Witches Cauldron
The Cauldron is usually made of iron. In the witch lore of middle ages the cauldron was where poisons, ointments and philtres were brewed. Neo-Pagan witches still use the cauldron burning fies and incense in rituals. If used in a ritual the cauldron is usually placed on the witches alter inside the magic circle. There is strong magical significance to the cauldron in many cultures throughout history. The Celts associated cauldrons with fertility, abundance and revival of the dead. Cauldrons were also sometimes used in human sacrifice. The poor victims were sometimes drowned in them or had their throats cut over the cauldron. In Greek mythology the witch Goddess could restore people to youth in a magic cauldron. The cauldron is also linked to the chalice of the holy grail.
Cone Of Power
Raising a cone of power is done within a magic circle. The coveners focus on a single goal which is visualized in a image which everyone agrees. The power of the cone is raised through chanting, dancing, drumming, hand clapping or cord magic. The coveners dance around the circle and as the tempo increases the cone of power begins to rise above the circle. To some the energy is visible as a shimmering light. When the energy is at its peak the high priestess or high priest instructs the coveners to release it towards its goal. Timing is crucial otherwise the spell misfires. The cone of power has a symbolic significance in witchcraft. In ancient Syria the cone was the symbol of Astarte, the Phoenician goddess of motherhood, fertility and war. Also tall conical hats are associated with witchcraft. The cone of power has had some remarkable success through history. It was used in 1588 against the Spanish Armada which suffered a serious defeat. Again in 1700 it was used against Napoleon and again against Hitler.
Witch Cup
A chalice used in witchcraft during the preparation of special philtres. It is also used to drink consecrated wine. This is the sacramental wine which is consumed in some ceremonies, and also used to consecrate things at times. The witch cup is a variant of the cauldron of Ceridwen. The Witch Cup usually takes the form of a goblet made from horn, wood or polished metal. Wood is considered the best choice for such a cup. And better still if the wood cup has been hand crafted.
Witch Garter
Worn in various rituals as magical properties and are also used as badges of rank. The use of garters can be traced back to Paleolithic times. The different colours of the Witch Garter carry a special meaning. Green is the colour of fairies, red is protection against bewitchment and silver is associated with the moon. In modern witchcraft the witch garter is considered the ancient emblem of the high priestess. In some traditions a high priestess who becomes Queen Witch over more than one coven adds a silver buckle to her garter for each coven under her. It is also used in the use of "lithomancy", a type of divination where 13 stones are cast inside a witch garter.
Lammas
The Festival of Lammas is one of four major sabbats in witchcraft. The festival comes from the Celtic celebration of Lugnasad. It is held on August 1. The festival celebrates Autumn and the harvesting of the crops. The festival celebrates by making offerings to the Gods thanking for the harvest and to make sure of the ongoing fertility of the land.
Cowan
The term for a non-witch. That is to say for a person who has not been initiated into the craft is a Cowan. In fact the word is an old Scottish term for a mason who has learnt the trade but not served an apprenticeship. A Cowan may be invited to attend sabbats but are usually not allowed to attend circles or esbats. The term does not seem to be used much these days in Witch circles. The term Cowan was often used in the past in a very derogatory manner. The term is sometimes used in Masonic rituals.
