| Although there are an array of different Wiccan | | | | energy to a specific area, object, or person. The |
| traditions, each with its own unique basic set of | | | | elemental correspondence is that of fire. |
| Wiccan supplies, there are several items that cross all | | | | - The Besom - this is a ritual broom used to the |
| traditions and are generally known as the most basic | | | | residual energy from a space being prepared for |
| of the Wiccan supplies. Traditionally they each | | | | ritual. Although not part of the altar setup itself, it has |
| represent one of the five elements: earth, air, fire, | | | | an important part to play in the preparation of the |
| water and spirit, and all appear on ones altar. | | | | ritual space. |
| Included in these most basic of Wiccan supplies are | | | | - Cauldron - perhaps one of the most well known of |
| the following items: | | | | the Wiccan supplies or tools, the cauldron represents |
| - The Athame - this is a ritual double edged blade or | | | | the feminine. Cauldrons are used to burn, brew, and |
| dagger with a mental blade and usually a wooden | | | | mix things. The cauldron can represent all the various |
| handle, and is used to mark sacred space. It is | | | | elements, depending on its use. When used to burn |
| associated with the element of air and male energy, | | | | offerings, they represent fire, used to brew a potion, |
| and is never used to actually cut anything physical. | | | | they represent water; used for incense, air; and a |
| - The Chalice - is a symbol of the feminine and is | | | | cauldron of abundance, like a cornucopia, is associated |
| usually a stemmed goblet, but can also be a simple | | | | with the element of earth. Cauldrons are usually |
| bowl as well. The chalice is associated with water, | | | | made of iron and stand on three legs, and vary |
| psychic ability and the subconscious. | | | | greatly in size, although most nowadays are small |
| - Altar Bell - usually a small metal hand bell made of | | | | enough to comfortably fit on an average size altar. |
| silver, pewter or brass, that is used to clear sacred | | | | - Candles - there are usually three candles on the |
| space, punctuate parts of ceremony, and welcome | | | | altar. One black, representing the Goddess, one white |
| the quarters or deities. The element of air is | | | | representing the God, and a third candle for lighting, |
| associated with the bell. | | | | which is usually white. Candles represent the element |
| - Altar Tile - the altar tile, also known as a pentacle | | | | of fire and can be used for candle spells, depending |
| or peyton, is used to open elemental gateways, | | | | on the color of the candle. |
| evoke the divine and protect and bless ritual tools | | | | - A Censer - this is simply a flame proof vessel of |
| and food. Its elemental representation can be that of | | | | any sort used to burn incense in. If not a formal |
| earth or spirit. Altar tiles are generally made of metal, | | | | incense burner, which come in a wide variety of |
| wood, clay or stoneware. | | | | shapes and sizes, the vessel being used as the |
| - Altar Cloths - these cloths are used to keep the | | | | censer can simply be filled with sand at the bottom |
| altar protected from stray wax, embers, dirt and | | | | to absorb the heat. Some censers are cauldron like, |
| grime, and any other kind of damage. Although most | | | | and are hung on chains or suspended in tripods. The |
| stay with the traditional color of black for their altar | | | | censer represents the element of air. |
| cloths, it is commonplace, when celebrating an Esbat, | | | | These are the Wiccan supplies that are used most |
| to use a color that is representational of the event | | | | frequently, as they comprise the basics of the |
| being observed. | | | | ceremonial altar used by virtually all traditions. Other |
| - The Wand - considered by some to be one of the | | | | items are added to the altar depending on the type |
| most important Wiccan supplies, wands are usually | | | | of work being completed and the time of year, as |
| made of wood and are used to project or direct | | | | well as each individual's tradition and preferences. |