One of the most important tools for a witch is the Book of Shadows or BOS. This is where everything that relates to your work will be put. All of your spells, rituals, notes, and anything that you consider important will go into this book.
It is said that the book should be black. It was easier to conceal it among other books that way. But the actual book is a personal choice for you. You can be creative and make the paper that you will write on along with the cover of the book or you can buy a journal from the bookstore. As long as you are happy it doesn’t matter what you use to write your magick in.
Some people believe that you have to actually hand write in your BOS believing that you are instilling your energy into the actual writing, But, lets face it this is the 21st century and computers dominate our lives. As I sit here at my desk writing this book I am doing it completely on the computer. I have a few notes scratched here and there but 90% of the writing has been directly on the computer. I do not feel that I have slighted anyone with my energy by writing this way. I have the same thoughts and feelings as if I were writing it by hand. So if this is how you are comfortable I say go ahead and type away.
Book of Shadows/BOS: The BOS is a personal book or your witches’ diary. It is tradition that no one is allowed to see the book besides you and if you are in a coven the High Priest and Priestess. Many witches put spells on their BOS to prevent people from reading them and stealing their thoughts. In the old days when you died your BOS was to be destroyed by the coven leaders so that nothing would be learned from it. So it is a bit saddening to go to the bookstore and see so many people who have turned their BOS into money making machine.
Athame/Sword: The athame is a double bladed knife also called the Black Handled knife. But, you can have any color you want. The athame is NEVER used to cut anything on the physical plane. It is a tool used to move and project energy. You would use the athame to cut on the spiritual plane. For instance it is used to cut a door in your circle if you need to leave it. The athame is used to invoke the quarters in your circle as well as to release them. Element: Fire and Air
Besom or Broom: With the besom you sweep away negative energy. It can lie on the ground as an entrance into your circle. The besom is best if you hand make them versus trying to buy one. They are readily available at renaissance fairs and you can get a basic one in most arts and crafts stores. Once you have it in its basic form you can decorate it and make it your own. Just a note this is not the same kind of broom you use to sweep the kitchen. Element: Air
Boline: This is the knife you use to cut things on the physical plane. You can use it to carve into your wand, candles or altar. It would be used when and if you ever harvest your own herbs. The traditional boline is with the curved blade; however you can use a straight bladed knife as well. Element: Fire
Bell: The bell is used to start and end a ritual. It will ring away negative energy, ward off evil spells and spirits. By ringing the bell you are causing vibrations that have very powerful effects. The bell is a feminine symbol.
Cauldron: The cauldron is used to create potions, oils or brews. You can use to scry into the water. It is representative of the Goddess and it is the symbol most associated with witches as well as the flying broom. We are taught that witches stand over their cauldron stirring up all kinds of evil. When in actuality the cauldron was used more often than not to cook that dinner. Most homes in ancient times had a cauldron. But today we have stoves so we do not need to cook in the cauldron. It would be difficult to find a full size cauldron now days; and besides how would you get it home. So here is the surprising twister on the cauldron. They now sell them in miniature size. You can buy a cast iron cauldron that is about 5-7 inches high; they usually come with a little lid and they run about $10. For modern city witches this is perfect.
Element: Water
Chalice/Goblet: This is the magickal cup you will use in ritual. It is the symbol of emotion and fertility and therefore represents the Goddess. They are usually long stemmed wineglasses. You can purchase one at the store or if you are more creative make your own at the ceramic shop. Most hobby stores sell paint that you use on glassware it is non-toxic and washable. Element: Water
Wand: The wand and the athame are interchangeable. They are both used to project and move energy around. The wand is a symbol of communication and business. You can make your wand as simple or elaborate as you wish. It should be made of either wood or crystal. If you are using wood you need to find a piece that is the length of your arm from elbow to fingertip. There are traditional woods that are used in wand making, willow, oak, apple, peach, hazel and cherry. If you are taking the wood from a tree, be sure and ask the trees permission before cutting the limb also take the tree a gift as a way of thanking it for the limb. Most of the wands sold in the stores are made of crystals and glass. These work just as well, remember you do not have to buy the most expensive wand in the store, as long as you are infusing it with your energy it will work just fine no matter if it was $5 or $500. Element: Air
Censer: The censer is nothing more than an incense burner. Some witches have the fancy kind you see in the Catholic masses. They hang from a chain and you swing them around, this type is called a thurible. I prefer the ordinary burner that you put the stick incense in. You can use any kind of incense you like they come in sticks, powder and cones. I like the sticks, you have more too choose from and you can usually buy them individually. This allows you to try them out without spending too much money. My only word of caution with incense is there is some that is very overpowering. If you are sensitive to strong odors you may want to be careful with how much incense you burn. Usually one stick will do for most rituals. Element: Air
Pentacle/Pentagram: The pentacle and pentagram is one of our main symbols as witches. We wear it on jewelry, carve it on candles and draw it in the air for protection. The pentacle or pentagram that you use on your altar can be made of many things. There are some die-hard traditionalists that tell you it has to be made of a certain metal or wood or clay. But I have seen altars that have used starfish as their pentacle. They were very in touch with the aquatic world and this was a perfect pentacle for their altar. I never felt that it took away from anything or made their ritual less of a ritual because of this. The pentacle is used in Wicca to represent the four elements, Fire, Air, Water, Earth and Spirit. But, it goes back centuries beyond centuries. Wiccan’s borrowed the pentacle from ceremonial magick so it was never really ours to place a claim on. Many people associate the pentacle and pentagram with Satan. However, Satanist has a version of the pentacle but it is upside down. It is important to not only know the difference but also be sure to point it out to anyone who may be confused.
In 1954 Disney made a cartoon called “Donald in Mathmagick Land.” In this cartoon Disney took on the brave role way back then to explain where the pentagram came from. So anyone who tries to tell you different you can tell them that if Disney says its okay, then it must be okay. This video is now used in many school and colleges across the country to teach math to students.
The difference between the Pentagram and Pentacle is the circle around it. Each tip of the Pentacle stands for an element with the upper most tip representing spirit.
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