These are some of the tools I possess, the element I affiliate them with, and what they represent to me:

MAJOR TOOLS (Primary Tools)

BROOM / BESOM
Used for cleansing ritual space
Brush side up by a door protects a home from unwanted energies
Couples "jump the broom" in handfastings (if they desire children)

ATHAME / DAGGER
("a-thAM-ay" or "ATH-a-may")
Often the blade is left "dull" or unsharpened
In Scottish tradition: a "yag-dirk"
In Sax Wicca tradition: a "seax" (see-ax)
Traditionally the "black handled knife" with a double edged iron blade
Modern versions are made of any material
Part of many opening rituals, handfastings (wedding) and initiation rites
Male part of the symbolic "Great Rite"
Used to cast the circle or direct energy

CAULDRON
Traditionally three legged
Represent reincarnation and the cycles of birth, death and rebirth
Used for scrying
Female part of the symbolic "Great Rite"

WAND
If harvested from a living tree ask permission and leave a token of thanks
Used to cast the circle or direct energy (I use mine to tear down the circle)
Traditionally made of wood, modern versions are made of any material

PENTACLE / PATON
("peytons" or "patens")
A disk or plate inscribed with the five pointed star in a circle
Used to charge ritual items and tools


MINOR TOOLS (Secondary Tools)

BOLINE / BURIN
The "white handled knife"
Used to harvest herbs, carve symbols
Not generally used for ritual work

HOURGLASS
Used to ground ritual space, keep time

SALT / SOIL
Used to cleanse ritual space, tools

CENSER / THURIBLE
Used to contain a hot coal for burning incense
Used to purify ritual space, tools, cast a circle, send messages

CHARCOAL
Used to burn incense

OIL / HURRICANE LAMP
Alternate for candles

SWORD
Used in the same manner as the athame

CHALICE / CUP
Alternate female part of the symbolic "Great Rite"
Sometimes passed 'round the circle, each taking a sip, "May you never thirst!"
Libations (wine, water) are often poured to the Earth after ritual as an offering

DIFFUSER / OIL BURNING LAMP
Used to disperse essential oils

WATER
Used to purify ritual space, tools, cast a circle

GRIMOIRE / BOOK OF SHADOWS
Used as a journal
Record of recipes
Documents ceremonies, rituals, spells

INK, QUILL, & PARCHMENT
Used to create sigils, spells and record in Grimoire

SMUDGE STICK
Used to purify ritual space, tools, cast a circle

STAFF
Used in the same manner as the wand
Commonly matched "to your measure" (reaches to your shoulder)
If harvested from a living tree ask permission and leave a token of thanks
Used to cast the circle or direct energy (I use mine to tear down the circle)

ALTAR
The surface on which one works magick

CORD / CINGULUM
Used to measure circle
Binding for some traditions
Sometimes shows coven or group rank

JEWELRY / WARDROBE
Clothing is "optional" for many Witches
Some Traditions practice "skyclad" or naked, clad only by the sky
"Special" garments lends to the "otherworldly" ambiance
Sets the magickal apart from the mundane
Many traditions have a "standard" wardrobe
Often embroidered with magickal symbols
Sometimes talismans are hidden in the seams and hems