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HighlandWizard

New Scottish
Witchcraft and Wizardry,
Symbols and Tools:

The symbol of my Wizard Clan is the Triquetra. This is in keeping with the Celtic/Scottish way of recognizing only three elements, Sky, Earth and Water. Over the centuries, blocks of three have been recognized as the building blocks of the universe.

I list here the 9 Cardinal Threes. (3X3)

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All New Scottish Witchcraft and Wizardry students should strive for these goals:

• Understand their connection with the Clan
• Seek self-knowledge and personal responsibility.
• Always quest for knowledge.
• Develop a deep Clan friendship and Clan loyalty.
• Seek positive sexuality.
• Live in Celtic harmony with the natural world.
• Believe in Self-Visualized Magick.
• Appreciate of the diverse nature of human beings. "Infinite diversity in infinite combinations."
  

Although the use of tools is not necessary, they can help you to enter the appropriate state of mind and focus during ritual. All the tools you use should be cleansed to remove any negative vibrations. To cleanse the tools, you can visualize each element cleansing them or you can use sage to smudge them.

Hold your tools in the highest regard and take the utmost care with them. They are sacred to your mind and should be treated as such.

You can acquire the tools of your craft from many sources. Because they are simply devices to help you focus your concept of them are more important that their origin. Throughout the centuries Wizards have always collected a plethora of devices, gadgets and Wizardry tools.

When I purchase a tool I will always take great care to select a tool that has a "connection" with me. When I pick up a Crystal, smudge stick, packet of herbs I always am aware of the feelings I have. Many times I will know if it is "right" just by the feeling. I often save for weeks or even months to purchase the best tool I can. I would rather spend big bucks to get the best steel in a blade than scrimp and have an inferior tool.

I have always felt that the best tools are ones that you have made yourself. The harder the task of making the better. Over the years I have taught myself leather craft, sculpture, carving, metal work and glass forming in the quest for better tools. Many of the tools you see on the right and all of the tools on my crafts page are the result. These tools have a connection to me in time sweat, toil and at times blood.

The tools listed below are the tools I use on a regular basis. My Wizards den had dozens of other tools that space will not allow me to show. I don't expect anyone to go out and make or purchase all of this. Remember, I have over half a century of collecting and crafting. This collection has been built up over decades.

Triquetra (try-KET-ra, Latin for "three cornered"):.
The Triquetra represents the threefold nature of life as represented in the nine Cardinal Three's. It symbolizes life, death, and rebirth and the three forces of nature: Sky, Earth, and Water. Many cultures and religions consider the number three to be holy or divine.

Goddess: Cailleach Bhéara (Or, you may choose your own personal Goddess, or even choose no deity at all.) The Cailleach Bhéara (pronounced Cal'yach vare' ah) "Veiled One", Mother of all. She control's the Seasons, the Earth, the Moon, and all the sky. She may also be known as Mother Nature, Mother Earth or Gaia. She can have three faces, The maiden, the woman warrior and the old one, hag or crone. Scotland was called Caledonia, or land given by Caillech.

God: Gruagach (Or, you may choose your own personal Goddess, or even choose no deity at all.) Gruagach. This name means "the long-haired one." In the Western Highlands, he was placated by oblations of milk, which were poured into a hollow stone. He was looked upon as the guardian of cattle, as a valiant warrior and a sorcerer.

Wizards Staff of Self Power:
Wizards Staff. The staff of authority and power. One of the main tools used in New Scottish Wizardry. The staff is used to scribe the sacred circle. The head of the Witches or Wizards staff is usually carved with the owner's personal god or contains a power crystal or talisman. The staff is a personal tool only used by one Wizard. Upon his or her transformation to the next level the staff is often destroyed. The staff may be used in much the same manner as the wand. It is usually matched "to your measure"- which means it reaches to your shoulder- making it easy and comfortable for you to handle without either knocking yourself upside the head or having it trip you up from behind.

Targe:
A round leather covered shield used by Highland warriors. The Scottish Targe (pron. tar-gie) was a round shield with loops on the back through one of which the arm was passed while the other was grasped by the hand. This name as applied to a shield goes back to the 12th century and was used, especially by the Scots. The typical Scottish Targe was about twenty inches in diameter, and was made of wood covered with leather studded with brass bosses and other metal decorations including coins. Used on the Alter as protection

Clann Sword: Sacred Sword of Consecration and Ritual:
Claymore, Scottish Gaelic claidheamh mor, large sword: claidheamh, sword (from old language, claideb + mor, great). A big two-handed sword with the quillons ending in an open work quatrefoil. Used only to bring a new member into the Clan or disown them from the clan. In keeping with Scottish tradition there are three bladed weapons that have great significance; the Claymore, Basket Hilt and Sgain Dubh. It is reported the Sir Walter Raleigh made the comment that the Scots were the only people he had encountered that "went to bed and church fully armed."

Baskethilt Sword, Sword of Protection:
The Scottish Baskethilt sword, Scottish Gaelic - Claidheamh Cuil, was the Highlanders main weapon. It became a family heirloom and was handed down from father to son. Many swords are known to have great power and to assure a Highlanders fate in battle. These swords were often named by the owner.

A Highlander's sword, much in the manner of his Norse antecedents, was given a living identity. Great mystical, incantatory importance is laid to the designs with which the hilt was pierced and especially to the way the blade was signed and inscribed.

The most prized swords were by the great Spanish sword maker Andrea Ferara. The Highland Baskethilt was so feared by the English that for a time the Warriors of Scotland were forbade carrying it, on penalty of death. Used in regular ritual.

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Ballock Dirk:
Dirk, A heavy single edged dagger called a Ballock Dirk, for obvious reasons. This is the main tool used for personal defense and as a backup weapon to the Baskethilt broadsword. There are several styles of dirk. The earlier Ballock Dirk is used for it's obvious reference to the male.

Sgian Dubh:
Sgian Dubh means literally 'dagger black. Traditionally they had black handles, but many have stag horn handles. There was a hidden meaning to 'black' it was dark, dangerous and secret! The dagger would be hidden away in the clothing and used unexpectedly when locked to an enemy in hand to hand combat. It is used to mark ritual candles.

Quake, Cup of Friendship:
Scottish Toasting Quaich (pronounced "quake") is an old Scottish tradition. The quaich originated from the Gaelic word cuach meaning "shallow cup." This ancient vessel was used to celebrate a bond between two clans, each partaking of an offered drink. Presented using both hands, the recipient must receive it with both hands. In early days, this method assured each warrior that the other was not concealing a weapon with a hidden hand. The word Quaich is derived from the Gaelic 'cuach' which, in turn derives from the low Latin caucus - a drinking cup. The Quaich was held upside down over each person's head to show that all was consumed. Filled with the "Water of Life" it is used at every ceremony.

Thistle:
Alter flower, a sign of protection.
A very long time ago when Scotland was ravaged by Viking invaders, a group of Scottish fighting men were resting overnight in a field. Unknown to them, a raiding party was preparing to attack this group of Scots, under cover of darkness. As the attacking Vikings approached the encamped Scots, they stood on a patch of Thistles with their bare feet and, of course, let out cries of pain as the thorns dug deep into the soles and toes. The Scots, having been awakened by this rammy, were able to fight off the attackers. So, from that day, the Thistle has been adopted as Scotland's National Emblem. We hold it as our symbol of protection.

Caldron:
The cauldron is one of the most common symbols of Witchcraft. Most ritual cauldrons have three legs, said to represent bounty and blessings. Based on certain Celtic myths in some traditions, the cauldron has also come to represent the concept of reincarnation and the cycles of birth, death and rebirth.

Ritual cauldrons can be used to represent the water element and have been used for scrying. Cauldrons are also sometimes used to represent the fire element, and small fires can be lit in some, to burn incense and for spellcasting. Every witch needs a mixing bowl with which to combine energy and essences of nature. Many Witches have cauldrons in several sizes for different uses.

Besom:
A Besom is an old fashioned round broom, which consists of a bundle of twigs. It is not a corn broom. It looks like a bundle of twigs on the end of a stick or pole. The Besom is used to cleanse the circle. The Besom is used in the traditional Hand-Fasting or barrage ceremony. The Besom is also used to sweep the portal or door at the beginning of each New Year and on the first day in a new home to clean bad feelings, spirits and emotions from the home.

Wand:
Used in ritual Magick. A wand is a tool; it is simply a means of focusing your intent to achieve an aim. It is often described as subtle energy to bring about change in oneself, in others and ones environment. The wand could be of carved wood or of crystal; ornate in design or a plain twig given to you by a tree, all will focus the intent of the user to greater or lesser degrees.

Wands have been used in many cultures throughout history. In fact, their legacy is still seen in positions of authority in modern society, such as staffs, crooks, and scepters wielded by church leaders and heads of state.

Special talismans enclosed within the wand will increase the power of the wand. Items such as feathers, bones, natural stones including lodestones and crystals work very well.

Candles:
Candle Magick is one of the most common forms of Magick. It is one of the few forms of magical practices that are still observed today by the mainstream as well. An example is making a wish while blowing out the candles on a birthday cake. The actual process may vary, but the general principle behind it remains the same. Candle Magick is based on the belief that by concentrating energy into a candle of a given color it becomes possible to transfer that energy by means of the burning of the candle into the universe itself enabling that energy to cause a desired affect. Runes and pictographs carved into the candle will also increase the Magick.

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Power Crystals:
There are many traditions that use power crystals in various ways and the complete list of crystals is an extensive one. In the crystals of the earth great power and memory resides. Crystals have the power to protect and to foretell the future.

Standing Stones and Hinge's:
The ancient standing stones and cup and ring stones found all over the British Isles have long been know to have great power. They have witnesses the passage of time, the birth of man, the construction of Stonehenge , mans passage into space, and still they stand in tribute. The collective memory of our race resides in the stone.

A Henge is a roughly circular or oval-shaped flat area enclosed and delimited by a boundary earthwork, usually a ditch with an external bank. Most henge's have either a single ditch or a pair of concentric ditches surrounding the central area. The traditional ceremonial place. Should be outside with at least one monolithic stone or wooden posts in the proper arrangement.

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Mool, Earth Bowl:
The sacred soil of Scotland. Scotland is the ancient land of our ancestors. We use the soil of Scotland to draw from the centuries of Magick and power that live in the soil.

Many ancient religions have revered the soil. It is where we live, the main source of food and the final resting-place of the earthly remains from this level. We honor the scared land that holds the blood of those that fought and died for us to survive.

Incense:
Incense plays many important roles in Magick. It is used as a symbol of fire and air by various belief systems. In rituals, it is used as an offering to the Gods and Goddesses or to smudge an area. It is also used in many ways when casting spells and may have multiple purposes. During divination, it is used to help create a proper physical, mental and spiritual state. The use and type of incense used may also vary from one belief system to the next.

Pendulum:
Pendulums have long been used to divine the future. Witches often use pendulums as well as other divination techniques to decide if it is the right time to perform a ritual or spell. Yes and no questions can be asked of a pendulum, as well as an aid in finding someone on a map.

Keek-Stane:
" Keek-Stane" which is, in effect, a scrying stone or the equivalent of a crystal ball. A form of divination in which one gazes into a luminous reflective surface. It can be made of glass, concave on one side and convex on the other. The convex side is painted black. It is usually held in a box. At night, under a full moon it will capture the moons power and suspend it as a small spark above the glass.

Smudge Stick:
In traditional societies, the herbs used for smudging are considered sacred and the smudge stick is treated with great respect. Using a smudging tool is part of many Native American traditions. The burning of herbs for emotional, psychic, and spiritual purification is also common practice among many religious, healing, and spiritual groups. The ritual of smudging can be defined as "spiritual house cleaning." In theory, the smoke attaches itself to negative energy and as the smoke clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it into another space where it will be regenerated into positive energy.

Crystal/Wax Human Skull:
As a representation of mankind, the skull in crystal or wax can be used on the alter. A Crystal Skull is defined as a human size and shaped skull made from various types of quartz crystal, usually discovered in or near an ancient ruin. Almost all of these ancient artifacts have come out of Mexico or Central America, usually linked to the Mayans or Aztecs, however in recent years, crystal skulls have been surfacing or reported in South America, Europe and Asia. A Powerful energy measured within or around the skulls when activated. A candle skull can represent the power and "light" of knowledge.

(The Skull is a symbol. At no time may a real skull be used because this would represent death! Because of this, the skull may be made of modern materials such as resin )

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Kilt:
Ceremonial dress for high celebrations. The kilt, an ancient and noble garment, a remnant of the early Celtic race of Caledonia. Highland dress and the tartan are among the most powerful, romantic and dramatic of all the symbols of Scotland. The kilt itself in its original form was a very basic garment that required neither the trouble of tailoring nor frequent replacement. The tartan cloth forming a piece of material some 2 yards in width by 4 or 6 yards in length. This was known variously as the Breacan, the Feileadh Bhreacain and the Feileadh Mor - the big kilt, usually referred to in English as the belted plaid.

Grimoire or Book of Shadows:
The Grimoire or Book of Shadows is a blank book for ones own ritual use. It is more like a diary than a textbook. It is filled with rituals, spells, correspondence, herbal lore, notes on deities, altar setups, thoughts on wizardry and witchcraft, the faith, and whatever else you feel will help guide you on your path. Most covens keep a coven Grimoire or Book of Shadows, while each individual often keeps a book of their own personal experiences. The Clan maintains a Clan book and each member keeps his or her own personal book.

The origin of the word "Grimoire" is the Old French "gramaire" or "grammar," which came to English from the Greek letter of the alphabet, "gramma" which came from "of letters" or grammatikos, to the Latin grammatica, which brings us to the Old French.. It gets even more complicated but at least we can agree that the consensus of Grimoire's definition is; a manual for invoking demons, magic, spells, occult knowledge, and necromancy, or an encyclopedia of spells and incantations. Recorded use of the term actually dates from only 1849.

Celtic Harp:
The harp played by the Irish and Scottish harper's of the old Gaelic order was an aristocratic instrument, played in the courts of kings and before the chiefs of clans. It was much like other non-pedal harps in use in our own time, but differs in that it was strung with bronze wire rather than gut or nylon. Its sound-box was carved in one piece out of wood from the bog. It had other-worldly associations, and in the hands of a master harper had power over its listeners to bring them great joy, or cause them to weep with sorrow.

In Scotland, the images of triangular harps appeared first about the ninth century, on the East Coast, in Pictish stone carvings. Later carvings are found further west, and show a gradual development toward the advanced form of the oldest surviving Gaelic harps, which date from the 15th century.

Great Highland Pipes:
Scotland's national instrument, the Bagpipe or in Gaelic "piob-mhor" (the great pipe). The bagpipe is an instrument of great antiquity. In Scotland the Piob Mohr or Great Highland bagpipes were created. This instrument was very popular among the Scottish clans. Every Clan Chief had his own pipers. They played during battles and festivities. During Highland Gatherings between friendly clans, pipers competed against each other. The music style they played at the time, in the Highlands of Scotland, is known as the classic Piobaireachd (pronounced as 'Pibroch')

In 1745, the Highlanders were defeated during the battle of Culloden by their suppressers, the British. When a piper was arrested, the British court decided that bagpipes should be considered as an 'instrument of war.' Playing the pipes was therefore outlawed as well as wearing a kilt or clan symbols. During secret gatherings, these traditions were maintained.

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Runes:
Runes are a method of divination similar to the Tarot or the I Ching. The difference is that Runes are a set of 25 stones instead of 78 cards or a set of sticks with patterns. As with the Tarot, most of the Runes may be right side up, or up side down, the meaning differing with the case. In addition, some Runes can not appear up side down. In practice, the Runes may be made of any material: ceramic, stones, sticks, or drawn on cards.

Before a true alphabet, Celts used pictorial symbols to carve into stones their ideas and thoughts. That there was power endowed to those who were adept at the use of these glyphs is indicated by the name given to the glyphs themselves.

Personals, Sporran:
Each New Scottish Wiccan must pack a personal sporran. The things in this sporran reflect back on our ancestors and their struggle to survive. In mine, I carry the basics of daily survival: A twist of tobacco, a clay pipe, a flint and steel, a block of tea, a pack of oats, and a cone of sugar. All these items are in their historic form as a remembrance. From this remembrance, we can draw power from the link with the Clan members who have moved to other levels or are reborn to return to the Clan.

Bell:
Not used by everyone. Used to achieve the right "vibrations". Choose one that sounds "right" to you. The vibrations from the bell are said to supplement the power raised and create harmony among those present. The altar bell typically found in Wiccan traditions. It may be used to call the quarters, summon spirits, banish negativity and other acts in spells and rituals.

Herbs:
Herbs have long been used for their healing and magical energies, and a selection of herbs and incenses is almost always found in the Craft stores of Wizards, Witches, pagans, and Wiccan's. They can be ground into powders, placed in gris-gris bags, rubbed into candles for Magick and used in ointments and other medicinal potions. Herbs purify the air in sacred space and dispel negative feelings.

Milk Pitcher:
Milk is the first food and has been used to plicate the Gods for centuries. It represents the prayer for livestock and the remembrance of mother's milk in all its forms. The souring of the milk has been a bad omen since the beginning of man. Poured over a stone it is a good way to ease the pain of centuries of memory within the stone and will bring you good fortune.

We offer a tribute of fresh milk to the gods and to the earth to replenish their power and to ask for their support in our Magick.

Mead:
Mead has a long history. So long, many say, that it may well be the oldest recorded fermented beverage. The Celts were drinking it in c. 500 AD There are indications that the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Ethiopians, Scandinavians, Assyrian, Incas and Aztec used mead, both in festivals and as a religious drink. Honey, and by association, mead, have been attributed with such powers as that of an aphrodisiac, and it has been said in times gone by that it imbues the drinker with attributes such as life, wisdom, courage and strength.

The Celtic peoples of the British Isles were reputed to have made mead with honey and the sap of a hazel tree. It is purported that St. Brigitte turned water into mead at the court of the King of Leinster.

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Water of Life:
Single malt whisky is thought to nourish the mind, body and spirit. The Scottish also refer to single malt scotch whisky as the "Water of Life," as it's made by soaking malted barley in water and distilling the brew. The name, whisky, suggests its awesome power. Whisky is an English corruption from the Scottish and Irish Gaelic, "uisge beatha" or "usquebaugh", meaning "water of life". The Gaelic "usquebaugh", meaning "Water of Life", phonetically became "usky" and then "whisky" in English.

Pentagram, Pentacle:
The pentagram, a five pointed star used in Pagan faith. It means different things to different witches. Generally, the five points represent Spirit, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. When the pentagram is inscribed in a circle--a pentacle--it unites all of the aspects of man. We recognize the Pentacle and pentagram to honor our Wiccan roots. The pentacle is the mostly widely recognized Pagan and Wiccan symbol. It does not symbolize the Devil or any demonic force. The five points of the star represent Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and the human Spirit. The circle surrounding the star represents Deity. Witches wear the Pentacle as either and affirmation of their faith or as a symbol of strength and protection. The invoking Pentagram is drawn starting from the top point and going down the left side whereas the banishing Pentagram is drawn starting from the bottom left point and going up the left side.

History of the Pentagram

The pentagram is used to represent the elements of (working clockwise from the top point) spirit, water, fire, earth and air. But where did the symbol originate? It is found in the oldest Sumerian pictographs, before the introduction of cuneiform writing.

Hieroglyphs of an upright pentagram attached to a boat at Tarkhan, where Set was worshipped in pre-dynastic Upper Egypt, which is believed to be a representation of the journey of the soul across the dark sea of spirit in the heavens.

In modern Christianity it is regarded as evil, particularly when inverted. However, the credibility of this is put into question when the fact presents itself that Christians also believe that the inverted cross is evil. Those who are familiar with Christian mythology will be aware that the inverted cross is known as St. Peter's Cross because Peter didn't believe he was worthy enough to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus Christ, so was crucified upside down.

The pentagram predates Christianity by at least 3500 years and ironically, the pentagram has a place in Christianity too - as a representation of the wounds of Christ post-crucifixion. It was also used by the Catholic church as a symbol of truth. In fact, in history it's been used to represent many things.

Celtic priests called it the foot of Witch, and it was also connected to the deity Morgana. In Druid it was regarded as the sign of Godhead; during the middle ages it was known as the Goblins sign. Some regard it as Solomon's Seal, others think it is a representation of the 5 senses. In Judaism it is thought to represent the 5 mosaic books; in Babylon it was used as an amulet of protection, and it also features in the legends of King Arthur.

In many Eastern belief systems the pentagram is representative of the elements of Fire, Metal, Wood, Earth and Water. They view it as a chronicle of the demise of all natural substances as the pentagram is pivoted on its axis. The Earth subdues the Water, the Water subdues the Fire, the Fire subdues the Metal, the Metal subdues the Wood and the Wood subdues the Earth. Making the law of resistance in nature that ultimately change is growth. All is change. All is growth. All is interlinked.

In general, the pentagram is one of the most widely use symbols in history. Some believe it is an eternal symbol because it can be drawn without removing the pen from the paper, and each point is connected somehow to every other.

The negative use of the pentagram began in Gothic era in the 17th and 18th century, and appears as a negative symbol in the works of Eliphas Levi (who interestingly brought negative links to the Goat Head Glyph too). Previous to his work, the humble pentagram had little or no evil implication. Levi who's works include "The History of Magic", was actually the pen-name of a French Catholic Deacon whose real name was Alphonse Louis Constant.

Many researchers claim that this is the first instance recorded where the pentagram has evil connotations, and during the same era the symbol was introduced into the Taro Deck.

In conclusion, the pentagram has signified many things. The name of the symbol originates in Pythagorean geometry where it was called a "Pent alpha" because it is construction of 5 capital A's. Like it's structure, it's history is fairly complex yet everything relates to the same thing: It has always been a sign of knowledge, power & representation regardless of the belief system employing it. Making it the only truly universal symbol regardless of time, location, language, religion or ethnic history.

However you set up your alter, make it your own. These tools are only a suggestion and you can use them or not, use some of them or all as you wish.Remember, the power, the magic, is in you and it's important that you use the tools that allow you to focus your magic. I use the tools that allow me to feel the history of my past and my blood line's past back to the hills and loch's of mother Scotland.

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If any of this has interested or angered you,
please send me an E-Mail and
let's talk about it.

HighlandWizard@MyWay.com

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