Magical tools in Wicca

Various different tools are used in Wiccan ritual. Chief amongst them in importance are the paton, athame (or sword), wand and chalice, each of which represents one of the four elements of earth, air, fire and water.

Paton

The Paton is an altar consecration tool with a sigil or magickal symbol engraved or inscribed upon it. The most common symbol of the Paton is the pentacle although some other symbols may be used such as the triquetra. The Paton is symbolic of the element of earth. This is often found on a plate, from which bread is eaten during the ritual. It is typically used to represent the element of Earth during evocation, as a symbol which blesses items, as well as magickally energizing that which is placed upon it.

Sword and Athame

The sword, or a ritual knife known as an athame, is often used in Wiccan ritual. In Gardnerian Wicca these are associated with the element of air. In other traditions, these are associated with fire, the element of the will.

The athame is traditionally a black-handled knife, and Gardner described it as "the true Witch's weapon" in the Book of Shadows, something for which he has been criticised by Frederic Lamond, who believes that there should be no "weapons" in Wicca. The athame is used to cast a magic circle, and to control spirits. The term "athame" in its modern spelling is unique to Wicca, but originates from words found in two historical copies of the Key of Solomon, though was not included in Macgregor Mathers' published version. One version, currently held in the Biblioteque de l'Arsenal, Paris, uses the term "arthame" to describe a black handled knife. This was adopted by C.J.S Thompson in his 1927 book The Mysteries and Secrets of Magic and by Grillot de Givry, in his 1931 book Witchcraft, Magic and Alchemy. The historian Ronald Hutton theorised that Gardner got it either directly or indirectly from one of these sources, although changed the spelling.

The athame is usually enscribed on the handle, sometimes in the Theban alphabet. It is never under any circumstances used to draw blood. If blood is drawn, the athame or sword loses its power, and must be destroyed and never used again.

Wand

In Gardnerian Wicca, the wand is symbolic for the element of Fire, though in some traditions it instead symbolises Air. It can be made from any material, including wood, metal and rock, and Wiccan wands are sometimes set with gemstones or crystals.

In his Book of Shadows, Gerald Gardner stated that the wand is "used to summon certain spirits with whom it would not be meet to use the athame". Frederic Lamond states that this referred to elemental spirits, who were traditionally believed to be scared of iron and steel.

Chalice

The chalice, or goblet, is symbolic for the element of Water. Many Wiccans do not consider it to be a tool, but instead to be a symbol of the Goddess, particularly her womb. The chalice bears many similarities with the Holy Grail, except for its symbolism used in witchcraft. Rather than being the blood of Christ, it is symbolic of the Goddess' womb. The chalice is often used to hold wine, water, milk, juice and other ritual drinks.

via Wikipedia