Building Your Witchcraft Toolset

For spellwork and ritual in Wicca, there are many different tools needed to perform them properly. Even if spells aren’t a big part of your practice, there are certain tools that are still part of the Craft. The major tools that align with the elements and cardinal directions are discussed a great deal. The cauldron, athame, wand, and pentacle are often referenced when discussing altar set up. But what are the other tools that make practicing your Craft easier? And what are the basics every Witch should have on hand, beyond the symbolic tools of the altar?

The Basics

Your altar, Book of Shadows, any representations of deities, altar decorations, cauldron, chalice, pentagram, wand, and athame all have their place in ritual. But there are some items that are used even more frequently in ritual that are good to keep on hand. Fine sea salt, collected rainwater (if possible) and some distilled water, candles in multiple colors (definitely keep white on hand, as they can be substituted if you don’t have the color candle the spell requires), a pestle and mortar, and a collection of incense, crystals, and herbs should all be in your Wiccan toolkit.

For incense, keeping a few sticks of nag champa, frankincense, dragon’s blood, cinnamon, honeysuckle, and sandalwood will aid in most spellwork.

For crystals and herbs, there are some basics you should always have on hand due to their versatility and common use in ritual and spellwork.

Crystals

There are many different crystals used as each has its own unique energies and powers. However, certain crystals are used more than others and can be substituted for rarer or more expensive crystals with similar energies in a pinch. We have more in-depth articles on the properties of individual crystals and their uses (check our previous issues), but below is a list of the most commonly used crystals in the Craft and their strongest energies. When building up a stock of tools for your Craft, these crystals are a great place to start, so you likely have what you need to perform a new spell or ritual you come across.

Clear Quartz

If you can only have one crystal, clear quartz is the one to have. It has its own strong energies of protection, healing, and clarity. But it also amplifies all types of spellwork and can be substituted for any other type of crystal if you don’t have the one called for in the ritual. It is also inexpensive because it is commonly occurring.

Selenite

This clear stone is great for spiritual and meditative work. It has strong cleansing properties.

Amethyst

The beautiful purple stone relieves stress, improves psychic abilities, and strengthens friendships.

Rose Quartz

Look at the world through rose-quartz-colored glasses. Rose quartz is the stone of love, promoting both romantic love and self-love.

Black Onyx

Block negative energy and fear with this dark and shadowy stone.

Citrine

Elevate happiness, prosperity, self-esteem and bring other positive energies in abundance with this crystal.

Tiger’s Eye

Get grounded with this multi-colored stone.

Herbs

Another staple of witchcraft: herbs and spices. These are used in a multitude of ways: in kitchen witchery, in ritual, in charms, and more. Having a basic supply on hand makes your practice easier, as you can perform a last-minute spell or ritual if needed. Most are required dried, so you can keep a supply for a while. You can also grow your own fresh herbs, which allows you to have both fresh and dried versions available.

Mugwort

A quintessential Witch’s herb, mugwort aids in prophetic dreams and offers protection.

Rosemary

Practical Magic fans have probably already planted rosemary by their garden gate. Another staple herb for Witches, rosemary has a range of energies, including healing, love, purification, and protection.

Sage

Even those who don’t practice have heard of a sage smudge stick before. Sage is such a commonly used herb in the Craft that you should always have some on hand.

Lavender

With so many uses, no Witch’s cabinet is complete without lavender. Use it for calming, sleep, beauty, love, and more.

Mint

Healing in so many ways, mint is a must-have for any Witch that practices naturopathy.

Chamomile

Another must-have for any Witch that practices natural healing.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another multi-energy spice, which can be used in many types of spells, so it is good to have on hand as a substitute. Use it for success, prosperity, luck, spirituality, healing, protection, love, and more!

Thyme

Use thyme to strengthen relationships, prepare for a job interview, and banish negativity (among other things).

Other Tools

Now that you have a toolkit built up, the question becomes: what are you going to do with all of it? Don’t overlook the importance of where you keep your tools! How your tools and ingredients are stored affects their energy, so you want storage that you’ve thoughtfully selected and consecrated for your tools and ingredients. This doesn’t mean expensive shopping trips! Repurposing items you already have not only saves money but also honors the Craft by not creating new waste.

For example, glass jars from groceries (such as jelly or yogurt) can be washed and blessed to be used for herb and spice storage. Old jewelry boxes and bags can be blessed to then store your crystals. Leftover cloth from a project (or even an old piece of clothing you love but can no longer wear) can be repurposed into wrapping for candles and other fragile tools. A sturdy cardboard box can be blessed and decorated to protect and store your toolkit, each in the individual containers.

For those that don’t have a dedicated altar due to space concerns, a small wooden box with a hinged lid is a great way to store your toolkit. You can use the top of the box as your altar and securely store everything inside when not in use.

No two Witch’s toolkits will be the same, but if you’re just starting out, hopefully, this list helps you put yours together.