Lessons in Magic III: Tools

In my study and experience, I have found that most folks use a variation of some very similar tools. They have different names and specialized functions depending on personal or traditional practice, but I consider these to be their essential forms. 

Focus: The wand, staff, crystal point, and similar tools serve as the Focus. This is what the magician uses to effect change in the outside world, bringing their will into being. It is often wielded in the dominant hand, and I associate it with air, though fire is traditional. 

Scourge: The blade, broom, whip, or bell all serve as a Scourge- a magical weapon. Traditionally corresponding to air, I see them as more fiery; they are used in banishing entities and baneful magic. 

Lots/Sortilege:The primary divination tool that the magician uses, having countless forms and variations. Water-associated, and used to generate advice from the gods/higher self/nature/etc. 

Amulet: Distinct from other talismans, the Amulet acts as a shield or barrier that keeps malfeasant magic away when the magician’s guard is down. Earth-associated, and often worn around the neck or in the form of a garment.

When using these tools, I keep in mind that I am dominant in my right hand; when I need to perform external magic or change the world around me– to “dominate”, I use my right hand. Since I am left-hand ‘receptive,’ magic to accept, learn, or change something about myself should be performed with my left hand.

In my time practicing magic, I have found that while for some it is easy to keep ahold of the same tools for almost their whole magical careers, I am often changing it up. Some days my oak wand feels most magically useful, and others my focus is a ring in the shape of a silver snake; my amulet oscillates between a series of necklaces of mine regularly; and I am guilty of collecting some of my favorite Tarot decks. 

For this reason, I have undertaken to create astral version of these tools– ‘ideal’ versions that symbolically possess whatever tools I am actually using upon opening my Free Area (see lesson II). This process is as simple as drawing or speaking them into existence– and the more practice you have at visualizing, feeling, or knowing their presence, the more natural a new magical implement will feel in your hands.