I will mostly discuss here things that you might use while casting a circle and might adorn your altar. Most items should be consecrated. See links to rituals and prayers to help you do that. Here are two pictures of different altars to give you a rough idea what your altar might look like. It can be completely different but its a starting point.
- THE WITCH:
Yes, this means you. You are the most magickal tool of all. It is your intentions and energies that determine the results of any magickal work. Some witches never use any other tool but their own personal energies! It is the focus, concentration, intentions and desires that reside within YOU that are the real "tools" of the Witch! Discipline and the ability to concentrate and focus are paramount.
   BOOK OF SHADOWS:
   ATHAME: (pronounced "a-thAM-ay" or "ATH-a-may")
Some witches make their own blades or "personalize" purchased ones with runes, carvings and other symbols; all of which serve to blend the energy of the tool with their own magickal intentions. Modern Witchcraft books almost always state that the athame is a "black handled double edged iron blade." You may call this model, "the classic', if you like! But many other practitioners now use athames made from stainless steel, copper, silver and various other metals, or even carved stone. Some have family heirlooms, such as letter openers which serve the purpose. Some Witches never use a blade at all - choosing to have a wand stand in for the purpose. So you can see, it is more important that the tool you choose suits you personally and spiritually rather than reflect the latest fashion craze.
The athame can be used to cast the magick circle, call the "quarters" or elements, and is part of many an opening ritual, handfasting (wedding) or initiation rite. It is associated with the element of Fire and the South. It is customary in some traditions to have your blade given to you as a gift. Some Witches or ceremonial workers give their tools a magickal "name". Some witches will not let their tools be touched by anyone other than themselves. Some covens or working groups share common tools. It is, other than for those who are dedicated into a specific Tradition, what you are comfortable with and how you approach your own magick.
Almost all materials written state - and most, with the possible exception of the Sax Wiccans, Witches/Wiccans agree - that magickal tools should not be used for any other purpose than ritual work. Often the blade is left "dull" or unsharpened because of this. An athame is meant to cut energy, not material.
   BOLEEN:
 THE BROOM:
- THE BELL:
Bells have been around for thousands of years, they come in different shapes and sizes, as well as different tones and sounds. Bells have different rhythmic sounds and vibrations. People have been singing songs with this beautiful instrument for ages upon ages and they are strongly associated associated with the winter holidays in modern times. The bell itself also has magical associations. It has been believed for centuries to possess a magical and/or spiritual power. They are associated with the divine: their sound is symbolic of creative power, their shape a symbol of the female force and celestial vault. The bell is an uncommon tool. Yet, once you use it in a ritual, you might just feel the need to keep using it. There is no one way to use the bell, use your imagination! Here are a few ideas; you can use it to open and close the sacred circle, Invoke the Goddess, ring to ward off negative energies (as well as invite positive energies ), or use it to signal different sections of a ritual and/or Sabbat. But most of all have fun, create your own rituals using the bell! It is also excellent, with a deep toned bell, to help with meditation. Traditionally, the fen do not like the sound of bells and witches have used them to drive off troublesome house faeries - just be careful not to offend any of the fen that are helpfully residing in your home.
- THE CAULDRON:
One of the most common and beloved symbols of Witchcraft, the cauldron was once found sitting by the fireplace in almost all homes. The cauldron - traditionally with three legs - represents bounty and blessings. In some Celtic Traditions, it is associated with otherworldly figures such as Bran the Blessed and the Goddess Cerridwen. Based on these myths, the cauldron has also come to represent the concept of reincarnation and the cycles of birth, death and rebirth. Many Witches believe in some form of reincarnation or the transmigration of souls.
Cauldrons can be used to represent water and used for scrying. It is sometimes used in association with elemental fire as well and small "bonfires" can be lit in them to burn spells or incense. Jumping over the cauldron has replaced the "bonfire" leap in modern times and urban spaces. It can, depending on intent and use, be placed in the Female West or Male South. Cauldrons range in size from the small altar models to the antique "floor" type. Many Witches have cauldrons in various sizes for different workings and purposes. Caution: You may turn around and find several cauldrons scattered around your home. Purchasing one will often lead to the acquistion of several more.
- CANDLES:
A brief introduction to what place candles play in magick is, unavoidably, flawed. The candle is the metaphysical equivilant of the pipebomb. You charge it and then you light it and then it "goes off." It is sympathetic magick in and of itself - once consecrated and charged with purpose. The wax is the battery, the wick is the fuse of your spell and the fire is the engine that drives it. On an alter, candles of appropriate color summon the quarters (North, South, East, West) to anchor them in your circle. Candle offerings to the God and Goddess on your alter may be the only candles you light - in white, black, gold or silver. Candles of esoteric shapes - the body of man, a woman, an animal, a thing - might focus the power of your spell in the correct direction. Any more complete explination will require an entire webpage(s) of their own. I'll put it on my list of things to do.
- THE CHALICE:
The chalice or cup is used on the altar to represent the Female principle of Water. Another chalice or cauldron is sometimes placed in the West as well. The chalice along with the athame, sword or wand are the modern tools which are used in the enactment of the "Great Rite" - the union of the male and female principle from which Life will spring. Chalices may be of any material. Many use wood, silver or pewter (be careful with untreated metals when serving wine), but ceramic ones are now quite popular and readily obtainable. Some Witches have many different kinds for different types of rituals. Many a practitioner will avoid real "lead" crystal because of the Saturn energy influence. The chalice is sometimes passed around the circle so each participant may take a sip from the cup. This is a bonding experience and often the words "May you never thirst!" are passed throughout the circle with the chalice. Libations of wine or water are often then poured outside to honor the Old Ones and "sabbat" cakes are also offered back to the Source in a similar manner.
- THE CLOTHING MAGICKAL:
Clothing is "optional" for many Witches. If you are dedicated into a Tradition, you may practice "skyclad" - which means clad only by the sky. This is not as popular as it once was and most witches don special robes or clothing during ritual. The clothing - robes, capes, jewelry and other items - used in ritual work is usually dedicated to only these uses. Having "special" garments lends an "special" feel and sets ritual work apart from mundane life. It helps the practicioner to make a mental change from ordinary to magick. Many traditions or paths have a "standard" wardrobe which reflects the ethnic background of that path. Scots may wear kilts and Druids may wear hooded robes. Many embroider magickal symbols on their ritual clothing or "hide" small magickal items in the seams and hems to act as talismans for protection. For more information on robes, in particular, see below.
- PENTACLE or PATONS:
(Also called the Altar Pentacle)
The Altar pentacle is usually a disk or plate of metal, ceramic, or wood inscribed with the five pointed star in a circle. This is set upon the altar and used to consecrate various other tools and as a focal point of concentration for magickal workings. It is associated with the Female North and the element of Earth.
Some Witches use a paton when calling in the elements as well. Patons (sometimes "peytons" or "patens") can now be found made of ceramic and glass. You can even make your own from clay or simply draw and color one on stiff paper. In some references, it is stated that patons in the "old days" were only made from disposable materials so that evidence of your beliefs could be quickly burned should the authorities come knocking at your door!
- THE STAFF:
The staff is a very important tool in some traditions and not used at all in other traditions.. It is used to mark quarter points or as a "stang" to hold banners representing elements or other unique symbolic flags, particularly in outdoor rits. The staff may be used in much the same manner as the wand. It is usually matched "to your measure"- which means it reaches to your shoulder- making it easy and comfortable for you to handle without either knocking yourself upside the head or having it trip you up from behind. Any such incident will amuse your friends, but do little to enhance your image in the magickal community!
- THE THURIBLE OR INCENSE BURNER:
A container used to contain a hot coal for burning incense. This is best made from a fire resistant or fire proof material. The most common are the "mini-cauldrons' of iron and the various brass types which come in wonderful shapes and sizes. Some even hang on a chain. The incense itself represents the element of Air while the fire (charcoal) represents Fire. The combination of these two elements are used to purify ritual areas, other tools or the circle itself. Some witches simply use their cauldrons for this purpose. Some use a thurible at each direction point. Use varies.
- INCENSE:
There are some who believe that incense is unimportant. I cannot imagine magick without the incense. The type that you use may be specified in a specific spell, if that is the case by all means use that. Generally, I use myrrh. Be creative - there are different scents for different purposes. Most importantly, incense (working in Air or East) supports our prayers - as the smoke rises our intentions are carried up into the realm of the spirit and to the Goddess.
- THE ROBE:
As stated above, some covens and solitary practicioners work naked - referred to, in the Craft, as skyclad - "clad only by the sky". However, this practice seems to be waning and that has its good points and its bad points. Personally, I believe that a consecrated ritual garment is far more practical and reasonable than sitting around naked on damp ground - getting cold and icky. Also, skyclad ritual tends to discourage the beginner. It is, however, wonderful when practicing sex magick with your beloved and I hope that stays "skyclad" forever. However, that's an activity for intimate partners - not the new guy at rit. Mostly, it is simply a matter of preference.
Robes can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. You may purchase a robe (holyclothing.com has wonderful things). Also, making your own ritual robe from scratch is often part of the initiaion process. Here are some considerations for making a simple robe:
Any type of material will do, the choice is up to you - polyester (if you must!), silk, cotton, wool. Consider, though, its weight: will it he too heavy and hot, or too light and cool? Will you want a "winter" (or outdoor) robe and a "summer" (or indoor) robe? Also consider how easily it creases and wrinkles. Will it stretch too much? Is it washable? Will it itch? (Some witches wear nothing under their robes, so this last is a serious consideration!) Make a practical choice when deciding on the fabric.
Buy a pattern. SIMPLICITY Patterns makes some "halloween" costume patterns that any caveman can follow and so can we! I made a cloak with a lined hood and , while not easy, it certainly wasn't impossible. The pattern has step by step directions - particularly the halloween patterns. Do not fear! Carpe Diem!
Think carefully about the color of your robe. It used to be that most Witches wore white robes, but more colors are appearing at festivals. In Saxon Witchcraft, the priestess wears either white, purple or deep green and the others wear greens, browns, yellows and blues. Though this is not a hard and fast rule. Combinations of colors can be attractive, of course, as can a basic trimmed with silver or gold, or with a second color. Some few Witches do wear black but, while acknowledging it to be a very "powerful" color because black is a combination of all other colors, Buckland personally warns that it plays up to the misconception of equating Witchcraft with Satanism. However, the association of black with evil is ridiculous.
Consider adding a sash, belt, embroidery, jewelry or other decoration or decorations to your robe. This increases your connection to this item and actually helps to make it more a tool than simply a garment. Consider carefully what you intend. I recommend protection runes as a good place to start.
Lastly, some witches do not use a robe but, instead, use a hooded cloak. Feel free to use the same ideas to embellish and bless your cloak as your would a robe. Again, this is a matter of your tradition and your personal taste.
- STATUES / PICTURES:
Many include a picture or symbol of their patron diety, saint or group thereof. This is simply a way of honoring your chosen God or Goddess or both. No one actually worships the specific statue. It is simply a representation and may be honored as such.
- THE WAND:
The wand represents the element of Air and the Male East. You can purchase a ready made one or collect one from your friendly neighborhood tree. (Ask first, if you want to harvest one from a living tree- and leave a small token of thanks.) Even dowels, such as those sold in hardware stores, can be painted and decorated quite beautifully.
The wand can be used to cast the circle or direct energy in other magickal ways, such as in spells and incantations. There are wands of glass, copper, silver and other metals, but the "classic" material is still wood. Various woods have different magickal associations and uses. It is very common for a "Wand Witch" to have many wands of various types in his/her magickal closet. Witches who do not use athames often use a wand instead.
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