Wicca is one of the most popular neo-pagan religions that has been gaining popularity in Europe and the United States. It was developed in England in 1950s and introduced to the public by
Gerard Gardner in 1954. This started to spread in the Philippines in the heat of the American television series
Charmed.
Wiccans (followers of Wicca) base their spiritual practices from a variety of pre-Christian religious traditions and beliefs. Like in many other religions, they observe religious days (
sabbats and
esbats) and worship deities like Venus (the Goddess of love). Through their rituals, they attune themselves to nature for self-empowerment and in order to manifest their desires.
Tools are very important to Wiccans because these help them improve their spiritual journey and magical workings. Listed below are the tools you commonly see on a Wiccan altar.
Effigies of God and Goddess
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| Goddess Statue |
Wiccans, in general, believe that the Creator is composed of two parts - the female part and the male part. These two forces of the divinity work together to form a higher power. This is why most Wiccan altars have a male and a female effigies to represent as their patron God and Goddess.
Athame (pronounced as AH-tha-may)
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| Athame |
Traditionally, this is a double-edge knife with a black handle. It is commonly used to direct energy, cast a protective circle and command spirits. It is placed on the east side of the altar, the cardinal point of the element of air.
Wand
The wand usually represents the element of fire and is placed on the south side of the altar. It is often used to invoke the spirits of the four elements (air, fire, water and earth) and their deities. It can also be used in circle casting.
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| Chalice |
This tool is commonly associated with the element of water. However, most Wiccans don't consider this as a tool but more a symbol of the womb of the Goddess. It is traditionally used to hold wine as an offering to their deities.
Pentacle or Paten
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| Pentacle |
This is a disc inscribed with a pentagram within a circle on it. The pentacle is a symbol of the element of earth. It is used to bless or energize magical items like amulets and talismans. It is placed on the north side of the altar.
Censer and incense
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| Censer |
Wiccans fumigate their sacred space to drive away negative energy or unwanted forces before they begin a ritual. They also burn incense as an offering to their deities.
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| Brass Bell |
This tool is used to repel evil spirits because it is believed that these harmful forces can't tolerate the sound of bells, especially the high-pitched ones. This is also used to invoke the deities and the rulers of the four quarters.
Cauldron
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| Cauldron |
This tools has many uses such as making brews, burning incense, scrying and holding offerings to deities like flowers. Like the goblet or chalice, this is used to represent the womb of the Goddess.
