The Quarter Banners – placed at the cardinal points of the circle. These are in the elemental colours and symbolize the four elements. These are placed on the appropriate walls of the temple.
The Besom – traditionally made from cornstalks and husks bound together. It should be used to sweep the circle from centre to perimeter. It cleans out any old psychic energies and negativity from the circle. If a broom is not available, a sprinkling of salt and water will do. It is a balancing tool and is traditionally male in nature. The end of the broom can be carved into a phallic symbol. The shaft of the broom passes through a ball of red twine symbolizing the feminine principle. This is hidden from view by the straw. It is used by the hand-maiden to cleanse the circle during ritual. It was originally a riding and dancing pole, disguised as an ordinary household broom for security reasons. Stories about witches riding through the air on broomsticks arouse from their use in crop fertility rites.
Women would ride them around the fields, leaping as high as they could. This was sympathetic magic in two ways. The higher the leap, the higher the crop would grow. And the fertility theme would be dramatized by the way the women used their phallic poles during their riding.
The Cauldron – is a Goddess womb symbol. Can be used to hold wine or fire. Has to have three legs. It contains male energy. This would originally have been identified with the witch because of her mysteriously brewing potions and herbal remedies, though for centuries it was simply the family cooking pot. Its associations with witches probably arose from pictures of witches at work.
It is a larger version of the chalice, and is a symbol of rebirth, death, renewal, and inexhaustible plenty. It is more adaptable than the cup since it can contain water, fire, incense, or flowers. Leaping over the cauldron is a fertility rite.
The Libation Bowl – symbol of giving back to the Gods what was freely given to us. Is a form of sacrifice.
The Cake Dish – symbolizes the source of the necessities of life.
The Consecrated Ritual Ash-tray – used during break in circle.
The Summoner’s Staff – Huge, bloody-great stick used to summon the coven, and to keep order if necessary.
The Horned Helmet – used by High Priest or Priestess to represent the Horned God.
Thin White Cloth – used by High Priestess during Great Rite.
The Ritual Tape-recorder – Used to play the Ritual Meditation Tapes.
The Ritual Meditation Tapes – used to set the appropriate mood during the ritual.
***
Bibliography
Complete Book of Witchcraft - Buckland, Raymond; Llewellyn; 1987
Magic, An Occult Primer - Conway, David; Mayflower; 1972
What Witches Do - Farrar, Stewart; Pheonix; 1983
A Witches Bible Compleat - Farrar, Janet & Stewart; Magickal Childe; 1984
The Symbolic Weapons of Ritual Magic - Highfield, A.C.; Aquarian; 1983
Mastering Witchcraft - Huson, Paul ; Putnam; 1970
Witches - Jong, Erica; Granada Publishing; 1982
An ABC of Witchcraft - Past and Present - Valiente, Doreen;
Pheonix Publishing Co.; 1981
Positive Magic - Weinstein, Marion; Phoenix Publishing Co.; 1981
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