#wicca tools

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 8

TOOLS OF THE CRAFT:

The most common misconception witches have when they begin their journey is that they need to obtain all the tools of the crafted so often listed in rituals and books. When I began I know I was one of those who felt the need to rush out and try and find these items. However in the area where I live, those tools weren’t as available as they maybe in a place that has occult or Wicca shops. I began to make my own with things I had lying around or that were easily available to me, worried that they weren’t going to be as potent as the actual tools purchased. As my studies went on however I came to learn that making your tools actually is the better thing, however there will always be certain ones you will not be able to buy, but can use other meaningful things in place of something you purchase.

While many tools exist in a witch’s cabinet, the real tools exist within the witch themselves. Knowing, Visualization, and Will. However the equipment that almost every witch has can be as important, though truthfully the tools of the trade are merely objects until you supply the power.

 These tools, once bonded to you, can be a valuable commodity; however a witch should never race out and start buying the first tools they see. THE TOOLS WILL FIND YOU WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT. As you look for the tools you think you need, the universe shall send you the tools that you Actually need. There are some who quite literally, will buy everything they see, as they feel the more tools they have the better and more skilled they will be. This is not the case, there are some witches who have no tools, minimal, tools or more than they will ever use. As for this last description this can be both a good and a bad thing, for if the  witch has been drawn to these tools, without real reason for need, it could very well mean that the witch was suppose to have these in their possession to pass along to a fellow witch at some point in time.

Though it is easiest to buy your tools, and there are numerous shops, catalogs and websites available for this very purpose, it is more personal, and therefore more powerful, to make your own tools. Many people say they are not the crafty type and can’t make anything, so they elect to shop instead. Some people are extremely crafty and choose to make EVERYTHING they need, and even still there are those who choose to fall in the middle, making what they know they can and buying what they can’t.  Truthfully there is no right or wrong way.

 While having tools can help to better connect to the mentality needed to perform magic, it is not vital to start collecting from the start. BUT, once you have accelerated your study and are ready to begin, or furthermore, have started your second degree, a witch is expected to have at least their basic tool chest, not only for themselves, but for those whom they will be teaching. Having your tools at hand is for your and your student’s benefit, because to teach the craft you must have a working knowledge of the tools and how they work, to be able to teach about them. If you are a part of a coven it may be a requirement also to have your own tools at this point to be able to lead ritual as part of your work study, or completion of your second degree.

 Ok so let us get to the tools of the craft.

1.       YOU. You are the most valuable tool you will ever have. You are the magic and you are the reason. The tools will serve purpose in time, but it is you that will use these tools, give them power and give them purpose. It is from you the magic flows, the tools only direct it and help you to control and focus it.

2.       BOOK OF SHADOWS. This I would argue is the second most important tool you need. The Book of Shadows is a critical part of a witch’s tool box. This serves as your journal, diary and reference book. In a witch’s BOS, is kept a record of your workings. Rituals for the Sabbats and Esbats, the rules and laws of your practice. You should have a section for spells, and perhaps potions, a section for dreams and perhaps divination readings. Along with this you may want to keep notes about the spells you have done, as to what worked what didn’t. What you may try differently next time.  Your book is fundamental for being able to track your progress and growth as a witch. While many wonderfully crafted tomes exist for a witches BOS, I personally use a three ring binder, because the pages can be added easily and also removed, you can ad print outs if you chose, or hand write it. As it is a learning aid I recommend this to most people in the beginning reminding them they can always upgrade to one of the leather bound versions later on when they have fine toned their studies. (however the leather bound volumes can be quite pricey but ultimately it’s the witches call)

3.       ALTAR: no matter if it is a table, the floor, a rock the ground, a book shelf, no matter the surface or shape an altar is a place where most of your magic and rituals will take place. (For more information regarding the altar and to know the difference between an Altar and a Shrine, see the lesson on Altars)

 The following are in no particular order and some will have more of a description than others as is necessary.

 4.       ALTAR CLOTHES: Tapestries, to scraps of fabrics to pre done altar or table clothes, these are merely to decorate the altar for spell or ritual but also to ad a mind set for ritual while aiding to protect your altar surface from ash, liquid or candle wax (to the best of their ability) I use scraps of fabric that I have left over from projects or raid the remnant bend at places that sell fabric. Also my personal altar has an altar cloth which is what is left of an old shirt that belonged to my great grandfather, it was something sentimental and personal to me which is why I opted to use it.

5.       CANDLES: candles are a thing that there are several different opinions on. From taper, or chime, votive or jar, scented or not… And it goes on. I like to use candles for many different things, and different sizes and styles depending on the working. I like tea lights for luminaries, extra light, or for prayer requests. Votives are great for spell working as are tapers. Jar candles can easily be painted on the outside and used for your elements and God and Goddess representation on your altar and in your circle. I do not use scented candles as many experts will say and many books will say, the scented candles can interfere with the spell work. If you wish to make a magic candle or a scented candle dressing it with an oil works best. (See later lesson on Candle magic) Whatever kind of candle you decide on, you want to have a variety of colors, or solid white as it can stand for any color during workings. Candles are quite useful for light for spells and for representation.  NEVER leave candles unattended, and always use caution and common sense when working with candles to prevent fires and dangerous situations.

6.       CANDLE HOLDERS: If you have candles you’ll need candle holders, and you don’t need anything fancy or special. I have an eclectic taste so my candle holders are all different; they range from jars, to cups, to brass stick holders to glass. They can be of any shape or size you need, so long as your candles fit safely within. Also if you buy second hand or from a flea market or thrift store besure to cleanse them before use (See the lesson on cleansing)

7.       ATHAME: The ceremonial dagger. Usually it has a black hilt and it double sided, but is dull bladed. The athame is used to direct and cut energy and energy only. It is for ceremonial purposes and is usually present in most all rituals to help raise the circle and cut it to release it. NOW some argue it HAS TO BE BLACK HANDLED, while others say it doesn’t. Mine is a rose wood handled narrow blade that belonged to a relative, it almost resembles a letter opener. The look isn’t so important as its ceremonial and magical purposes.

8.       WAND: This is a tricky one. The wand can be solid wood, glass, crystal, fancy or simple. Thin or large. Some are tipped with stones, others just wooden. The wand is used to direct energy and is often used to direct the energy of the circle when casting it.

9.       BOWLS: Glass or a natural material is best. Plastic is ok if that is all you have but isn’t preferred as plastic often contains chemicals and breaks down over time. You will use bowls to hold salt and water during ritual, or other items, such as herbs or stones, there is an endless use for bowls, you may eve use a bowl to substitute for the cauldron

10.   CAULRON: A cauldron is a pot, usually cast iron, however the cauldron can be a simple cooking pot. Some witches still use cauldrons to cook or brew in, others use them to burn in. I recommend if you want to use your cauldron to burn in but want to also use it to brew, get two separate pots. I have a smaller one I picked up at a thrift store I burn in, and I have a nice pot if I want to make any type of potion or anything like that (the cooking one isn’t a cauldron as in a traditional cast iron pot, but it works nicely)

11.   INCENSE AND INCENSE BURNER: Incense is used as part of ritual to serve as an offering, to cleanse the air and space, to represent the element of Air or simply to make the place smell nice. There are two different types of incense the type that you light that’s already processed (combustible) such as stick or cone form, and the type you have to burn on a charcoal block (non-combustible) The second being one of raw herb, resin and oils that you smolder on a special charcoal disc, (don’t use the kind of charcoal that goes into a grill, that’s not the same and is highly toxic) It is also wise to make sure that the room or area is well ventilated as the charcoal bricks can be quite potent as can the herbs and such which is burned on them. Even with regular incense.  You want to be sure that incense is burned with care, due to allergies and fire risk. Make sure you have a safe incense burner. A heat proof container with sand or salt in it, can work well to absorb the heat of the coal, or the cone, or to help hold the stick of the incense stick. I have a candy dish that is filled with pebbles that I place my sticks in to burn them. There are several great incense burners out there designed for the different types, like simple wooden slats with a hole for the stick to stand in, or intricately carved statues to place cones in and then watch the smoke twirl out of it, and always the brass braziers with the mesh top to rest your coal on to burn your raw incense. Whatever type you do decide to use, be sure to be safe as incense will get very hot and can burn you, or things around it. Left unattended, it could be dangerous.  So handle incense with care, much like candles.

12.   BESOM: The Witches Broom, a broom is used for ritual cleansing, to sweep the sacred space to remove negative and or unwanted energies from the area. It can be a regular broom, or a traditional witches broom bought at Halloween. The Besom never really sweeps the ground, or so some people say. I do however and I also sweep the air around the space too, to make sure I get it all.

 There are other tools that witches own, that may get used later in the advancement of the craft. Some are quite common others not, some for magical uses others more for ceremonial use. Below I will list these but only go into details for some. Remember you can find tools listed and explained in more detail or variances in many books and online. You don’t have to go just by what I have listed in this lesson.

1.       SWORD: For ceremonial purposes, much like the athame it is often used to mark the circle.

2.       STAFF:

3.       MORTAR AND PESTLE: Used to grind herbs and ingredients for different recipes, for potions, teas, powders and such. They can also represent Man and Woman and the Great Rite. I also recommend here to have two mortar and pestles. One for herbs you know are safe for ingestion and one for things that are not safe for ingestion.

4.       ROBES: Robes or a ritual outfit, these will help to set your mind to thinking “its time for magic, time for ritual” You can always wear every day clothes, but some people prefer and some covens require, you to put on a ceremonial garb to better attune yourself to the universal energies.

5.       CORDS: For cord magic, or binding spells. Often in covens or self initiation rituals, a cord is assigned for each degree and tied around the waist often worn with the ceremonial robe.

6.       STONES: From plane every day stones to different crystals which have magical properties and powers. Stones can be used to mark your circle, represent Earths Element, they can be used in spells, or for other purposes. Gem stones are absolutely amazing and offer many different properties, but are not a requisite and can get pricy.

7.       HERBS: So many herbs so little thyme. (get it, bad joke) Herbs are used to make incense, powders, teas, and for other purposes as well. There are a variety of different herbs and places to find them, both locally as well as in bulk. Herbs, much like stones and oils, are primarily used in magical workings.

8.       BOLINE: A white handled knife, sharp, used for cutting. Generally for harvesting herbs or for cutting up herbs, never to harm yourself or another living thing though.

9.       OILS: Used for magical purposes. They can smell amazing, but can become really expensive quickly.

10.   DIVINATION TOOLS: Tarot cards, crystal balls, runes I-Ching , scrying mirrors. There are so many different types, but divination tools have become synonymous with the craft. These are all tools for the craft, they do not substitute doing ritual, or count as doing magic, or performing something spiritual. Divination is merely asking for guidance. I also have to put my two cents in here and say, you have, HAVE to take everything you read in divination with a grain of salt. If you put whole hearted faith and stock into the readings and use divination alone to rule your life and make choices, then you’re really going to be missing out on a lot.    

11.   FEATHERS: Used in spells, or to represent the element of Air

12.   SHELLS: Used in spells or used to represent the element of Water

13.   BOTTLES: To hold water, oils potions teas. You want to again try and use glass where you can. You can also use them to make spell bottles or spell jars.

14.   JARS: used Like bottles. Also for holding herbs. You want to be sure to use glass for herbs because the plastic will contaminate them as it breaks down over time and this can weaken the power of your herbs.

 So in short there is a brief rundown of the tools that most witches have. Like I said you don’t have to race out and get them all at once. Make them, find them as the universe deems fit. But if you’re planning to teach, or lead a coven, then you should have at least the basics, and a working knowledge of what and how they are used.

NEVER use your tools for anything other than ritual purposes; otherwise it loses its purpose and magic. ALWAYS, keep an eye on candles and incense and again, read, do more research on the different tools, and never settle for anything that doesn’t feel right to you, be it information or the tools themselves.

☀ Why did my Spell fail? ☀

✯ Is your intention strong enough? ✯ 

You're a beginner. You read your books, you read more books, more books. Then, you practise, practise, practise some more, your energy manipulation, your meditation, grounding, centering, energy flow. OK, bravo! Well done! You're good to go! Then, you feel that you're ready to cast a spell. You cast your spell, and you wait, you wait to see if it's going to work. And it doesn't, so you come to the conclusion that your spell hasn't worked and then you get disappointed in yourself and your abilities. 

☹ Why did this happen? Why didn't your spell work? What did you do wrong? What would a sane person do after a "failure" like that? ☹

First of all, let me clarify, go one step further and say that...

 No "failure" is a "failure". 

☾ ☽ See it as a learning experience , because in actuality that's *precisely* what it is. A learning experience, an experience that is, that can help you grow and keep you from repeating the same mistake over and over. Sit down, relax yourself, maybe get some herbal tea, turn all the lights off, all the appliances off, take a warm shower and sit down. Nowadays, in our modern society we're all constantly on the go, go, go so much so that we have forgotten the simple act of just relaxing, sitting down and reflecting on what's happening to us, of what's going on in our lives. ☾ ☽

۞ ۞ Well, make the difference and just do that. Think this through from the moment that you decided to cast that spell of yours until the moment you cast that spell. What was your intention? Why did you want to cast that spell? Did you doubt in yourself? Did you know that it would work? Were you certain about yourself? Was your motivation strong enough? Did you have positive thoughts during this whole process? Because yes, that is a process. Sit down, maybe in front of your altar, take some deep breaths, ask your patron or matron deities to help you and think things through. What did you do wrong? Ask yourself all the above questions and reflect on them. Write down your experience on your Book of Shadows. ۞ ۞

✯ *Did you doubt in yourself? When we do spellwork, guys, we want to show the universe that we deserve what we're asking for, that we're worth it. The universe is not going to "trust" you if you're not sure about yourself. Doubting can only destroy your spellwork, and any magickal working you might want to do in the future. Get a grip of yourself, stand still and be proud of yourself, your knowledge, your potential, and your abilities. Make sure you know what you're doing, and if you don't, see what needs to be done so that you get there. Don't have any doubts, especially when you're doing spellwork. Know that it will work, know that your attempt will be successful, be 100% sure of it. Visualize the outcome, feel it, taste it, embrace it, touch it. It's right there! You're halfway through! Have a positive attitude during this whole process. ✯

❀ ❀ *Do you really need what you're asking for? Sometimes, the universe comes up with ways on its own to show us that what we're asking for is not in alignment with ourselves, with the things we need to do to reach enlightenment and grow. You cast your spell, and you made sure that your intention was strong enough. You can just wait and cast the same spell, after a while (maybe after a month or so). You repeat the spell and it "fails" again. Maybe that's a sign! Yes a sign, a sign from somebody out there who wants to show you, that you do not *need* what you're asking for, what you're craving for. Now, 'need' and 'want' are two entirely different words with two entirely different meanings to them. When we say that we 'want ' something, then our ego meddles in our way and our ego is nothing but a burden towards growth, the way I see it. Now, when we say "I need" something, though, the word itself has an entirely different connotation to it. The word "need" means that you *have* to have something, in order to survive and grow. Ego has nothing to do with "need", yet ego has a lot to do with "want". I hope you can see where I'm coming from. So, maybe it's not meant to be. Someone might be sending you a signal that you're not meant to get this "thing" you're asking for, whatever that is and that's for your own good. ❀ ❀

♆ ♆ ♆ * Was your intention strong enough? OK, nothing to talk about here. Magick is all about intention , every serious practitioner must know that. You must have a very strong intention when doing magick, any type of magick, really. Crave for what you're asking for with every cell of your entire being, desire it, love it, be ... "it"! If your intention is not strong enough your spellwork is not very likely to work. ♆ ♆ ♆

☯ ☯ ☯ * Do you know what you're doing? Take a moment to sit back and just think about that. Are you ready yet to jump into spellwork? Do not underestimate yourself, but also do not overestimate yourself. Acknowledge the situation you are in, acknowledge your potential, and think very well whether you're truly ready to do that. We're coming back to the "Know thyself" concept here. Yes, you' and only you are the only one in this world who knows...yourself better than anybody else. If you feel you're not ready yet, then there's absolutely nothing wrong with that!!! Just take the time to do what needs to be done and then you can get back to your spellwork once you're feel you're ready to handle something like that. ☯ ☯ ☯

* ツ ツ ツ Were the energies of the day, month in alignment with what you tried to achieve? For example, Friday is indicated for love spells -- The Waxing moon is indicated for anything that's to do with growth, loving yourself, acquiring something new, for new beginnings, a renewal and so on. The Waning moon now is indicated for banishing spells, to get rid of something that no longer serves you in your life, maybe a bad habit or even... a violent husband. All in all, you need to make sure that when you're doing spellwork, the energies of the day and moon are in alignment with what you're asking for. However, I've got to add this as well right here and say that there are people who do NOT take all the above into consideration, and they just act on impulse and they go by gut feeling. Nothing wrong with that, you know what they say? To each their own. I suggest our beginners do take into consideration the above, though. ツ ツ ツ

A magic circle is circle or sphere of space marked out by practitioners of many branches of ritual magic, which they generally believe will contain energy and form a sacred space, or will provide them a form of magical protection, or both. It may be marked physically, drawn in salt or chalk, for example, or merely visualized. Casting the circle is a rite within wicca that seems simple on the surface, but can be quite complex when you actually begin diving into learning it properly.

The circle serves a main purpose in ritual, and that is to unite the three main energies it encompasses. The circle is not two-dimensional. It does not simply contain you and your physical space, but it extends below the floor or ground and above your head into the sky. It is a sphere that brings the earth, cosmic and divine, and your personal energies together to work in harmony toward your goal.

There is a secondary use of the circle that, in my opinion, is quite overly-stressed, and that use is protection. I admit that i am in the minority with my view that protection isn't as needed as some state it is. Yes, there are beings out there that may do us harm in our magical workings. This is largely due to the fact that they are curious and may accidentally do us harm. I, personally, feel that the number of strictly malevolent presences is not nearly as large as some people state. Though i do not believe there are gangs of entities just waiting for you to perform a magical working so they might be attracted to your rise in energy to attack you, i cannot ignore the circle’s protective properties. As i stated above, it does act as a barrier; therefore, it does keep things out.

Some practitioners will only cast a circle for more in-depth workings or when they feel the need to draw upon the energies of the sky and earth and/or elements in addition to their personal energies. Some will only cast a circle for longer workings because it usually involves purifying the space and themselves before entering it. Some will cast a circle before any kind of energy or spiritual work (i.e. Meditation, astral projection, etc.). Now that you know the uses of the circle and the mystical aspects of it, consider which of these things you might need. For example, do you anticipate requiring protection during your working? Will you be leaving your body vulnerable during your working (i.e. Astral projection)? If so, strongly consider casting a circle. Do you have trouble sensing and amassing energy? If so, consider casting a circle to help your energy raising go more smoothly. Do you wish to draw upon the circle’s symbolism or mythology in your ritual? Etc. It should be noted that some practitioners will always cast a circle when inviting deity to be present because they want to invite them to the best space possible and a completed temple, to them, is the best they can possibly present. Some practitioners will choose not to cast a circle but only to create a sacred space for some workings (note that the magic circle is not simply sacred space but a temporary temple erected for each ritual). They will cleanse, purify, and/or consecrate it in addition to purifying, grounding, and/or centering themselves. This creates a space that is conducive to ritual work, that is free of distractions present in the normal, perhaps, chaotic energies of that space, and is a shorter and more simplistic way of preparing for your spiritual and energetic work but doesn't have the other benefits of the circle discussed above. This process is easier, mainly because you are making the existing space holy rather than creating new holy space with a circle, and you needn't dismantle it after use as long as energetic connections begun there are severed. This is generally done for things like daily devotionals, meditation, offerings, etc.

Let us begin by discussing the most commonly taught way to cast a circle—walking the barrier. In just about every wicca 101 book, you will find a passage that states that if you walk the perimeter of your sacred space, you will create a circle. This is partially true, but it is also misleading. These books take for granted that their readers will further delve into the study of the circle and learn about how one is actually cast. Only through visualization and the channeling of energy can a circle come into being. It is not enough to walk the perimeter with or without a magical tool to create the sacred circle, but it does begin to help your mind separate the spaces (what will be the sacred circle after your casting is complete and what will remain mundane space outside of that barrier) and remember where the barrier is if you choose not to use a tangible outline (i.e. Laying out a circle of stones or shells, sprinkling herbs, placing candles in a circle, drawing the circle in chalk or salt, etc.) To create a circle, you will need power to put into the creation of that energy form. That power comes from the grounding process and (in smaller amounts) from your own personal energy. Just as with anything in ritual, one’s personal energy cannot be used alone because you might deplete your own energy reserve, unbalancing yourself and causing dizziness, fainting, illness, or other unpleasant side effects. Grounding aids in allowing you to have another source of power upon which to draw (you may also use the energies of the quarters if you have already called them to your space prior to casting your circle).

In terms of casting the circle, it is common to use either the wand or the athame. Depending on which you choose, your circle may have a different feeling. Many view the athame as being ruled by fire (though some still adhere to the belief that the athame is ruled by air and the wand by fire which was part of an effort by the golden dawn to leak false information about their oath bound information to the general public) and, thus, has a more commanding feel than the wand, which is ruled by air. The wand is viewed to request the presence of whatever one is inviting. That is why some practitioners use the athame to cast the circle and call the elemental energies, but will use the wand to call the guardians or elementals and deity to the circle. It is up to you, your interpretation of each tool, the reactions of your honored guests to each tool, and what makes you most comfortable.

If tools aren't used, the dominant hand is usually put to the use of channeling the energy. Personally, i prefer my students to begin by casting the circle without a tool so they do not become dependent on them and so they can sense the energy without it. Tools are focus for our energy; they do not enhance the actual power of it nor are they necessary for ritual. So, my advice to you is to try casting a circle several times without tools before you decide to try with tools; then make a decision as to which you prefer.

Today I ordered a gorgeous magnolia wand from a lovely little etsy shop. I have to admit, it was a painstaking process to choose "the right one". I knew that I wanted something simplistic. Nothing flashy or excessive (if that's what you enjoy, I'm not passing judgement! It's just not for me), rather I was looking for something slender and smooth that spoke for itself.

Obviously I found it, haha. I'm just so excited, I can't wait until it arrives!

Let me just start out by saying that you don't need tools to practice, but for those who want them here's a few cheap (or free) ideas.

1. ALTAR Your altar can be set up on any flat surface, even the floor! A small coffee table, the top of a chest, a desk, your dresser...Really just anywhere that you can set up things without them falling over.

2. ALTAR CLOTH An altar cloth isn't really necessary, but is nice for keeping everything clean, and looks pretty. You could make one yourself, or use a cheap bandanna, scarf or tablecloth (all can be bought at the dollar store) and either cut or fold them to fit the altar area. Or let them hang down, it's whatever you prefer really.

3. CANDLES AND INCENSE Again, dollar store, or for bulk tea-lights Costco if you have a card or know someone who is willing to take you. The dollar store also has lots of colours and holders, so you can get larger element candles there as well. Incense are fairly cheap at green earth. Last time I was there you could get a mixed bag of 5 for 20 cents. Or again dollar store. Or look up how to make your own. Incense burners are also fairly cheap, or you can use almost anything that wont catch fire.

4. CHALICE AND OTHER ALTAR THINGS Use a wine glass for a chalice. Look around at yard sales, thrift shops or ask someone for one. Figurines are a bit harder to come by, but you can make them if you or someone you know can carve wood, or hunt around at yard sales and thrift shops. You'd be surprised what you can find for not a lot of money.

5. WAND To make a wand, simply decide what kind of wood you'd like it to be, find a tree of that kind of wood, and cut off a branch. Make sure it's not a big branch but not too small. It should be comfortable to hold in your hand and about the length of your forearm. Use a knife to peel off the bark then wrap the wand in a cloth and then let it dry...for a long time (about a month).

6. ATHAME This one is a bit tricky. If your in a hurry to have one, get an inexpensive letter opener. Other than that, you could try and find one in a thrift store, but I've yet to find one. So save up your money for this. Maybe try online??

7. CLOTHES Make your own, or look in thrift shops. It will be cheaper to buy some fabric and sew your own clothes, but for those that aren't gifted with the ability to sew, look around thrift shops for something you like. Remember that ritual clothes can be anything you are comfortable in. 

Here are some of the useful links I have:

Online shops:

http://wiccandoit.com/

http://www.wiccancauldron.com/index.php

http://witchcraft-shop.com

http://www.moonlightmysteries.com (very good, very beautiful!)

http://www.witchesofwalthamabbey.co.uk

and of course: ebay. http://www.ebay.ca/sch/Wicca-Paganism-/35831/i.html?LH_BIN=1&_from=R40

the only one I personally tested is moonlight mysteries and eBay, but I think the other ones are trustable even though I take no responsability in case of fraud or such.

  Information:

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ss/BasicAltarSetup.htm

http://witchvox.com

http://www.wicca-spirituality.com/sacred-scents.html

http://thetwistedrope.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/devo-magix-amulets-talismans-and-protective-items/

http://witchofforestgrove.com/2009/09/12/kitchen-green-witchery/

I have a few books I would recommend as well mostly for beginners, like:

Cunningham, Scott. Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner. 2004. Llewellyn Publications.

I would recommend most of Cunningham's book even though I didn't read them all. He is very well known in the Wicca community. If you want to know more about Wicca's father, you know where Wikipedia is.