Four Witchy Things I No Longer Buy

[@lavenderrivers6213]

So my apartment complex uses rosemary as an ornamental shrub. After getting the go-ahead from maintenance, I started going out on the days as they were trimming them down and harvested what they were otherwise going to throw away. I will never run out of the stuff now

[@melissatomlin13]

I shifted from "buying the item" to buying the items to "create the item". I enjoy "creating" within my craft. Other than getting caught up on "buying" crafty craft items (ie the items to create the craft items). I had actually divorced myself from craft purchases a few years back....and then craft items began finding their way to me. Now I have a box of things to pass on to others when I can again. As someone who has been hermitted (yes Grammarly it is a word. I just created it.) for 9 months, I found that "creation" has kept me sane. And my Craft supplies have benefited greatly, with new items for friends, students, and teaching tools.

[@babayaga7027]

Exactly. My incense burner is a ceramic flower pot with sand from my son's sand pit. It's so practical it makes me wanna cry tears of joy.

[@maggiefry7304]

I have never bought spell candles prepared by someone else, but I do sometimes buy really pretty pillar candles. They can be kind of expensive and tend to collapse as they are burned, so I burn them down until there is an opening in the top large enough to fit a tea candle into. Then I simply use tea candles instead of lighting the actual candle, and my pretty candles last until I decide to switch them out or a cat knocks them over and destroys them, whichever comes first (usually the latter).

[@tashawoody4013]

heyyyy, great idea!

[@ms53182]

Very good idea 👍

[@mikaelalynn7891]

Genius!

[@toddel321]

Try birthday candles. Because they burn quick, they are great for candle-magic. You don't always need to burn a candle for hours to get a spell to work.

[@KlarraDaniele]

I would be considered a minimalist, I’m eco conscious and live tiny and off grid. This goes for everything- I don’t buy more than I need and I buy when I need. I learn to make the things I use and recycle my belongings. I find what works and use it till it breaks or dies, even then I try to figure out how to put its remains to a constructive use. ❤️

[@StellaGreymoore]

Crystals. I stopped buying crystals many years ago. I don't really see the point in amassing hoards of crystals that might just end up sitting in a bag or in a box. I will sometimes get a new one if it is one I feel a need for and one that feels right. But considering the ethical aspects of producing crystals I feel like buying less is a good thing. Also subscription boxes. I am not opposed to the idea of these, but I tried once for about a year, and eventually came to the conclusion that most items were branded (which I do not like) and more than half the things from the boxes ended up collecting dust and not being used. Since then I have come to really appreciate collecting and buying things that truly speak to me, things that I know I need and want to use. I would rather have few things that hold meaning to me and see a lot of use, than lots of things that I feel no connection to that just look pretty on a shelf.

[@marjolijnashara1726]

I have so many crystals... But I started collecting them as a very young child because I thought they were pretty. So when I discovered witchcraft, it was just more of an excuse to keep collecting XD I agree about the subscription boxes. I'm in Europe, so because of shipping I've never actually ordered one, but I've been very tempted. It seems like such a fun "surprise present" moment to unpack one. But then I see unboxing videos and I find myself thinking that I probably wouldn't use half of the things that are in there...

[@stacyedelprete5477]

The only crystals I own are my jewelry which are only incidentally gemstones. It makes them more useful to me and I end up using my jewelry as an intention setter or a form of medicine. A loose tumbled stone or point does nothing for me personally.

[@Crow-BefriendingHermit]

I've always been very frugal about my practice, and everything else, for that matter, because when you grow up poor, it becomes second nature to make do with what's available. My incense burner is a lump of air dry clay in a glass vase with holes I poked with incense sticks to hold the incense. I collect plants on my walks, and grow what I can in my garden. To prevent waste of garden herbs, I hand-sew little bags out of fabric scraps, wash out spice jars when they're empty, put my own herbs in the jars, pop them in the bags, and mail them to friends and family as gifts. I make my own journals with scrap cardboard, fabric, and paper. I think it's a great way to work your intention into the coming year to sit down in the cold fall/winter evenings before bed and work on creating a journal or planner for the coming year. We all tend to spend too much time in the cold months starting at screens in the evenings before bed, and I find that it's far more rewarding to work on art and witchy diy projects instead. I think I actually sleep better this way.

[@BrelynnHeart]

I've been learning a lot more about american folk magic traditions recently and must say... I'm enjoying the simplicity, lol. Almost all spells are done with olive oil, kitchen herbs and a plain candle. Even the process of the spellwork is simpler. I've also been working on transferring my spellwork to more crafty things like knitting and sewing, instead of always ritual work... although that seems to be backfiring in the money saving department 😂. I'm a big fan of the old farmers almanac as well and the only other almanac that I buy is llewellyns sabbat almanac... I just love that one😊.

[@DavinRaincloud]

It seems social media has become so much better at selling us stuff. I’ve pulled back on online classes that I end up not completing.

[@awenwaters8870]

Actually I've been at it awhile too so I don't really need most things. I finally got organized and started to "shop my stash". Candles are a huge one. I have pets so I rarely use them. If I actually do a candle spell I use birthday candles. I can carve and annoint them just have to use a sewing needle.

[@Scarlett-Echo]

I can't say stopped buying, however, I've never purchased a jar for herbs. I burn large candles at work on my desk that have sealed lids & when they burn down I freeze what's left, clean it out & put what herbs I've gathered into them.

[@starxvii3292]

Yes but the big collection of herbs looks cool when you store them in 1/2 pint empty patron bottles with witchy labels.

[@rachelyee8427]

Things I don't buy anymore: 1. Crystals 2. Magickal books (I think I need even though I really don't) 3. Herbs (I know I won't use) 4. Specific seals/sigils of spirits

[@bunnyrabbit4156]

I have taken to use mostly cooking herbs for my magic... They are inexpensive and easy to get in small portions

[@divinetra]

I love how much you’re posting!!! Ahhh

[@lisarivers8582]

I’ve slowed down on buying. I’ve actually gifted a lot of my things to a friends daughter who is exploring. I have gifted a ton of tarot I have bought that just didn’t call to me. I am now selective. I have an artist who makes tarot out of Sweden I go to plus a Websight that sells unique tarot. I need to get rid of a ton of books. I have a huge library because I worked at a bookstore and collected metaphysical books over the 17 years working there. But you don’t need things. You can find mundane things to use.

[@jonashotep]

My expired herbs I use ONLY for magic-The dried only. The non-expired I use medicinally.

[@JournalsByLeigh]

Great video- totally agree. I use Benebell's planner, such a cool planner.

[@wendygreene]

I needed to hear this! I CONSTANTLY tell myself "I'm not going to buy any more _____" and then go to the local magic shop and say "Oh, just one more ______. I'll use it soon!" And never do. I have a whole shelf of crystals I've purchased I haven't even cleansed and blessed yet, decks of EXPENSIVE tarot cards still in their plastic wrapper and decks I had to have but I've only used once, herbs I bought because "I don't have that but I might need it", shelves of books I haven't read....

[@okthanks4792]

Never bought them before, but subscription boxes. I have seen lots of people on KZbin pushing them. To me they are the epitome of just buying stuff to buy stuff-lots of the items are low quality, gimmicky, and you don’t even choose what you get!

[@MaridithSmith]

My 4 things... Oracle or Tarot decks. I love their artwork but I dont need more decks I won't use. I'm always going to the same set I have. Jewelry is something I've scaled back & opted to repair broken pieces. Books. I went on a massive book buying spree earlier this year & wont buy more til I've worked through what I have.... unless it's super specific. Smudge sticks. I've found I'm just happier cleansing with rosemary or lavender incense

[@NinaKatharinaWeber]

How do you cleanse with rosemary or lavender incense? You burn the dried herb in an incense bowl and move it through the space?

[@MaridithSmith]

@@NinaKatharinaWeber that or I make an herbal infusion to use as a room spray

[@NinaKatharinaWeber]

@@MaridithSmith Thanks! That's a great idea!

[@spinstercatlady]

As usual, I was nodding throughout the video...agree with you 100%! As a longtime practitioner, I too have discovered that it's unnecessary to spend lots of money in order to have a rich (pun intended) and thriving practice. I have sooo many jars of herbs and teas that I will likely never use up, whereas the herbs I grow in my witchy garden tend to be what I reach for the most anyhow (mints, thyme, rosemary, basil, sage, dandelions etc etc). For incense holding I use the colored sand from Dollar Tree in a pretty glass goblet. I also learned to make my own EO blends. I will admit that my current "guilty pleasures" are scented wax melts from independent vendors. I love filling my home with scent and they help to set a mood/vibe. And books! Books will ALWAYS be one of my NON guilty pleasures 😄

[@georginataylor3802]

if you use already ground/powdered herbs then they only last 3 to 5 months. However, the whole dried herbs can last you up to a year. Buying these in bulk are actually cost-saving, especially if they can also double as spices for cooking. I eat a plant-based diet and spices are my best friends. I always buy these from the spice specialty shops on-line.

[@whitneyrobinson8464]

When you were talking about the intention candles I could totally relate. When I first heard of intention candles I instantly felt uneasy. Not well versed in the craft but some things should and do just come naturally. Like momma always told me 'if you want it done right. Do it yourself. Side note: looked you up while on page 3 of your book Traditional Wicca. I feel like a humming warmth inside of me with ever page I read. So soon to tell but i feel certain of a great read. Thank you Whitney333 KY

[@fairday8587]

Oils. When I do buy oils they last a really long time as I use them sparingly so buying a lot of them was pretty much just a waste of money and, within the last few years I learned how to make them myself out of the herbs I already had on hand so no need to buy them at all. I had to say something about incense burners. It took me a long time to start using charcoal disks because I never really had anything that I felt it was safe to burn them in. I never saw a burner that I liked, they all seemed really over priced and kind of chintzy. Then one day I saw a tip in a book to use a cat food can, right side up with sand in it or just set the charcoal on the top of the upside down can, putting the can on a dish or something. I always have cat food cans around... that little tip changed my magical life ha ha ha.

[@allexandruned.3666]

Love the new hair

[@CaitHil]

I get it ...about the incense burners. I now use the non drying molding clay I have millions of stuck in whatever is closest. Usually a used candle holder.

[@venetianmetalhead]

I think the only thing I spend a lot on is books. I basically try to use up what I have before buying something new. I only have two tarot decks right now because I'm new to tarot. I don't want to spend a bunch of money on something that I'm only experimenting with. I work in a grocery store so I do look for things like candles that are marked down or on sale but even then I don't just impulse buy what I don't need at the moment.

[@certs743]

I started buying some herb plants from my local nurseries and maintaining them myself. I think for some of us not picking wild plants is a safety thing too. I have seen people end up in the hospital for getting it wrong. Definitely agree with trying to stay with more local stuff and there are plenty of other things I don't buy anymore. Tarot decks for one. Getting back to plants it is also cool when you find out some plants native to Scotland also are native to the Canadian Prairies. :)

[@ArtemisNYC]

Definitely the spell candles you speak of. I *still* have some from when I was working in a new age shop over *fifteen* years ago! *facepalm*. Oils (I like to make my own now), and crystals, because I just feel like a decent selection will do you? Like how many different love-drawing crystals do you need? How many different crystals to aid you with astral work? Meh, already got one for that. Plus, the more I learn about the environmental and ethical concerns in their mining, the more I want to steer clear. I'll never stop buying books though. Give me all the books.

[@ishara_priestess]

I never bought prepared spell candles. Witchy Almanacs are fun but aside from the short articles, I have not really gotten much from them. I buy the Llewellyn’s Witches Calendar, which gives me astro info, some short, monthly fun reading, nice artwork, and space to make notes. I don’t buy many books these days. I got to that beginner’s plateau about 7 yrs into my path...you know, that place where you realize that your already full bookshelves are really the same info filtered through a slew of authors. Then I started being more selective and searched out more esoterica, and less redundancy. I bought books focused on various trads and magical systems, astrology, etc...branching out into more specified resources. Then probably 10 yrs ago, I stopped buying books as frequently altogether. I’ve got a buy list of about 5-7 books, but they are carefully investigated beforehand. This year, so far, I have bought 3 books. I did get your book shortly after it was published since I put it on our coven reading list and recommend it to Seekers. I’ve been on this path for coming up on 33 yrs at Yule. My herb stash is significantly smaller. I tend to gravitate toward easily obtainable, less exotic herbs these days, and use quite a lot of kitchen herbs for most needs. I harvest local when the opportunity presents itself. The only herb I buy in bulk is loose sage, and that is purchased at a local Native American flute festival from NA vendors. I also buy sweet grass, cedar, and a few resins there. I have a good sized box of stick incense that may never get used up before I am used up! LOL! I don’t buy any of the witchy woo products - crystals, stones, fancy wands, cloaks, pendulums and things like that. I sew and I craft pretty much whatever I really want or think I need. I have a stockpile of quality pagan/Goddessy/Witchy jewelry, plus I make some here and there, so I am very discerning about purchasing jewelry pieces. Another thing I stopped buying for the most part is Pagan music. I have a sizable collection and actually recorded two Witch music cd’s and renn music cd. I follow a few current pagan musicians, but I just have no need to buy much unless I just want to support the musician. Blessings...Cynthia J., FL

[@AdorableAcushla]

I live in NYC, things don't really grow locally here.

[@Lisa_the_Cottage_Witch]

The herbs!!! I’ve dragged jars of herbs with me through a few moves. I keep them “just in case” I need them. 🙄 Books!! I have several from back in the 90s when I first started on the Path, and many are either early printings or no longer in print. My 29 year old daughter loves my library, and will inherit it some day. Crystals!! I have cleansed and reused several of my stones. If I use one in a sachet and the spell is complete, I’ll cleanse the stones and reuse them for something else. Bulk stick incense!! Some of it doesn’t even have a scent. I’m thinking of just burning them all at once.

[@crazy4catsRL]

I don't think I've ever bought herbs for my work. Sometimes I meant to, but they come as you said, in huge amounts and they don't keep. Often I'll just use the herbs in my kitchen. I want to start making candles but right now I buy generic white ones at the dollar store. I'd like more colour but it is often said you can use a white candle for anything. So I buy 5 for like $1. I unfortunately have a fetish for incense holders. I' have like 8 in my house... I think I have a problem lol. This yer I made protective withes balls with stuff from the dollar store and out in nature. Been a lot of fun. Love watching your videos!! Keep safe.

[@Monowi_Neko]

It would be great if you could do a video which is just the opposite of this. A few things you feel it's OK to spend money on, especially slightly expensive stuff, and not feel guilty about doing so.

[@drawingKenaz]

I was already planning on it! :) I don’t think anyone necessarily needs to feel guilty about these things, though. I just realized that they weren’t adding value to my practice. Others may really enjoy them! I know when I tell folks what *I* spend money on they’ll think it’s a waste, too, I’m sure! 😂

[@Monowi_Neko]

@@drawingKenaz hahaha you're absolutely right. Our practices and the related choices are so subjective. I just personally learn a lot from you and seek validation every chance I get 😄 Looking forward to that video already! 🖤

[@oathboundsecrets]

For the longest time I was on a very low income and hardly bought anything, then as soon as I started working full time I splurged on crystals and fancy tools that I really never needed, and after realised that I wasn't actually going to use!

[@adyingdream4585]

Athame & Wand: my finger. Planning to get a thick branch in the forest in front of my house though. Decks: have only 6: two oracles, two lenormands, two Tarots and one Sibilla deck. Don't plan to get one deck so far. Stones: I don't mind getting many, I live them and I use them in necklaces and all around my house. Herbs: not many, the basic and I plan them myself.

[@reverendphillsschoolofmaji383]

I really appreciate your videos. You're always so well spoken and knowledgeable about the things you post. I understand that you live in north Carolina. In September my son and I are planning a vacation in the pisgah national forest in NC. If possible I would like to meet you in person. I am interested in meeting other witches and getting to know how others practice. I have practiced for about 30 years. I have raised my children in Wiccan and other types of practice.

[@nikolereed8438]

Agreed with all these, I got the Llewelyn 2020 witches companion last year and I still haven’t cracked it open. Smh. At this point, I’ll be reading it out of obligation to not be wasteful. I do like the Many Moons lunar planner by Modern Women. I purchased last years and there was a recipe for fire cider that honestly saved my immune system last winter, and reinforced my sanity through all the covid craziness. I skipped 2020 and I’m kinda sad I did, so I’ll be getting 2021.

[@drawingKenaz]

I like the Witches’ Companion, myself! But I used to get pretty much all of them, plus a regular paper planner. I’ve pared that down a lot! I’ve never heard of Many Moons! I’ll have to check it out!

[@nya6730]

tea and spices are something I use very often! but I stopped buying the fancy jars of herbs and spices and things I'm trying to stop getting expensive tea but those are things I use a lot, and I get candles for really cheap, but i try not to buy super expensive things if it will be used up easily for whatever I may be needing it for when theres cheaper and more effective options so I'm happy you've made this video 💓

[@TaleRavenTarot]

I'm definitely a magpie and like to collect things, but I've gotten a lot more discerning with my witchy purchases. I do try to only buy beeswax or soy candles, because I'm so sensitive, but I used to think I had to buy all the things, as a newbie witch. I know my own practice and needs now a lot better. I think I've had the same stick incense holder since I was 13, lol.

[@juliannamaguire7231]

Should out to the candle from Marie Laveau's shop that's been sitting in my house, unburned for six years.

[@drawingKenaz]

Loooolll I got a couple of those too.

[@mistwhitewolf8033]

I love my farmer’s almanac! 💕

[@Aristaela]

My partially full 8-year-old bags of bulk order Mountain Rose Herbs and I feel very called out right now. XD I feel you about leaving IG because of the pressure to spend. It's a lot.

[@mlstar1695]

10 pounds under my bed 🛌

[@aprilrrain]

Girl, that’s me!! I HAVE started taking a few different jars of herbs out to our cauldron (it serves as a firepit.. it’s huge and makes a roaring fire) and sprinkle them on the fire

[@ThisEnchantedHouse]

1. Candles: There is a local candle maker who makes some amazing ritual candles that I use for seasonal rituals or long term rituals. But for a quick candle spell, it's something out the candles I got on sale stash. 2. Herbs--nope, not since I started growing my own. 3. Incense holders--never got fancy but still using the simple soapstone one I got back in college. 4. I always buy the witches datebook, but to use as a regular planner not for witch stuff. It's nice to have a quick reference in my everyday planner just to make sure there's no conflicts. Things I stopped buying--fancy notebooks. I always end up taking notes in regular old notebooks anyways since they are always to pretty to write in.

[@courtneyhart8705]

Crystals. I'm very practical with most aspects of my practice, but show me a nice crystal and I must have it! There are a ton of sellers that do live sales on Instagram which just feeds the addiction. I don't even use half of what I have in my practice, they just decorate my house and are lovely to look at.

[@stonersiren]

omg same with the instagram ads... they know me too well and i'm always tempted to go shopping

[@drawingKenaz]

It's so terrible for my wallet!

[@that_canadian_guy_8316]

I was thinking of using either an old pizza sauce can, or a used terra cotta candle vessel, the sand/dirt is the last bit I needed! Thank you!

[@maharetlanoire4419]

I’m sitting here grinning like a loon when you talked about the 100+ different jars with all kinds of herbs in it, when I ever used only a handfull on a regular basis over the last few years (more like a decade really) and they are mostly local ones, too. I think we‘ve been all there with wanting to have a apothecary with everything one can imagine in it. Most of what i use regularly grows on my window sill anyway. 😂

[@SKZGrl97]

I so needed to hear all this. I got bad a while ago thinking I needed it all and also wanting to help small businesses on Etsy. Yikes. No more!

[@meadowsandmountain]

Great video, very important topic to talk about! And may I add - you look particularly pretty in this video! 😍

[@LittleRedTeaCake]

I mainly make everything that I can, because I like diy-ing stuff and I find stuff at the thrift store or dollar tree for anything else I need. As for books, I have made friends with lots of people who have PDFs of so many books and we swap! I’m pretty eclectic and lazy, so I’ve never really bought into buying witch specific stuff, also being broke. 😊 I do buy dried herbs, but mainly from DT because I cannot keep any kind of plant alive AT ALL. Also, the best decision I ever made was using the Farmers Almanac!! I love it. I have just a plain Jane planner from target and I just write any magic things into the planner and it’s been working great!

[@lexstellaris]

I hear you on the herb collecting. You've reminded me I need to clear out my spare box of herbs in the linen cupboard, bc I really don't need that much in reserve. And that's what's left after I'd already culled a lot of what I had bc I never used them. I'm aiming for lil vials of maybe 20-30 essentials I know I'll use that'll cover everything, so I can substitute as needed, bc you really don't need that much for spellwork ngl.

[@velvetandverain]

Thorn,you look super pretty and glowing today!! I don't buy magickal oils anymore. Like you said about the candles, this is something witches can and should make for themselves. Another issue I've come across is quality and shelf-life. Vendors that refuse to say what is in the oil under the guise of "secret recipe" but really, its because they are using cheap synthetic oils. Another issue is that there is no way to know how long it has been sitting in the stockroom. Oils go bad and they can be very expensive. I would rather just make my own and even if the ingredients aren't as fancy, I can whip something up with what I have on hand.

[@drawingKenaz]

Thank you! I'm trying this thing where I wear the clothes and makeup I own that I usually just forget about or have shoved in the back of the closet. I'm pretty pleased with today's outcome!

[@christinaluna713]

@@drawingKenaz You look lovely! I’ve always wondered how often people tell you that you look like Drew Barrymore. 😊

[@sydneysummers2725]

I DO need all the herbs!

[@Gypsy235]

I haven’t bought a crystal in a long time. I really don’t use them that much. I no longer buy or use incense. I love candles too, but again I don’t burn them that often in ritual. My herbs are used during cooking, kitchen rituals. I bought a planner one time and never bought again. I didn’t find it useful for me. I like the Almanac better.

[@koungson]

Thanks, I’m to the practice and found this very helpful. Specially the information about the almanac

[@angiewright692]

Haha, I loved what you said about incense burners. I've been guilty, but my SO who doesn't practice, but loves incense and is a skinflint... his solution was to use a cheap heavy vase filled with sand.

[@mysaria7641]

ugh the only thing stopping me from buying that knitted witch hat floating around instagram is that I don't have money but it pains me whenever that ad comes up!!

[@PrishaNisha]

Benebell’s planner is awesome.

[@moonfazed6441]

I have a bowl with sand from different beaches we have been to. I’ve also started adding small sea shells and some rocks either myself or my boys find, to give it depth but it’s my favorite to burn incense in ✨🌙 also holds special meaning 💙

[@butterflymagicwithhottea9291]

Hello Thorn, This is on point. Never, have I bought a customized candle for spellwork. First, I am too darn thrifty and I make them all on my own because that's part of the essential process . There are a lot of trinkets that fall into these categories. I hate a love-hate relationship with pre-made BOS videos because, although they are pretty to see, the whole point is to DIY. These sellers make nice videos but I don't buy these. I do really enjoy the DIY flip through videos when ppl show their own BOS, or any craft made by their own hands. Muahs to you and have a wonderful Samhain by the light of the full moon ... on a Saturday, no less!

[@afeeser]

The Farmer's Almanac is the best! I don't buy herbs anymore. I've been trying to just use what I find near me. I never bought fancy candles. I guess I'm lucky that I had teachers in the beginning who stressed making things/doing things ourselves.

[@nicatee8737]

I so needed to hear this! I am listening to you and thinking oh my I am doing this now and I need to stop! Thank you for the wake up call. I have purchased so many fancy candles this year. It is getting a little ridiculous 🙄. I have been purchasing more things since Covid started. I think I am using it as a distraction though. So time to figure out what I am trying to avoid looking at. Thank you again for the nudge.😉

[@emrys1921]

I LOVED this video (but I love all of your videos, tbh 🤪). Man, your content pops up just when I need it.

[@ASimplegoddess]

I don’t buy books any more unless they are signed. My public library has plenty of titles for me to work through on the shelves, in their digital collection, and via the Hoopla app. I’m set for the next decade. I will not be buying any more decks unless I can see the whole thing in advance. I bought a deck because I saw about ten cards from it, but I really hated the majority of the full set. I have a lot of herbs for tea, but I think I’ve reached my limit there. I’m done buying crystals and jewelry too. I have looked at many planners, but I will only buy the practical witch’s almanac in December if I finish reading all the info in the current one. It’s not expensive, and you can get a signed copy directly from the creator. I use my Google calendar with a lunar calendar add on and a Moleskine notebook, I can add in any info I choose to either one from time and date dot com, or any other source, and decorate it with stickers and stamps if the mood strikes me. I’ve looked at some unboxing videos for the subscription boxes and none of them have appealed to me.

[@leenbee17]

I buy the Jewish candles for about $2 and they last me months. I'm not convinced my Jewish relatives would be too happy with what I use them for. 😂 I've got lots of dried herbs in jars from months back that I seldom use. I should probably ditch them. I don't use incense but I burn beeswax and some herbs and essential oils and even resin altogether in a diffuser. It lasts ages and it doesn't make me cough.

[@poisonparadise13]

Witchy stuff is so expensive and usually so unnecessary.

[@tulipmoon5230]

I agree 100%..... keeping things simple and practical is when I've had the best experiences/results!

[@jhessail0]

I aspire to the big ol' cupboard of herbs. Though I wont because of what you said.

[@dancingdruid8314]

I have a cencer ive had since i was a kid in the 80's. I got it from azuregreen for 10 bucks 30 years ago. I like for easy carry and burning herbs. But i get it. I dont buy stuff for the sake of stuff. But i buy for use.

[@Ash-hl2mr]

Random dried bulk herbs for random reasons for the same uses. Pretty leather bound BOS’s unless I actually have a plan that I will follow through with. I don’t like to buy the cheap dark incense sticks anymore instead I strictly buy the light ones because they just smell better and don’t give me a head ache. Random published witchy books unless I know I’m gonna read it and use it.

[@piper8268]

Loved this! Ps Your hair.... looks amazing!

[@pktrekgirl2]

I still have the cheap wooden stick incense burner that came in some Make A Witch Kit I bought when I first started out 15 years ago. But I have spent plenty of money that I didn’t need to spend, that’s for sure. My biggest dumb investment was in a million essential oils. I do use essential oils, but on a daily basis only in my diffuser, not in making magical oils. And in my diffuser I tend to use combinations of the same 8-10 oils for everything. So I don’t need 50. For magical oils I find that I’m moving more towards folk witchcraft, and with that you often use dried herbs rather than essential oils. So with the exceptions of sage, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, cinnamon, lemon, sandalwood, patchouli, rosemary, and frankincense, I have cut way back on essential oils. I am not gonna spend ridiculous amounts on rose oil ever again.

[@witchways728]

I have stopped buying crystals and white sage unless I grow it myself

[@SN-sz7kw]

I am a humble folk magick gal. I have nothing special purpose for the practice. My candles are simple and hand crafted from recycled wax. My humble tools are thrifted or repurposed - this gives me the feeling that they “found” me. They also look and feel organic to my space - nothing screams occult to the casual visitor. 😂

[@orion3346]

I have a fancy fixed candle that’s been sitting on my shelf for months now so thanks for reminding me of something I don’t need to buy anymore😂

[@sonyamareestead6391]

I get two subscription boxes and I only use what is being sent to me and if it is not in the box then I know I wasn't to meant to have it.

[@cyndyfisher]

Good info! Wish I’d known this early on. I figured it out but at great costs$$$! Lol

[@Psychick1331]

Ever since I watched this video, I'm getting tons of "what every beginner witch should buy" videos in my recommendations. The algorithms are honestly a bit disturbing at this point.

[@GMarieWrites]

Tarot decks and oracle cards....stop the madness!

[@spinstercatlady]

Agree completely! It's crazy the amount of cards that some people are collecting. Which is fine, I enjoy collecting certain things too, but it's DEFINITELY not necessary to have dozens of decks in order to have a meaningful divination practice/experience. One classic deck to learn with, and then maybe a few decks that really resonate with the practitioner is perfect imo.

[@drawingKenaz]

Hard same

[@velvetandverain]

The obsessive collecting/ unboxing videos are getting ridiculous. It isn't exactly environmentally friendly-seems sort of against pagan ideals??.Aside from that, I hate the consumerism that is rampant on witchy youtube. The hot new deck comes out, everyone and their mother is unboxing it and then next month its on to the next deck. I'm really cutting back on subscribing to these channels at this point.

[@whynterstorme9592]

Yes! My 1st tarot deck was the Starman Tarot, my bf bought for me. That was 3 years ago. I have 1 other tarot deck that I chose myself, but honestly, maybe this is just me, my Starman feels so in tune with me. Like I've gotten really eerily accurate answers from it just when I'm testing it. I feel like I really love it and dont really want or need another deck. My 2nd deck is slightly less in tune but I use it for light readings that aren't as serious due to the imagery (crystal unicorn tarot)

[@TaleRavenTarot]

I'm a collector, and I have a lot of decks. Don't see how it hurts anyone else. I love them, and they make me happy. The other thing is that unboxing/haul videos get the most views, so for a tiny channel like mine, it's tricky, because I get SO MANY views when I do an unboxing, and I love watching them too. To each their own, but it does help me get more followers.

[@janeen3434]

I really enjoyed this video! Do you have any suggestions for best books on herbs and/or stones? I'm looking for more of a simple reference, and I don't want to buy a bunch of literature I don't need. Thanks!

[@Wolveblade]

Witchy subscription boxes!

[@the_fae_witch1509]

I stay away from what I call the "Ikea Witch" side of social media. I currently have to buy my herbs because I live in an apartment but I only buy as needed with individual spells. I invest in books and most of what I have I've gotten from used book stores/websites. I abhorre the idea of witch boxes because it doesnt really support the witchcraft community and you quickly amass things that will just eventually get tossed in a junk drawer.

[@wendykleeb2071]

So, so true!

[@Ladywolfshrine]

I no longer buy ritual tools. I thought I needed all the items that are listed in witchy books when I first started. I never connected to the athame so now it sits there collecting dust. Instead I use a fallen oak branch that's in the shape of the algiz rune. I don't use my chalice because I question if items from occult suppliers are even food safe. I wood burned my altar tile and use scarves from goodwill for less than a dollar. I found an earlier edition of teen witch and drawing down the moon in goodwill :)

[@setitheredcap2677]

I love buying candles {nothing fancy}, incense and holders, and bulk herbs because I live in a flat and can only grow limited plants. I just buy whatever I'm drawn to, and can afford while saving, and I don't feel guilty 😂

[@drawingKenaz]

And I don't think you should feel guilty! I like to spend my money on fancy specialty occult books, for example. That's worth it to me. It just took me a while to realize that these other things weren't adding the value to my life that I assumed they were.

[@angelorosini4326]

Do you have a coven there one can try to join?

[@naturalwitchery]

Oh my, Laughing at your planner and almanac buying. GUILTY! And they just don't get used.

[@drawingKenaz]

I’m totally dragging myself here 😂

[@mcgee227]

That's why I added Zazen (Shikantaza) to my spiritual practice.

[@ivylady13]

Morning. You hit every single group that I have found less and less useful through the years. Although I will still buy Tarot cards if they strike my fancy.

[@annieserra5191]

I came back to the craft after 6 years this May and bought every herb my local shop carries. They have been mostly sitting there unused. I won't be doing that again. I don't buy any of the other things mentioned. I've been trying to scale down and simplify otherwise it gets overwhelming.

[@MorganMalfoy13]

Let see... I stopped buying fancy book of shadows. I never use them because I'm afraid of messing them up. So they just sat there unused, which was dumb. They're still sitting there. I stopped buying those bulk stones from museums once my brain figured out it was mostly just artificially dyed agate. That was a long time ago, but not as long as it should have been. My brain was hypnotized by the shiny for a long time. Atheme. I've got a couple, but I'm eclectic, so I don't really need them, so they just sort of sit around, because when I started my practice Scott Cunningham and SRW said that's what witches needed so I was like, oKaY. 9.9 I probably don't need as many quartz crystals as I have... >.> I picked up a celestine, labradorite, smokey quartz, and a selinite wand yesterday and today. They're really pretty and I made sure they were ethically sourced, and they were calling to me! TT.TT I'm afraid to look at my credit card bill.

[@kleokriesel]

I used to think that I would need, not want but NEED, different jewelry for each Sabbat. Wasn't there a character in Sweep or Circle Of Three that was obsessively color-coded every day based on the witch's almanac? I took that way too seriously 😂

[@drawingKenaz]

Nam from Witches’ Chillers did that! She was always color coordinated.

[@iaccus2]

In my country, Brazil, there is not 'witchy stuff' easily available. I see etsy and think...'oh my goddess, I will never have it' lol. Here the people tend to spend money on crystals, herbs, oils ... Fancy candles are hard to find, the witchcraft literature is very poor and expensive.

[@adyingdream4585]

I am Brazilian too. I think Brazil is a good country to buy witchy stuff to be honest, with exception of Tarot Decks and wands. Other than that, it is a paradise. Stones are sold pretty much in all esoteric shops, they are much cheaper than in Europe and herbs are also of easily accessable...😐

[@iaccus2]

@@adyingdream4585 like I said, herbs and crystals are easy to find, but 'witchy stuff' is not only that. You know it's hard to find different cauldrons, traditional wands, fancy candles,... Go to see etsy in 'witchy stuff' and you will realize there's a lot of possible things that are not available in Brazil at all.

[@adyingdream4585]

@@iaccus2 yea, but these things are not necessary =/

[@iaccus2]

@@adyingdream4585 yes, but my message was not about necessary/unnecessary items, but about unavailability.

[@leohnorah8259]

So caveat with harvesting herbs from outdoors: Things like dandelion leaves and roots I tend to consume because I love a good herbal infusion or tea mix. But my neighborhood had people who came and sprayed pesticides and weed killer all over the grass where dandelions would grow. I couldn’t control that, so I bought from my local shop to help support them and to get better herbs. You work with what you got right? 😁

[@drawingKenaz]

Oh, completely! You have to know your area. But either way you’re making an informed choice!

[@CherryBerry48]

i know you cant say what happens in a coven bcuz they are all different, but can you entail what does you coven consist of, like are there fees, and are you accepting newbies???

[@SheriLaFay]

Great list, though I fall prey to some of those items still too lol

[@AdorableAcushla]

Not all plants are everywhere, I live in NYC, outside of municipal parks we don't have a lot of anything growing wild.

[@wwiddershinss2713]

“It took me a long time to realize that I can just stick that motherfucker in a jar of dirt.” 🤣 So true.