Best Witchcraft Supplies: My Favorites for Getting Started
- Anya I
- May 10, 2023
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Best Witchcraft Supplies: My Favorites for Getting Started
We’ve all been there. When you’re stepping onto your magickal journey, it can feel overwhelming — and a little expensive. Every online store seems stocked with gorgeous altar cloths, crystals, oils, and candles. Back in my early days, I had a whole Notes list on my phone full of things I thought I needed.
But here’s what I wish someone had told me: start small, use what you’ve got, and be resourceful. A chipped mug can become an offering bowl. A beach pebble can be your grounding stone. A dollar-store candle can hold the same power as an expensive one when paired with clear intention. The most powerful practice grows from consistency, not consumption.
That’s why I created this guide — to help you choose quality witchcraft supplies that support your rituals, empower your intentions, and grow with you over time. Below you’ll find my top picks: beginner-friendly, affordable (or DIY-able), and packed with intention. This guide is perfect for the novice witch, highlighting the amazing variety and value of supplies available for every level. I also offer ongoing support, guidance, and curated recommendations to help you find the best tools for your unique path. And if you’re new to all this, my Modern Witchcraft post is the perfect companion to walk you through the basics step by step.
Table of Contents:
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My Favorite Witchcraft Supplies: 15 Must-Have Items I Use All the Time
When I first started my magickal journey, I felt overwhelmed by all the “stuff” people said I needed — but over time I realized you really only need a few intentional witchcraft supplies to build a powerful and grounded practice. These 15 items have stood the test of time on my altar and in my life. A well-chosen set of supplies, such as a starter set or altar set, can help both beginners and experienced practitioners build a strong foundation. Each one is beginner-friendly, affordable (or can be DIY’d), and packed with intention.
1. Altar Cloth
Defines and protects your sacred space. It sets the tone visually and energetically. I love black lace for a altar cloth.
Tip: Choose a color or pattern aligned with your intention — green for prosperity, purple for Spirit, black for protection. Fabric store finds can be just as beautiful as online artisan pieces.
2. Book of Shadows or Journal
Your personal grimoire. It holds your spells, dreams, moon phases, tarot pulls, and reflections. Over time it becomes a treasure trove of your growth. If you want more information on how to start. abook of shadows, check out this post
3. Nice Pens (or a Quill)
Once you have your book of shadows you'll appreciate a good set of pens that work through the special linen paper and ones that don't smudge. I love love these. A fountain pen or a gorgeous red quill slows you down and turns journaling into ritual.
4. Moon Phase Calendar
Knowing the moon phases lets you align your manifestations, releases, and protection spells.
Tip: Download a moon app to your phone or print a free calendar online.
5. Offering Bowl
A small offering bowl for water, herbs, coins, or food to Spirit or ancestors. It’s simple but deepens your sense of reciprocity.
Tip: Use what you have — an old teacup or dish can work beautifully until you find one you love. I enjoy using old candle jars!
6. Sage To Cleanse Negative Energy
Cleansing herbs prep your space and shift the vibe—embrace the cleansing energy of these herbs as part of your ritual practice:
White Sage: Purification and heavy energy clearing.
Palo Santo: Sweet, woody, and uplifting — traditionally used to cleanse energy, invite blessings, and ground your space.
Tip: Make sure the sage you are using is ethically sourced!
7. Crystals (Choose One That Speaks to You)
Rather than amassing a collection, start with one crystal you deeply connect with and learn its energy. Connect with it daily as you hold it while you meditate and open yourself up to its energy and healing properties.
Examples: Clear Quartz for amplification, Amethyst for spiritual connection, Black Tourmaline for protection.
Tip: Hold different stones and trust your instinct — whichever draws you first is likely your ally.
8. Jewelry or Necklace
Wearable magick keeps your intention close all day. Is it slightly frivolous? Maybe. But I just love the aesthetic.
Examples: I've been eyeing this wire-wrapped moonstone necklace, this emerald crystal necklace, and this mala necklace for meditation.
9. Divination Tools
Tarot, oracle cards, pendulums, or runes — pick one and explore. They open a dialogue with your subconscious and Spirit.
Tip: Oracle cards are the easiest and most intuitive starting point.
My Favorite Oracle Cards: Cosmic Oracle by Nani Anastarsia, Messages from Mermaids by Karen Kay, and Gospel of Aradia by Stacey DeMarco.
My Favorite Tarot Cards: The Wild Unknown Deck by Kim Krans and The Intuitive Night Goddess Tarot by Linzi Silverman
10. Candles (Prayer, Chime, Seven-Day)
Candles are the heartbeat of my spells.
Prayer Candles: Long-burning, ideal for holding an intention over days. Get them from the dollar store!
Chime Candles: Small, quick-burning, perfect for color magick or single spells.
Tip: Dedicate specific colors to your main intentions.
11. Incense or Herbal Sticks
Fragrance instantly shifts your mood and energy and helps clear stagnant energy. I can't get enough of these nag champa incense sticks as they smell heavenly.
Tip: Try handmade sticks or make your own loose blends with a charcoal disc in a safe burner for stronger effects.
12. Spell Jars or Small Glass Bottles
These spell jar bottles let you “bottle” your intentions — herbs, oils, and stones sealed into one mini spell.
Tip: Save spice jars or small bottles from your kitchen to make your own! I love using upcycled ones from Trader Joes as they're so cute!
Learn More: Check out my Spell Jar Blog Post for my favorite recipes and tips on creating your own.
13. A Small Cauldron or Heatproof Dish
A small cauldron works perfect for safely burning petitions, herbs, or resin. For outdoor rituals you may consider this large one.
Tip: Cast iron holds heat best. Always have charcoal discs on hand — light one in your cauldron, then sprinkle herbs or resin on top for powerful smoke offerings.
14. Ancestor or Spirit Photos/Statues
Representations of ancestors, deities, or archetypes deepen your altar connection.
Tip: Start simple — a photo, a small candle beside it, or a figurine that feels meaningful. Including a photo or token of a loved ancestor or pet can further strengthen your emotional connection to the altar. Check out this beautiful hecate statue.
15. Protective Salt (or Black Salt Mix)
Black Salt is simple but powerful. Sprinkle it around your home for protection, add to cleansing baths, or line windowsills to banish negativity.
Tip: Don't purchase this but make your own black salt by mixing sea salt or kosher salt with ashes or activated charcoal for stronger protection.
Best Ritual Supplies (For Going Deeper Into Your Practice)
Once you’ve got your basics, these are the ritual supplies that add depth and sacredness. They’re for when you want to go beyond your everyday toolkit and create intentional ritual experiences. These tools help you tap into deeper magic, making your rituals more enchanting and transformative.
1. Incense + Resin Burners
Go beyond sticks. Resin incense on charcoal tablets produces richer smoke and stronger energy shifts. Frankincense purifies, copal protects, sandalwood grounds.
2. Chalice or Offering Cup
Symbolizes the element of water. Use it for moon water, herbal infusions, or libations during rituals. Isn't this one dreamy? You can also find some amazing ones at goodwill.
3. Bell or Chime
Sound marks your ritual boundaries. One chime before and after can clear stagnant energy and invite in Spirit. My favorite bell right here.
4. Mortar and Pestle
A small mortar and pestle set is ideal for grinding herbs and resins for your rituals. Grind herbs, resins, or salts for spell jars and incense blends. Stone or ceramic sets feel the most grounded in your hands.
5. Herbs
A small, versatile collection can do so much: Rosemary for protection, Lavender for calm, Basil for prosperity, Mugwort for intuition, Cinnamon for vitality. PS- the best herbs are the ones that come from your kitchen, so check out your spice cabinet before buying anything.
6. Cleansing Spray or Florida Water
Perfect when you can’t burn herbs. A quick spritz of florida water over your altar, hands, or aura resets the energy instantly. Make your own with distilled water, essential oils, and a pinch of salt.
7. Sacred Oil or Perfume Blend
Anoint yourself or your candles to enhance spells with annointing oil. Choose scents that match your intention — lavender for peace, rose for self-love, patchouli for grounding, or use a money draw oil blend to attract money and abundance. Check out these beautiful ritual oils for all your magickal needs here.
8. Seasonal Décor
Bring the season onto your altar. Pine in December, flowers in July, mini pumpkins in October. It connects you to natural cycles.
9. Singing Bowl or Soft Instrumental Playlist
Sound shapes energy just as powerfully as scent. Strike a bowl or play a track to anchor your focus.
10. Special “Ritual-Only” Candle
A special, dressed candle you light only for ritual work helps train your mind and body to enter sacred space. These often feel too pretty to burn but sometimes it's nice to have something with a little more intention.
Top Tools for Your Magickal Journey: My 5 Essentials
If I had to strip my whole practice down to just five things, these would be it. Over the years, I’ve been consistently impressed by the effectiveness of these essentials. They’re simple, versatile, and have shaped my magick from the very beginning.
Book of Shadows (or Journal) – My non-negotiable. A place to record spells, dreams, and intuitive hits becomes your personal map of growth and power. Yes, get the pens. Trust me.
Oracle Cards – The easiest divination tool to start with — intuitive, beginner-friendly, and perfect for quick daily pulls or moon rituals.
Cleansing Spray or Florida Water – Florida water is perfect for keeping your energy grounded. A spritz over your altar, hands, or aura shifts your mood in seconds.
A Grounding Stone – Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, or Hematite — one stone to keep you centered after rituals and during meditation.
Moon-Charged Water Jar – Simple yet powerful. Use it to cleanse, bless, or as an offering. Label your jar with the moon phase and intention.
Why These Five: They cover the essentials — record-keeping, divination, cleansing, grounding, and lunar alignment — and would be enough to rebuild my whole practice.
Other Stuff I Love (and Think You Might Too)
Beyond the basics, there’s an array of tools and treats that make your practice feel joyful and alive. These aren’t “must-haves” — they’re the “little extras” that make witchcraft fun.
Subscription Boxes – Especially in October or November when shops release seasonal sets. Check out Witch Casket for a highly reccomended subscription box.
Handmade or Vintage Finds – My number one resource is Etsy. I can almost always find exactly what I'm looking for there!
Protective Jewelry + Wearable Magick – Rings, necklaces, or bracelets charged with intention for everyday empowerment.
Altar Statues or Figures – Represent deities, ancestors, or archetypes you work with.
Special Storage – A velvet bag or a carved wooden box to keep your items organized and energetically clear. Works great for tarot cards too!
These extras also make a thoughtful gift or present for the witchy person in your life, whether for a birthday, holiday, or just to show you care.
Where to Shop for Witchcraft Supplies
Whether you’re browsing online or at your local metaphysical store, here’s how to make the most of your purchase:
Start Small & Use What You’ve Got – The simplest items become powerful when used with intention.
Choose Quality Over Quantity – Items created with care hold their power longer.
Support Small Businesses + Artisans – The customer service and personal touch can’t be beat.
Visit Seasonally – Many shops stock special items in October, November, and July.
Ask Questions – A great shop will always be happy to answer your questions about supplies and practices, offering helpful answers and guidance.
Final Thoughts
Your witchcraft supplies don’t need to be fancy or expensive to be powerful. With a few well-chosen items — a candle, a stone, a journal — and a little intention, you can manifest, protect, and empower your life. Over time, your altar will grow into a reflection of your Spirit, your seasons, and your unique path.
These supplies also connect you to a world of practitioners and traditions, linking your practice to a global community with rich, diverse roots.
And if you’re just getting started? My Modern Witchcraft Guide is there to help you feel confident with your first steps — from choosing your first altar cloth to working with the moon. And don’t forget to explore my Spell Jar Blog Post for step-by-step ideas on creating your own magick in a bottle.
What are you must-have items for your practice? Thank you so much for checking out my blog, the Season of Anya! Please subscribe to this blog, and my YouTube Channel if you enjoyed this content! It means the world to me!
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