Now that you’ve figured out what kind of witch you want to be and have an idea of the tools you want to use, what’s next? How can you utilize those tools?
Altars - An altar can be dedicated for a specific purpose, to a deity, or just be used for general purposes. It can be as simple or extravagant as you want. It can be used as a station for spell work or simply for decoration. It’s up to you. A couple of altar ideas - an elemental altar that has components from each element utilizing the cardinal directions (North - Earth, South - Fire, West - Water, East - Air) OR an altar with a pentacle as the center piece and items to represent the elements at each of its points (from left to right - Air, Earth, Fire, Water, with the “Spirit” at the top point.)
Anointing - A term used to describe the “dressing” of a candle using some type of oil. The type of oil used usually corresponds with the intent of the spell. For gain, anoint in a downwards motion. For banishing, anoint in an upward motion.
Book of Shadows - Although this is a term that originated within the Wiccan religion, some (but definitely not all) Witches use the term to describe their own personal spell book. It’s generally used to document your beliefs, experiences, and other material relevant to your personal practice. Sometimes used interchangeably with “grimoire.”
Candles - An essential for Witchcraft. Used for a variety of things from spell work to meditation and aromatherapy. Candles can be used on their own or in combination with other tools and ingredients. Candles may be used to represent the element of Fire, and are otherwise used to add effect to spell work - the color and scent of the candle can also add to your spell.
Charged Waters - A charged water is any aqueous solution charged with power from another source. This includes Moon water, Sun water, Gem water, and any other magickally-infused solution you do not plan on ingesting/consuming. Charged waters can be used for anointing, cleansing, charging, or added to a spell for enhanced effect.
Cleansing - I believe cleansing goes hand in hand with protection and that it is essential to every Witch. Cleansing can be applied to single objects or an entire room and can be done at anytime. I think you should definitely cleanse your space before and after spells to be safe, and always cleanse new objects you plan to use for magick. Common ways to cleanse include: natural light (moonlight, sunlight), smoke/incense, fire, water, herb-infused water, gem water, crystals, burying in the earth, sea salt/salt water, or visualization.
Crystals - Crystals can be used for a wide variety of things including, but not limited to: charging/cleansing other objects, absorbing energy, storing energy for later use, as a marker for something important, but most simply carried on your person to feel the stone’s effects.
Crystal Grids - A crystal grid consists of crystals arranged in a pattern designated for enhanced power and effect. A crystal grid is said to provide more power than just one single crystal; set somewhere it will be undisturbed.
Days of the Week - Each day of the week has its own set of correspondences; I would highly suggest looking into each day and how its properties can affect your spell work.
Deities - Some Witches worship deities; some, like me, do not! It’s all left up to personal preference and your own belief system. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you decide to worship deities, do your research on the different pantheons, proper offerings, and always be sure not to culturally appropriate anything. Note: you do not have to identify as Wiccan to call yourself a Witch. (this is a common misconception, believe it or not.)
Essential oils - Oils that have been extracted from a plant or herb; very concentrated and should be diluted with a carrier oil if it is to be used on the skin. Used for aromatherapy, to anoint candles, in charged water, in the bath, or added to spells.
Gem Water - A potion infused with the properties of a crystal. It can be consumable or not, depending on how you make it - I urge you to check out this method; drink by itself, add to other beverages, or just add to a spell for enhanced power. Be careful though, some crystals are water soluble and may release harmful toxins into the water or just dissolve all together.
Grimoire - A magickal textbook filled with references, spells, rituals, recipes, astrology, divination, correspondences, and other useful material that is relevant to your practice. Can also be used as a Witch’s personal spell book. Sometimes used interchangeably with “Book of Shadows,” but is a more general term and is not tied to any religion.
Herbs - Herbs can be used for a wide variety of purposes: smoking, incense, powders, in the bath, in sachets/spell jars, infused oils, teas, and other homemade remedies. Caution: some herbs may cause an adverse reaction when combined with other herbs or pharmaceutical medications (Anti-depressants, hormonal birth control, heart medications, analgesics, and many others) so always do your research and be sure to contact your physician with any questions you may have. (Better safe than sorry, guys.) Also, some herbs cause skin irritation and some are straight up poisonous so it would be wise to wear a face mask and gloves when dealing with volatile herbs or herbs you are not familiar with.
Incense - Can consist of premade incense sticks/cones, burning herbs, or powders/resins placed on a heated charcoal block. Used for aromatherapy, cleansing, wards, and enhanced power during a spell or ritual.
Infused oils - Herb-infused oils, usually achieved via cold infusion (submerging the herbs in a carrier oil and letting them sit in a cool, dark place for 3 to 6 weeks) or hot infusion (using a double boiler to gently heat the oil, infusing at a much faster rate *a couple of hours*.) Infused oils can be used in cooking and on the skin depending on the herb used. (Once again, do your research as some herbs may cause skin irritation.)
Moon Phases - Same as with days of the week, each moon phase has its own correspondences that you can research.
Potions - Consumable, liquid spells. Any enchanted beverage can be considered a potion, or you can combine herbs and other ingredients to make your own. (Elixirs are specifically for healing, philters are specifically for love.)
Powders - A spell in the form of a powder - made by combining herbs and crushing them, forming a fine powder; to be added to spells or sprinkled wherever you feel necessary.
Sacred Space - A sacred space is any place that you have designated for a specific purpose - for us as Witches, this purpose is usually spell work. Your sacred space can be a room, your desk, your altar, your bathroom, etc.
Shield - A personal barrier of protection. Sometimes used synonymously with “ward.”
Spell-Casting - The act of releasing your intent into the world using the materials you have gathered.
Spell-Crafting - The act of writing your spell, gathering materials, and putting it all together.
Ward - A method of protection employed for a large space, room, home, vehicle, etc. Sometimes used synonymously with “shield.”
compiled from my personal grimoire - not for redistribution
