As capitalism sets its sights on the witchcraft community, it’s easy to get caught up in all the stuff that companies try to sell you.
Alas, not all of us have the money to spend on expensive items. If we're being honest, you probably don't need such items to begin with.
For those that are curious, however, let's talk about how to do magic on a budget.
First things first, reframe what you think magic is.
Magic is not what you buy.
It’s not pricey crystals, expensive altar tools, and pretty bottles. As fun as those are, they aren't necessary to practice magic.
All you need to create magic is yourself, your intentions, and your actions.
Still, I said I would talk about how to do magic on a budget, so here are some tips that I have picked up along the way as a broke witch.
Upcycle what you already have into magical tools. Plenty of the stuff you already own can be used for magic. Make a simmer pot in that old cooking pot. Use the kitchen spices as your herbs in spells.
Thrift stores are great for finding cool bottles and boxes to put your herbs and other magical items in. Also great for spell bottles/jars!
You don’t need every herb under the sun, many of the most accessible (and cheapest) herbs have similar, if not the same, correspondences as the expensive ones.
Buy herbs from the grocery store or farmers market, if possible.
If you have a green thumb, grow the herbs yourself!
Tarot cards can be expensive, but you can use a deck of regular playing cards for cartomancy if needed! There are also options such as tarot apps and websites that allow you to use their digital tarot decks for free.
Make your own tarot or oracle deck if you're artistic and have the time/energy to do so!
You don’t need to have an expensive cast-iron cauldron, just find a fire safe bowl or container. For me, I use a handmade bowl that I got at a fair in my hometown! Works like a charm.
The dollar store is a great place to find inexpensive candles, usually they’re tea lights but you might get lucky and even find some chime candles.
If you're working with deities: plenty of them like hand-made items for offerings! So you don’t need to go out and break the bank just to buy an expensive statue.
This is not a post to shame the folks who own expensive things for witchcraft. I’m sure most of us would agree that if we had the money to go all out, we certainly would! This is just a post for those of us that can’t afford costly goods but would still like to have physical items when practicing magic.
Feel free to add your tips for practicing low-cost magic!
Have a lovely day <3
Friendly tip for the poor witch: craft stores (I got a pack these for $3 at Jo-Ann Fabrics) carry little glass vials. They are travel size and perfect for herbs and altars. I have cloves, salt, mint and cinnamon in mine. They are cheap, cute and durable! Craft stores are a witch’s best friend
Upright: Innocence, freedom, originality, adventure, travel, foolishness, carelessness, idealism, youth, spontaneity, lack of commitment, new beginnings Reversed: Recklessness, carelessness, negligence, stupidity, distraction, apathy, irrationality, lack of fun, hope or faith
Upright: Power, influence, willpower, resourcefulness, skill, ability, logic, intellect, concentration and psychic powers Reversed: Manipulation, greed, unused ability, untrustworthiness, trickery, conniving, cunning, lack of mental clarity
Upright: Desirability, unattainability, mystery, sensuality, spirituality, thirst for knowledge, mystery, subconscious, higher power, creativity, fertility Reversed: Repression of intuition, blocked psychic powers, unwanted attention, uncontrolled outbursts and sexual tension, lack of self-belief, fertility issues
Upright: Pregnancy, fertility, motherhood, sensuality, nurturing, creativity, beauty, femininity, nature, harmony, art Reversed: Insecurity, infertility, lack of confidence, lack of growth, overbearing tendencies, disharmony, negligence
Upright: Older man, stability, dependability, fatherhood, father-figure, structure, protectiveness, authority, logical, practical Reversed: Abuse of power, excessively controlling, rigidity, stubbornness, lack of discipline, lack of control, absentee father, paternity issues
Upright: Traditional institutions, traditional values, conventional, conformity, marriage, commitment, religion, beliefs, knowledge sharing Reversed: Challenging tradition, unconventional lifestyles, unconventional relationships, reversed roles, non-conformity
Upright: Love, soulmates, kindred spirits, perfect unions, partnerships, relationships, major choices, romance, desire, sexual connections, shared values Reversed: Disharmony, trust issues, imbalance, conflict, disconnection, lack of accountability, disunion, detachment
Upright: Victory, overcoming obstacles, success, ambition, determination, willpower, control, self-discipline, hard work and focus Reversed: Forcefulness, lack of direction, lack of self-control, powerlessness, aggression, coercion, being blocked by obstacles
Upright: Inner strength, courage, bravery, confidence, compassion, taming, control, overcoming self-doubt Reversed: Vulnerability, self-doubt, weakness, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, feeling inadequate
Upright: Spiritual enlightenment, soul searching, self-reflection, introspection, contemplation, inner guidance, solitude Reversed: Loneliness, paranoia, isolation, reclusiveness, withdrawal, anti-social, restrictive, paralyzed by fear.
Upright: Good luck, destiny, change, karma, soulmates, decisive moments, cycles of life, fate, fortune, upheaval, chance Reversed: Bad luck, upheaval, disorder, external forces, lack of control, disruption, unwelcome change, delays, set backs, karma
Upright: Justice, karmic justice, consequences, legal disputes, law, truth, honesty, integrity, cause and effect, life lessons Reversed: Injustice, karmic retribution, dishonesty, corruption, lack of accountability, dishonesty, unfairness, karmic avoidance
Upright: Feeling trapped, confined, self-limiting, uncertainty, lack of direction, needing release, letting go Reversed: Discontentment, apathy, disinterest, stagnation, impulsiveness, negative patterns, detachment
Upright: Spiritual transformation, new beginnings, letting go, endings, change, transition, sudden or unexpected upheaval Reversed: Inability to move forward, fear of beginnings, repeating negative patterns, resisting change, dependency
Upright: Balance, peace, patience, moderation, inner calm, perspective, tranquillity, harmonious relationships, soulmates Reversed: Imbalance, self-indulgence, excess, clashing, lack of perspective, discord, antagonism, recklessness, hastiness
Upright: Addiction, depression, mental health issues, secrecy, obsession, cheating, dependency, bondage, materialism, sexuality, powerlessness, hopelessness, abuse, violence, assault Reversed: Detachment, independence, overcoming addiction, freedom, revelation, reclaiming power, reasserting control
Upright: Chaos, destruction, sudden upheaval, trauma, unexpected change, disaster, loss, tragedy, revelations, confusion, pain, divorce, abuse, violence, bankruptcy, natural disasters, inevitable endings Reversed: Resisting change, averting disaster, avoiding tragedy, delaying the inevitable, avoiding loss, lack of insight, codependence
Upright: Hope, inspiration, creativity, calm, contentment, renewal, serenity, spirituality, healing, positivity Reversed: Hopelessness, despair, focusing on the negative, lack of faith, lack of inspiration, lack of creativity, boredom, monotony
Upright: Intuition, illusion, dreams, vagueness, instability, deception, anxiety, fear, misconception, subconscious, insecurity, clouded Reversed: Releasing fear, unveiling secrets, subsiding anxiety, truth, regaining composure, self-deception, blocked intuition
Upright: Positivity, freedom, fun, success, optimism, vitality, joy, confidence, self-expression, good luck, enthusiasm, happiness, truth, openness, pregnancy Reversed: Lack of enthusiasm, excessive enthusiasm, sadness, pessimism, unrealistic expectations, ego, conceitedness, oppression, infertility
Upright: Judgement, self-evaluation, awakening, renewal, composure, decisiveness, homesickness, snap judgements, apportioning blame, forgiveness, judgemental Reversed: Indecisiveness, self-doubt, malicious gossip, lack of self-awareness, unwillingness to learn karmic lessons, unfair blame, false accusations
Upright: Success, achievement, accomplishment, travel, completion, fulfillment, sense of belonging, wholeness Reversed: Lack of success, stagnation, lack of achievement, disappointment, burden, lack of completion
Easy Blessing Candles Put tea light candles on a stove top (electric works best because it’s a flatter surface than gas stoves) on low heat. Melt the wax and then dash with herbs of choice. Then let them sit at room temperature to harden.
To all my fellow new witches!!!
Hobby Lobby usually always has their glassware on sale for %50 off!!!
This is perfect for starting to collect your moon waters and simple herbs.
The little heart jars I have dried rose petals in which I think is just adorable. Then I have basil and pink Himalayan salt in some bigger ones.
You can also keep regular sea salt in one so you can hide it away from your family’s kitchen.
This is perfect for me because when things have a more witch aesthetic to it, it gives me more motivation to continue with my craft. It’s also just really fun 😁
But seriously some of these go down to a dollar and I think that’s incredible!!!
~DreadHeadWitch ✌️🌸🌙
Magickal Properties of: Rose
Scientific Names:
There are over 300 species of roses, with more than 1000 cultivars. Roses are believed to have first been cultivated in China, historically dating back to 5000 years. The following seem to be the most common varieties that are sold as oils or marketed for magickal use. However, this is only speculation and may not be entirely accurate.
Rosa Gallica - Also known as the French Rose or Apothecary Rose, it is native to southern and central Europe. It is believed that this rose variety was first cultivated by the Greek’s and Romans.
Rosa Centifolia - This type of rose is also sometimes called the Cabbage Rose.
Rosa Damascena - Also known as the Damask Rose or Rose of Castile.
Most Rose oil is derived from the Rosa Centifolia and Damascena varieties. Although they differ a bit in color and fragrance, they share similar properties and uses. Rose oil is also quite expensive. For magickal purposes, it is more economical to use fresh roses or dried rose petals.
Energetic: Receptive
Element: Water
Astrological: Venus, Taurus
Deities: Isis, Hathor, Aphrodite, Demeter, Eros, Hulda, Aurora
Symbolism for Divination or Spell Associations: Love, Fertility, Romance, Protection, Beauty, Luck, Joy, Emotions
Use in sachets, spell bottles, teas, incense blends, anointing oils, to dress a candle, in a bath.
Use in spells for healing, love, peace, protection, beauty, to avoid conflict, to calm stress and to resolve problems peacefully.
Rose is one of the most versatile plants. Rose petals can be incorporated into any spell, ritual or meditation to enhance its effects. Rose is particularly potent in workings that focus on protection because roses protect in the energetic vibration of love and compassion. Roses have a fierce, yet gentle energy.
A single rose placed inside a glass of water on an altar can be used as a singular, but powerful focus for a spell.
Use rose petals in a bath to encourage beauty, healing and to attract love.
Carry rose petals in a sachet for protection.
Sprinkle rose petals in the home or around a space to resolve conflict and calm upheavals.
Roses planted in a garden are said to attract faeries.
Rose petals blended into a tea can induce prophetic dreams and assist with divination.
Use rose thorns to carve sigils into candles to enhance the spell.
If you are going to drink rose as a tea, or burn it as an incense, be sure to research thoroughly and buy your roses at food grade quality from a reputable source. Not all roses are grown for consumption and may have been exposed to dangerous pesticides and/or chemicals to help preserve them once cut. If you ingest roses that have been treated with chemicals, they may irritate the digestive tract.
Rose water is very good for the skin.
Roses also carry correspondences with spiritual enlightenment in some sacred traditions.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies- C. Norman Shealy MD, PhD - Harper Collins Publishers
Herb Magic: An Introduction to Magical Herbalism and Spells - Patty Wigingron, Illustrations by Mel Baxter - Rockridge Press
The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs: Your Complete Guide to the Hidden Powers of Herbs - Judy Ann Nock - Adams Media
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs: Expanded and Revised Edition - Scott Cunningham - Llewellyn Publications
High, steady flame: Yes
Low, steady flame: No
Short, weak flame: No
Dancing flame:Needs more focus. Reground and try again.
Violent flickering flame: Strong no. Take this as a warning if you are certain this isn’t caused by an outside force or natural defect in candle.
Sputtering/Cracking flame: There is more to your answer than a simple yes or no,
Dual flame: Thinking, wait for answer.
Flame leaning to left: Yes
Flame leaning to right: No
Candle will not light: Ask later
Candle will not go out: You are not done yet. There is more you need to hear.
Candle goes out during session: Now is not the time to ask.
inspired by @curseworm and her love of dirt
(all associations are my own, this is just a personal guide)
Garden mud- hard work, growth, health, grounding
Pathway mud- obstacles, cursing, travel
Graveyard mud- spiritual communication, banishing, memory
Woodland mud- secrets, animal communication, invocation, peace
River mud- change, cleansing, blessings
When you clean the mud off your boots, let all the negativity you’ve picked up along the way go with it
Get a jar of pathway mud and put someone’s name in it. This will make it harder for them to achieve their goals (ahem, ahem, Trump)
As usual- don’t take anything from private private property (unless you have permission) and don’t trespass. that’s just illegal and id like you to be safe
and it might be wise to leave a gift when you take something from nature, but that’s a personal choice
If you live in America mark on your calendars that August 21 will be the solar eclipse. It will peak at 2:44pm EST ( do a bit of research to see what you’ll be able to see and your locally occurring time).
I also highly suggest you collect solar eclipse water during this time. Solar eclipse water is good for supercharging spells to give it an extra kick if you need it as well as it works very well for spells involving transformation, change, or release.
Plant spirits are the spirits of the trees and flowers, the grass and moss, the spirits of nature, in the truest meaning. While some take on humanoid appearances and wander about the forests and fields, such as the nymphs, most prefer to not leave their plant, and instead are content to simply bask in the sunlight and spend most of their time talking to the wind.
Communication
Depending on the species of the plant spirit, they could be adept at verbal or visual communication, or both. However, many of them do not understand the human concept of time, and it could take weeks to get an answer or it could take merely seconds. Those that prefer to take humanoid appearances do tend to communicate through words, though there are exceptions to this.
Appearance
A lot of plant spirits that leave their plant do tend to keep some physical attributes that are similar to their plant. For example, I work with a dryad from a dogwood tree, and she prefers to keep her hair the same color as the flowers. However, this is not always the case. It simply depends on the spirit and their preferences. Also, those that do not leave their plant take on the appearance of that plant more often than they take a humanoid appearance.
Offerings
pebbles
water
fresh mulch
cleaning up forests
making bee feeders
songs
talking to them
meditating with them
storytelling
sugar
biodegradable food