Altar Tools and Symbols Meanings and magickal uses
The athame, chalice, wand, pentacle and the other tools and symbols you keep on your altar, what each one means and where it goes.
- AthameThe witch's ritual knife, used to direct energy and cast the circle, never to cut.
- WandA slender stick of wood that gently directs energy and invites spirits and deities.
- ChaliceThe ritual cup of water or wine, a symbol of the Goddess, love and the element of Water.
- PentacleA disc carved with a five-pointed star, the protective heart of the altar and the element of Earth.
- CauldronThe iron pot of transformation, used for burning, brewing and blending spell ingredients.
- BesomA broom of twigs used to sweep a space clean of stale energy before ritual.
- Altar BellA small bell rung to clear a space, mark the start of ritual and call in good energy.
- BolineThe witch's working knife, used for cutting herbs, cords and carving candles.
- CenserThe holder that burns your incense, bringing the element of Air and fragrant smoke to the altar.
- Goddess FigureA statue, picture or candle that honors the Goddess, placed on the left of the altar.
- God FigureA statue, antler or candle that honors the God, placed on the right of the altar.
- Triple MoonA full moon between two crescents, the sign of the Goddess as Maiden, Mother and Crone.
- Offering BowlA bowl for gifts of food, drink or flowers to the gods, spirits or ancestors.
- Salt DishA small dish of salt that stands for Earth and is used to cleanse and protect.
- Water BowlA small bowl of water that stands for the element of Water, for cleansing and blessing.
- FeatherA feather that stands for the element of Air and gently fans incense smoke.
- SeashellA shell from the sea that stands for Water and the Goddess, and can hold small offerings.
- Book of ShadowsYour personal book of spells, rituals, notes and lessons, kept on or near the altar.
- Scrying MirrorA dark mirror for gazing and divination, often used at Samhain and the full moon.
- Candle SnufferA little bell-shaped cap on a handle for putting out candles gently and safely.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.