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The best 'tools' you can have are a strong determination to succeed in your quest, develop your visualisation techniques, read as much information as you can (see books), but above all else practice, practice, practice! If you feel the need to be part of a coven, look through publications such as Pagan Dawn or contact the Pagan Federation (and become a member!). Be very wary of signing up to any group on the Internet unless you are absolutely sure of their credentials. Sadly there are a few nutters out there on the net who are more interested in abusing you than helping you, and there are even some bigoted sites that make you think you have moved back to the dark ages when Witch trials were commonplace. Please don't let this put you off - There is a wealth of information available on the net, and you should investigate these sites as much as possible. Some useful web sites are provided on the links page.
Although strictly speaking you need nothing more than the above, it is usual to have several 'tools of the trade' which will help you relate better to your experiences.
A besom is a hand-made broom of ash staff and birch twigs, these can often be found in garden centres at (usually) a reasonable price. The besom is used primarily as a purifier, and many Wiccan rituals begin by sweeping the area where the sacred circle is to be cast in order to remove any negative energies. The besom can also be used as a protective implement by laying it under the bed, across a windowsill or across the threshold of your property.
The wand is an implement of invocation. It may be used to draw magickal symbols on the ground, direct energy, and is often used when calling upon the Goddess and God.
This is usually a bowl or cup half filled with sand upon which incense is burned during rituals. There are lots of expensive ready made burners available on the market, but chose what you feel happy with and what your budget can withstand. Cone, stick or block incense can be used, but raw or granulated incense is preferred (and doesn't contain glue to hold it together and smell when burned!).
The most important "tool" of all. Your Book of Shadows is where you keep all your information relating to spells, rituals, invocations... Traditionally this was hand written, but some people now have a computerised version. Do remember however that it is not much good in having it on your PC when you are in the middle of a clearing performing a ritual - you will need printed copy.
The Athame (pronounced at-ah-may) is used for cutting, not of the physical plane, but of the astral. It is used to direct energy and as a power manipulation device.
The knife is usually white handled and is used in the gathering of herbs and plants, cutting wands, and to inscribe symbols into candles.
The pentacle is a symbol of protection; it is NOT a symbol of the Devil as some might have you believe. The pentacle is usually a flat piece of wood, brass, wax, silver, gold or clay that is inscribed with a pentagram. It may additionally be inscribed with other magickal symbols, but these are not a requirement. The pentacle is used to evoke spirits and as a protective device. It can occasionally be used when summoning the Goddess and God, and is a very convenient stand for charms or amulets to be consecrated.
The archetypal tool of the Witch! The cauldron is used for scrying and as a container in which magickal transformations occur.
You will need a good stock of candles, mainly you will need white, but other colours will be required for candle magick. Alter candles are green to represent the Goddess and red to represent the God.
Usually made of silver, brass or gold, and is used to contain ritual beverages.
The bell is a feminine symbol used to invoke the Goddess, evoke good energies or to ward off evil spirits and spells.
