Beginner Witchcraft: Basic Tools

As I mentioned in a previous post; technically there isn't a single thing that's a necessity when it comes to witchcraft. With that being said, if you're a new witch looking to build your toolbox, there are a few basics that I recommend starting with.

Crystals

There are a few other stones that I use on a fairly regular basis, but these are the ones that I think are the most versatile and the most accessible.

• Rose Quartz: perfect for helping reassure you, build a deeper loving relationship with yourself, and is overall a calming stone

• Selenite or Clear Quartz: these stone amplify whatever energy you put out, as well as cleanse and aid in meditation. I always prefer to cleanse my other crystals after using them by leaving them next to or on top of selenite for a day

• Amethyst: known as the stone of spirituality, this one will aid in your psychic abilities and help you build your strongest tool- your intuition

• Citrine: one of my favorite stones! Citrine is not only pretty, but it brings clarity, joy, and boosts creativity and purpose

• Black Onyx: this stone is one of the biggest ones I rely on religiously; it's a stone of strength and will provide support, protection, and comfort

Herbs

I know I keep saying it, but I promise one day soon I'll have a post on herbs and spices you probably already have that you can use in your craft. These are the basic five that I take with me when I go on vacations or trips in order to feel prepared!

• Rosemary: the perfect substitution for any herb you may not have in your cabinet; otherwise great for protection, healing, love, clarity, and purification

• Mugwort: I always use this herb in spells regarding divination or if I need any assistance in finding my purpose. I typically use this herb as a spell booster as well; most likely because I often invoke the aid of Hecate.

• Lavender: what a versatile, lovely herb! Magically speaking, you can use it for spells involving clarity, love, prosperity, peace, or self-reliance. I often work lavender into teas and recipes as well!

• Calendula: this herb has as many medicinal uses as it has magical! Used to aid psychic abilities, boost your love for yourself and others, prosperity spells, et cetera. Medicinally, it soothes inflammation, cramps, upset tummies, ulcers, and reduces fevers.

• Bay Leaves: another versatile herb! Used for protection from hexes/ jinxes, for good luck, psychic abilities and wish making. I typically write on the leaf and burn it to make wishes.

• Stinging Nettle: returns curses, provides protection, recovery, purifying and grounding. Medicinally speaking; it'll soothe muscle and joint pain, arthritis and urinary problems.

Divination Tool

You don't need every single one of these! I recommend picking one that calls to you and starting there before branching out or trying other forms. In regards to most of these; I recommend carrying the tool with you for a little while and taking time to sit with it prior to working with it.

• Tarot/ Oracle Cards: the universally recommended beginner deck is the Rider Waite tarot. In my humble opinion, you can start with really any deck that speaks to you. If you're just beginning with tarot, I recommend checking out my post on Do's and Don'ts of starting out, here.

• Rune Stones: something I'm still learning to work with. You can either purchase your own set, or make your own with stones, shells, clay, or pieces of paper even.

• Tasseography: if you're already a tea drinker, or love looking for shapes in the clouds, this is something I recommend trying. When I used to work at Guinness, I used to practice this by reading the shapes I'd see in the beer foam on the glass.

• Pendulum: a bit more straightforward and less interpretive than tarot or runes. You can purchase a pendulum, but you can also simply use a necklace or stone tied to the end of a string. Be sure to ask the pendulum to show you yes, and no first!

Journal

Speaking from experience, this is the single most helpful and important tool. The possibilities with a journal are seriously endless. I use mine to journal about tarot readings, practice subconscious, automatic writing, jot down spells, write about my dreams, take note of different crystals or herbs I come across, use for spells, the list goes on and on.

Some witches decorate their book of shadows with stickers, drawings, magazine clippings, memorabilia, or photos. Others, like myself, purchase ones that call out. Remember, your book of shadows is your personal space, so make sure it's a comfortable, safe writing space for you where you feel at home! (For those who may ask- a grimoire is more of a collection of your knowledge; it's where I keep my spells, crystal and herb correlations, and tarot spreads. A book of shadows, on the other hand, is a more personal version. To me it's a working diary-version of a grimoire).

Altar Space

Not everyone may agree with this, but I strongly recommend having an altar space when you're just starting your craft. As you grow more comfortable with your craft, you may feel that you're not crazy about having an altar, but I think that to start it's good to have a space where you can easily get yourself in the right mindset. Whether it's a windowsill, side table, desk, spot on the floor, or wherever, it's helpful. I suggest having an altar cloth or tray or plate that you can move around. This way, you can test out different spots to see what works best, and you have a physically, visual representation of where you should be directing your energy and using as a working space.

No matter what you choose to take away from this; I hope it's been a bit of help! As I always mention at the end of my posts, if you ever have any questions about anything at all, don't hesitate to ask! You can send me an email at wisteriawitchblog@gmail.com, or send me a message on Instagram @wisteriawitch. Blessed be and happy witching!