Earth and Sky Meditation

There must be a balance of earth and sky energy in each of us. Both are essential to our lives. Attuning to earth keeps us grounded and secure. Connecting to sky reminds us to dream and wish. Go outside on a bright, sunny day. Choose a firm spot to stand on. Make sure you can see the sky. Stand with your legs spread apart in a V shape. Make sure your footing is secure. Raise your arms outstretched in a V toward the sky. The V shape is symbolic of opening up to receive energy. When ready, say:

I am balanced between earth and sky. I walk with my feet on the ground. (Look at your feet planted on the earth.)
I walk with my head in the clouds.
(Look above at the joyful clouds.)
I am balanced between earth and sky. So mote it be!

The Tools

Athame (pronounced AH-tha-meh) - This is the magickal ritual knife used to direct personal power. The handle is usually of a dark color to absorb energies and temporarily store it. It is not used for physical cutting but instead used to direct energy. It is a masculine tool and is represented by the Fire element.

Bolline- This is simply a working knife that is used for physical cuttings such as herbs or flowers, or to mark candles, or anything else that is to be used magickally. The handle is usually white to separate itself from the athame.

Censer- This is simply an incense burner. It can be any shape - from the swinging thuribles of the Catholic Church to a simple seashell. You can make one with a bowl or cup half filled with salt or sand. The salt absorbs the heat and prevents the bowl from cracking. Incense sticks can be pushed into the salt or cones can be placed on its surface. In ceremonial magick, spirits are sometimes commanded to appear in the smoke. The Gods can usually be seen in the smoke. The censer is a masculine tool and is represented by the Air element.

Cauldron- This is a symbol of the Goddess. It also symbolizes Water, reincarnation, immortality, and inspiration. Though it is normally used as a focal point for rituals, such as burning a fire within or holding flowers, it may be used for cooking and potion making.

Cup- Also known as the chalice, the cup is simply a cauldron with a handle. The cup symbolizes the Goddess and the element of Water. Though you can use it to hold water for ritual, it can be used to hold the ritual drink if any.

Pentacle- This is usually a flat piece of brass, gold, silver, wood, etc. inscribed with a pentagram, the interlaced five-point star. It represents Earth and is a tool used to place charms, amulets, or other objects to be blessed or consecrated. It is an old symbol of protection and is sometimes used to evoke the Gods.

Wand- This is an instrument of invocation and is represented by Air. It is used to call upon the Gods and sometimes used to direct energy, draw a circle on the ground, or stir brew in a cauldron. Any straight stick will do as long as you are comfortable with it.

Besom- This is a magick broom used to sweep the area before ritual. The sweeping is more than physical - the besom doesn't even have to touch the ground. It is used to sweep out any astral build up and/or negative energy and purifies the area. Because of its cleansing properties it is a feminine tool and is represented by the element of Water.

Bell- This is a feminine symbol used to call up the Goddess during ritual. It is also rung to ward off evil spells and spirits or to evoke good energies.

For consecration of your ritual tools (making the tools sacred for magickal use), use this website as an idea for what to do: http://fullmoon-magic.com/consecration.html

Food for thought: Why do you think it is important to consecrate your tools before use?

The Altar

Depending on the altar's size, shape, and what you're going to use it for decides on how you should set it up. If it is a permanent altar, you should always have a symbol of the Goddess and God at the center when it is not being used. If your altar has an alternate use - such as a coffee table, you should always put everything away in a safe and sacred place for you. Nothing that is not being used for ritual, or that you do not find sacred, should ever be placed on the altar.

If working with a circular surface, it is better to set up your altar according to the four corners and their corresponding elements. Each tool, as well as the images or symbols to be used for the God and Goddess should be placed accordingly.

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If your altar is rectangular or square, the easiest method is by placing the Goddess to the left, the God to the right, and aligning the tools in a way where the symbolism matches.

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You may use an altar cloth if you so desire. However, always remember that the altar is what YOU make it. These are just examples and you can make small changes that best suit you.

As an example, I took a picture of my altar using the rectangular altar diagram.

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Symbols

Helpful Resource: http://www.freewebs.com/wiccanforesttemple/symbols.htm

These are a few symbols that Wiccans use, whether for their BOS, or for personal use in rituals and spells.

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