Traditional British Witchcraft
Ritual Tools

Chalice

Cup or Horn

   

The chalice or horn is a goblet of any size used to hold wine, ale, or any other beverage for use during ritual.

The chalice is one of the four principle Elemental Tools in the Ceremonial Magick Tradition of Europe (such as Golden Dawn). It is a correspondent of one of the Four Quarters of the Magic Circle and that Quarter's associated powers, attributes, and qualities. The four Elemental Tools are the athame (dagger), wand, chalice (cup), and the pentacle (disk).

In those traditions that use a "horn," it usually need not be an actual horn from an animal. Any goblet or cup will do.

In Wicca, the chalice is symbolic of the Goddess. So it is preferable that the chalice be made of silver, which is the metal and color of the Goddess.

However, the chalice may be made of any material as long as it can be safely used for drinking. This includes gold, glass (don't break it!), pottery (if there are NO cracks), or stone (if there are NO cracks and it specifically states that it was made for use with food).

Do not use a pewter and brass chalice! These metals produces a toxin when used with wine and other acidic drinks. It is unsafe to use them. If the only other cups you have are plastic or paper, that will do very well.

A chalice should never be passed around from person to person in a coven or group in order for each to drink from. That's asking for serious medical trouble. In a coven or group, each attendee must bring their own chalice or you should provide paper cups. No exceptions.

Ritual Tools