Ritual Tools

Just like looking for ritual scripts, one doesn't have to look very hard to find information on ritual tools, or for that matter, on-line stores ready to sell you whatever you want.  Also similar to using a ritual script designed by someone else, when it comes to acquiring ritual tools it is important to clarify your desires:

• Should I make (grow) this item, trade something for it, or purchase it?

• What is this tool used for?

• Is it meaningful to me?

• Am I attracted to it?

• Is this the best time for me to acquire it?  Will I really use it?  Do I need it?

I've found that my likes and needs in ritual have changed over the years, and so have the items on my storage shelves.  

A. J. Drew, in his book A Wiccan Bible, gives us an important reminder regarding ritual items.  He writes, "This is why specific colors, scents, words, and other props are used in ritual -- not because those colors, scents, words, and other props are magick in and of themselves, but because they stimulate the human mind" (page 36).  That's a good reminder to not get too caught up in particular herbs or tools.  The most important things are the energy, focus, and history we bring to the items.  Two of my most powerful pieces are a rock and a shell I found during intense spiritual retreats.

Apparent Contradictions

You will notice seemingly conflicting information as you move through various books and on-line resources.  For example, different sources will attribute different meanings to particular colors.  Should you pick a red candle for love, or does a red candle mean rage?  You will find the same types of apparent contradictions when exploring the powers of herbs and oils.  

I view the ritual aspect of Paganism as a form of artistic expression, and as such, my expression and yours may be different.  You can pick and choose the meanings and aspects of rituals that suit you.  Find authors and sources that you respect and look closely at their work.  I find a similar phenomenon in tarot card reading -- many different card interpretations.  My experience has been that the message I need to hear comes through even though, over the years, my interpretations of some cards has changed.  I think the same it true when interpreting colors, herbal meanings, or any similar system.  Settle on a set of interpretations and work with it for a while.  You will find what you need.  

"More" is Not Always Better

Marian Green, in her book Natural Witchcraft, gives us a timely and important reminder of the purpose and meaning of ritual. She writes:

Some new followers of the old ways are being diverted into a new cult of pre-written rituals, with stage directions, props and scripts, so they appear more like amateur dramatics than heartfelt, natural wisdom and spirituality evoked by the very ground we stand upon. ... If we are too busy reading books, buying factory-made artifacts, burning candles and chemically-created incense, we won't notice the [environmental] crises building up around us. (pages 3, 6)

I find ritual to be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, and I happen to be one who enjoys more elaborate rituals.  I'm thankful to authors like Marian Green who remind me that while reading books and websites are informative, and while performing rituals can be powerful, my spirituality should spread beyond rituals to my attitudes and my behaviors.

Ritual Items

There are many ways to acquire ritual items.  You may purchase them at metaphysical stores (in "brick and mortar" stores or on-line), receive them as gifts, make them yourself, or find suitable items in nature.  Directories of metaphysical stores can be found on the internet, such as the Pagan Shops section of the Witches Voice and the Pagan Web Directory at The Cauldron.

Rituals tools are sometimes practical and often times symbolic.  You need to find symbolic items that are meaningful to you.  If you decide to make some ritual tools yourself you might want to incorporate some of the Wiccan symbols suggested by Scott Cunningham in his book Living Wicca, starting on page 153, or those detailed at Symbols of Wicca and Neopaganism at about.com.

Popular ritual items that you will learn about in your studies are:  

Remember that you'll need matches and holders for candles and incense, bowls for oils, herbs, and salt, covers for your alter and specific items.  You may also want musical instruments or CDs and a player.  If you are working outside you may have some special needs, such as a flash light, water, and a cell phone in case of an emergency.

Safety Issues

It's important to take a practical look at your items with safety in mind.  If you are using candles inside or outside -- do you feel comfortable that they are well protected?  One person told me a story of putting votive candles on the floor to indicate her circle, and then accidentally caught her dress on fire while dancing.  I heard another story of someone with candles outside, working in quiet meditation, and not realizing that dried leaves had blown over the candles and a small fire was starting.  Thankfully it was noticed before it got out of hand.  Try to keep safety in mind while planning a ritual.

The way store items is important too.  How will you store sharp objects?  Do you need to put some of your ritual tools in a chest or closet to keep them away from children who might hurt themselves?  Consider how you will pack your items if you need to travel with ritual tools.