                                                    |
|
 SPIRIT BOWL/MOON BOWL/MOON SHELLThe oldest tool of Italian Witchcraft is the Moon Bowl. This is a large shell used as a tool of invocation. These shells were the size of a common bowl. Placed upon stone altars, seawater was then poured into the shell and a small white shell placed in the center of the bowl. This way, worship of the Moon could be carried out even when the Moon was not visible. The shell also symbolized the womb of the Great Goddess and the shell within symbolized the 'child of promise'. A series of small white shells were also placed around the bowl forming a crescent shape. In later times, the shell was replaced by a gourd or wooden bowl. Instead of seawater, an alcohol-like fluid was placed in the bowl. The smaller shell was no longer set inside the bowl. It was replaced by a flame, burning on the liquid's surface. Today, the bowl is called the Spirit Bowl and is set in the center of the altar. An alcohol-based liquid such as Strega Liquore is poured into it and lighted. The flame is considered to be the presence of Diety. THE WANDThe Wand is typically a branch of a fruit-bearing tree. Trees were held to be Sacred Beings, who gave life and provided food and shelter. It is not surprising that the Old Ones chose to 'borrow' some of the tree's power by incorporating a part of it into a tool. In reverance to the tree, strict procedures were developed for the taking of a branch. First offerings had to be made to the 'Numen' (spirit) of the tree. The wood was taken from the bend in the branch out to the fork. This represented the human arm. Over time, specific measurements were made: the Wand would measure from the inside of the elbow to the tip of the middle finger; Staffs would measure the height of the person plus the measure of the wand. The Wand is a tool of 'request' rather than 'demand'. It is a symbol of the element of Air and is associated with the east. THE CHALICEThe Chalice originated from the shell or gourd. It has the same 'womb' associations as the bowl does. The Chalice serves as a reminder of compassion as one grows in personal power. THE SPIRIT BLADE OR SWORDThe Spirit Blade (Athame) os often called the 'Blade of Reason'. It is necessary to maintain a stable mind. The Blade is associated with the element of Fire, from which it's metal was forged. THE PENTACLEThe original ritual pentacles were flat rocks employed to mark the center of the 'sacred space'. The rock was engraved with etchings to represent the four elements (air, fire, water & earth) held in balance by the spirit of Nature. Pentacles may be made from any natural substance. THE NANTA BAGThe purpose of the Nanta Bag is two-fold. First, it is designed to keep its wearer in harmony with Nature. Second, it serves as a carrier of the Tools so the witch can perform their magick anywhere or at any time. The bag itself is made of leather or cloth. Within the bag were miniature representations of the ritual tools. The bag would typically contain: a thimble (chalice) |
