What are the tools used in magical practice?
There are a variety of items well known for use in ritual magick, some are quite specialized, others are commonly used everyday.
Ceremonial Magick is quite different from other forms of ritual magick, and uses symbolic items that are very specialized. It is considered a “High” form of Magick. Grimoires are books of complicated ritual and spirit communication often accomplished with the use of sigils. Magicians employ ancient knowledge of Alchemy, Astrology, Conjuring and Occultism extensively in ceremonial work. Robes, lamens, crowns, talismans. and other symbolic adornment are worn to enhance an individual’s strength and presence. Practitioners may attain levels of skill by which they are identified. The “Cone of Power” is used in part for summoning strong unearthly entities while invoking the magicians will to contain and direct spirits to do their bidding. There are many forms within ceremonial magick tied to a variety of organizations, with an extensive history. Ceremonial Magick experienced a strong revival in the last century.
The array of tools used in ceremonies may be specific to a ritual, often used in progressive steps to execute a series of rituals to accomplish a goal. These items represent metaphysical concepts, drawn from centuries of guides written down in practice. Some writings reference authors of biblical and earlier times. Books of Magick workings are written records traditionally known as Grimoires. These magical texts or journals include knowledge of alchemy, angels, astrology, amulets, botanical recipes, consecration guides, daemons, demons, elemental spirits, invocation, evocation, symbolic drawings or sigils, talismans, tools and how these items are used. The knowledge is far-reaching, and may be kept secret within a small circle, or among an established secret society of like minded practitioners. Some magicians are solitary, these individuals follow a personal path that is somewhat different, though they may pass their knowledge to one or more apprentices so it is not lost.
Ritual and Natural Magick are most often used to accomplish personal goals, or to guide activities. This is the Magick used to encourage Romance, Love, Fidelity, and wealth. It is a tool of practitioners to understand and treat negative energies that result in ill health, emotional distress, relationship problems, to remove unwonted spirits, or to discern the future and to gain something you want. It too has an ancient history, and is the base of magic from our earliest ancestors. It is often referred to as “Low” magick. There are many magical practices in use. Some are considered “Low” Magick because the outcome is thought to be more mundane. Nature “Healers”, witches, and those practicing any natural magic are thought to be in this category. Low does not mean lessor, it is more in touch with earth elementals, and conjuring earthly spirits. Daemons are nature spirits of the good or benevolent variety who may be used as guides. Spirits are what many recognize as ghosts. Not all spirits are benevolent, some are tricksters, some can be malevolent.
Ritual and Natural Magick practitioners perform rituals that may be modified or written to suit their needs. They may create Herbal and Oil recipies for influential use. Altars will have a more limited variety of tools: candles, salt and water, a chalice or cup, Bolline or Atheme for inscribing symbols on candles, Mortise and Pestle, incense, and a plate or Pentacle paten for mixing herbs and potions. Their books are often hand written notes of ritual practice and the result or outcome of the work. A solitary is likely to follow their own path for the creative aspect. Practitioners also perform rituals for the purpose of celebrations or blessing. Their magical workings are typically beneficial , but there are some who create dark or contrary magick. A common theme among those who use ritual or natural magic is to “Do as Ye Will, but Harm None”, meaning you are free to do any magic as long as the consequences are not hurtful. This tenet is most often connected to Wiccans or covens and solitary witches, who prefer to practice “white” magick.
If you have an interest in learning more on these subjects there are many valuable tomes for study. I will build a list of good references, in my opinion, that can easily be found online. Some published content is only available in print and may be more difficult to obtain.
You can take anything you find here and use it in your own practice. My information is freely available but is not always found together as a broad reference, or easy to find.
MAGICKWYRD 