In our rituals we use tools as symbols of the Goddess and God and for the Elements.  We use tools to channel energy and we use tools to dispel negativity.  The tools of a Witch include : Wand, Athame, Besom/broom, Pentacle, Censer, Chalice, Cauldron, Staff, Bolline, Candles and sword.  I shall describe each separately.

Wand - this is made from wood, usually.  It may have a crystal on the tip, and may have runes carved into it.  The length is usually the distance between the elbow and the tip of the middle finger.  My wand was made from a branch of a tree that was growing in the backyard.  (I didn't cut the branch off though, it was a fallen one).  It is not straight, and that is why I liked it.  I have an Amethyst crystal on the end and I have decorated around the crystal with gum nuts and feathers.  That is an example of a wand.  They can me as simple as a plain stick, or you could purchase one at a 'new age' shop.  You could even use a "fairy" wand with glitter and ribbons, you can find them in most toy shops.  I have a friend who uses an old wooden spoon.  She cut the spoon end off, and says the she used the spoon to make magick in the kitchen, so it made sense to use it to make Magick.  It is most important to find one that you like and that draws you.  The wand is used when casting the circle to direct the energy into the circle.  It is also used to invoke the Goddess and God.  It can also be used to direct energy into an object to empower it.  Some traditions have the Wand as Air, and some have it as Fire.  I personally see it as Air becuase I think of the stereotypical fairy tale wands with sparks shooting out of it, and I think of Air.  During the burning times the Wand was sometimes substituted for the handle of the Besom, or a wooden spoon or other "normal" kitchen tool.

Athame - This is a black handled knife that is NEVER used for cutting.  It's use is the same os the wand, to direct energy.  It may also be used to scribe runes or writing onto candles, and it is dipped into the chalice to symbolise the union of the Goddess and God.  The Athame (A-th-a-may, or A-th-a-me) can be anything from a kitchen vegetable knife (unused or used - depending on your beliefs) to an elaborate dagger.  They are traditionally a dagger, however I have a beautiful knife which is not a dagger and doesn't even have a black handle!  My Athame is silvery black and the handle is in the shape of a mermaid.  She is holding a pearl above her head.   So if you are drawn to a knife that has a white handle, or a pink handle, don't discount it simply because it is "supposed" to look a certain way.  You can either find a way of covering the handle, tying a black ribbon around it or simply ignore the colour of the handle and declare it to be your Athame, if you believe it is, it will be so.  The Athame symbolises Fire in some traditions, and Air in others.  My Athame symbolises Fire to me.  During the burning times the Athame would be most likely hidden among the other household knifes, or actually just a household knife itself.

Cauldron - This may be anything from a simple bowl, to a huge cast iron pot.  It is used to hold water or Fire (or candle) and occasionally flowers or other objects.  When filled with water it may be used for scrying.  I have two cauldrons.  One is a tiny cast iron "glue pot"  which is the perfect size to fit on my altar.  I found it at an antique store, however it is rusty inside and therefore can't be filled with water.  My other one is a brass pot plant holder.  It has dragons and other swirly patterns and sits on three small legs.  This one is too big to fit on my altar, but sits beside it.  It holds a small ritual fire perfectly, and I have made a wooden square for it to stand on so that I can have a fire inside without worrying about melting the carpet :)  The cauldron should have a smaller opening at the top than it's widest point.  Although if you can't find one that shape, an ordinary bowl or pot will do.  Depending on what your cauldron will be used for, you could make one out of paper-mache, or buy a plastic one at halloween.  These will not hold fire, but the paper one if big enough can hold a candle, and the plastic ones can hold a candle or water (depending on the size).  This tool is not absolutely necessary and you can do rituals without it.  During the burning times the family cooking pot was the cauldron, and was used for cleaning, magick and cooking.

Besom - This is a broom.  It is used to "sweep" away negative energy.  I say "sweep" because you do not actually touch the floor while you sweep, it is sweeping away negativity, not dust.  The besom is also used as a symbol of fertility, as the broomstick is the male part and the brush part is the female.  It is jumped over during handfasting ceremonies, as a symbol of fertility.  During the burning times the Besom would have been the normal sweeping broom, so if you must use an ordinary broom it is ok to do so, but you may wish to cleanse it before each use.  The besom is traditionally round, not rectangular like modern brooms.

Pentacle - This is a five pointed star that has been drawn, painted or carved on to a round disc.  It is usually wooden, but it can be made from any material.  This is the symbol of Earth.  The pentacle is used for protection, and many items are place upon it to purify and protect them.  My pentacle is one that I made from a craft wood disc, that I painted purple and then traced a pentagram on to it, then painted silver.  It isn't the most perfect example, but I made it, and although I have made nicer ones to sell.. I still like my wonky purple one!  Many Witches wear a pentacle or a pentagram of some sort at all times for protection against evil, this can substitute for the pentacle in ritual if you have nothing else.  The pentacle is often used to hold items for purification.  During a consecration items are placed on the Pentacle which is then passed through incense to purify it.  (for more detail on consecrating please see the rituals page)

Censer - The censer is the symbol for Air as it is an incense holder.  It can be ornate, or it may be plain.  The censer is typically a bowl or similar object in which a charcoal block is placed and then powdered incense is then burned.  The censer can however be any sort of incense holder, ever those 'boat' shaped incense holders for stick incense.  I have used a piece of beeswax to poke the incense stick into and the wax sits on a wooden plate to catch the ash.  I have also used the "boat" type holders for stick incense.  I have used a cool looking brass one that burns cone incense (with a lid that actually stopped it burning) and I now use a small brass hanging pot plant holder with 3 chains meeting at the top, so that I can swing it as I walk around the circle.  I bought a thing (I don't know what it is exactly) from an op shop, that is a metal circle with a hole in the middle - on legs, that the Censer fits perfectly into which keeps it raised above the Altar so that it will not spill or melt the altar cloth.

Chalice - This is a cup, or goblet which holds water.  There is usually 1 on an altar, but I use 2 as I like things to look symetrical.  One holds the wine, or other liquid for the feast, the other holds the ritual water that is used as a symbol of water.  The chalice may even be a bowl for the Water Element.  I have a pair of silver goblets, that I bought at a second hand shop for $4 the pair, and they came in a special box.  So look around, you never know what the Goddess and God have planned for you.  If you use only one, it remains empty until the simple feast when it is filled with wine (etc.) that you will drink.  You can also start the ritual off with the wine in the Chalice - but a word of caution........ Pewter goblets will put lead into the wine if you use wine (as it is acidic)... so if you have a pewter Chalice, fill it at the last possible moment, and drink it quickly to avoid drinking too much lead.

Staff - The Staff is a larger version of the wand.  It can be a straight piece of wood, or it may be a branch.  It is used much the same way as the wand.  Most people don't use a Staff as they are large, harder to use (due to size) and perform the same function as a Wand.  I have a Staff, but only becuase I found a stick the same type of wood as my Wand, and the right length (Up to my shoulder).. it was lying on the ground, already cut the right height for me!

Bolline - This is the white handled knife.  It is used to cut herbs, and any other use for magic but not for ceremonial use.  It is the working knife and the Athame is the special knife.  This knife should be sharp as it will cut things (Unlike the Athame which can be blunt). The handle should be lighter than the Athame, but as I said before, 'should' doesn't always work.  My Athame as I explained had a light handle.  My Bolline actually has a black handle (It was my old Athame - before I got the Mermaid one).  Again, I originally chose the knife because it called to me.  It also has a compass in the end of the handle and a  secret compartment in the handle that I have filled with protection herbs.  (The compartment is supposed to be for matches and fishing line as it is a camping knife my use is much better!)

Sword - This is a larger version of the Athame.  It is harder to use (and not often used) due to it's size (as is the staff) and the use is the same as the Athame.  I do not have a sword ... yet.

Tools for those who aren't allowed to have tools

If you can't afford to buy tools, or you are trying to hide your Pagan beliefs from a partner/parent there are some items you can use instead of the usual tools which will blend in with your home without looking suspicious.

I do not advocate lying to parents/partners about your beliefs or hiding things, but if there is no other way - then that is something you have to decide for yourself.

Everyday Items

Wand - Any stick, pencil or texta (you could use Yellow or white for Air, or Orange or Red for Fire), biro (I have consecrated a biro for someone to take home and use to cast a circle and consecrate other items with - as they forgot to bring their Wand), Wooden spoon, bamboo skewer, Pick-up-stick etc.

Athame - Letter opener, Kitchen knife, Nail file (the metal kind with a pointy end and plastic handle), Toy sword etc.

Pentacle - A Pentagram necklace, star necklace, Star or pentagram drawn on a piece of paper or card, a stone (Scott Cunningham mentions the use of a stone instead of a pentacle), a circle of plastic coated paper which you can draw a pentacle on with whiteboard marker (or any texta that will rub off again) which allows you to remove the pentacle design after use.  Anything with a 5 pointed star on it ( I have a dream catcher that is a star instead of a web, that I bought in a shop that sells fairy wings etc.)

Chalice - A coffee mug, wine glass, polystyrene cup etc.  They make plastic wine glasses for use in parties that look ok for a chalice.  You can find them in the paper plate section of a supermarket.

Censer - Anything that will hold a stick of incense...even blu-tak.  If you cannot burn incense either leave it unlit, or try using an essential oil or fragrant oil on a cotton ball instead.

Elemental God/Goddess Candles - use coloured votive, tea-light or birthday candles, or if you aren't allowed to burn candles either leave them unlit or have a symbol of them instead.  You could make an Elemental bottle (see below)

Cauldron - Any cereal bowl or other small bowl

Besom - The normal broom or a small one made from a twig and lengths of lavender stalks or dried grass.  You can buy little craft brooms (from shops that sell craft supplies) that people decorate - these are not the traditional round shape, but will work nicely.  A Dust pan brush (without the pan bit), a wooden scrubbing brush with a piece of wood/stick glued onto it to make a handle

Altar cloth - A decorative (or plain coloured) tea-towel or hand towel, a sarong or scarf.
 

Mini Altar Items
(for making an Altar that will fit into a shoebox (or smaller box) which can then be the Altar)

Wand - Match stick or other small twig, the lead piping from the Cleudo game.

Athame - Pin or sewing needle, toy knife (such as dollhouse cuttlery), sword jewellery (I have a sword  necklace.. I cut the loop off the top and it makes a perfect tiny Athame), The dagger from the Cleudo game.

Pentacle - A Pentacle necklace, a pentacle drawn into Fimo/Sculpty or other "bake in the oven" modelling clay, a pentacle drawn on a piece of paper or card, a stone.

Chalice - A small glass like the ones used for brandy or port (often found in op shops), a thimble etc.  It has to be big enough to drink from though.

Censer - A small ceramic tile on which you can burn an incense cone, or leave it unlit or use an Oil if you cannot burn incense

Elemental Candles - Use coloured Votive, tea-light or birthday candles - even if you have them unlit.  Or use a symbol for them (see below)

Cauldron - A small finger bowl (can be found in Chinese grocery stores) or other tiny bowl, a thimble, a drink bottle lid

Besom - A small broom made from a twig and dried grass, or a dollhouse broom

Altar Cloth - A small square of pretty material, a plain coloured handkerchief.

For information on consecrating ritual tools please see the ritual page

You can use Bottles instead of candles for the Elements. Take 4 of those small coloured glass bottles with the cork lids (or the ones that have a rubber seal with a metal closure, and fill them with things representing the 4 elements, such as:

Red:  (fire) Ash from a fire, matches, birthday candles
Green: (Earth) small stones, soil, salt, leaves, flowers (dried)
Yellow:  (Air) feathers, little toy birds, Toy butterflies, toy fairies
Blue:  (Water) Water (Gee... what a surprise!! - but it can spill and go icky), shells, sand, toy fish

You can also add some of the essential oils or crystals for the elements.

Water:  (oils/herb) Lemonbalm, Gardenia, Jasmine,
              (stones) Aquamarine, chalecdony, jade, pearl, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, sugilite, Amethyst,
              Chrysocolla, Rose Quartz, coral.

Air: (oils/herb) Bergamot, Lavender, Lemongrass, Mint, Pine,
        (stones) Imperial Topaz, Citrine, Mica, Pumice, Aventurine, Clear Quartz, Lepidolite

Fire:  (oils/herb) Basil, Carnation, Cedarwood, Juniper, Calendula, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Ginger,
          (stones) Amber, Obsidian (me!), Rhodocrisite, Ruby, Larva rock,Garnet, Jasper, Pipestone, Citrine,
           Beryl, Hematite

Earth:  (oils/herb) Cypress, Honeysuckle, Vervain, Sage, Magnolia, Mugwort, Patchouli
           (stones) Moss agate, Emerald, Jet, Salt, Black tourmaline, Agate, Malachite, Obsidian (me again!)

Another use for the bottles would be instead of candles for the quarters if you are working outside in the wind/rain or if you are in a forest where you are frightened of setting it alight!  or inside if you are not allowed to burn candles in the house.

You could even make Goddess and God bottles,  so that you could have an altar with the 4 elements and the Goddess and God out of pretty coloured bottles, and no-one would have a clue that they were really symbols of your religion!

I would make the God/dess bottles larger than the elementals... You may need to paint the bottles to get them the colour you want, a light coat of a cheap paint should make them translucent enough to still see through.  (spay cans give an even coverage -- spray from far away though, or you'll get runs)

Goddess Symbols:  moons, name of Goddess on paper, small pic. or figurine, )o( symbol
Goddess colours: Silver, White, Green, Cream, Pink
Goddess Oils/herb: Camelia, Magnolia, Olive, Lily, Lilac,
Goddess stones: Emerald, Silver, Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Peridot, Pink Tourmaline, Blue Quartz, Aquamarine, Beryl, Kunzite, Turquoise (all pink & Blue stones)

(basically anything  ruled by Earth, Water, the Moon & Venus)

God Symbols:  Suns, Name of God on paper, small pic. or figurine, the god symbol
God colours:  Red, Yellow, Gold, Orange, Brown
God Oils/herb: Basil, Chrysanthemum, Clover, Lavender, Pine, Juniper,
God Stones:  Gold, Brass, Diamond, Carnelian, Ruby, Garnet, Orange Calcite,Tiger eye, Topaz, Sunstone, Bloodstone, Red Tourmaline, (all red & Orange stones)

   (Basically anything ruled by Air, Fire, Mars & the Sun.
 

This information is taken from  "Obsidian's Book Of Shadows". Available from:.