What essential items does a witch need in order to practise?

QUESTION - I've been looking into becoming a witch and with so many types I was wondering are there any essential items that all witches need to own or do the essentials vary from witch to witch? Thank you in advance.

ANSWER - Opinions really vary on this and it does depend what kind of tradition/route you follow. If you join a specific coven there will often be an expectation to practise in a similar manner to the other members and this may involve the purchase of specific tools. Broadly speaking Wiccan witches tend to value the use of tools more than those who belong to older traditions but this doesn’t mean to say that everybody agrees on working in a similar way. I am most certainly not a Wiccan witch but I use a very wide range of tools in my work. Equally I know witches who use little or no tools but who produce equally effective results. A lot of is does come down to your own personal preference.

I’ve linked a couple of questions here on the type of tools witches use which will help you get started. I’ve also linked an article on the site about tools.

What would you consider your most powerful tool?
Can I buy craft tools online?
Tools of a Witch

Broadly speaking I’d say athemes and wands are entirely optional and mainly belong to the Wiccan tradition. Ceremonial tools like the chalice and bell likewise. A cauldron can have some practical applications but chances are you’ll use saucepans and a modern stove if doing work that involves a cooking pot.  Divinatory tools like tarot cards and runes are a matter of personal choice. Few witches use a very wide range of divination tools, most have a favoured two or three that they become adept at using. Crystals have a lot of different uses and enjoy a lot of popularity in New Age craft but again are by no means mandatory. Some traditions of witches don’t get involved with crystal work at all.

The only real necessities I think you need in your witchy cupboard are the consumables. You need a few jars (you never know when you are going to find something you want to make use of later), you need candles (these don’t have to be fancy spell candles, a bag of T lights will work just as well) and you will find cord and string very useful for a wide range of spells. I use plasticine a lot in my workings as it is a very handy quick way to make poppets which is something I seem to do a lot!

​Everything else is what works best for you. If in doubt maybe try improvising with a few of the common witch tools, see what works and discard what doesn’t. Don’t feel obliged to use anything that doesn’t feel right for you. Your magic will be stronger if you are confident you are using the tools that have meaning for you and, perhaps most importantly, you understand why you are using them. 

Image ​http://www.deviantart.com/art/Wand-Lore-186469416

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