8 Ritual Items a Ceremonial Magician Should Have
If you’re eager to conduct more elaborate rituals, you should have at least some items at hand since they can be of major assistance. After all, the classic appearance of a magician is not randomly put together.
Just to be clear though, these items are not 100% necessary in order to create effects through magical operations. It can be done without any items at all, using sheer mental focus, incantations, mantras and other mental means. Yet when it comes to ceremonial magic as such, it’s hard to make a complex operation without them.
My advice is to build your collection slowly by getting the items you would really like to use and those that are compatible with your personal style. The exception would be if you were eager to conduct a precise ritual from a grimoire that states you must have a very unique item (wand made of particular material, candles of this or that color, specific incense/perfume etc.).
Without further ado, here are my top eight ritual item recommendations:
1. Ceremonial robes
I have different robes that I wear according to the attributes that best align with the ritual requirements, color symbolically being the most important. If you don’t have any ceremonial robes at hand, that’s not the end of the world. Simply wear suitable clothes (probably something you’d wear to a place of worship), pick the right colors etc.
Here is a great collection of ceremonial robes with 15 different colors to choose from (link to Amazon).
2. Sword
Much of ceremonial magic revolves around elements (fire, water, earth, air and spirit/ether). Each element expresses a particular type of energy. This differentiated type is also contained in the very shape and function of the various ritual items.
The sword corresponds to the element of air, and it is the most practical tool for drawing symbols in the air. It can also be used to channel energy into a particular point or a vessel, although an athame or a wand are more commonly used for that purpose.
Besides being a useful ritual item, I think it’s also purely enjoyable to possess a well crafted sword. It adds a level of prestige and power to one’s ritual chamber. Also, if a group of nasty Abrahamists decides to interfere in your spiritual dealings, you can slice them up and serve them to the Devil. For any Karen in the audience – that was a joke.
If you’re looking for a nice, yet affordable sword, here is a collection of Medieval-style swords, available on Amazon.
3. Athame
Athame stands as one of the four elemental tools in modern occultism, traditionally standing for fire, for witches, and air, for ceremonial magicians. I believe this disagreement didn’t arise accidentally. The athame and the sword are very similar and they can be used interchangeably.
I find my athame to be more practical whilst travelling because it’s smaller and can serve various functions. It can be used for channeling energy, drawing symbols, casting a circle, blood magic and banishing rituals.
There is a wide range of athames available, with many unique designs, gems, incantations and so forth. Currently my favorite athame is this beautifully crafted Damascus Steel Spiral Dagger.
4. Wand
The wand is also sometimes interchangeably used with the athame and the sword. We are dealing here with phallic objects, they are meant to express a focused, penetrating action. But the blades are sharper, the wand is gentler.
The wand also corresponds to the fire element and it’s primarily used for channeling energy and for controlling a spirit once he is summoned, so it’s almost like a magician’s equivalent of a conducting baton.
Having said that, I don’t think you need to have all three of these similar items though. For most magicians (and witches) having just one of them will suffice. In my opinion, an athame is the most practical and versatile of the three. But if you’re in need of a wand, here is a standard solid wood wand that is suitable for many rituals.
5. Candles
Real, natural fire holds magical potency, and candles provide an affordable and practical means of employing it in a ritual setting.
The convenience comes from the ease by which the fire can be strategically placed inside or outside the magic circle, by the various lighting effects one wishes to produce and by the wide choice of colors of the candles, representing the attributes of the spirit, the element or the intention of the magician.
Gazing at a candle is also an effective way of practicing one’s focus and for clearing one’s thoughts before conducting a ritual.
6. Incense
Another helpful and affordable item is the incense. The pleasant fragrance helps in creating a calm and almost mysterious atmosphere, and it can be used to attract specific spirits. For example, Asmoday is attracted with frankicense, Cimejes by jasmine, Furcas by myrrh.
This isn’t precise science, the contents of magical operations typically aren’t, but it’s the knowledge of “what works best” shared by past and present magicians (and demonolators).
It’s also true that different incenses also correspond to different states of mind and chakras and so it can be useful for meditation. I’ve tried many brands, but I prefer using the Raajsee incense because of its pleasant, completely natural and long lasting.
7. Scrying mirror/ball
Perhaps the most magical item of them all, at least according to pop culture and fairy tales, is a divinatory mirror or ball. The old gypsy woman divining future events from a crystal ball, the evil queen talking to a complimenting mirror are well known to us all.
And indeed, these items provide the best gateway for ecstatic visions and communication with the deeper layers of one’s consciousness. Furthermore, they are necessary in more complex systems of magic, such as Enochian and some variations of necromancy and Goetic magic, in order to communicate with angels, demons and other spirits.
I use a scrying mirror regularly to communicate with demonic entities and when conducting divinatory sessions by the use of necromancy. When purchasing a scrying mirror/ball, be sure to check out the size, because they can be surprisingly small. A smaller item will be useful for beginners, because it helps in narrowing down your focus to a smaller object. Later, you can progress to larger ones if you deem it necessary. This obsidian crystal ball is the one I frequently use and recommend to others.
8. Magick diary/grimoire
Last but not least, you should invest in a nice notebook, which will serve as a diary of your past magical accomplishments and your plans for the future.
After some time, your magical diary will contain much useful information which can serve as a grimoire. You will discover which magical operations, specific actions and items work best for producing a particular effect. You can then use this knowledge to replicate those results in the future.
It’s also valuable to have at least a piece of paper if not a notebook nearby when conjuring spirits, because you may be given powerful advice and insights which should be written down lest you forget them. If you’re not sure how your magick diary should look like, here is a beautifully handmade leather notebook that you might like.
Final Thoughts
So I hope these recommendations prove helpful to you. I’m aware that some people’s favorites are not included here, such as tarot cards and crystals.
Some will also say that a chalice is just as important as an athame. And I would agree on that point, but I find that many people have fancy glasses laying around that can be used in place of one and we’re trying to be minimalistic here, presenting the bare minimum.
With that said, my ritual chamber is equipped with much more than I’ve listed here, including precious ancient and medieval grimoires, robes, a large scrying mirror, unique sigils etc. But for someone who’s just starting out, I believe that the items on this list should suffice.
Lastly, if you’re struggling to summon a spirit or need magickal assistance to improve some aspect of your life, you can request a ritual and I will perform it on your behalf. See you on the other side!
