#witchcraft tools
I know the saying is spirituality isn’t cheap, but it doesn’t mean it has to be inaccessible. I remember how difficult it was starting my practice and wanting to get all the things that cost all the money and having neither. One of my favorite go-to places from way back then (and still is) was the dollar store. If you really look up and down the isles, you’ll find so many things you can use in your practice on the cheap.
My advice to baby witches just starting their collection of craft items is be patient. Set a budget of a few things and make sure they are the items you need to use on the reg. Once you’ve picked up your first couple of things, plan out the next few pieces you will need to help expand your craft. Don’t worry about getting everything you need at once. More than likely you won’t need everything you think you do in the beginning anyway.
Make sure you are purchasing à la carte items one at a time as needed, and stay away from Etsy and spiritual shops that tend to overcharge. Instead, use them to pick up special items like crystals or blended oils that you can’t get at a discount store. And always keep your eyes open at garage sales, thrift shops and your grandmas house.
*Each local dollar store will have different inventory, so your dollar store might vary in what they have available. Take note of what they have but check back every few months when they rotate their stock.
Notebooks, Pens/Pencils - Note books, pens and pencils will be at every dollar store. You can even pick up markets or colored pencils.
Journals - Journals are sometimes stocked with the book isle. So I usually check that area to see if there are any blank journals I want to use for spell books or craft journals.
Candles - Dollar stores are the jackpot for candles. You can get pillar candles, tea lights or votives in glass.
Offering Plates - They typically have clear glass bowls you can use for offering plates or even small dishes.
Bottles (Glass or plastic) - I’ve found colorful glass bottles with cork tops at one time or another, this might be a seasonal item.
Mirrors - Mirrors are always good for reflecting spells so pick up a few for protection/reflection magic.
Olive Oil - You can use olive oil to anoint and bless. Grab a bottle if they have it in stock.
Essential Oil - Your dollar store may carry a limited amount of essential oils, if they do you know you’ve scored big. No doubt these aren’t real essential oils and probably more like fragrance oil, so I wouldn’t put directly on my skin, but you can still use them in candles and just in general.
Boxes/Bins/Storage - Any dollar store will have loads of bins, and storage to hold all your witch crafty items in.
Incense/Incense holders - My dollar store always stocks incense cones, so I know they will be there, but I’ve seen sticks and some too.
Jars - Grab some canning jars! You will definitely need them to make spell jars and hold items in.
Yardley Soap - In my opinion, this soup is so overlooked. This original recipe dates back to the 1700s and is made in London. Use it for cleansing and ritual work.
Clay - Clay can be used to make small pentacles and even painted with paint from the dollar store. You can use clay to create other alter items as well like candleholders, beads and jewelry.
Calendars/Planners - Most calendars and planners will have the moon phases written on them, and if not you can always go in month to month and write it in yourself. Planners are a great way to track moon phases and spells that are coming up.
Drawstring Bags - Perfect to house herbs, crystals or anything you want to carry around with you in a little pouch.
Chalk - Chalk can be used to draw on doors, windows and porches for protection symbols. You can also use it to draw your circle around you when you cast spells.
String - String can be bought for tying up bags, knot spells or cord spells so definitely something handy to have around.
Felt - Not every dollar store will have felt, but it’s worth a mention. Use for making poppets and dolls. If your dollar store doesn’t carry felt, craft stores usually carry it for a dollar a sheet.
A small stool or shelf - If you’re looking for a small alter space you might be able t find a shelf or small stool/table.
Table cloth - Dollar stores will generally have this item either in the party section or in the household items. Typically they come in white but if you go during Halloween season you might be able to score a black one.
Seasonal decorations - Always head over to the dollar store for any seasonal items. Think Yule décor, Halloween decorations and so much more.
Lighter/Matches - A regular find at any dollar store and super useful.
Paper - Loose leaf lined paper or computer paper is always good to have on hand aside from notebooks.
Spices (Garlic/Salt/Cinnamon) - They won’t carry all the spices, but a dollar store will have a small selection. Look for cinnamon, garlic, salt and sugar.
Honey - Perfect for making honey jars and sweetening up spells.
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Candles are of course a witches go to. Almost every spell, ritual or cleanse calls for at least a candle or two to help elevate the energy. It’s something about even lighting the candle in the first place that starts setting the mood. Think about a birthday cake, you light the number of candles according to how old you’re turning, make a wish, then blow them all out. I don’t care what anyone says, that’s totally a spell.
If you’re new to Witchcraft and want to sort it all out, follow the guide below. I didn’t really intend on writing this much on candles, selling as there is already so much information available on the subject, but I just started to roll with whatever I was thinking.
Types of Candles
Pillar Candles - These are thick round candles that can usually stand on their own. They come in any range of colors and sometimes scents. Pillar candles in my experience are used as a sort of decoration or just an altar candle. I’ve seen altars or spaces decorated with lots of different height pillar candles dripping everywhere. It makes for an amazing aesthetic. If you are using Pillar Candles, place a coaster or heatproof glass on the bottom of your candle to protect the surface you are burning the candle on.
Mini Spell Candles - These candles you’ve probably seen at any local mystical or witch shop. They come in a range of rainbow colors and are larger than a birthday candle but smaller much smaller than a Pillar Candle. Mini Spell Candles are definitely a staple in many witches’ cabinets, and oftentimes witches (like myself) keep several in every color just in case. When a spell asks for a certain color of candle, they are usually referring to these. The best thing about these candles is that they are pretty inexpensive, and you can grab a bunch in any color for all your spell casting needs.
Candles in Shapes (like a man or woman or skull) - These candles are more specific. They are sometimes used to target a specific person or even just yourself. The shape or figure of the candle can represent your target in a more personal way. These candles can be used for a wide range of reasons and come in a variety of colors to suit any spell working.
Tea Lights - I’m a Tea Light advocate. I know they’re not very witchy, but you can grab a bag at any dollar store and use them for everything. I like to use them to line the bathtub for any ritual baths, decorate my altar, and even carve intentions on them or symbols and burn them for small spells. I also use Tea Lights for tarot readings and any sort of Divination. The versatility of these little guys is what makes me a Tea Light fan.
Votive Candles - Votive candles to me are glorified Tea Lights. They are small sort of fat Pillars and need to be encased in a glass votive. Hence, the name. I haven’t seen too many of these in very specific colors but I do have a bunch on hand in case. Just like the Tea Lights, you can purchase these at a discount store and are generally not very expensive.
Knob Candles - I’ve only used knob candles a couple of times. You can recognize them by their specific look, they literally have seven or so knobs on them. The intention for this is that you cast the spell and burn one knob a day. Be warned the knobs take forever to burn, so make sure you have enough time to babysit this guy each day.
7 Day Candles - 7 Day Candles are sort of like the knob candle, however they are tall candles that come in a glass vase. These candles are generally poured, and sometimes the glass has decoration on it according to it’s intention. You can purchase these ‘fixed’ or charged with intentions like luck or money, and they come in a variety of colors. You can also purchase these white and create your own intentions by decorating the glass vase yourself and adding your own oils and herbs to the candle.
Dipped Candles - These are what I think of when I think of original old school candles. They sometimes come in a pair with the wick connecting the two candles. Dipped candles are usually crafted by a candle maker, and if you find a witch who dips and sells her own candles you’re in luck!
Tall Candles - Tall candles are your basic candles that people used to have out on their dining room table in brass or metal candleholders. I think most people use them for decoration, but you could add them to your alter or spells. I don’t typically use them for whatever reason.
Candle Color Meanings
White - White is used for cleansing, new beginnings and fresh starts. White can also be used for clarity and divination.
Black - Black absorbs negativity, so I’ve always used it to get rid of negativity, protection, or banishing.
Blue - Blue is tranquil. Use blue candles in your spell work for focus, peace and wisdom.
Orange - Orange is a bright and happy color. It brings out joy, stimulates energy and attraction. (The manifesting kind, not the lover kind.)
Yellow - Yellow is more of a breaking blocks kind of color. It also brings confidence and new ideas to the table.
Pink - Pink is all the things like love, passion, self-love, happiness and even romance.
Purple - Purple is more of a regal color and with it comes meditation, connecting to your spirits, and intuition.
Green - Green is all about money, success and prosperity. It attracts wealth and abundance.
Red - While pink is the color of romantic love, red is straight up passion and power. Increased energy and courage.
Gold - Gold is the masculine color and can bring about success and abundance. I like to use gold for money too.
Silver - Silver is the feminine version and is more about connecting to the goddess. Silver is used for deepening your spiritual connection and developing psychic abilities.
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Amulets:
An often-wearable piece of jewelry precisely used or worn for protection and warding off ill intent. Examples are the Evil Eye and the Eye of Horus. Thousands of religions and cultures have their own and others are universal.
Athame:
A magickal blade or dagger that is used exclusively for rituals and metaphysical work. An Athame can ward and protect a presence or vicinity from negative intentions You can also utilize this to cut energy cords.
Bells:
The ring of a bell not only provides cleansing throughout an area but is an exceptional way to incorporate sound and the Air element into your practice. Witches Bells are bells that are often hanging over the entrance door, used for a vast amount of time as a protective caution, and purifying the energies of those who walk through the doorway.
Besom:
A magickal broom particularly utilized to sweep and or swoop energies. This can be to cleanse, to guide smoke, or to remove stagnancy from oneself or dwelling. The Besom has been a tool for thousands of years.
Bundles:
An assortment of dried herbal sprigs that can be utilized by being hung or once burned. Please do not burn white mountain sage unless you are indigenous though, for it is a closed practice.
Candles:
The spark of a candle can purify the air and can also be applied for divination. Candles can be engraved, anointed, infused, and beyond. They also are great for incorporating the element fire.
Cauldron:
A fire safe dish or canister that can be used to brew potions, burn loose incense, or to boil a delicious meal. A classic staple for witches, a kettle is most used. Cauldrons also happen to incorporate every element.
Chalices:
A grail of a sort to be used for drinking brews personally, or offering concoctions to spirits, deities, or ghosts. They are commonly shaped comparably to a wine glass, but appearances can fluctuate
Charms:
A small ornament or sachet charmed with a particular purpose that can be carried or worn by a person for a variety of affects. This can range from jewelry to small vessels and accessories.
Crystals:
Crystals are rocks that are formed organically from the earth or grown in a laboratory. Although many people prefer natural crystals, they are unaware the reasoning for them being made in labs. The Earth has limited supply of these crystals that are extracted or mined from the natural resources that we have to offer, if we as people do not resolve this, Earth will be entirely depleted of its own magickal gems.
Decks:
Cartomancy has been used for thousands of years. There are three varieties of card decks in this aspect, the first being playing cards. The second is Tarot, and the third is Oracle cards. The origins of each vary; but the Romani people are mostly credited for the origins of Tarot.
Grimoire:
A Grimoire is a personal journal in which a witch or spiritualist puts their research and all magickal related texts. Grimoires can include collages, birth charts, correspondences, pressed flora, and recipes. Some people consider this sacred and share with nobody, whilst others happily share their work. The choice is up to you if you want one and what you might wish to do with it.
Incense:
An Incense a fragrant of biological materials such as powdered flora and resin or sap. Incense are used by burning them and allowing the smoke to create an aroma throughout your dwelling. There are three forms of Incense, Cones, Sticks, Loose Blends. A loose blend is a concoction of ground herbs as they are and usually require a charcoal to burn.
Mortar & Pestle:
The Mortar is a receptacle that is made of a tough material and formed like a bowl. The Pestle is the tool used to crush, grind, or powder the herbs. The Mortar and Pestle have been used for centuries in cooking, pharmaceuticals, and apothecaries.
Essential Oils:
Essential Oils are compounds extracted from plants into a liquid. This is like the essence and soul of said plant. Can be used for topicals and aromatic purposes. They are incredibly useful in potions that are not meant to be drank but sprayed or applied to the skin. Always make sure to use a bit of carrier oil and water with essential oils, as the potency can be acidic and will need to be diluted. Water alone however cannot properly mix it. Specific essential oils can be toxic and even lethal to animals, so it is imperative that you research it before use if you own any pets.
Pendulums:
A pendulum is an item that is suspended from stationary position so that energy and gravity may cause it to swing. This is used for a variety of reasons from divination, communication, and alignment of beings or spaces. One might use a pendulum board to commune with spirits or deities in a precise manner, but you can also use your hand. Always make sure to vet before proceeding to ask questions. Vetting is the process of assessing the pendulum by asking yes or no questions; one true, and one false. If it answers correctly, it is safe to proceed, if not, I recommend closing the space, cleansing, and warding before trying again.
Potions:
An enchanted liquid that can alter or transform one if drank. This is a sort of blanket term or a very brief word to use due to the various forms there are. Most are used from biological compounds such as essential oils or herbs, carrier oil, and a preservative. Potions can have remedies or poisons, all depending on the ingredients.
Runes:
Runes are an Ancient Germanic Alphabet that many use for divination. They can also be used as sigils because each Rune holds its own meaning. Witches write out the Runic Alphabet on small stones, bones, or marbles and gently toss them into a vessel and scry based on where they land or what falls at all.
Sachet:
A sachet is a relatively small cloth bag with a pull string. For those who practice, these are incredibly useful. Sachets can be used as charms, to carry crystals or cards, or filled with herbs and carried around or used in the bath. These are also referred to as Muslin bags.
Mirrors:
Scrying Mirrors are usually painted a reflective black and are used for divination purposes. In many cultures around the world, mirrors are portals, especially if two are placed parallel toward each other. Therefore, many practitioners ward, seal, or cover their mirrors when not in use. You never have to do that, but I recommend it.
Singing Bowls:
The singing bowl is a kind of bell created in Tibet and Himalayan cultures that produces healing frequencies and vibrations that are not only powerful but cleanse a space and person. Singing bowls can range in materials from forms of metals such as brass, or carved crystals.
Spoons:
You might be wondering why I added an eating utensil to this list. This is because there are so many ways to use this magically in mundane and ritualistic actions. I have a specific spoon set aside for scooping and stirring herbs in spells, and I recommend having one too. The way you stir or grind something has intention as well, you can stir it clockwise to attract something towards you, and counterclockwise to deter something. This can be applied to tea, coffee, or food before drank.
Sprays:
Mist and spray bottles bring a different degree of efficiency and genius to potions, infusions, and enhanced magickal oils. These can be applied to charms, sprayed on a surface or general space, used as perfume, or sprayed on linens and clothing for numerous and different intentions.
Talismans:
A talisman is an item, often a piece of jewelry that has religious or magickal properties through charming, charging, enchanting in order to bring the wearer protection, beauty, fortune, or discomfort. Examples of this are a rabbits foot, the seal of Solomon, or a pentacle necklace.
Veils:
A Veil is a hair accessory that is charmed and worn to shield and protect an individual’s energies. Most are scarves or bandanas, but you can get creative and use hairclips, scrunchies, or your hair itself. Empaths particularly can benefit from veiling as to not be subject to the energies around them and keep their thoughts and feelings and theirs alone.
Wands:
A hand-held stick or rod that holds magickal properties and essence and can be used to cast spells. I like to use wands to write sigils, runes, or symbols on auras, tools, doors, and mirrors. Most wands are made of wood or crystals, but the materials can vary.
∆Witchy reminder∆
If you’re feeling disconnected with your witchcraft tools, try cleansing them and doing a small spell or ritual to reconnect your energetic ties with them.
