Draconic Wicca: Sacred Tools
Every practitioner of magick should be aware of the basic tools required for Ritual or Spell work within their Tradition. The Sacred Tools used with the Dragon Wicca Tradition are basically the same as most Traditions of Wicca.
The difference is mostly in the Style of the Tool.
When working within a Traditional Wiccan Path, one might expect the practitioner to have & use mostly Goddess oriented tools, that is, tools decorated & adorned with Goddess symbols, or corresponding colors, objects, etc.
The Tools for use within the Draconian or Dragon Tradition of Wicca are no different. They are simply Sacred Tools that reflect the Red Dragon Goddess, instead of the Traditional Wiccan Goddess. This is the same in most Traditions. For instance, if you are more God orientated, your Ritual Tools would reflect this, such as having stag skulls or horns, things that Honor & reflect the symbols for Cernunnos... or Pan... And if you work within a Celtic or Norse Tradition, then your Sacred Tools and other altar objects will (& should) reflect this.
When a practitioner first chooses a Path or Tradition to follow, The ritual tools they have & use may not all reflect this path, and that is okay. Everyone starts somewhere. If your budget does not allow you to run out and purchase all new tools, use the ones you have. Slowly, over time, your collection of Sacred Tools will grow to reflect the Tradition or Path that you follow. If your chosen path leads to different Tradition, as an Eclectic Witch, then your Sacred Tools should reflect this, for instance, you may walk a Celtic Dragon Path, and as such your Sacred Tools should encompass both of these paths.
Regardless of the symbols upon your tools, ALL tools used for a Draconic Ritual should first be Cleansed, Consecrated and Blessed by the Dragons.
The difference is mostly in the Style of the Tool.
When working within a Traditional Wiccan Path, one might expect the practitioner to have & use mostly Goddess oriented tools, that is, tools decorated & adorned with Goddess symbols, or corresponding colors, objects, etc.
The Tools for use within the Draconian or Dragon Tradition of Wicca are no different. They are simply Sacred Tools that reflect the Red Dragon Goddess, instead of the Traditional Wiccan Goddess. This is the same in most Traditions. For instance, if you are more God orientated, your Ritual Tools would reflect this, such as having stag skulls or horns, things that Honor & reflect the symbols for Cernunnos... or Pan... And if you work within a Celtic or Norse Tradition, then your Sacred Tools and other altar objects will (& should) reflect this.
When a practitioner first chooses a Path or Tradition to follow, The ritual tools they have & use may not all reflect this path, and that is okay. Everyone starts somewhere. If your budget does not allow you to run out and purchase all new tools, use the ones you have. Slowly, over time, your collection of Sacred Tools will grow to reflect the Tradition or Path that you follow. If your chosen path leads to different Tradition, as an Eclectic Witch, then your Sacred Tools should reflect this, for instance, you may walk a Celtic Dragon Path, and as such your Sacred Tools should encompass both of these paths.
Regardless of the symbols upon your tools, ALL tools used for a Draconic Ritual should first be Cleansed, Consecrated and Blessed by the Dragons.
Types of Knives & Swords used within the Draconian Tradition
For the practice of Dragon Magick both the Sword & the knives should have names.
Choose names that remind you of their power and might, however, I'd suggest avoiding names such as "Dragon Slayer" such names will not help you when trying to gain cooperation from Dragonkind. Appropriate names would include "Dragon Claw" "Wind Cleaver" "Fire Storm" etc.
Choose names that remind you of their power and might, however, I'd suggest avoiding names such as "Dragon Slayer" such names will not help you when trying to gain cooperation from Dragonkind. Appropriate names would include "Dragon Claw" "Wind Cleaver" "Fire Storm" etc.
DRACONIAN SWORD:
One thing that draws those who practice Dragon Magick together is their common Love of Dragons. Most practitioners who choose a Dragon Wicca Path share a Love of Dragons... Dragon Tales, movies, books, etc.
A sword is often disregarded in many Traditions of Wicca, in Draconian Wicca however...
As you might expect;
The Prime Ritual Tool for Dragon Magick is a Sword.
A Sword is a symbol of the Power of the practitioner of Dragon Magick.
The Sword corresponds to the Element Fire Ruled by the Dragon Fafnir, and resides in the Southern Quadrant of the circle.
It is the symbol that the Dragons recognize as related to the practitioner, and it is the symbol that the Dragons Expect the practitioner to posses. Dragons are practitioners of magick themselves, and just like us they use correspondences in their Ritual magick. One such correspondence they have for humans is the Sword.
Swords can easily be the most expensive tool to purchase. Even a sword that is not elaborate or heavily decorated with ornamentation can be expensive, for this reason I suggest you choose your sword wisely, you may well use it for years. A short sword is the best choice, I think, because you will need to be able to maneuver it within the circle. 18 to 20 inches in length is the ideal size. After a few minutes of actually holding the sword out in front of you, you will come to understand why a short sword is best, believe me. It is a cumbersome tool, and notoriously clumsy within a circle. Which is one reason that many practitioners who do use a sword, only do so for certain tasks, such as clearing the sacred space, casting the circle, etc. I myself only use my sword at the beginning & the ending of a Ritual practice. For most things, I use a Dragon Athame. This is really a choice for the individual practitioner to decide for themselves.
One thing that draws those who practice Dragon Magick together is their common Love of Dragons. Most practitioners who choose a Dragon Wicca Path share a Love of Dragons... Dragon Tales, movies, books, etc.
A sword is often disregarded in many Traditions of Wicca, in Draconian Wicca however...
As you might expect;
The Prime Ritual Tool for Dragon Magick is a Sword.
A Sword is a symbol of the Power of the practitioner of Dragon Magick.
The Sword corresponds to the Element Fire Ruled by the Dragon Fafnir, and resides in the Southern Quadrant of the circle.
It is the symbol that the Dragons recognize as related to the practitioner, and it is the symbol that the Dragons Expect the practitioner to posses. Dragons are practitioners of magick themselves, and just like us they use correspondences in their Ritual magick. One such correspondence they have for humans is the Sword.
Swords can easily be the most expensive tool to purchase. Even a sword that is not elaborate or heavily decorated with ornamentation can be expensive, for this reason I suggest you choose your sword wisely, you may well use it for years. A short sword is the best choice, I think, because you will need to be able to maneuver it within the circle. 18 to 20 inches in length is the ideal size. After a few minutes of actually holding the sword out in front of you, you will come to understand why a short sword is best, believe me. It is a cumbersome tool, and notoriously clumsy within a circle. Which is one reason that many practitioners who do use a sword, only do so for certain tasks, such as clearing the sacred space, casting the circle, etc. I myself only use my sword at the beginning & the ending of a Ritual practice. For most things, I use a Dragon Athame. This is really a choice for the individual practitioner to decide for themselves.
DRAGON ATHAME / CEREMONIAL KNIFE:
In today's Craft, an Athame is a type of double-edged dagger, usually constructed with a steel blade and a black handle. It is used to cut and direct energy links and sometimes to delineate sacred space. Gate portals are cut with the Athame, and it is the Witch's primary weapon when in liminal space. Ritual knives can be used to cast a circle, open and close circle quarters, cleanse and empower items, or command astral energies (just to name a few uses)
It is common for an Athame to have a sharp tip and dull sides, I think this is to prevent injuries. I prefer my blades all to be carefully sharpened and honed to perfection, but that's just me. To me, a dull blade is the sign of sloven practices. A sharp blade shows Respect & Honor to the Dragons.
An Athame is used to sever things within the Spiritual Realms ONLY> it is not meant to be used to cut, carve or otherwise use within the physical realm, but for the directing of energy and manipulation of power within the ethereal realm. That being said, I know that it is a common practice to use one's athame to carve ruins or words onto candles, etc. I believe that using your athame for such mundane practices will damage its use within the ethereal realm. Once an Athame is used to cut anything physical, the metal is considered tainted.
In Dragon Wicca; The Athame corresponds to the Element Fire Ruled by the Dragon Fafnir, and resides in the Southern Quadrant of the circle.
In some Traditions of Wicca the Athame represents the Element Air, In Dragon Wicca, however, the Athame corresponds with the Element Fire, as the blade was forged in fire, and therefore holds the energies of the Element Fire within.
The Athame symbolizes the Dragon God, The Dragon of Manifestation, and represents the phallus of the Dragon God, and hold a masculine energy.
Traditional Athames are daggers, which have a double edged blade, this is so that you may both Cast and Open a Magick Circle without turning your knife over...It’s perfectly acceptable to use a single edged blade as an Athame, however you will have to turn your Athame over when opening the Circle.
The double edge is symbolic of the Duality of Nature, the Red Dragon Goddess and Horned Dragon God / Yin and Yang.
An Athame usually has a Black handle, this is so that the practitioner can readily tell the difference between knives during Ritual. If your knives are decorative and easily told apart it is not necessary for it to have a black handle.
In today's Craft, an Athame is a type of double-edged dagger, usually constructed with a steel blade and a black handle. It is used to cut and direct energy links and sometimes to delineate sacred space. Gate portals are cut with the Athame, and it is the Witch's primary weapon when in liminal space. Ritual knives can be used to cast a circle, open and close circle quarters, cleanse and empower items, or command astral energies (just to name a few uses)
It is common for an Athame to have a sharp tip and dull sides, I think this is to prevent injuries. I prefer my blades all to be carefully sharpened and honed to perfection, but that's just me. To me, a dull blade is the sign of sloven practices. A sharp blade shows Respect & Honor to the Dragons.
An Athame is used to sever things within the Spiritual Realms ONLY> it is not meant to be used to cut, carve or otherwise use within the physical realm, but for the directing of energy and manipulation of power within the ethereal realm. That being said, I know that it is a common practice to use one's athame to carve ruins or words onto candles, etc. I believe that using your athame for such mundane practices will damage its use within the ethereal realm. Once an Athame is used to cut anything physical, the metal is considered tainted.
In Dragon Wicca; The Athame corresponds to the Element Fire Ruled by the Dragon Fafnir, and resides in the Southern Quadrant of the circle.
In some Traditions of Wicca the Athame represents the Element Air, In Dragon Wicca, however, the Athame corresponds with the Element Fire, as the blade was forged in fire, and therefore holds the energies of the Element Fire within.
The Athame symbolizes the Dragon God, The Dragon of Manifestation, and represents the phallus of the Dragon God, and hold a masculine energy.
Traditional Athames are daggers, which have a double edged blade, this is so that you may both Cast and Open a Magick Circle without turning your knife over...It’s perfectly acceptable to use a single edged blade as an Athame, however you will have to turn your Athame over when opening the Circle.
The double edge is symbolic of the Duality of Nature, the Red Dragon Goddess and Horned Dragon God / Yin and Yang.
An Athame usually has a Black handle, this is so that the practitioner can readily tell the difference between knives during Ritual. If your knives are decorative and easily told apart it is not necessary for it to have a black handle.
DRAGON BOLINE: UTILITY KNIFE
The Boline's handle is White. This is the physical tool used in basic altar needs and in preparing for any ritual work that you might do, such as in carving candles, trimming wicks, and cutting cords. It is for cutting things in the physical realm.
In Kitchen Witchery it has become the practice to combine the knives into one all-purpose knife (and still call it an Athame) I disagree completely with this. Keeping your knives separate, using them for their intended purposes and treating them as the Sacred Tools that they are, will enhance the tools ability to store & manipulate energy. The Boline is the Physical Realm Knife, It draws upon the practitioners energies. The more you use this knife, the more it will become a part of you. I use my knife for everything. The Traditional Boline is shaped like a Sickle, it is shaped in such a way as to make it practical for harvesting herbs. While I like the idea of a sickle shaped knife... it just isn't practical for everyday use. My Boline is my pocket knife. Unfolded it is about the size of my Athame, about the length of a large hand, fingers opened. It is consecrated and I cleanse & charge it regularly. I've had it for years, and it holds much of my energy.
The Boline's handle is White. This is the physical tool used in basic altar needs and in preparing for any ritual work that you might do, such as in carving candles, trimming wicks, and cutting cords. It is for cutting things in the physical realm.
In Kitchen Witchery it has become the practice to combine the knives into one all-purpose knife (and still call it an Athame) I disagree completely with this. Keeping your knives separate, using them for their intended purposes and treating them as the Sacred Tools that they are, will enhance the tools ability to store & manipulate energy. The Boline is the Physical Realm Knife, It draws upon the practitioners energies. The more you use this knife, the more it will become a part of you. I use my knife for everything. The Traditional Boline is shaped like a Sickle, it is shaped in such a way as to make it practical for harvesting herbs. While I like the idea of a sickle shaped knife... it just isn't practical for everyday use. My Boline is my pocket knife. Unfolded it is about the size of my Athame, about the length of a large hand, fingers opened. It is consecrated and I cleanse & charge it regularly. I've had it for years, and it holds much of my energy.
WAND, ROD, STANG, STAFF
These four tools are all made of wood, and all are used in some way to direct the flow of energy, or magickal current, usually within the Ritual circle.
DRAGON WAND/STAFF:
The Wand/Staff's primary use is to concentrate, focus and direct energy. Energy is drawn into the wand/staff and focused to your intent, and then directed into out the wand.
The Wand/staff is symbolic for the Element of Air Ruled by the Dragon Sairys (Pronounced Say-rees), and resides in the Eastern Quadrant of the circle.
The wand/staff symbolizes masculine energy, the scepter of power of the ruling Dragon Monarch, the divine phallus and the intellect.
With an empowered Dragon wand/staff, the wand/staff becomes a link between the practitioner and the astral plane. This tool is a symbol of magickal authority, your right to call upon & work with Dragons. It is symbolic of the center of the circle or the Element of Spirit.
The Wand/Staff's primary use is to concentrate, focus and direct energy. Energy is drawn into the wand/staff and focused to your intent, and then directed into out the wand.
The Wand/staff is symbolic for the Element of Air Ruled by the Dragon Sairys (Pronounced Say-rees), and resides in the Eastern Quadrant of the circle.
The wand/staff symbolizes masculine energy, the scepter of power of the ruling Dragon Monarch, the divine phallus and the intellect.
With an empowered Dragon wand/staff, the wand/staff becomes a link between the practitioner and the astral plane. This tool is a symbol of magickal authority, your right to call upon & work with Dragons. It is symbolic of the center of the circle or the Element of Spirit.
DRAGON CHALICE:
In Dragon Wicca the Chalice represents the Element Water Ruled by the Dragon Naelyon (pronounced nail-yawn) and resides in the Western Quadrant of the circle
The cup part of the chalice symbolizes containment and is representative of the Womb of the Dragon Goddess . The rim, or opening of the chalice symbolically receives spiritual energy.
The stem symbolizes the connection between man & spirit. The base is symbolic of being grounded within material realm. In the Traditional Wiccan Great Rite, the chalice symbolizes feminine energy and is often used in combination with the athame (symbolizing masculine energy) as a ritual union between the God & Goddess... the insertion of the athame into the chalice symbolizes their sexual union...
The chalice can be made of any material.
In olden times, horns, shells and gourds were used to hold sacred liquids during ritual. Then, in later times, silver became the preferred material, having long been associated with the Moon and the Goddess. The chalice is used to hold the blessed water and wine during ritual, and it is traditional in many covens to pass the chalice around all members, who then take a drink, as a token of unity.
In Dragon Wicca the Chalice represents the Element Water Ruled by the Dragon Naelyon (pronounced nail-yawn) and resides in the Western Quadrant of the circle
The cup part of the chalice symbolizes containment and is representative of the Womb of the Dragon Goddess . The rim, or opening of the chalice symbolically receives spiritual energy.
The stem symbolizes the connection between man & spirit. The base is symbolic of being grounded within material realm. In the Traditional Wiccan Great Rite, the chalice symbolizes feminine energy and is often used in combination with the athame (symbolizing masculine energy) as a ritual union between the God & Goddess... the insertion of the athame into the chalice symbolizes their sexual union...
The chalice can be made of any material.
In olden times, horns, shells and gourds were used to hold sacred liquids during ritual. Then, in later times, silver became the preferred material, having long been associated with the Moon and the Goddess. The chalice is used to hold the blessed water and wine during ritual, and it is traditional in many covens to pass the chalice around all members, who then take a drink, as a token of unity.
DRAGON STANG:
A stang, in its most basic form is simply a forked stick set with its long end into the ground. It acts as an axis on which magick can turn, and as a pole that can be "ridden" by a practitioner into different realms.
The Stang is physically a Staff, which means it functions as a Wand and its base is often thrust into the ground, effectively grounding the flow of energy. Standing in or behind a cauldron, it reminds us of the greatest of all mysteries, the cycle of life, death and rebirth.
The stang is sometimes represented by a pitchfork with iron tines, or a pole with the skull of a horned beast on it. Often in these configurations there will be a candle or torch lit between the two horns or tines, in the style of the icon of Baphomet.
Casting a Caim:
A simple circle-casting method you can perform with a stang is casting a caim. A caim is a method left from the old Gaels and is a circle/sphere of protection that moves with you or around an axis –such as your stang. Hold your stang in your right hand and point it outwards as you turn your body sunwise essentially “drawing” a circle with your stang. As you do this, Call the Dragon Quarters. When the circle is complete, drive your stang into the ground. The caim is cast! (the circle is complete)
Now perform your rite, spell, or invocation while in this protected space between worlds.
Indoors and can’t drive your stang through the carpet or hardwood floors... Keep a medium-sized flower pot of earth on hand to do so. I like to collect earth from different places, anywhere I sense a ley-line or Fae path. The type of earth you use can reflect the ritual you will be forming. If you wish to work with the Earth Dragons you will want earth from a forest. If you will be working with a mercurial dragon you'll want dirt from one or many crossroads, if you're working with a Water Dragon you'll want dirt from a river bank or lake. The bigger and heavier the stang the heavier the flower pot will need to be. If you have a heavy wood stang topped with a heavy skull you’ll want to be putting some stones in your flower pot –these can also be collected from places of power.
A stang, in its most basic form is simply a forked stick set with its long end into the ground. It acts as an axis on which magick can turn, and as a pole that can be "ridden" by a practitioner into different realms.
The Stang is physically a Staff, which means it functions as a Wand and its base is often thrust into the ground, effectively grounding the flow of energy. Standing in or behind a cauldron, it reminds us of the greatest of all mysteries, the cycle of life, death and rebirth.
The stang is sometimes represented by a pitchfork with iron tines, or a pole with the skull of a horned beast on it. Often in these configurations there will be a candle or torch lit between the two horns or tines, in the style of the icon of Baphomet.
Casting a Caim:
A simple circle-casting method you can perform with a stang is casting a caim. A caim is a method left from the old Gaels and is a circle/sphere of protection that moves with you or around an axis –such as your stang. Hold your stang in your right hand and point it outwards as you turn your body sunwise essentially “drawing” a circle with your stang. As you do this, Call the Dragon Quarters. When the circle is complete, drive your stang into the ground. The caim is cast! (the circle is complete)
Now perform your rite, spell, or invocation while in this protected space between worlds.
Indoors and can’t drive your stang through the carpet or hardwood floors... Keep a medium-sized flower pot of earth on hand to do so. I like to collect earth from different places, anywhere I sense a ley-line or Fae path. The type of earth you use can reflect the ritual you will be forming. If you wish to work with the Earth Dragons you will want earth from a forest. If you will be working with a mercurial dragon you'll want dirt from one or many crossroads, if you're working with a Water Dragon you'll want dirt from a river bank or lake. The bigger and heavier the stang the heavier the flower pot will need to be. If you have a heavy wood stang topped with a heavy skull you’ll want to be putting some stones in your flower pot –these can also be collected from places of power.
DRAGON GEMSTONE and EARTH BOWLS:
Gemstone Bowl:
A gemstone bowl should be clear glass or crystal. The gem bowl represents the Element Earth Ruled by the Dragon Grael (pronounced grail). These gemstones need not me expensive or polished stones... Ideally these stones are gathered from various areas out in Nature. The stones contained within this bowl draw, collect & radiate energy all the time. You should not put a lid on this bowl and it will hamper this process.
This gemstones bowl will become filled over time as you gather stones. Remember, always ask before removing a stone from its resting place.
Earth Bowl:
In the practice of Dragon Magick you will want to collect very small amounts of earth from sites that you visit, you will need a small bowl to hold this earth. This bowl can be made of any material you wish. Whenever you are on an outing and feel called to a certain area, the Earth is calling to you. Take a small amount of this dirt or sand home with you. This bowl of earth is used to empower objects in ritual. This bowl, naturally, symbolizes the Element Earth ruled by the Dragon Grael.
If you plan to work with Water or Sea Dragons, you need to purchase a number of small bottles with lids... Again, you will be collecting small amounts of water from various places where you feel energy radiating. These small vials represent the Elemental Water Ruled by Naelyon (pronounced nail-yawn)
Gemstone Bowl:
A gemstone bowl should be clear glass or crystal. The gem bowl represents the Element Earth Ruled by the Dragon Grael (pronounced grail). These gemstones need not me expensive or polished stones... Ideally these stones are gathered from various areas out in Nature. The stones contained within this bowl draw, collect & radiate energy all the time. You should not put a lid on this bowl and it will hamper this process.
This gemstones bowl will become filled over time as you gather stones. Remember, always ask before removing a stone from its resting place.
Earth Bowl:
In the practice of Dragon Magick you will want to collect very small amounts of earth from sites that you visit, you will need a small bowl to hold this earth. This bowl can be made of any material you wish. Whenever you are on an outing and feel called to a certain area, the Earth is calling to you. Take a small amount of this dirt or sand home with you. This bowl of earth is used to empower objects in ritual. This bowl, naturally, symbolizes the Element Earth ruled by the Dragon Grael.
If you plan to work with Water or Sea Dragons, you need to purchase a number of small bottles with lids... Again, you will be collecting small amounts of water from various places where you feel energy radiating. These small vials represent the Elemental Water Ruled by Naelyon (pronounced nail-yawn)
DRAGON PENTACLE:
A Pentacle is a necessary tool regardless of which Wicca Tradition you follow.
A pentacle disk is necessary for consecrations and most ritual work. This is usually a metal or wooden disk with a pentacle painted or etched on to it. It doesn't matter what material the pentacle is made out of. The pentacle can be made out of cardboard. Doesn't matter.
The pentacle is of the Elements of both Spirit & Earth. It helps to control and balance all the other Elements. When used as an Element of Earth, the pentacle grounds Spirit in the ritual.
The Dragon pentacle will usually contain a dragon in the picture.
The Five points represent the Four Cardinal Directions with the Fifth uppermost point representing Spirit. The Circle around the pentagram represents, unity, the wheel of the year and wholeness. The Circle, a single unbroken line, is used to create magickal space in Ritual.
The pentacle is one of the most powerful protection symbols there are.
A Pentacle Disc is placed in the center of the Altar and is used during ritual to consecrate objects by laying them upon it. Any tool, herb, amulet, jewelry or crystal will have increased metaphysical energy after being placed on a Pentacle for a time.
A Pentacle is a necessary tool regardless of which Wicca Tradition you follow.
A pentacle disk is necessary for consecrations and most ritual work. This is usually a metal or wooden disk with a pentacle painted or etched on to it. It doesn't matter what material the pentacle is made out of. The pentacle can be made out of cardboard. Doesn't matter.
The pentacle is of the Elements of both Spirit & Earth. It helps to control and balance all the other Elements. When used as an Element of Earth, the pentacle grounds Spirit in the ritual.
The Dragon pentacle will usually contain a dragon in the picture.
The Five points represent the Four Cardinal Directions with the Fifth uppermost point representing Spirit. The Circle around the pentagram represents, unity, the wheel of the year and wholeness. The Circle, a single unbroken line, is used to create magickal space in Ritual.
The pentacle is one of the most powerful protection symbols there are.
A Pentacle Disc is placed in the center of the Altar and is used during ritual to consecrate objects by laying them upon it. Any tool, herb, amulet, jewelry or crystal will have increased metaphysical energy after being placed on a Pentacle for a time.