I have my wand, athame, and chalice. I should be getting my pentagram plate soon. I heard that the pentagram plate represents Earth, athame represents Air, wand represents Fire, and chalice represents Water. Did I get it right? I will ask more questions after this question is answered.
Keep in mind tools are more for show than anything. They help focus your mind and thus your energy.
Same goes for the words of a spell. It's neat to have rhymes and have everything come together; but it is not necessary.
Another use of tools is for traditional sense. They have meaning of sentimental reasons.
Use what works for you.
There are various things that can represent Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.
You could easily get most with incense and a glass of water.
Burning incense can represent both fire and air.
The ground or walls can be earth, as can the incense.
Water, can be water.
So can you.
Honestly, it's completely up to you to decide what it important to your spell casting. Do you like using a wand, does it help you channel your energy? Will the pentagram plate help you represent an element? Whatever helps you visualize your energy is the correct route.
Re: About the Magick Tools By: IrisMoon / Beginner
Post # 4 Feb 16, 2016
You have the elemental associations correct. Some traditions though switch them for the athame and wand (athame-fire and wand-air). How you view that is a personal matter.
Another thing linked to tradition is what tools you use and keep on your altar. Some witches include a bell, incense burner, cauldron, deity statues, deity candles (instead of statues), bowl of salt, oil burner, and more. Other tools that don't quite fit on the altar that some use are staffs, swords, besoms (broom) and special robes to wear during ritual. Each person decides what they prefer the most and go by that. So unless you follow a set tradition and go by its altar set up that tells you what tools you should have, no two altars will be the same.
Okay, I know that the athame and wand are for focusing your energy. Like to point the wand/athame to the ground and move around as you form a circle. Now I want to confirm; what is the pentagram plate and chalice for? It's kinda confusing learning witchcraft, so please don't scold me. I will ask more questions after this question is answered.
Your chalice is mainly to represent the Goddess, or the water element. You can place full moon water in it, charge it as you sprinkle it for a circle instead of using a wand or athame.
Your Pentacle disc/plate is mainly for laying things down to help charge them, or you could substitute it for whatever other piece you feel you are missing with your tools.