Aidron
November 3rd, 2003, 04:14 AM
I honestly could not recall how many books I've read where very basic items were suggested for various purposes, such as cords, candles, oils, cloth, etc. I remember how infuriating it was when I started out and trying to find all this stuff, not truly realizing that I didn't need everything that was in these books, how they left out some very basic and helpful items, or that it would be impossible to find some stuff in my area. So, here's a peak inside my cupboard, which is well stocked so do not let that intimidate you. I've been practicing for seven years (actually now, 9. I just realized how I forgot all about 7th and 8th grade. Jeeze that is so me.) now so I've had plenty of time to experiment with various things and amass quite a bit of junk. Hopefully though it will be helpful in some form or another.
Crayons, markers, colored pencils - I use these not only for artistic purposes but for magical drawings, writings, etc. It's a way to expand on color magic beyond simple candles and are readily available to almost everyone. I keep all three and various types because you never know what won't write well on what occassionally.
Thread, needles, and felt - I keep a huge variety of threads available in all colors imaginable. The same goes for felt. it is great for making poppets, sachets/mojo bags/conjurer pouches/etc., and as temporary mini-altar cloths to set set stones and candles on. I prefer felt over ordinary cloth since here it comes readily cut into squares here so you do not need to worry about someone cutting it for you, plus it is much thicker than cloth meaning things won't leak out or bleed through incase you add a bit of oil to a sachet. The needles are a bit obvious for sewing purposes, but also for needle and candle spells, among other things.
Incense, incense burners & self-igniting charcoal - I keep tons upon tons. In fact, my drawer sometimes won't close. A lot is just to burn so my room smells wonderful, but I keep a full supply of already made incense (sticks, cones, coils) for magical purposes as a second option. I probably have at least ten incense burners as well. Not all burners will support cones and sticks, much less self-igniting charcoal. Coils are even more difficult to find burners for usually. Self-igniting charcoal is great, though can be hard to come by. I prefer to use it and create my own incense blends, often with a dash of some oils added, which creates a loose incense and can be readily spooned or sprinkled onto the charcoal.
Candles & candle holders - I keep candles of all sizes, shades, and hues, from votives to tapers and in the following colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, white, black, brown, gold, silver, gray. I probably have close to thirty-something candle holders, which is far more than anyone will ever need and this is not including the ones I just have sitting about in my room to burn decorative candles. (I should probably give some away...)
Ribbon - I find it to be much more versatile than cord. Most cord can be really thin, meaning if you want to wrap something up (such as a poppet) this means you need to use probably twice or even three times as much as ribbon, especially if you wish to wrap the object up entirely. Plus ribbon can be more decorative so if you wish to use it both in a magical and decorative sense (I have green, blue, and pink tied to my altar for self-love and beauty), which looks much better than cord in my opinion. You can also stick needles through it much more easily if need be since it is often wider, but still tie knots with it as cord is often used.
Musical instruments - I always wanted to play the flute, though I never formally learned. I have, however, amassed quite a few types of flutes and use them often for both enjoyment and magical applications. I've raised some amazing energy with music and song, so if it interests you, go for it. Most pan flutes are cheap and can be bought in souveneir shops if you're not wanting to spend a fortune. I also keep a few raddles (not the baby kind mind you!) and small drums on hand.
Measuring devices - Small bowls for seperating things such as herbs, and measuring units ranging from 1 cup to 1/4 tsp, as well as eye droppers, a must if you work with oils and do not want to spill it everywhere because you are accident prone like yours truly!
Exacto knife, scissors, etc. - For cutting thread, felt, and the like. Sometimes scissors won't work well in certain situations, which is where Mr. Exacto knife comes in handy.
Paints, brushes, glitter - Paints come in very handy if you like to create your own magical items, and of course unless you are adept at finger painting you need some brushes. Many people recommend talcum powder when it comes to making your own herbal and magical powders, but it's not as easy to come by as glitter for me. I've found glitter fits my personality more and adds an extra dimension to color magic. Plus, you can use it in painting as well as rolling candles in it after applying essential oil or olive oil.
Herbs & mortar and pestle - Tons and tons. Remember, I've been practicing for 9 years so fourty jars or so of various herbs sounds like a lot, but not if you consider how long I've been practicing. Plus my mother is a flora fanatic and I don't even use all the herbs she grows. I never work with fresh herbs as I detest gardening. I keep all mine dried and in mason jars, sealed up tight. Everything from garlic to vertivert and mugwort. I always, always first place the herbs I use in my mortar and pestle, even if they are ground to a fine powder like cinnamon often is, to empower them by grinding clockwise a few times. Of course if you have some which are not already in a powdery state and want them to be transformed into powder form, this is a vital tool.
Oils - Most recommend using only essential oils, and I stand by that. You want the essence of the herb, plant, flower, tree, etc., not a ton of chemicals. I keep quite a stock of various oils numbering about twenty or so, from sage to lavendar and dragon's blood. I keep mine in a wooden box (to absorb the moisture) so they will not leak, which they always have a habit of doing if they come in a glass bottle (and most do).
Stones, gems, crystals & the like - Everything from a ton of quartz, to amethyst, to aquamarine, to moonstone, to coral, seashells and pieces of solidified lava. I keep tons, some in mason jars like my herbs if they are small and numerous, and others which are much larger set out.
Candle snuffer, lighter, & matches - I'm fairly whimsical, and sometimes I prefer a lighter and others a match. Occassionally I prefer to blow my candles out to fit the particular working even though it is highly unrecommended, but if not I use my candle snuffer.
Paper & parchment - Parchment I mostly use for specific reasons, which I won't get into. Beyond that I have paper in every color imaginable, to suit whatever purpose I need. From creating magical drawings (such as with my rainbow prosperity spell) or in magical writings. Construction paper is all I use and can be picked up at most stores, even if they only have a small craft section like Wal-Mart.
Beads and jewelry crafting materials - Beads and the like have tons of uses, plus I use them and things such as cord (never used like I use my ribbon) for creating various jewelry pieces, whether permanent or temporary. They're great for crafting your own talismans as well. Plus not that hard to come by.
Bottles, jars & mister - All sizes and shapes, from storing concotions, powders and brews I won't drink to storing things in. The mister (not like a guy, you sillies!) is great for filling with holy water and spraying a room thoroughly (so long as the salt content is kept low so as to not harm furniture), or another concotion. You can get these at Wal-Mart, drug stores, and almost anywhere. Also, perfume bottles that work in the same fashion work just as well. I have a tiny one for travel purposes.
Feathers - You can pick these up at any craft store, and some of us are not lucky enough to live near a zoo where you can readily ask for a feather that comes from a raven or other bird. Plus, I can only use so many freakin' Blue Jay and Cardinal feathers. I keep all colors in stock, though size is not really that important for me.
Salt, baking soda, epsom salt, & food coloring - Though I keep salt in a jar with my herbs, I also keep some aside for use in conjuction with baking soda and epsom salt to create my own bath salts. They kind of solidify after awhile though (which I'm trying to discern why) but if you use them right away they work great. Food coloring adds a bit of color magic to the bath salts, and adding a drop or two of oil does all the better. For example, a bath salt for tranquility could include a few drops of lavendar and be colored with blue food coloring.
Boxes - From storing things and other mundane purposes to using in magical applications, such as storing a poppet or whatever else you may need. I keep one wooden one and one silver one set aside for this alone, along with a rather large urn incase I wind up with something fairly big.
Fans - You can buy those sometimes pricey feathered objects used for dispersing smoke from incense and other forms of air magic, but I find fans work just as well. You can usually pick these up in all sorts of places. I've had all kinds over the years, but currently work with a white with white feathers glued onto it.
Wind chimes - The uses are endless. From instilling tranquility to keeping negativity at bay. Simple to enchant, readily available at practically every freakin' store in America I've noticed.
Magazines - I'm serious. If someone is going to throw a magazine out, keep it. You may find use for a picture or two in there in the future for magical applications. Granted, you are less likely to need a copy of Vogue as say National Geographic which often features animals and such, as opposed to what shade of lipstick to wear this season.
C.D.s & casettes - Everything from irish folk music to native american influenced music to classical. It is great for meditation and adds to the mood. Plus, it helps drown out irritating T.V.'s that may be too close to your altar and you are forced to live with.
Pens, paper/notebooks, & index cards - I am forever in need of a pen, mundane and magical, as well as paper just to write something down on, even in the middle of a ritual. I always keep some nearby when meditating too incase I stumble upon something interesting. While paper has already been mentioned, this is for nonmagical uses, such as record keeping. Also index cards are great for short notes and labeling.
Compass - Feel like going outside to perform a ritual? Great, and even if you do happen to know which direction lies where in your area, what happens if you or someone else decides to travel elsewhere? I know the directions in accordance to this house, but if you take me a few miles down the road I might not be so fortunate.
Altar & basic ritual tools - This includes of course my altar, wand, athame, a working knife (I used to abuse my athames by using them for candle carving, so I had to stop, otherwise I find the idea absurd), a bell, ritual pentacle & working pentalce (explained below), chalice, offering bowl or plate, broom/besom, and the like. All stuff usually noted in books, but hey, they're in my cupboard... well, on my altar, so they get to make the list as well.
*The ritual pentacle is used mostly for ritualistic purposes, as the title describes. From casting circles, banishing unwanted energy, blessing, etc. Mine is made of copper and is nothing more than a circle with the pentagram inside. The working pentacle is much more of a flat disc usually and often does not need to be a pentacle at all. For laying things on during blessings and the like.
Special inks & quill - From indian ink (that's what the label says anyhow mind you) to dragon's blood ink. Whatever appeals to you, if at all. I do not use mine much as I find writing with the quill to be a bit awkward. Of course my quill is a bit shabby, so oh well. Often I use it for writings I will use in magical workings, from burning a short prayer to tacking a name onto a poppet.
Altar cloths - They are not in my cupboard, nor will I ever purchase one, but I'm sure more than one person would point this out if I did not mention it. Honestly, whoever thought it was a smart idea to lay cloth out where candles are going to be set up is insane. Sheesh, talk about a fire hazard. Might as well sit your candles under a window with the curtains flowing freely. I'm surprised every witch in history hasn't gone up in flames yet, or perhaps I'm just very clutzy. Plus, getting wax out of them can be a pain if you spill some.
Almanac - I just couldn't live without an almanac. I'm in no mood to watch the 50 annoying weather channels we have here for god/ddess only knows how long waiting to see the moon phase, and an almanac tells you so much more than that.
Calculator - Trust me, if you delve into astrology, calculating the magical hour, and so forth, you'll thank me for telling you about this, which every author has so conveniently left out. (God, what a nightmare it was when I used to try and do some of this stuff in my head.)
Finger nail polish - Okay, I'm sure a lot of guys out there will scoff at this, and I grew out of painting my nails for aesthetics purposes long ago, but come on. It's a mini-paint can. Sure it doesn't last as long, and if you're not a prude, go ahead and paint your finger nails, or even toe nails so no one can see it if you're worried. Enchant them with a magical purpose and wear your magic all day. Blue is easy to come by and of course would be great for healing. I have substituted this for paint on more than one occassion when I was out of a certain color.
Tape & tacks - Both have a multitude of uses, mundane and magical, and I personally have a rather unhealthy obsession with duct tape so I've adapted it to my own magical style.
Okay, I really did not imagine the list being this long when I first started this thread, and even still I'm sure I've forgotten some things. :lol:
Crayons, markers, colored pencils - I use these not only for artistic purposes but for magical drawings, writings, etc. It's a way to expand on color magic beyond simple candles and are readily available to almost everyone. I keep all three and various types because you never know what won't write well on what occassionally.
Thread, needles, and felt - I keep a huge variety of threads available in all colors imaginable. The same goes for felt. it is great for making poppets, sachets/mojo bags/conjurer pouches/etc., and as temporary mini-altar cloths to set set stones and candles on. I prefer felt over ordinary cloth since here it comes readily cut into squares here so you do not need to worry about someone cutting it for you, plus it is much thicker than cloth meaning things won't leak out or bleed through incase you add a bit of oil to a sachet. The needles are a bit obvious for sewing purposes, but also for needle and candle spells, among other things.
Incense, incense burners & self-igniting charcoal - I keep tons upon tons. In fact, my drawer sometimes won't close. A lot is just to burn so my room smells wonderful, but I keep a full supply of already made incense (sticks, cones, coils) for magical purposes as a second option. I probably have at least ten incense burners as well. Not all burners will support cones and sticks, much less self-igniting charcoal. Coils are even more difficult to find burners for usually. Self-igniting charcoal is great, though can be hard to come by. I prefer to use it and create my own incense blends, often with a dash of some oils added, which creates a loose incense and can be readily spooned or sprinkled onto the charcoal.
Candles & candle holders - I keep candles of all sizes, shades, and hues, from votives to tapers and in the following colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, white, black, brown, gold, silver, gray. I probably have close to thirty-something candle holders, which is far more than anyone will ever need and this is not including the ones I just have sitting about in my room to burn decorative candles. (I should probably give some away...)
Ribbon - I find it to be much more versatile than cord. Most cord can be really thin, meaning if you want to wrap something up (such as a poppet) this means you need to use probably twice or even three times as much as ribbon, especially if you wish to wrap the object up entirely. Plus ribbon can be more decorative so if you wish to use it both in a magical and decorative sense (I have green, blue, and pink tied to my altar for self-love and beauty), which looks much better than cord in my opinion. You can also stick needles through it much more easily if need be since it is often wider, but still tie knots with it as cord is often used.
Musical instruments - I always wanted to play the flute, though I never formally learned. I have, however, amassed quite a few types of flutes and use them often for both enjoyment and magical applications. I've raised some amazing energy with music and song, so if it interests you, go for it. Most pan flutes are cheap and can be bought in souveneir shops if you're not wanting to spend a fortune. I also keep a few raddles (not the baby kind mind you!) and small drums on hand.
Measuring devices - Small bowls for seperating things such as herbs, and measuring units ranging from 1 cup to 1/4 tsp, as well as eye droppers, a must if you work with oils and do not want to spill it everywhere because you are accident prone like yours truly!
Exacto knife, scissors, etc. - For cutting thread, felt, and the like. Sometimes scissors won't work well in certain situations, which is where Mr. Exacto knife comes in handy.
Paints, brushes, glitter - Paints come in very handy if you like to create your own magical items, and of course unless you are adept at finger painting you need some brushes. Many people recommend talcum powder when it comes to making your own herbal and magical powders, but it's not as easy to come by as glitter for me. I've found glitter fits my personality more and adds an extra dimension to color magic. Plus, you can use it in painting as well as rolling candles in it after applying essential oil or olive oil.
Herbs & mortar and pestle - Tons and tons. Remember, I've been practicing for 9 years so fourty jars or so of various herbs sounds like a lot, but not if you consider how long I've been practicing. Plus my mother is a flora fanatic and I don't even use all the herbs she grows. I never work with fresh herbs as I detest gardening. I keep all mine dried and in mason jars, sealed up tight. Everything from garlic to vertivert and mugwort. I always, always first place the herbs I use in my mortar and pestle, even if they are ground to a fine powder like cinnamon often is, to empower them by grinding clockwise a few times. Of course if you have some which are not already in a powdery state and want them to be transformed into powder form, this is a vital tool.
Oils - Most recommend using only essential oils, and I stand by that. You want the essence of the herb, plant, flower, tree, etc., not a ton of chemicals. I keep quite a stock of various oils numbering about twenty or so, from sage to lavendar and dragon's blood. I keep mine in a wooden box (to absorb the moisture) so they will not leak, which they always have a habit of doing if they come in a glass bottle (and most do).
Stones, gems, crystals & the like - Everything from a ton of quartz, to amethyst, to aquamarine, to moonstone, to coral, seashells and pieces of solidified lava. I keep tons, some in mason jars like my herbs if they are small and numerous, and others which are much larger set out.
Candle snuffer, lighter, & matches - I'm fairly whimsical, and sometimes I prefer a lighter and others a match. Occassionally I prefer to blow my candles out to fit the particular working even though it is highly unrecommended, but if not I use my candle snuffer.
Paper & parchment - Parchment I mostly use for specific reasons, which I won't get into. Beyond that I have paper in every color imaginable, to suit whatever purpose I need. From creating magical drawings (such as with my rainbow prosperity spell) or in magical writings. Construction paper is all I use and can be picked up at most stores, even if they only have a small craft section like Wal-Mart.
Beads and jewelry crafting materials - Beads and the like have tons of uses, plus I use them and things such as cord (never used like I use my ribbon) for creating various jewelry pieces, whether permanent or temporary. They're great for crafting your own talismans as well. Plus not that hard to come by.
Bottles, jars & mister - All sizes and shapes, from storing concotions, powders and brews I won't drink to storing things in. The mister (not like a guy, you sillies!) is great for filling with holy water and spraying a room thoroughly (so long as the salt content is kept low so as to not harm furniture), or another concotion. You can get these at Wal-Mart, drug stores, and almost anywhere. Also, perfume bottles that work in the same fashion work just as well. I have a tiny one for travel purposes.
Feathers - You can pick these up at any craft store, and some of us are not lucky enough to live near a zoo where you can readily ask for a feather that comes from a raven or other bird. Plus, I can only use so many freakin' Blue Jay and Cardinal feathers. I keep all colors in stock, though size is not really that important for me.
Salt, baking soda, epsom salt, & food coloring - Though I keep salt in a jar with my herbs, I also keep some aside for use in conjuction with baking soda and epsom salt to create my own bath salts. They kind of solidify after awhile though (which I'm trying to discern why) but if you use them right away they work great. Food coloring adds a bit of color magic to the bath salts, and adding a drop or two of oil does all the better. For example, a bath salt for tranquility could include a few drops of lavendar and be colored with blue food coloring.
Boxes - From storing things and other mundane purposes to using in magical applications, such as storing a poppet or whatever else you may need. I keep one wooden one and one silver one set aside for this alone, along with a rather large urn incase I wind up with something fairly big.
Fans - You can buy those sometimes pricey feathered objects used for dispersing smoke from incense and other forms of air magic, but I find fans work just as well. You can usually pick these up in all sorts of places. I've had all kinds over the years, but currently work with a white with white feathers glued onto it.
Wind chimes - The uses are endless. From instilling tranquility to keeping negativity at bay. Simple to enchant, readily available at practically every freakin' store in America I've noticed.
Magazines - I'm serious. If someone is going to throw a magazine out, keep it. You may find use for a picture or two in there in the future for magical applications. Granted, you are less likely to need a copy of Vogue as say National Geographic which often features animals and such, as opposed to what shade of lipstick to wear this season.
C.D.s & casettes - Everything from irish folk music to native american influenced music to classical. It is great for meditation and adds to the mood. Plus, it helps drown out irritating T.V.'s that may be too close to your altar and you are forced to live with.
Pens, paper/notebooks, & index cards - I am forever in need of a pen, mundane and magical, as well as paper just to write something down on, even in the middle of a ritual. I always keep some nearby when meditating too incase I stumble upon something interesting. While paper has already been mentioned, this is for nonmagical uses, such as record keeping. Also index cards are great for short notes and labeling.
Compass - Feel like going outside to perform a ritual? Great, and even if you do happen to know which direction lies where in your area, what happens if you or someone else decides to travel elsewhere? I know the directions in accordance to this house, but if you take me a few miles down the road I might not be so fortunate.
Altar & basic ritual tools - This includes of course my altar, wand, athame, a working knife (I used to abuse my athames by using them for candle carving, so I had to stop, otherwise I find the idea absurd), a bell, ritual pentacle & working pentalce (explained below), chalice, offering bowl or plate, broom/besom, and the like. All stuff usually noted in books, but hey, they're in my cupboard... well, on my altar, so they get to make the list as well.
*The ritual pentacle is used mostly for ritualistic purposes, as the title describes. From casting circles, banishing unwanted energy, blessing, etc. Mine is made of copper and is nothing more than a circle with the pentagram inside. The working pentacle is much more of a flat disc usually and often does not need to be a pentacle at all. For laying things on during blessings and the like.
Special inks & quill - From indian ink (that's what the label says anyhow mind you) to dragon's blood ink. Whatever appeals to you, if at all. I do not use mine much as I find writing with the quill to be a bit awkward. Of course my quill is a bit shabby, so oh well. Often I use it for writings I will use in magical workings, from burning a short prayer to tacking a name onto a poppet.
Altar cloths - They are not in my cupboard, nor will I ever purchase one, but I'm sure more than one person would point this out if I did not mention it. Honestly, whoever thought it was a smart idea to lay cloth out where candles are going to be set up is insane. Sheesh, talk about a fire hazard. Might as well sit your candles under a window with the curtains flowing freely. I'm surprised every witch in history hasn't gone up in flames yet, or perhaps I'm just very clutzy. Plus, getting wax out of them can be a pain if you spill some.
Almanac - I just couldn't live without an almanac. I'm in no mood to watch the 50 annoying weather channels we have here for god/ddess only knows how long waiting to see the moon phase, and an almanac tells you so much more than that.
Calculator - Trust me, if you delve into astrology, calculating the magical hour, and so forth, you'll thank me for telling you about this, which every author has so conveniently left out. (God, what a nightmare it was when I used to try and do some of this stuff in my head.)
Finger nail polish - Okay, I'm sure a lot of guys out there will scoff at this, and I grew out of painting my nails for aesthetics purposes long ago, but come on. It's a mini-paint can. Sure it doesn't last as long, and if you're not a prude, go ahead and paint your finger nails, or even toe nails so no one can see it if you're worried. Enchant them with a magical purpose and wear your magic all day. Blue is easy to come by and of course would be great for healing. I have substituted this for paint on more than one occassion when I was out of a certain color.
Tape & tacks - Both have a multitude of uses, mundane and magical, and I personally have a rather unhealthy obsession with duct tape so I've adapted it to my own magical style.
Okay, I really did not imagine the list being this long when I first started this thread, and even still I'm sure I've forgotten some things. :lol: