The Poor Witch's Guide

This little guide will probably be spaced out into a few blogs. I have searched for something like this, and surprisingly came up empty handed. All too often I hear people complain how expensive a necessary tool is or how they can't find a metaphysical store anywhere near them and shopping online can be quite risky. Basically, if you have no money, or no metaphysical store near you, this is the guide you want to read!

Photo by Lynx

1) First off, and in my opinion, you don't really need tools to help you in your magickal workings. Lighting a dozen candles, burning some sage, and writing your spell in dragon's blood after you cast your circle with a crystal bedazzled wand is no more effective than sitting indian style and simply meditating and focusing your energy. Tools are just that: tools, used to direct energy, focus it, enhance it, capture it. If you find that using tools is more your style, then read on, I haven't forgotten about you!

2) "There is no metaphysical store around me!" Well, sad to say they are few and far between. But hope is not lost!
a) Do you have a dollar store near you? Walk right on in there and they are sure to have candles, incense, burners, candle holders, chalices, and you may even find a good journal to use as a BOS. Not only are they there, but the are at a good price!
b) Do you have a health/natural food store near you? Congrats, you just found your source of herbs, teas, and all natural items. These stores usually have a section devoted to herbs and spices. (another great places to find those is at your, GASP, grocery store!) Once In a while you may find one that carries natural clothing, soaps, oils, and lotions. It may be a bit more pricey, but now you at least know here you can go to find them.
c) Do you have a bookstore or library near you? Bookstore almost always have a metaphysical/occult/new age section. It may not be very big in some areas of the country, but the are there. Also, if you can't find a book you want on their shelves and don't want to order online, ask one of the cashiers to order it for you! it comes directly to their store, they let you know when its in, and it saves you the risk of ordering online and your information being stolen or it getting lost in the mail. Also, check your library. This tends to be one of the last places people look. They think "Oh I live in the bible belt, I wont find anything in the library!" Think again. We pagans need to stick together, and that sometimes means donating our old books to a library so other pagans may learn from them. Just please, remember to return your books you check out, others need their info too!
d) While I personally don't like to do much online shopping, it is still an option. There are thousands of stores out there selling that pentacle necklace you have had your eye on, or that cat shaped candle you've needed for a while, or that gorgeous ritual robe you decided you would die without. Just be careful when shopping online. Not only can your bank account information be stolen, but you could end up with the wrong item, not getting your item, the wrong size, or something you find "isn't as pretty as the picture". That aside, it can be convenient when you know you can trust the store you are buying from. The only store I use online is the magickal cat. I don't have a single complaint about them.

3) So, you're flat broke? Not to worry! Most pagan religions are nature based, and wouldn't you know it? the tools can be found in NATURE. That stick you just saw lying on the ground? a new wand! The beautiful rocks you found setting on the river bank? you may have just found a gem worth keeping. The tree stump in your yard? an outdoor altar! The stream in the woods? cleansing water. Nature has so much to offer us, we just have to look around and find it.

4) Sometimes to get a little, you gotta spend a little. Money is tight, and no one wants to spend theirs. Understandable. But sometimes, spending that bit of cash to start an herb garden, or buying a quality tool rather than a cheap ten dollar one that has already broken on you once, can make all the difference over time. This is where budgeting your money comes in, and deciding just how much you are willing and able to spend in the long run.

5) Discounts and Holidays. Shopping around holidays, such as Christmas, can be a nightmare. But there's a reason those crazy old ladies wake up at 4 in the morning to get the last singing reindeer mug at walmart. You can't beat the price. Especially AFTER the holidays when stores have to get rid of all their leftovers to make room for the next holidays crap. You can find just about anything for 50-90% off. Halloween is a great time to buy candles, ritual robes (yes, its a costume, but it serves the same purpose), and all sorts of other witchy goodies. Christmas you can get gold and silver candles at great prices. Just check out your local stores right after holidays and you're sure to find that special something for that special price.

That's all for now. I will be making more posts like these later on, and I'll go into more detail also, such as substitutions for things and duel purpose items. As well as tools you think you need, but you already have in your home!

~Lynx