How To Properly Dispose of Ritual and Magic Tools

Sometimes, for whatever reason, you may decide that you have a ritual tool you no longer need. Perhaps you've got three athames too many, or someone has gifted you with a new chalice and you're tired of the old one, or maybe that deck of Tarot cards just doesn't speak to you the way it used to. Whatever the reason, it can sometimes be a bit of a dilemma as to how to dispose of your ritual tools. Let's look at a couple of different options.

Pass It On

If you've got a particular tool that still has a good feeling to it, or that has some sort of sentimental value, and you've decided it's time to get rid of it, why not pass it along to a friend? You'll be happy to know your item has gone to a good home, and your friend will be happy to receive a new magical tool. Before you pass it along, you may want to hold a short parting ritual to separate yourself from the object, but you don't have to - and this can be as simple as saying, Thanks for being in my life, it's now time for me to send you on your way. Once your friend has the item in her possession, she can re-consecrate the tool to make it her own. Got a bunch of stuff to pass along? Organize and host a magical swap meet!

Into the Wild

Some items seem to like being released into the wild, like animals. If you have a magical tool that came from nature–a wand made from a branch, a special stone, a bottle of sea water–then put it back into nature. While you may not be able to return it to the place you originally found it, you can always find a quiet place in the woods to leave it. Another option might be to toss it into a creek or river, as long as it is indeed a natural object.

Release by Fire

Sometimes, you might have an item you don't want anymore, and you don't want to give it to anyone else. You might not want to leave it out in the wild where someone can dig it up, either. In this case, the best thing to do is use fire to get rid of it. Burning a magical item doesn't€™ have to be complicated - build a fire and place the item in it. If you wish, say a few words to separate yourself magically from the object, and then allow it to burn.

Burial

Another good method of getting rid of old ritual tools is the burial. Typically, you'll want to select a place that isn't going to be disturbed later on–if you have a property of your own, you can bury the item in your yard. If you don't have your own land, or you're going to be moving soon, you may want to find a remote spot somewhere that you can bury the object. Use good judgment before digging on any public property.

Finally, keep in mind that if you're disposing of spell components or ritual offerings, your disposal methods are going to vary depending on the ritual or working itself, and on the nature of the ritual offerings that you need to be rid of.