Hello, and welcome, I'm a recent newcomer to Wicca, and I'm slowly but surely gathering all the required 'tools of the trade', so to speak! What I have found from lots of research, on various websites and some books, is it very much depends on which author you read and how strict you want to be with yourself. I have gathered all the basics- such as a wand ( from a tree in my garden ), a supply of candles, cauldron etc., but I feel that it comes down to personal preference and what you feel you will actually use- I tend to use my cauldron for incense, or to burn handwritten messages or pleas to the Deities, I don't use it for scrying or anything like that. I also have my altar layout arranged in a way that seems practical for my personal use- it may not be right for someone else, though! The alter itself is merely an inexpensive trolley from a high street retailer- with a beautiful Goddess altar cloth on it you'd never know! In the end, you don't have to spend a fortune, as long as the tools you aquire feel right to you, and you work from the heart with sincerity, I feel this is more important. I'm sorry about the death of your brother, but I hope you may receive comfort from the feeling that the dead never truly leave, and that you may meet with him again in another time or form, this thought has sustained me when missing loved ones. Blessed Be, and good luck.

Merry meet emerald dee, and welcome. There are some wonderfull wican things on this site and not too expensive either. You don't have to spend a fortune gathering tools for your alter though, sometimes you may find things in the least expected places, like 2nd hand shops or market stalls even car boot sales. If something feels right that means it's right for you. Not every one uses the same things, thats the beauty of it. just go with your instincts.
I know how awfull it can be when you loose some one you love, but just hold onto the love that you have for your brother, it will carry you though. And I'm sure that he is still sending his love to you.
I am also married with a beautifull grown up daughter, and also love animals we have 2 cats one is realy old now,and a 19 month old rehomed dog. And lots of fish.
Hope you enjoy the site.
Blessed be.

hi all have been taking your advive and been to a car boot sale this morning i found some lovely things i got to garden wooden cat ornaments and a laughing budda and gold cherubs all really lovely i also found a lovely round wooden box which i thought to my self would help start my alter everything i bought was put in bags and well looked after on my way around the only thing is when i got home and started to put all my lovely new things were i wanted them i could not find my wooden box any where i was very disapointed but took this as a sign it was not ment to be i also forgot to mention that i bought a mirrior to put outside on the wall but the wind took it as soon as my husband put it up and it smashed so more positves thank you all

blessed be

emerald dee xx

Greetings,

Sorry for the late welcome, but the real world has been giving me a right battering, of late

I am not wicca, though I am a witch, as for me, it not a religeon per se.

I don't belong to a coven, I am a solitary and that suits me just fine, however, as a relative newcomer, I have found myself an excellent mentor who helps me with anything I wish to know.

As to your 'tools' the best place to search is second hand shops, you will be surprised what you will find there, that is just what you might have been searching for, just remember to cleanse them properly and dedicate to your use.

One of my friends doesn't have any fancy tools whatsoever, her wand (which she rarely uses, prefering to use her finger) is just a slim, branch that she found on a walk, she doesn't have a dagger (athame is the modern term I believe) her herbs she cuts with a pair of scissors that she bought for the job, in fact, any bits she does use, came from her kitchen cupboard, her round breadboard she painted a pentacle on and all are now kept in a seperate cupboard for craft purposes only.

You can always make yourself a 'lil' altar on a windowledge, that what I have, I have some candles, fresh flowers, a few crystals and an ornament and to everyone else, it just looks 'pretty' so it can be done with discression and only you know it's really purpose and meaning.

It is nice to visit here though, to treat oneself now and again, I agree.

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www.livingspirits.co.uk

OMG OMG OMG i was watching the news today, right! and guess what?? There making Druid a recognised religion!!!! i was like YASS!! sorry for the random outburst. just thought you guys should know .