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Prompt 23. Sunday 23rd September 2018 - The 23rd prompt will be.. Where and What Supplies to buy!
Supplies I’m back! I mean surprise!! But this particular blog entry is going to be about Supplies.. What I use and where I get it from..!! And perhaps even why!!
Full disclaimer 1. You absolutely do not need to buy anything to practice Magick, Witchcraft, any form of Paganism such as Wicca, Druidry, Shamanism etc. These are all Earth Based Religions / Practices / Faiths etc meaning that our ancestors wouldn’t have gone out and purchased their tools and supplies; in fact most of them couldn’t afford to! Supplies were picked and grown from our lands while tools would have been shaped, carved and created from trees, bone, antler, clay etc. Although granted some would have been traded or purchased. - I am in no way encouraging you to spend money. 2. I’m from England UK and so I will try and reference international sources but keep that in mind.
I have been asked by a few people on Facebook, Instagram and a few other Social Media haunts as to where I get my supplies from.. What I use, how I got my Altar and how I have accumulated so much stuff… Do I use it all? Absolutely not! But I’m a creature of hoarding, collecting and materialistic things – especially if I can find them very inexpensively, make them myself or support independent businesses. - Though I am no stranger to chain stores etc either.
Since magick is all around us everywhere and in everything we are not restricted to how we practice nor what we use.. Although that said let's take a look at some of the more common tools and supplies aka the "basics"?!!
First I'll look at more stereotypical witchy items and then Wiccan and then a few other general items you may wish to practice with..
So when we think of witches aside from the typical crooked nose, warts and green skin we also picture the conical hat, besom (or broom as it's more commonly known), a cat or other witches familiar, spell book, cauldron and perhaps a few other noticeables such as a black cloak or cape, potion bottles, spell ingredients such as frogs legs and eye of newt etc. So let's break down some of these more stereotypical witches items; though while I can't do much for your completion I'm sure there's some interesting makeup or special fx gurus on youtube who will aid you in the tips and tricks of cosmology.. So let's look at the more material things shall we..
Besom/Broom: The besom as I said a besom is more commonly known as a broom or a witch's broom. These items are much more symbolic or for metaphysical use than literally functional. They are very much traditionally made brooms made for sweeping though these brooms are more for sweeping away negative energies and to cleanse a space spiritually /magickally / metaphysically than it is for literally sweeping dirt. (SPOILERS!) Besoms/brooms are also noted as the witch’s mode of transport however I don't personally know any that actually fly!! Besoms can also be purchased around Halloween, at specialist stores including Etsy.com and some antique shops or made yourself – I made mine from upcycled Poundland Halloween costume props and a large fallen branch I obtained in the woods. Besoms are also incorporated into some wedding or handfasting ceremonies and/or ritualistic dance and traditions.
Cat/Familiar: A cat or other witches familiar I have done a blog covering this so will link it HERE. Essentially a pet that chooses you and lends its energies to you and your workings among other things.
Cauldron: While having a cauldron is nice it's also not necessary at all. Cauldrons were the cooking pots of the day. If you think of a big pot of stew bubbling over an open fire then that was how food would have been cooked back in the day. Today our traditions would be the equivalent to a pan on a stove. Cauldrons / cooking pots and pans would be used to brew tea, potions, ointments, medicines etc.. As well as cooking food or preparing ingredients. While it's not impossible to find cauldrons you're definitely going to pay a pretty penny especially for a heavy cast iron one. I myself have quite a few small ceramic, brass and cast iron cauldrons which I believe I purchased them all from ebay. Again second hand shops / charity shops / thrift stores around Halloween, Antiques places, car boots (or yard sales for our international friends) are just a few places to look. Equally as mentioned a cauldron is not essential any heatproof cooking pan will suffice and even better if it has a lid. I even know some people who use oil burners or fondue sets and again I have both.
Witches Hat: The conical hat is a pointed hat worn in many styles, fabrics and traditions throughout the ages however one belief of the witch is that it was believed that energies would manifest almost like a lighting conductor and be attracted and conducted as they hit the point of the hat and then be magnified as they’re protruded down the cone shape to the brim which then expels down into the witch surrounding her in an invisible cylinder of energies. Conical hats are not terribly difficult to make even out of paper although typically they're made of stiff fabric. They're also not terribly expensive to buy especially around Halloween where a cheap one could be purchased for use or even altered to adorn other elements and be customised to his or her tastes (as said Witches can be male or female). I actually stole mine from my kid Sisters Halloween costume some 4 years or so ago since she was throwing it out. I believe originally it was purchased from Wilkos for a few pounds or even Poundland.
Cloak/Cape/Robes: A cloak or cape can easily be made or purchased at places such as eBay which is where I got mine. This is much more ceremonial or symbolic. Part of the attire almost like a uniform however not essential nor important. The colour(s) may also be symbolic or carry values. I did a blog on some colour correspondences HERE. Alternatively some practices are done Skyclad (naked).
Bottles/Jars/Vials/Containers: Potion bottles themselves are easy to come by depending on type, size, colour etc Pound shops, wilkos, ikea carry them but see second hand / charity shops / thrift stores. Also check out crafting sections of chain stores, craft shops or repurpose other bottles or food containers, again ebay, etsy, aliexpress etc and then fill the empty bottles / veils etc with your desired supplies, potions, poisons, tinctures, specimens, oils etc..
Spellbooks: Spellbooks can be purchased from specialist shops, book shops, ebay, amazon etc or even passed down. The majority of my books, including my spell books, came from ebay.co.uk as I'm no stranger to second hand goods especially when you apply the three C's (cleanse, consecrate and charge). Book of Shadows or Grimoires are typically made yourself or handed down.
Spell Ingredients: Spell ingredients such as herbs, spices, resins, bark etc can be purchased from specialist shops, food/grocery shops/stores, spice shops, herbalist shops etc etc they can also be home grown, traded, harvested from the wild etc - I also want to point out that back in days of old when spells used 'wing of bat' and 'tongue if dog', 'eye of newt' etc these were nicknames given to herbs a lot of these herbs we still use today check out this website for some of those more obscure old world names HERE.
In Wicca on a Wiccan altar you have a god and goddess side. Typically the altar will be also split into element representative quarters. There are a few set ways of laying out an altar and the items which should be upon it for use in various workings, rituals, spells, etc.. However the silver rule of do what feels right to you strongly applies here.
Altar: An altar can be made in any space. Traditionally this would be wooden like a wood table - this is an earth based connection. However some of use, like myself, get a little more creative with our secret shoebox altars or our grand room dedicated spaces, our inconspicuous shelves etc.. I myself have a glass display cabinet for the simple reason my cats (or my cat and my familiar) like to get into everything!! Altars can be created and altered from many mundane items; purchased or sourced for free preloved / second hand or new from places like Ikea, Argos and other furniture sellers. Feel free to get inspiration here: http://fuckyeahaltars.tumblr.com/
Altar Cloth: Said altar would usually be covered with an altar cloth (but not always) - this is both for protection and also the colour of the cloth or any pattern can be symbolic to the season, dedication, user, path etc. I have a piece of black velvet which works nicely as simple and Gothy looking. Other ideas are off cuts of fabric, scarves, tapestries, shawls, blankets, towels, prayer mats, table mats, ceramic tile, cushion covers, chopping board etc..
Athame: An athame (athame is pronounced as 'a thor may') it is a ritualistic or ceremonial knife. This knife is not for cutting physical objects. Traditionally black handled double edged blade that doesn't have to be metal if can be carved wood, bone, antler or stone even plastic if you so wish. It is used to direct energy, cast/recalling circles and cut metaphysical or energy ties. This is dominantly a male/masculine object. Personally my athame isn't black handled its pink handled, double edged letter opener I got on ebay.
Bell: Bells are used for many a purpose from clearing negative or bad energies, dismissing of spirits or elementals, cleansing, as a signifier to starting/ending working/spell/prayer/ritual etc or as a representation of the element air. A bell is a feminine object. I personally don't have a bell. I do however have some thumb symbols, a singing bowl and a few other high frequency sounding items. None of which are on my altar top.
Besom/Broom: I've already covered ^.
Boline: Another kind of knife is a boline this is a curved blade almost like a small scythe. They're typically very sharp and are used for cutting herbs or engraving candles. I got a carpet cutting tool on ebay with a curved blade and wooden handle.
Candles: I have a fair few blogs about candles including types of candle and candle colours. Typically any white candle can be used in place of a colour. Candles can be a shape or type to represent the working/ritual/spell etc or be engraved. They can be anointed with oils or herbs. I typically get my chime/spell/wish (birthday)/Hanukkah candles from ebay, tea light candles from Wilkos and any time I see a great deal on candles I get them plus I also make them myself such as my skull candles, votive and other specialist candles. In Wicca candles are used to represent the god (usually gold, red or black) and the goddess (usually silver, green or white). They can also be used to represent the elements or mark the quarters, spirit, as a working candle, fire etc. Fire is a male item.
Chalice/Cup: A Chalice or Cup has multi functional properties firstly it is a feminine object as its represented as the womb. It is a ceremonial object in which wine or water (or other liquids) can be poured and shared with the divine, spirit, deceased etc as an offering. It can be as simple as a cup or glass or as complicated as a forged goblet or chalice.
Cauldron: I've already covered ^.
Dishes: Dishes as I mentioned before about various dishes and such forth some are for specific tasks such as a libation dish which is typically a small bowl, dish or cup/chalice that is used to place offerings in (see my blog post on offerings HERE).
Divine / God and Goddess representation: You may wish to get some figures, sculptures, pictures or some other representation. You may also want to do this with ancestors, spirits, demons, angels, symbolism of people etc. I myself have a wooden male and female sculpture I use to represent male and female. Again purchased from ebay. I also have some crow figures as one of my goddesses is The Morrigan. - The Divine lives in all things!
Feathers: Feathers are a representation of air and also of angels. Feathers can be obtained from parks/woods or craft stores. Be aware that some countries such as America it is illegal to own animal parts including bird feathers.
Mortar and Pestle: A Mortar and Pestle set is used for grinding ingredients these can be obtained in the as mentioned shops.
Pentacle or Pentagram Altar Tile: A Pentacle or Pentagram this is another symbol which I've covered in many blogs so click HERE for more information. However in Wicca typically a Pentacle/Pentagram would be used as the centre of the altar. I myself have a white wall tile with a silver and black Pentacle drinks coaster on top. The tile I had laying around but the coaster was from ebay..
Salt/Salt Water: Salt / Salt Water is pretty self explanatory. There's various salts from sea salt to Himalayan pink rock salt and epsom salt. Salt is pretty much used as purification among other things. It can be used as a representation of water.
Spellbooks: I've already covered ^.
Sword/Dagger: Some people also like to have swords or daggers as part of their arsenal of tools though this lends itself more towards weapons. - I personally haven't looked into this however.
Stones/Crystals: Stones or crystals can be used for many of their metaphysical or magickal properties.
Wand: A wand can be used instead of an athame. Typically this will be a wooden stick. Tree associations and properties are usually used here. Alternatively crystal wands (and their properties), clay or even your index finger or dominant hand will suffice. I made my wand for more information on this go HERE.
Working book: Some people like to have a separate notebook for their planning which they copy finalised and successful recipes etc into their Book of Shadows / Grimoires later.
Working knife: Working knife unlike the athame this is used to cut, carve, chop, draw, engrave etc it's a multi tool knife. Traditionally this knife would be white handled. I myself have a penknife as my working knife which I believe I got from an army stall on a market.
I hope that gives you some ideas of things you'd like to obtain. Most ritualistic tools while dedicated to one's craft would still be made from mundane items; as said a lot of things traditionally would have been made from found objects gathered from nature including a lot of clay sculpted, wood carved or woven creations etc. Wands would have been carved from sticks and knives from sticks, branches, bone, antler etc. Even mortar and pestle would have been a rock and a bigger rock or stone surface. Incense would have been made from scratch ingredients (plants, resins, bark etc). A lot of herbs, resins, bark etc would have been picked fresh and dried then stored for use. Today we're lucky in that we can pop to most grocery stores to find basic herbs; pre-dried and bottled ready for our use. Specialist shops inc ebay and etsy sellers may carry more obscure items. - I also recommend keeping your magickal and cooking supplies separate just encase!!
Other things you might like to buy are more personal to the user such as jewellery pieces especially those which are amulets, talismans, trinkets etc (I did a blog on these and what's the difference between them HERE). Of course you can make your own or purchase them. Mine are a mixture of what I made myself and inexpensive AliExpress jewellery. This then falls into our curio items (curiosities); so unusual and obscure items like skulls, taxidermy, legs, wings etc.. Which is usually more for decor purposes than functional in modern day practices. You may also want to buy, alter or make trinket boxes, dishes, drawstring bags, silk cloths etc.. Or other items such as dreamcatchers, evil eyes, wards, signs, wall hangings, windchimes, suncatchers etc
And of course not forgetting all the different kinds of divination tools.. I've written about Divination and some Divination Tools such as Tarot Cards, Dowsing Pendulums and Scrying Mirrors HERE. I'd like to point out how you can draw or print your own tarot cards / oracle cards / fortune cards / sigil cards / angel cards / iChing cards / rune cards etc etc.. Likewise you can sculpt with clay or engrave wood, stone, bone, antler etc to make your own rune set be it Elder Futhark Runes, Witches Runes or some other Runic set. You can very easily make a Dowsing Pendulum, Crystal Grid, etc, you can make your own Spirit Dice (or do as I did and repurpose a boggle set!) etc. Again you can scry into a bowl of water, paint the back of picture glass to make your own black mirror or use a number of other items. You can make your own ouija board. Tasseography / tea leaf reading can be done in almost any cup. You're not limited to spending a fortune on premade divination tools and items..
You may also want to purchase or make notebooks, diaries or journals for recording experiences such as spells, rituals, dreams, communications etc.
Next weeks blog is going to be about sourcing supplies / tools / materials for free / very cheap as a "Practice for the budget/broke practitioner!" plus it will include some completely free practices which really work and cost nothing to do!!
Activity..
- Look at ways to make your own supplies.
- Buy a herb plant.
Book Activity..
- (Optional) Copy down any information from above you think you will find useful.. and/or any further information you find out.
Interact with me Activity..
- (Optional) on the Fb Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ feel free to add any information you deem worthy..
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Thank you all for the support. For anyone wishing to share, ask for help, talk about BoS / their book and relevant content (or for more information, ideas and unmissable blog posts go to the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/
Imogen x
Next Blog: Sunday September 30th's BoS Prompt: Real Dangers of Stones, Herbs and Essential Oils!
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