Articles — tools

Today, we’ll look at a versatile and inexpensive addition to your spell kit: Black ritual salt. Black salt is a potent ingredient in defensive workings. Black salt combines the grounding properties of salt with the protective power of the color black. (Technically not a color, yes I know). In this article we’ll cover the basics of using black salt in spellworking. Most black salt spells have the same basic purpose: Creating a barrier of protection and/or “earthing” crummy energy to be disposed of later. Types of black salt There are basically two kinds of black salt on the market: Black...

A candle snuffer is a tool made of a hinged bell attached to a handle.  Its purpose is to neatly put out burning candles, without the danger or mess of spattering wax. Candle snuffers are usually made of brass, pewter, or iron, though some are made of heat-resistant resin. The candle snuffer is a quaint implement, which harkens back to pre-industrial days when many, many candles would have been needed to adequately light a room.  Blowing them all out certainly would have required a lot of breath!  Also, candles in the past were often made out of animal tallow, which...

Collecting crystals can truly enrich your life, but it shouldn't put you in the poorhouse.  Here's some helpful tips for building a mineral collection on a limited budget:  1. Start small.  Consider getting an assortment of tumbled stones, then buying larger specimens of the ones that are the most useful or appealing to you. (That Amethyst cathedral can wait!) If you don't have a crystal shop nearby, you can often find gemstone assortments and build-your-own bins in museum gift shops and other attractions. As you acquire larger pieces, you can pass your smaller stones on to friends, or use them...

A wand is a basic tool that can make your magic more fun and effective.  Sure, it won't levitate your enemies like Harry Potter's, or illuminate the entire room like Gandalf's.  But it can help you to visualize and send energy more precisely--a strong advantage in spellwork, healing, and many other magickal pursuits. This article addresses some common beginner's questions about choosing a wand.  Your wand may be purchased, handmade by you, or adapted from some other, non-magickal item.  No matter where your wand comes from, here's some options to consider: Material The material of the wand is probably the...

Putting together a special, purpose-built altar is a great way to connect with an individual face of the Divine. You can make an altar for your patron God or Goddess, or another deity who you're interested in learning more about. Altars can be as grand or as humble as you want them to be. You can take them down after a few days, or keep them up indefinitely. All you need is a few supplies and a bit of inspiration. 1. Choose a space. The type of altar you construct is going to depend on the space available to you. ...