Chalice

The chalice is the ritual cup of the altar and represents the element of Water, receptivity and the feminine principle of the Goddess. It is filled with water, wine or juice that is blessed and shared at the end of the rite, in the ceremony of cakes and wine. In the symbolic Great Rite of Wicca, the athame is lowered into the chalice to represent the union of the Goddess and the God. In the tarot it corresponds to the suit of Cups, which deals with emotions and bonds. It is usually made of silver, glass, ceramic or wood, according to the practitioner's preference.