Preparation – Day of Ritual: Your Altar and What Tools to Have on Hand

Preparation – Day of Ritual:
General Notes

• Make sure the area where you will be performing Ritual is clean.
• A broomstick is traditionally used to not only clean dust and grime, but to ‘sweep away’ negative vibrations.
• Have additional percussion instruments available just in case people forget: spoons, empty cans, bottles or plastic tubs will do. It’s nicer if you decorate them for the season, but not necessary.
• Set the mood with quiet music: I have an American Indian flute tape – something along these lines is terrific, but Hindu, Celtic, or classical music, even Enya will work!
• Before anyone arrives – Purify yourself. Preferably take a bath, anoint yourself and consecrate yourself to the God and Goddess.
• Take time to calm your own energy so that you can be a good leader.
• Provide fresh clean towels (fabric or paper) wherever people will be washing their hands and face.

Your Ritual Altar and What Tools to Have on Hand

Set up your Altar with the four Elements: Air-Fire-Water-Earth, and light your Altar candle and Altar incense. Gather all of the tools necessary and place them on an altar at the center of the Circle ahead of time – LONG BEFORE beginning the Ritual, so that your Circle will not be broken during Ritual.

Standard Altar Tools

• Chalice with Purified (preferably steam distilled) Water
• Sage/Cedar Incense
• Incense Burner
• Wand (Optional)
• Sacred Stone(s), Crystal(s) or other symbol of the Earth (purified sand or soil)
• Anointed Candle (lit in holder) If the Ritual is done outside, you’ll need a hurricane-type candle holder.
• Matches
• Seasonal Decorations (see Sabbath Details below for suggestions)

Ritual Tools

• Soothing Music (and player with sufficient batteries if needed)
• Additional Chalice with Purified Water
• Additional Anointed Candle (un-lit in holder)
• Additional Sacred Stone(s) or Crystal(s)
• Additional Seasonal Incense (see Sabbath Details below for suggestions)
• Additional Incense Burner
• Percussion Instruments (tambourines, drums, bells, etc.)
• Sabbath specific tools (see Sabbath Details below for suggestions)

Special Refreshments

• Wine and/or Non-Alcoholic Refreshment
• Wine/Bottle opener
• Muffins, Cake or Bread
• Eating utensils: glasses, napkins, plates, spoon, knives

Specific Ritual Tools Recommendations are listed here:

Ritual Tools

I have additional product recommendations on this page:

Wiccan Resources – Tools and Recommendations