Tools- What Do I need?
Okay, so you're ready to start practicing magick and now you want to know what tools you'll need to get started. Every magickal tradition has their own set of tools that they use for ritual work, but is any of it necessary to do magick?
Nope.
The only thing necessary is you. The tools used in magick are just like any other tool you'd use for mundane stuff- they make things easier. This is especially true at the beginning of your practice. For some traditions, like Ceremonial Magick, the various tools are integrated into the rituals themselves and all have a particular place and representative role that they play. All of it is to help the practitioner focus their energy, will, and intent and to get their subconscious to do what they want.
I'm not going to cover everything that the various traditions use and why here. I have links in the resources page that already do that far better than I could. What I'm going to list here are the tools that I've found the most useful for general practice. Most of these are used pretty universally, so regardless of the path you end up choosing to explore, these tools will likely have a use.
Small Cauldron- These are perfect for altars/work tables to burn sigils, offerings, and incense and keep everything contained.
Charcoal Tablets- I've found these to be extremely helpful. Once you get them activated they burn for about 30 minutes. It's perfect for herb offerings and incense.
Small Torch Lighter- You can use matches, lighters, or whatever you want, but I've found torch lighters to be a lot easier to use for lighting charcoal and burning offerings.
Note Pad and Pen- Quick and easy for sigil work.
Candles- My wife and I have a wide assortment of candles in various sizes and colors. Candles are super useful in ritual work for sympathetic magick and offerings.
Craft Knife- These are the little scalpels that potters and sculptures use for clay. They're super cheap and you can find them at the dollar store. I've found it useful for carving sigils into candles.
Chalice- Any cup will do, really, but I've gotten specific ones for each of my guides that I use for water/alcohol offerings.
Wand- Yep, these are really a thing. Like the rest of it, it's not necessary, but wands are excellent for helping to focus and direct energy. Plus, let's be honest, it's just fun/cool to have a real wand. Athemes/Daggers are often used for similar purposes and to cast circles. Ceremonial Magick uses both.
Divination Tools- Tarot cards, pendulums, runes, etc. There are lots of options and it'll really come down to personal preference/interest.
