The Frugal Pagan

In this economic climate, many of us have tightened our belts a bit more than ever. But being careful with our finances doesn’t mean we have to skimp on the things which we enjoy in ritual and our every day spirituality.

My first teacher always told me that a Witch’s most important tool was his/her mind. But we are visceral human beings who love beautiful things. Who among us hasn’t gawked at some gorgeous magickal item and said, “Oooh pretty shiny! I want!”. I am very guilty of this!

It’s great to have beautiful things on our altars, in our closets, in our homes and on our person that have special meaning to us and celebrate our spiritual connection with Deity. There’s an indefinable feeling when you’ve found that perfect piece or outfit or jewelry that just sings your name. Certainly, there are times when a particular piece or tool just calls to you and you HAVE to have it. Until you find that piece, however, you might just be waiting for it to show itself to you. And neither your permanent or interim pieces have to be opulent or expensive to be sacred.

You will find that your local pagan shop often carries lovely things created by craftspeople to use in your practice, and they’re always getting in new things for you to check out. But if they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for at a particular time, there’s nothing wrong with employing used or found items to enhance your stash of magickal tools. In fact, found/created items can hold as much or more power as anything else you can buy. Whether your item is bought or found or created, you can imbue these things with your personal power and intent, and that is what makes the item sacred. There are some traditions and groups who insist that your first magickal tools be made by your own hand, just so you can learn how to recognize what tools work for you and which ones are just aesthetically nice. Many pagans have multiple tools, some of their own creation, and some which are bought.

Here are a few ideas you can use in your own quest for magickal pieces.

Wands: Wands are an extension of your spirit, and it represents the element of fire, male energy and directed action. Your wand is the tool of transformation and change. A wand is often made of wood, and about as long as the practitioner’s forearm. Many times, you can find a thin straight branch to be the perfect size and shape to make a wand. Driftwood and dead wood in any stand of trees can be great sources of wandmaking. Try to refrain from cutting on a live tree, however. If you feel you absolutely must cut a branch off of a tree, make sure you ask the tree’s permission and thank the tree profusely (perhaps bring it a little offering) afterwards. If you can, research the wood you choose and find out what magickal properties the wood brings to the tool itself. Ask yourself if those are the qualities you want to bring into your Circle. Inspect the wood, and make sure it’s free of parasites, fungus or any other creepy crawlies that you don’t want in your home! Once you’ve chosen an appropriate piece of wood, you can carve it, shellac it, sand it, or just leave it in its natural state. You can add ribbons, leather strips, feathers, gemstones, charms, shells, or any other affectations which have a special meaning for you.

Athames: An Athame is a knife-like tool made of metal, which is used to direct energy within your Circle – but never to cut things (we use a Boline for that purpose). Most of us – me included – are not metal smiths, so for the most part, you will need to buy this tool. Traditionally, the Athame is black handled and the blade should be the length of your hand, from the bottom of your palm to the tip of your longest finger. But that’s not a hard & fast rule in Wicca today. There’s nothing wrong with using similar pieces to use as your Athame. Witches everywhere use letter openers, martial arts throwing knives, and other items. A trip to your local thrift shop or novelty shop might net you a beautiful piece. Please remember that like the wood for your wand, you should research the metal you’re bringing in Circle.

Ritual Jewelry: The Gods already find us beautiful just as we are. But jewelry is another way we can adorn ourselves in something special and sacred. Craft stores have tons of beading resources that we can take advantage of if you’re so inclined. If you’re really crafty, you can even MAKE your own beads from magazine paper and glue by cutting thin strips of glossy colorful magazine pages – advertisements are the best for this. First you cover the strips with crafting glue such as Mod Podge (it dries pretty clear). Then you roll it tightly around a straight pin. Anchor your pin & bead in florist foam or other pin cushion and allow it to dry. When your beads are completely hardened and dry, take the pin out and you will have a finished bead with a hole for threading on a wire or cord! Not only are these very pretty, it’s a very cool way of recycling old magazines which in turn honors Mother Earth. Bonus! You can also add some pizzazz to your ritual gear by including feathers, or recycled beads/ribbons/material from other outfits to make something uniquely yours.

Other tools can be found or made for a bargain. An altar cloth can be made of silk handkerchiefs or leftover material from a previous project. Chalices and offering bowls can be found at thrift/novelty shops or even be your favorite wine glass specifically saved for sacred rituals.

Keep your eyes and mind open. Sacred tools are everywhere, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to have your very own.