Great majority of the witchy paths and trends require a lot of accessories for the magical routine. If we just open a book written about witchcraft, we could be sure that the 2nd or the 3rd chapter will be the Tools. If we just want to join a coven, 7 of 10 times they will ask what kind of tools we have and how do we use them. After some weeks or months we will know what is the athame for and why is that important, or what the cauldron symbolizes.
I will show you another aspect of this topic.
(Image source: Pinterest)
Followers of the traditional witchcraft try to practice as close to the ancient paths as they can. This is very hard because the traditional path itself did not exist. Unitary witchcraft or witchy religion just did not exist in its way, and witches were following their own environment’s belief, rules and practice. That’s why we cannot talk about unitary tool system.
Let’s think a bit about medieval people. They were living in small towns, they were tending their own farms, they were very poor, they recycled everything they could, AND they needed to hide from the witch hunters! So, if we imagine it, we could find out that it is unrealistic to hold lots of relics just for practicing our beliefs. It was written into the lawsuit memorials against witches that they used the household tools for sorcery. Nonsense to think that these people would spend their little money to buy tons of ornated knives or arty iron cauldrons just because they wanted to try out some tricks…
Today we are better off, we can buy a lot of tools, we can collect things just for fun, and we can buy unique stuff from the other side of the world directly from an artist. But if we do not have witchy tools, it doesn’t matter. Followers of the traditional path and those paths what are honoring nature in the first way think the tools they use are only the most necessary tools. Their tools are consecrated by the need. If you haven’t got an athame, just take your favorite knife with you and cut the plant off with that. Of course do not forget to thank the plant. If you haven’t got any colored candles, just use a white one. If you haven’t got a cauldron, just use a pot or a pan. The success of your ritual is not determined by the amount of money you spend to buy tools.
Of course, if you feel that some tools are essential to you, do not throw out just because someone tells you to do this… but if the path you prefer does not include, then do not insist on that.
My favorite tools:
a knife to cut mushrooms and plants: I do not use it in my household because I have a lot of bigger knives in my cupboard. But I take this with me to trips and picnics and when I get hungry I just cut my food with that…
candles, incense sticks and their holders: people are arguing the usefulness of the sticks but I like them and I like colors too.
holder for my own incenses: to burn my dried plants and resin.
fan made of feathers: to control the smoke of the incense.
cauldron-like pot: not the original cauldron, but a similar one, it can be hooked above the fire; I like to cook in that and make food or drinks for the rituals.
cup: I was heir by my grandma this. It is a fancy one, I drink from it during the rituals.
lanterns: I did not hear any paths mention lanterns or torchlights, but I really like this type of fire, and I use them often.
my drums and flute: I like to make some music during my rituals, except the silent ones.
My other tools are based on my actual needs.
Choose your own tools wisely.
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