5 Witchy Things I Don't Buy || Witchcraft & Consumerism

[@budjohnson2348]

I'm not Wiccan or Pagan, but as a geologist, you might consider going to your nearest stream, be it a river or creek or whatever, once there find a sand bar. Anywhere in our world, can be described as a valley, - a divide, a slope and a stream. A sand bar within a stream will have a natural collection or deposit of everything in your area or valley. All of your quartz crystals, from amethyst to rose quartz to clear quartz are all made of silica dioxide which does not act chemically for all practical purposes. They mechanically break up and get smaller and smaller but dont change chemically. What these guys do is bring porosity and permeability to a soil, they allow water to move, like a jar of marbles. Many non quartz minerals to break down chemically to make clays and this is a source of phosphorus and potassium that plants need. Microbes will produce nitrogen that plants need. So, a fire (which requires air) on a local sandbar while digging through the local quartz and Clay's and clay forming minerals, along with microbes and plants is the essence and "magic" of your local part of the world. Also a sandbar, aka point bar is on the constructive side of a stream where the opposite or cut bank is the destructive side. As I understand your philosophy, it is one of being positive not negative or destructive. It seems to me that a sandbar would be your natural altar. Finally for the crystal lovers, many minerals come from Northern Mexico, those families pick up the minerals from the land, they need the money to feed their families. I always support Mexico when I can. If you haven't been, consider Terlingua and Big Bend National Park in SW Texas. Lots of great minerals in the area, and perfectly safe.

[@heatherstubbs5372]

Bud Johnson you are so right. I have this one agate I found in Montana and love it. Had no idea about supporting families and great to know.

[@rosemaryfox9212]

Amazing information! Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@Sheepdog1314]

I am a jeweler by trade, and it's sickening to see China or other countries make and carve pure junk out of precious- or semi-precious stones. The earth no longer makes this material, and it is being squandered on absolutely mundane crap

[@shiaseedsalad2726]

Thank you so much! I only have two little crystals, a moonstone pendant my sister got for me in Arizona when I couldn't buy anything and a clear little quartz that my counselor gave me. Plus, I have volcanic pumice from Arizona and more little rocks I found on the ground. ❤❤❤ It's better to use what's on your own land.

[@brandypriest5564]

Yo... that's awesome, thank you!

[@overdosedmiawallace]

I just discovered you and I love your style, it's not so over the top or obvious "witch". Idk, it's soft , natural and beautiful!

[@imthegogetter572]

I agree

[@beatricewaide8108]

I agree. It’s a very subtle boho witch

[@vriskel]

being in quarantine is a great time to really crack down on your craft! you can do spellwork, read, research, study and organise👏your👏grimoire 😂but have fun!

[@chriszimmerman9737]

Lulu ! Got any book recommendations?! I’ve been cruising through them during this lol.

[@hello1079]

Honestly, but the more I read, there more I want to grow herbs. I read all their properties, and I'm like "I need this" sadly I can't because I can't go and buy it.

[@vassiasparta]

I personally choose to manufacture as many of my tools as I can. I collected small flat stones from the beach and painted runes on them. My wand is a piece of driftwood that was washed up by the sea. I believe that when you put effort into creating your tools, each time you go through the process is a small ritual of your own, and each tool is infused with your intention, making it even more powerful when you use it. Buying your tools can seem easy, but it's a lot more personal to create them, and sometimes way cheaper than going out to buy them.

[@Volundur9567]

Same! If I can carve, forge, sculpt, draw or paint it, I surely will. My first and only rune set I repeatedly go to is over 20 years old now. It was flat stones of similar size from my parents' driveway. My Mjölnir is one I forged, as are my ritual tools. My cloths are just remnants that reflect the seasons. I sculpted incense cone holders and forged stick holders. Gets you out and active.

[@kizzyuzui1497]

what you said about crystals is very similar to my opinions on not using white sage. besides the fact that it’s really no different from regular old sage that you can grow in your house if wanted, ive heard a lot about the mass cultivation by companies that aren’t even paying the natives who grow it and how it’s ruining the land in native american areas. it’s actually endangered in native american areas which is horrible because its a very important/sacred plant for them. that’s why i now choose to either grow my own house sage or if i ever do buy white sage, i make sure it’s from a native american seller

[@wayawuffin]

ethics in crystal mining somehow never even occurred to me to think about?! thank you so much for bringing it up in this video, i will definitely be more mindful in the future!!

[@tillieking3348]

I learned to embroider when I was a teen and I'm currently embroidering my own altar cloth. It's a way to really make it feel personal and imbue it with my intent and energy.

[@djhavenm]

Thrift shops can be a great source for magical objects--an opportunity to give new life to otherwise discarded itemts. I found a beautiful brass candelabra with leaves and swirls that I use to represent the God and Goddess in my rituals. It's better than anything I could have come up with on my own, and much more beautiful than anything I could find online or in local new age shops.

[@joannajamerson35]

And dollar tree

[@Volundur9567]

Absolutely! Silver-plated leaf bowl x2, copper lanterns, a small copper cauldron, candles (melt down and make new ones!), A candle holder that works perfectly for a pentagram layout.

[@johnoneill919]

I used to purchase everything from the local " witch shop " in my neighborhood which i guess is fine if you want to support your local " witchy " merchants. I also bought a lot of things from mail order catalogs but this was back in the earlier days. Nowadays i've become more organic in my practice and tend to use things i find in my natural environment. I think this connects you more deeply to your surroundings. Cool video scarlet !

[@fairytypesvalerie7313]

I’m so glad I found another witch who is critical of the mining industry and consumerism 💖💖💖

[@jenniferk7707]

Thank you! I have been struggling with this for a while. I hate the consumerism that has been flooding paganism, and wondered if the practice just wasn’t for me. I was dirt poor in the beginning, and so either went without, or tried to make what I needed. Now I could afford to buy whatever I wanted, but I much rather keep practicing the use what you have aesthetic...to me that brings me closer than anything I could buy

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Glad you liked the video! Using what we have around us as tools & ritual items is much more in line with how witches would traditionally practice their magic. :)

[@theshadowravensoul]

This is a great video! In terms of crystals, there are lots of sellers who source ethically and sustainably, it just takes a little extra leg work to find them. Haute Macabre and Bekkathyst are two sellers who do extensive background research on their items and make sure to source sustainable and ethical!

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Glad you liked the video. :) That's a great point about finding sellers that source sustainable & ethical.

[@saggguy7]

Moonrise crystals is one of my favorites! They’re fully transparent about their sources for every single stone, so YOU can decide if you think they’re ethical or not.

[@sageisnotaplant99]

Bekkathyst is one of the best sellers out there!

[@dlm4708]

"Ethical sourcing" is pretty much impossible. The issue is that even if we pay for certification of sellers, we can't actually guarantee that the labourers really do get their wages. Also, this gets into the issue of "do those wages genuinely comp for the fact that it's often actual children who are the only ones who are physically small enough to fit into some of these mines" and "does paying someone enough to eat this week in exchange for strip mining their country, which will never be restored and which causes permanent damage to wildlife for literally decades, sometimes forever, truly compensate for long-term landslides and loss of ecosystem?" There is no ethical consumption of crystals from natural sources. We prey on countries that have no other natural resources and pay money up front so that people can survive and have jobs, but when those resources run out, BYE SON~~~ and there's literally just... dust left behind. Or in the case of a diamond mine in Russia, it's literally a hole over a mile deep, so wide that it's a no-fly zone because the air pressure changes so wildly that planes will drop out of the sky. That doesn't even get into the lack of consumer education. We are not gemologists or geologists. We're just shop owners, retailers. A lot is learned as we go. So what happens when my lapis isn't actually Peruvian, but is actually traded on the black market from Afghanistan, the only other place in the world it comes from, through the Taliban, through China and then into South America? What happens when our rose quartz is really good counterfeit glass, and we don't know that because... again, not gemologists? ::sighs:: It's a huge burden. Man-made gems, bio-identical to natural gems, have been available for over 50 years. They are produced with worker protections, they reduce carbon emissions, come without flaws, and do not require slave labour. The only issue is... pagans don't like them because they weren't blast-mined or slave mined out of the earth. Go figure.

[@lillunaeticx]

Thing is, it’s very hard to exactly source a lot of crystals, ores and the like. Our phones have conflict minerals in them for example. So we can’t say our phones have ethically sourced materials in them to function. Best thing we can do is try and be more conscious of where we’re buying from and try and support smaller sellers.

[@tezak_20]

I tend to not buy "magikal herbal mixes" because I can make them just as easily with the herbs and spices in my spice cabinet and my loose leaf teas.

[@maras.448]

I am so glad you brought up the issue of crystal mining!! I feel like not enough of us are aware. 💕

[@j.h.moncrieffauthor]

Thanks for this. In my first year, I got sucked into feeling I "needed" everything in order to do witchcraft properly. I'm beginning to see what a huge industry witchcraft, and marketing to witches, has become. I thought altars were just mostly objects from nature, but then I saw pics on IG that made them look like something out of Martha Stewart Living. I spent thousands on spell candles, herbs, crystals, spheres, books--you name it. I didn't get an athame, or a commercial wand, but that's about all I didn't get. Now I'm trying my best to live frugally and save, but even my fellow witches will say, "If you're called to it, there's a reason." Well, when you're addicted to shopping online, that's the reason! Thanks for helping me resist.

[@clairbearonabroom]

elder is the ladys' tree , burn it not or cursed you'll be (it releases toxic smoke)

[@shiaseedsalad2726]

Good to know!

[@clairbearonabroom]

@@shiaseedsalad2726 the long version of the wiccan rede, has this and other helpful wisdom .

[@shiaseedsalad2726]

@@clairbearonabroom ❤❤❤❤ I have it written in my book of shadows

[@sarahc2491]

Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark 😁

[@anthonyhayes1267]

That's kinda badass. Someone should figure out a way to put it in a whodunit novel.

[@taylorann6030]

I'm also using a scarf for an altar cloth! It's easy to get caught up in materialism in our craft, but magick really doesn't need much besides ourselves. Which is great for broke witches like me 😂

[@OscarBoscar889]

i used just a pretty table cloth i found in my closet. its nice anda has embroidered flowers.

[@somename4127]

i cut an old shirt and im decorating it to use as an altar cloth, but i havent been using a cloth for a while and i honestly dont see a problem

[@livinglikelaura4282]

This is great - I agree with everything you said. I do like to use tools - but as a part of my "crafty" practice I like to make my own tools. Find a stick in the woods, shape it and create a wand, sew my own robes & alter cloths, grow my own herbs and find stones. I feel like my practice is enhanced and more powerful when I make my tools with intention and then use them. Great video - and I really appreciate how educated you are - I am also a book nerd - so yea - keep up great videos!

[@TheRoddekat]

Thank you so much for talking about it! About time someone addressed the issue of consumerism in this area. Witchcraft is about creating, not consuming.

[@enchantedherbshop]

Thank you for speaking on this. Social media is saturated with consumer pressure to buy this stuff when all we really need is our own body.

[@mads4288]

I always kind of figure between things in nature, things I can make, and the dollar store theres not a whole lot you need? You will not need every single thing any book says. You will not feel connected or comfortable using every tool. Nature plays a huge part, get those herb gardens started. Intention and substitution can do wonders. So I guess it kind of irks me seeing such materialism? And I am so glad someone brought this up

[@NoraVonYT]

I get tea towels from Ace Hardware for my altar cloths! :D Not only do they have a massive selection, they’re cheap at about $8-12.

[@Oniwabanshugirl]

I have to say, I absolutely LOVE this channel! This style of practicality is more my vibe, including taking a look at the bigger picture in terms of " why do we do things this way / use these items?" Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with us. 😊

[@EmilyCandyland]

This video is the total opposite of the witchy (and) gothic style/subculture what i see almost everywhere.

[@meganw.4457]

Some of my favorite items were found accidentally at thrift or junk stores. I've found lovely candle holders, bells, goblets, statuettes, scarves, etc. I just take them home and cleanse them, then dedicate them to their purpose. And they cost almost nothing.

[@Vanessa227]

I'm the same way! I don't really purchase any of the items you mentioned (except books). I use scarves for my altar, my own boho clothes, tree branches, small crystals, plants and my vibrations for my practice. Love your channel. You've got a new subscriber. Blessed be.

[@jamiebullock7878]

I love this!!! I’m not a “ witchy decor” person either, nor do I like big gawdy jewelry. I’m very much a witch, however occasionally I would question myself because I didn’t seem to fit the mold. My set up is light, bright and organized-it actually looks similar to yours! This definitely helps me to bring some comfort. All my witchy tools are in one in table and my books and cards are shelved 💕

[@joannajamerson35]

I love witchy decor. The day after Halloween is my favorite

[@spinstercatlady]

Same! My decor style is very Cottage core and vintage and I prefer to have items that whisper or hint at my Craft rather than a bunch of tacky made in China junk that screams "Witch". That type of decor has always seemed a bit desperate to me, as if the person doesn't really know who they are so they form an "image" based upon their possessions.

[@1607hannah1]

I started out as a Pagan when I was quite young as well, so couldn't afford really anything, and I wish even books for young pagans wouldn't push the 'You need all this stuff to be a proper Pagan.' I feel that it's more important for an item or tool to have meaning or value for yourself. So I've always used stones and shells from the beach, flowers and house plants, and most of my items have been given to me as gifts. So I've got some lovely crystals and stones, a collection of dice, my tarot cards and lots of candles. In that sense rather than buying a bunch of stuff that I'm not even sure will work or can't be used in other ways, I've got items that mean a lot, have lovely memories attached to them and that I like using for my witchy work.

[@JK-jl1bf]

I agree with you about the altar cloths because honestly my altar doesn’t need one, it’s a very beautiful slab of wood with pin nail legs and the grains and colors in the wood are more to my liking than covering that up and it doesn’t stain if I get wax on it. I forgo the cloth all together, however if I do set up an altar on a bookcase I use a very simple solid color bandanna, this believe it or not is the best and not distracting from the tools I set upon it, but again I have tried to put one of those square bandannas on my main altar and it just doesn’t look right. Even folding one in a triangle shape works to create a focal point but it all depends on what the material under it is made of.

[@travisvanderlaan9829]

Altar cloth is a deer skin gifted to me, statues gifted to me, wand inherited letter opener. Don’t worry about buying things the right things will find you.

[@FilippaSkog]

I'm SO glad you mentioned the horrible conditions in which (most?) crystal sourcing happen. It's a real problem considering both the environment and human rights. Please repeat this in upcoming videos, people really need to become conscious. I don't buy crystals anymore either, for this reason.

[@danaport6913]

I am in to crystals since i was a teenager. I love having them around. I dont have a wand yet i only want one wand made of holy wood. I realy agree with you, you dont have to buy all that witchy stuff unless you want to.

[@vinnyjamea96]

I am totally with you on the decorations natural elements I think most people like to overdo it with unnecessary items . Simple and of nature is a true Pagan way

[@HomemakerDaze]

I agree with the crystals thing, I could tell it's just not very ecofriendly. I got a secondhand rose quartz the other day! Hope I find some more eventually at the op shops.

[@tmpostlewait]

The altar cloths I bought are just table runners I bough at The Dollar Tree and a couple of cloth squares from Walmart for 98cents each. Most of my altar is either stuff I already had or thrift shop. This was a great video

[@dlm4708]

I run a pagan shop, and I find a lot of this spot-on. For people like Buckland, Gardner, Conway, and a lot of the Wicca-derived crowd, "low magic" (magic that uses lots of Stuff) requires you to have a big altar with lots of tools, candles, stones, wands, special clothing, etc. This is... intimidating and unaffordable for the people who are most likely to try magic. People who already have the things they need in life, who are relatively secure, are not so likely to be doing magic to begin with. People who seek MORE power when they already have it are not likely to try magic for that end these days; they'll go into politics or law enforcement instead. It's important to note that Buckland and Gardner were quite well-off (white) men with a lot of power in their day. They could afford these accoutrements and were the founders of their own systems, so they could dictate what was correct/incorrect. That doesn't mean magic absolutely hinges on these items; that just means some white men in power nearly 100 years ago said so, and so people did that. Real practitioners for hundreds of years never needed them, or anything they had to do with. Folk practitioners did not have a worldwide shipping network of herbs from Morocco, Romania, China, and Mexico to get shipped to Canada within a week of harvest. People used the things immediately growing around them. And you know what? They did *just fine.* They didn't have huge giant altars with fifteen candles arranged just so in these six specific colours at such exact date and time but only during this month on that moon- sometimes all they had was Tuesday after their husband went to bed drunk, two hours before the rooster woke everyone, and that would work well enough. Ritual clothing and altar cloths serve much the same purpose: demarcation of 'separation' from mundane activity for those who can't easily suspend themselves mentally. This altar cloth serves to mark that THIS space outlined here is for ritual activity only; this outfit denotes that I am specifically ONLY thinking about spellwork right now. It's the same mental trick as always having a specific coffee when studying at a specific desk; then when you do the exam in the classroom, bring that cup of coffee- you smell it, and your brain clicks with the memory of studying. Soon, you won't need the desk anymore, won't need the altar cloth. You got this down.

[@spinstercatlady]

Your comment is 100% spot on! I hope the newer folks just beginning their path will read it. With some witches it seems more like they're in a decorating competition than a genuine practitioner lol.

[@brightbite]

I agree with what you are saying. I would advise however that people avoid Fire Mountain Gems, they used to be great but have become horrendous as a company.

[@dlm4708]

@@brightbite ewww good to know. I haven't had to buy from some of the really big companies for awhile, since I bought out local pawn shops and jewellery stores as they shut down. But come to think of it, that could be another source! They're just limited in what they have, and usually don't know much about what they're selling at pawn shops. Jewellery stores know, but you'll pay more.

[@brightbite]

@@dlm4708 FMG has become a haven for up to 50% unusable product. Think broken beads, very cheap thin charms, scratched and cracked gemstones etc. Not to mention steep shipping prices, over-taxation, and rude customer service. Lima BeadsDOTcom, a bit more expensive, but you pay for the quality. I am disgusted with Fire Mountain Gems.

[@dlm4708]

@@brightbite eeeew! It used to be so, so much better. I would get heavier sterling pieces. Actually, I still have moonstone from them because it was too pretty to bead with once it came in. But that was so long ago. Too bad. They were once the best. I try to buy or trade locally more often now.

[@kimtaylor649]

I practice hoodoo. So I use mostly herbs, spices, barks,flowers, and branches.

[@lafierose]

This was actually helpful. I just became fully invested in the Pagan world this year and have been overwhelmed by all the stuff one needs to get. I can breath easy knowing that I don't need all of it. There are three more items I would like to get (a second tarot deck, a pentacle necklace, and one more crystal), but that would be the end of it for awhile at least.

[@MichaelHarper]

I love antiques, so I love using collected antique lace curtains or tablecloths, etc for my altar cloth. It is more meaningful to me that way.

[@angeleyecelestial1897]

Witchy decor.... I have always been on the goth/spooky side..... So the witchy decor only makes me happier haha. But I have been on the goth/spooky side longggggg before I ever became a witch.

[@joleenshadows]

Me too. I feel at peace when I walk in and my owl candles are flickering in the corner and my stack of books and spells sit on the mantle. But everyone has their own style and aesthetic. :)

[@joetownsend7594]

I went to the harry potter studios in London and I got a wand from there and I liked so I just started using that lol

[@sandrahall3396]

Other than a few stones and candles that I’ve purchased, all of my spell work is done with what is already at my disposal. Also, my wands came from fallen tree branches from my back yard. 🖤

[@shiaseedsalad2726]

I wear a veil I cut from a lace shirt during rituals. I have two tiny crystals, one is a moonstone pendant and the other is a little clear quartz that my counselor gave me. ❤❤❤❤ Our greatest power is indeed our mind!

[@kristenwilson1880]

This was so empowering. Thank you so much!

[@tinybarabo]

Yeah completely agree! Also what you could do is going to second hand shops or antique stores, they have lots of crystals and stones, which is a sustainable alternative. After you cleanse them of course. 🙂

[@rosemaryfox9212]

Great video! I always appreciate those who point out you don't *need* any physical thing for witchcraft, though I won't deny the incredible usefulness of some of them. I also used to buy crystals, and I still love perusing them in stores (or rather, I did before quarantine), but I can't bring myself to buy any more unless I know exactly how they were gotten. I also realized I could do magic without them, even though they can be nice

[@nissachavez23]

I loved this video! I’m not only just getting into witchcraft, but I am also a low waste minimalist! Thanks ✨💕

[@xErinxx]

So true! I especially feel you on the altar cloth. I use a tie dye sarong for my altar, that’s all I need and that’s what feels right to me. I got a black alter cloth with a pentacle on it in a mystery box from a friend and I don’t even use it, I have it pinned above my door on the wall haha!

[@mbyrd9223]

I make all my own Heathen decor and I make all the witchy decor for my partner. Not everyone has the resources or ability to make their own but I feel that if you are able to then it will have much more meaning and power behind it.

[@Raeikah]

I loved this video! I don't buy those things either. For my altar cloths, I buy single, pretty place mats every once in a while. Super cheap, so I don't worry if a candle spills etc. I also avoid wands, chalices, athames, brooms... etc. I primarily spend money on candles, books, and tea. :)

[@shadown5757]

Excellent point, it is better to concentrate on the internal aspects of the path instead of buying paraphernalia that only add aesthetics (that might be enticing to the mind) but not actual value and focus that in reality comes from within 🙏

[@CadeD679]

I have amassed a collection of small crystals and stonesfor various workings. But, most just sit around! I find myself only really DRAWN to two, and I use THEM for just about everything (clear quartz and lapis. ) I might use one of the others every once in awhile, but, they are my go-tos. Especially the lapis! MOSTLY the lapis!!!!!

[@vincentbaker4794]

great video as always!!! ive had insecurities about my resources and supplies for witchcraft but everything you are saying is so valid and true!! thanks for making such great videos

[@Lolikins]

I'm new to your channel but you've instantly resonated with me because of your organic, scaled down, non-consumeristic approach. I like the witchy aesthetic, don't get me wrong, it looks awesome, but I also feel that it somehow detracts from the craft itself if people focus primarily on aesthetic. Like if you're focusing on your spell bottle or candle to look "witchy" then you're putting your attention and energy on something other than your spell and therefore somewhat lessening its effects. Of course it's nice for them to look pretty, but that's not what you're going for. Also, I fully agree with your take on the old timey witches. The witches of the past used whatever was available to them; branches, sticks, leaves, plants they grew themselves or foraged, random jars or bottles etc. The magic is in yourself and in your mind, not in your tools. Now that I've said my peace, off I go to binge-watch all the rest of your videos

[@SpiritOfTwilight]

I love your channel! It’s such a breath of fresh air.

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Thanks! :)

[@baclamom]

I have gotten my ‘alter cloths’ and ‘ritual robes’ at thrift stores.

[@irishcladdagh3]

I stopped buying witchy items in Jan 2016....sold 95% of my stuff and my practice has not suffered...its all in how we see it...thank you for sharing

[@LeahWalentosky]

I get most of my books from the library

[@cherryghoulaid]

oooooof hitting me hard with my love of witchy aesthetic and shiny rocks lol

[@dankflyingv6345]

Here’s something interesting: plants are made of air. The carbon they use to make themselves comes from the air. Additionally, a significant part of soil’s makeup is decomposed plant matter. So earth is made of air.

[@priestessoftheancientflame4232]

I create most of my tools myself or pimp normal tools, modyfied them. My magical robes Ive handmaded. I even have created my own two Tarotdecks. Also I decorate my altar with natural things but also with replicas of plants and flowers. My incense I gathered from the woods, my oils I made myself. I try to use local plants and herbs. The only think I buy were cristalls and stones, I love to work with them! Stay healthy everyone, blessings )O(

[@TheCHADsession]

THANK YOU for talking about crystals. More people need to know

[@eckeall2121]

Re crystals; I only use stones and crystals I collect. Collecting your own crystals is a great excuse for learning about the geology and gemology of your area and any area you tend to be travelling through!

[@juliereminiec4937]

Scarlet,In leu of the Altar Cloth....I'd both buy and use a shall from a Russian web store ... As far the crystals go... I'd use Tourmaline.... I'd use a Athame & a Sword ( Ritual items)

[@mutterderberge5760]

I personally don’t buy from witchy shops either. If I’m at a thrift store, or out in nature & an object calls/speaks out to me, I take that as a sign that it’s meant for my practice(: You can also make your own wands ((which have sooo much more energy & love in them, then if you bought it from someone online)), thrift for altar clothes, & so much more!!(:

[@WyldBells]

Scarlet I made a video like this last year, I am so happy that the idea is spreading this is super lovely to see!

[@SarahEsmaeWolfe]

I don't have any of these things except for crystals! They are a huge part of my craft and actually the first witchy thing I ever bought.

[@ericnorlund3921]

I generally take the position that for any magickal or ritual purpose, it's preferable to make one's own tools.

[@awolf4827]

For the last year and a half I've been getting cloth from Wal Mart that I feel refects the holidays from the wheel and making stuff from it depending on what's on the cloth of course

[@aos757]

I practically don’t use tools All I’ve got is a wand that I didn’t even buy I kinda received it It has a curved handle that kinda matches my handshape and I love it so much that when I lost it I was sad for quite some time I got it back tho 🥰🥰

[@april8496]

My wand has a handle shape too!

[@vanessad5269]

The fae must’ve taken it

[@anthonyhayes1267]

I'm rather minimalist in my practice as well, but mostly because I'm in that all too familiar cabinet for dust collecting devices

[@Mystic.Louise]

I'm currently "in the broom closet", and i don't have an altar or tools because of that. But tbh, i don't think i need one anyway, I can definately witch without it :)

[@ellielittle6681]

me too! i feel like paganism is all about how you live your life, respecting nature and all living creatures. we don’t need fancy stuff, just our mind and research haha

[@HomemakerDaze]

Amazing video. You're one of my new favs! I'm looking out for a wand/a fallen stick haha not sure if I'd fix it up and add anything or just keep it as is.

[@oathboundsecrets]

Things that I used to buy but as of this year, stopped buying (because I really don't need any more) : 1. Crystals 2. Tarot/oracle decks 3. Incense 4. Candles 5. Physical books (I still download for kindle) I realised that actually I can use very natural every day items in spells, and that buying things wasn't necessary at all. When I started out, I was hardly buying anything because I just didn't have any money, but over the years I started collecting things, and it's funny I got all this stuff but I still prefer to work with the simple things, like plants that grow wild in nature, and rocks I find on the beach.

[@markandrzejak997]

I absolutely love this topic. So many people of different faiths go overboard with the paraphernalia. I'm just thinking they're try-hards and take everything they say less seriously when I see that.

[@becks13x]

I have quite a few crystals but I think I have enough that they will suit my needs. I too heard about some of the ethical issues surrounding crystals and it made me feel like it was best for me to hold off on getting any more for a while

[@RoughRoadHomestead]

I prefer grandfather stones. They are sacred because the mother and the ancestors spoke to me through them

[@ZoriVerse]

You can find everything right in your backyard. Make your own wand. Grow your own herbs like I do. Hit flea markets and antique stores. I have found so much at low cost which I can personalize myself. Do what you feel but keep it personal, it has more meaning that way! ☆Mamma Z☆ Natures Crone Witche!

[@katlyn8424]

I bought a really nice alter cloth and got candle wax all over it and couldn't get it off hahaha so I agree you don't need a fancy one because they easily can be ruined

[@worksofhands]

I think witch consumerism started strongly with Harry Potter series and the fantastic shops at Diagon Alley

[@catiatavares7757]

I do not buy crystals also, we are constantly exploring mama earth. So... i use simply stones, plants (also) or salt!! For the water element i use a shell a dear friend gave me. This path should be one of reverence to nature, not exploitation and consumerism.

[@ljcrenshaw66]

Agreed. The majority of my crystals found me during childhood nature walks with my dad. I grew up in the little Switzerland area of N.C, a pretty geologically unique area, it wasnt unusual to find garnets, amethyst, and huge quartz points just laying on the creek bank.

[@tyson7687]

Love your videos. My only request (tiny) is to be inclusive of male witches. There is a lot on social media that is empowering to the female witch (and rightly so) but we exist too. All aside, please keep the video content coming!

[@amberpilles5374]

Just found your channel n love how you go about explaining and talk bout things finally decided to find my path alway interested in witchcraft but not sure if I was wanting to commit to a pthe but decided it resonates with me know just doing research on the path that I would like to follow

[@casuallydepressed]

Wow what a great concept of a video! Love this so much

[@kaitlinlewis2450]

I think and I'm pretty sure I told you this but I don't like buying stuff online for my witchy stuff because I really need to get the sense of the item I am looking at. I don't have this problem with books, but for my crystals and other stuff then I need to.

[@vyvyanwormwood]

I like the way you do things. Trying to keep things to a minimalistic style is very interesting. Personally, I make everything I use (I'm still learning about candles), so for me I have things around the house for pretty much everything. I also collect tarot and I love the idea of the tarot challenge! Thanks. -Aunt Vyvyan

[@fyresystem4902]

I don't really buy crystals at all unless its one I absolutely need. There's a lot of natural things other than crystals you can use, such as, petrified wood and fossils. You can find them with relative ease outside if you live need a river, lake, or creek and even if you can't they aren't as expensive as crystals to buy and they're found ethically.

[@kwolcott1120]

As a pagan witch i use a decorated spike horn deer shed as a wand

[@1019jen]

Always keeping it real. Much appreciated.

[@keikonooner3756]

Skyclad is also appropriate for ritual work. Don't feel the need to buy clothes for ritual.

[@veronicadavanzo2064]

I explored this stuff as a teenager and collected a decent amount of paraphernalia. Thought it would make my spiritual practice more meaningful. When I came back around to Paganism last year, I decided I wanted to skip all the woo-woo stuff. Psychodrama is good for working magick I suppose, but as someone who doesn’t practice magick, it adds nothing for me. You definitely don’t need all the trappings to practice ancestral traditions.

[@grizzlyaddams3606]

Oh jeez... Thanks for reminding me! I gotta plant the tomato seeds today!

[@tinab6727]

Wow! I just came across your channel today and I love it!

[@ductapeplanet]

I've been working in person since February 2020.

[@Bricia12345]

Love this!!

[@xXStephanieVannoyXx]

Can you do a video about the crystals? Like more of what you found as to why you are stopping of buying crystals for the most part because of what you found out.

[@jenngillis75]

I get my altar cloths at the dollar store. I have some really nice seasonal ones. Or the fabric store is another great place.

[@elinordrake9716]

I'm not sure what part of the world you are in, but if you have a yen at some point in the future for a particular type of crystal or semi precious stone, there is a rock shop nearish to me called Zuzu's in Melrose Mass. Its closed of course for covid 19 restrictions but the owner can be contacted via fb. I've only been there once but had an interesting discussion with her about the sourcing of her stones. She does a lot of research into where her stones are sourced, buys fair trade whenever she can, and generally can tell you the history on a lot of the things she sells. I was interested in one stone & she remarked to me that the company she bought it for had daycare for the employees children, and doesn't use children in its mines. She may have even mentioned health care? a clinic? but the convo has grown foggy as its been quite some time since then.

[@DetroitAllyCat]

Scarlett is such a pretty name

[@Old_Cowboy_Magic]

If buying fun little witchy things or supplies sparks joy then go ahead! Just don’t feel like it’s necessary.