Witch Supplies and Tools

Witch supplies can mean a number of different things, and not everyone feels they need the exact same supplies and equipment to practice witchcraft.

Of course, your Book of Shadows is a vital piece of equipment but there are many other things you will want to have around if you are going to start casting spells. First of all, there are the tools.

There are so many tools and items, it can be a bit overwhelming to know which is which and what you need. First and foremost, you do not need any of these things. Magick comes from within and the tools only accentuate your own power. Tools can be purchased or made, whichever works better for you. You also don’t need to get all of your tools at a specialty Wiccan store. I’ve gotten some wonderful items from garage sales and Goodwill.

Athame
It’s pronounced a-THAW-may or ATH-amay, not A-THAME. The athame is a ritual knife or dagger, usually double-edged with a black handle. The knife represents Fire, but is never used to cut anything physical. An athame is often used to cast a circle. It’s symbolic only and many suggest you dull the blade to prevent any accidents.

Chalice
Your chalice (or cup) represents Water. Altar chalices are typically a stemmed goblet style, but any cup, glass or mug will do. Your cup is used to hold the water or wine for drinking at the end of a ritual or circle.

Wand
Most people think of wands as long wooden branches with a big stone on the end. Your wand can be any material you feel drawn to (wood, metal, bone). Your wand is the tool of Air, and is used to direct energy during ritual. Wands tend to be one of those witch supplies that most Wiccans are likely to make themselves.

Pentacle
Your altar pentacle can be anything from a simple pendant, to a large table-top platen. The pentacle represents Earth, and you use it to cleanse or consecrate other items on your altar. Typical pentacles are metal, ceramic or carved from wood.

Cauldron
The cauldron represents Water, like the chalice. Most Wiccans don’t actively use cauldrons but keep one for the symbolism and the sheer ‘witchy-ness’ of it. Cauldrons are cast iron pots, usually pot-bellied in style. If you cannot find a true cauldron, other bowls or pots may be used. Though it represents Water, many rituals also call for small fires to be burned in the cauldron. If you plan on doing this, make sure to have a cauldron that can take the heat.

Bowl of Salt
You can use a bowl of salt to represent the Earth, rather than an altar pentacle. Salt is used to cleanse other tools, crystals, jewelry or any item that may pick up negative energy. A small bowl of salt (coarse sea salt is best) is simply kept on the altar.

Other Witch Supplies
Other supplies would include all those ingredients that make up a spell. There are hundreds of herbs and oils that you may find yourself in need of, not to mention crystals, incense and loads of other items. A dedicated witch may have a sizable pantry or collection of these supplies, but otherwise you will have to do some spell research before you go shopping to see what items are the most frequently used in the type of spells you plan on doing.