Tools of the Trade
Finding quality books, incenses, ritual items and other Tools of the Trade for working traditional magic can be a challenge. As such, I wanted to create this list of those items which I have personally used, purchased, and in the case of the books read. Anything that I have listed here I can say with full confidence is of high quality and has proven to be helpful in my own practice. For any which I have been able to find links to purchase these, I have provided. Other items are those which I have been lucky enough to collect in my travels over time, some of which appear to be fairly rare now to find.
Be sure to scroll down the page to find the complete list of recommended items.
An important note – a small number of these items do have links through Amazon. This is intentional as, when you purchase these using the link provided the price for the item remains the same as normally listed, however a portion of the sale does funnel back to our website to aid in providing many of the services which we offer. Having said this, many of the items listed on this page are not offered through Amazon and link directly to the craft people, smaller publishers, authors, groups and artisans who created these. Please consider supporting them as for many this is their primary means of making a living.
Cauldrons, Tools, Incenses, Oils and more
Obsidian Scrying Mirror
For years I had looked for a quality volcanic glass obsidian mirror for scrying. These have been used for centuries for this purpose. I found this mirror through Polar Jade Enterprises. It is excellent. A beautiful, highly polished work of art. Mine came with a velvet pouch to protect it and a certificate of authenticity. They come in a variety of sizes and are reasonably priced considering the quality. To learn more click on the image or click on the button provided.
Quartz Show Stone
One of my most highly prized working tools is this "Shewstone" or 'Show Stone', made of reconstituted Quartz Cryastal. I picked this up at Crystal Moon in Enfield, New Hampshire, USA. It has proven to be highly effective in spirit summoning and scrying. I am very impressed by the quality of this tool. The shop had several different sizes. The one shown here is five inches in diameter, however, they did have larger. The button provided should take you to their website, or you can click on the photo. If you are ever in the area do stop by their shop.
Iris X Tarot, Stacy Salpietro-Babb
Stacy is one of the most dedicated, knowledgable and talented Traditional Witches that I have had the pleasure of getting to know. She provides a number of products and services which are very hard to find. From incenses, oils, potions, and spell 'kits' all personally made by her in accordance with traditional magical lore and teachings. In addition she is an excellent Tarot reader.
One of the hardest items to find are solid colored, well made candles for magic. Stacy has been so gracious as to periodically hand make a number of these for me. The photo here shows a solar money drawing spell I was performing that required three solid orange candles and one central green one candle. Stacy's candles burn clean and I have found them to quite effective in practical magic. Please visit her website to learn more about her and the many ways she enriches the practice of Traditional Witchcraft.
Pillar Candles
Finding quality pillar candles that are colored completely through is exceptionally difficult. The candle shown here is a 6 inch solid pillar. The vendor provides these in a variety of colors. In purchasing these, each came individually wraped and were in perfect condition when they arrived. They burn cleanly with very little dripping. Because of their size they are easily inscribed with sigils as needed. I highly recommend these candles.
Cast Iron Cauldron
One of the most important, yet frequently overlooked tools of the Traditional Witch is the cauldron. If you are lucky you may find an old cauldron in an antique shop or estate sale. But these can be too worn for actual potion use. For practical spell work it may be best to have a new cast iron cauldron. The one pictured here was purchased through Annies Collections. They come in a variety of sizes. This one is the "#4" size which is large enough to brew or cook in, and works well in our hearth. These are afordable and the service in getting to use was very quick. To learn more click on the photo or on the botton shown here.
Troll Cunning Forge
The knife shown here was hand made by the very talented black smith, Marcus R. McCoy, the founder of Troll Cunning Forge. While being forged this particular knife was quinched in Vervain at our request. The handle is of Holly. As Marcus explains Holly:
"is a very challenging handle material to work with. It requires clean hands and belts, it also requires slow speed in working it so that it does not leave burn marks upon the wood. Holly has a tremendous amount of lore associated with it. Fabled to be one of the many trees that will seek vengeance for its mistreatment... a tree close to my martial heart."
Everything that Marcus makes is unique, being completely crafted by him. I highly recommend his work.
Recommended Books
The serious Witch and magician is always learning. Yet knowing which books that are both credible and practical can be very hard. The following are a list of just some that I have found useful in my practice.
The Complete Art of Witchcraft
Sybil Leek
This rare book is now out of print. Perhaps the first book to address many of the more philosophical and spiritual aspects of Traditional Witchcraft, presenting this in clear, natural terms. Written in the late 1960's during a time of great cultural revolution, the book is somewhat dated reflecting the changes that were occuring. Nevertheless the core teachings, beliefs, tenets and approach to the Art given by Ms. Leek still resonate today, with much of this reflected in the foundational practices of many Traditional Witches in this century.
Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways
Gemma Gary
One of the best introductions to Traditional Magical Arts as they are practiced today in Cornwall England. Providing a variety of spells, formulas and rituals; this is a practical book that will enhance the working of anyone wishing to learn older traditional practices. This book is considered a classic among many in the crafting community. It is available through Troy Books.
The Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic
Christina Oakley Harrington
I really enjoyed this book. It gives simple, clear directions on the magical and folkloric uses of many different herbs. Set up in a easy to follow format, it begins wth a section entitled "Problems and Solutions" which lists different goals that the Witch may wish to spell for, and then the herbs which can help with these. From there the book goes into a listing of specific herbs and their uses. Near the end their is a section entitled "Spells and Potions Using Multiple Herbs".
A Deed Without a Name
Unearthing the Legacy of Traditional Witchcraft
Lee Morgan
A wonderfully written discussion describing otherworld beings and familiar spirits. It discusses how these can be approached and partnered with in Witchcraft today. Of particular interest is Mr. Lee's examination of "the second skin", which is essentially the elemental force and spirit body which we all have. The book describes the ways in which this is manipulated through magic to create forms that the Witch can then employee.
The Cunning Man's Handbook
The Practice of English Folk Magic
1550 - 1900
Jim Baker
An excellent, well documented collection of rural folk magic practices from England during the early modern era. A strong collection of spells, sigils and techniques that can be easily adapted to personal practice today.
The Visions of Isobel Gowdie
Magic, Witchcraft and Dark Shamanism
in Seventeenth-Century Scotland
Emma Wilby
An important book documenting the testimony of a confessed Witch from Scotland who appears to have given her account of magical workings freely. This is a scholarly look at this woman's first person account of the different practices she did, the otherworld beings she encountered and her personal experiences. The author draws parellels to shamanistic practices in other parts of the world. This work marks an important piece of evidence in the discussion on historical Witchcraft.
Mastering Witchcraft
A Practical Guide for Witches, Warlocks & Covens
Paul Huson
By far one of the most influential and, quite frankly, best books written on practical magic as a guide for the new Witch. This was published in the 1970's, yet it is one of those books that has stood the test of time. I had first read this when it was published, in conjunction with Sybil Leek's "Complete Art of Witchcraft". For me these were a perfect combination with Sybil's book explaining Witchcraft as a spiritual path and way of living, while Paul Huson's work gives clear and detailed instructions on the practice of spell casting. It can be hard to find. This link in the button is to a series of used copies as listed on Amazon. But it may be a help.
Cast Your Own Spell
Sybil Leek
Like so much of Sybil's material, this was written in a style meant to reach the audience of the 1960's and 70's. As such, it can appear dated in its approach. Yet, Ms. Leek presents quite a bit of solid information. From the phases of the Moon in practical magic, the timing of spells, how to word incantations, and so much more. She provides a clear description of the Witches Fluid Condensor which combines her own technique with that of magician Franz Barton. The book also gives an overview of spells from around the world, including her recipes for several incenses. Because of its age, this book is fairly difficult to locate. Nevertheless it is listed on the following site, for now.
