The CHALICE represents the Element of Water and the power of the Mother Goddess. It is the second of the four major sacred tools.   A Chalice can be any kind of cup or glass and is used to make libations or drink offerings and to confer blessings.

An Altar Chalice is filled with wine (or water or juice) which is blessed and consecrated during the Ritual. Part of a Blessing Ritual may involve placing the Athame into the Chalice.  This act is called the ``Great Rite``.  The Athame represents the phallus of the God, the Chalice the womb of the Goddess, when the Athame enters the Chalice it is the union of Goddess and God. This is a very important aspect of Wiccan Ritual.  A sip of the consecrated liquid is then offered to each person in turn who symbolically drinks the blessing.

Be it known that a man is not greater than a woman.
Nor yet is a woman greater than a man.
For what one lacks
The other can provide
As the Athame is to the male
So is the Cup to the female.
And when conjoined together, they become one in truth,
for there is no greater magick in all the world than that of love.

- neo-pagan blessing with alternate lines recited by a priest and priestess.
Published in the Internet Book of Shadows.