an authentic Witch!

Athame - The athame is a double-edged knife with a blade about 6 inches long. It is not sharp as it isn't used for cutting, it is used symbolically to mark the edges of the circle and to stir the salt and water that are used to consecrate (or make sacred) the circle. It is also used sometimes to carve symbols or words into candles. The athame's owner marks either the handle or the blade with his or her witchcraft name and stores it in a special place. The athame is also used in the Great Rite ritual (more on the Great Rite later) as a phallic symbol, representing one half of the union of the God and Goddess from which new life comes.

Bell - Some witches use a bell during rituals, but there is no official or required use of one. Some examples of when a bell might be rung is when the circle is opened or closed, to invoke the God or Goddess or simply to signify when certain phases of the ritual are ending or beginning.

Besom - Witches don't actually fly on brooms, ohhh how that cultural idea annoys me, I tire of the comedians asking me if I fly around on my broomstick when they discover I'm a witch. Many witches do however own a besom, they're used to purify an area of lingering energies (similar to the smudging) before "casting a circle."

Boline - The boline is another knife used in Wiccan rites. In contrast to the athame, the boline is very sharp and is usually made of copper. Its sole use it to cut herbs.In some circles the boline is crescent shaped and has a white handle. Myself I have a stainless steel knife that is decorated with animal and plant carvings, it works for me and wasn't nearly so expensive ;)

Book of Shadows - The Book of Shadows is essentially the witch's notebook. It contains all of a particular witch's ritual and spell information. It is the written record of everything the witch needs to recall, if they wish to do the spell again, such as descriptions and recipes. It can be used to write down thoughts and feelings, you can document results and points to remember next time.

Candles - When a circle is cast for a ritual, there are four quadrants representing north, south, east and west. Quarter candles of specific colours can be used: north is green (earth), south is red (fire), east is yellow (air) and west is blue (water). The candles are placed at the perimeter of the circle. There are also three candles used on the altar, the colour of these candles represents the ritual being performed and one to represent the God & Goddess. If you don't have space for the quadrant candles you don't have to use them, as long as you call in the quarters it's fine. There are some people that don't cast a circle, once again TINROWW!

Cauldron - The cauldron is a necessary part of witches' paraphernalia.That doesn't mean it has to be the biggest and most expensive pot bellied cauldron on the market. Many years ago, cauldrons were a part of every home, people coooked the daily meals on ranges in a cauldron. Now they're seldom seen except at Samhain. Cauldrons with magical powers go back to the myth of the Celtic Goddess Cerridwen, whose cauldron represented the cycle of birth, renewal, rebirth and transformation. Witches today often burn small fires (balefires) or incense in their cauldrons. The cauldron can also represent the womb during the Great Rite ritual, which calls up the union of the God and Goddess from which new life comes.

Chalice - A cup used in ceremonies to represent the female principle of water. The chalice can also be used in place of the cauldron in performing the Great Rite, as well as in a "Cake and Ale" rite where a cup of wine is blessed and drunk from at the end of the ritual.

Clothing - Clothing, like all these items is optional, you can go skyclad (naked) when working magic or wear a long, hooded robe. You can also wear a dress or jeans and tshirt anything you feel comfortable in and keep set aside for working your magic.

Herbs, Oils & Resins - Whether for making ritual incense and oils or for using as part of brews, charms or as offerings. A good stock of herbs, essential oils and other consumables are useful to have. A basic set of herbs and a few resins is all that is needed to start, you can add to them over time and create a magical store cupboard for all your ingrediants.

Paton - This is a plate (or disk) of either metal or wood with a pentagram design on it. It is used on the altar to hold the tools needed for the ceremony and to act as a focal point.

Pentacle/Pentagram - The pentacle is a five-pointed star (a pentagram) enclosed within a circle. The "upright" pentacle or pentagram (one point up, two points down) is a widely recognised symbol of witchcraft. The points represent earth, fire, water, air and spirit. The circle represents the God and Goddess that allow the energy of the pentagram to be focused. It is symbolic of the idea of bringing together spirit and earth. You can adorn your tools with this symbol, sew or paint it on to your altar cloth, it doesn't have to be a shop bought one. You could even use a pentagram pendant as a piece of ritual jewellrey.

Smudge or Incense - Before a ritual, the area must be purified. White sage is often used (as is a besom, above) to cleanse the area of unwanted energies. When burned, the sage creates a thick, grayish smoke. Incense can also be used, it can be a shop bought incense or one you've made yourself.

Salt Container - Another purifying agent is salt. The salt is usually in either a seashell or a glass dish. Salt is mixed with water to represent the elements of earth and water in order to consecrate the circle.

Staff - Some Mages and Witches use a staff in the same way that other suse a wand. The staff is usually shoulder height.

Sword - Some witches choose to use a sword rather than an athame to mark the boundaries of the circle.

Thurible - A thurible is the name given to any fireproof container that holds Incense for burning. Incense represents the element of air. When burned, incense represents fire, both of which are used to purify the area or the tools being used. The thurible is often a small cauldron of metal or any other fire-resistant material.

Wand - Many witches use wands. Wands represent fire and the life-force of the witch, they are a symbol of power, wisdom and healing. The wand, like the sword, staff and athame, can be used to cast the circle. It may also be used to direct energy during a spell.

Water Container - The water container used in the consecration of the circle can be any type of container as long as it is large enough to hold enough water for your needs in ritual, Water is another purification agent.