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Have you looked at many of the witches who are content creators…particularly on Instagram? Many go for a specific witchy aesthetic. In this aesthetic, you will see elaborate altars, a lot of card decks, crystals, herbs, elaborate grimoires, and various other witchcraft tools. It could lead you to believe that you need a lot of expensive tools to practice witchcraft. And while some tools can be helpful in your practice, they aren’t always necessary. Witchcraft can not only be simple, it doesn’t have to be expensive. You CAN practice witchcraft on a budget!
The truth is that as a witch, YOU ARE THE MAGICK! It can be so easy to forget that the power of a witch lies in the ability to manipulate energy through the power of intention. Tools can help you do that. But even when you don’t have any tools, you can still practice witchcraft!
But what if you feel better using tools?
That’s perfectly okay too. But you don’t have to go broke buying a lot of expensive tools for your practice! For example, my altar is filled with lots of items that I found in nature along with a few dollar-store candles. Very inexpensive! You can practice witchcraft on a budget!
Here are some budget-friendly ways to embrace your craft:
1. Use what you have
You may have items in your house that would be perfect to use for spells!
Kitchen witchcraft
Look in your cupboard and pantry! Herbs and spices from your kitchen (salt, cinnamon, rosemary, bay leaves) can be used for spells and rituals. One of the most powerful ingredients you can use is salt! Most people have a container of salt in the kitchen!
Reuse jars & bottles
Just finished a jar of pickles or used up the last of your jelly? Don’t put that glass jar in the recycle bin…wash it out and use it! Jars like these are perfect for storing moon water, herbs, and spell ingredients.
Candles
Do you have any birthday candles hidden away in a drawer somewhere? Birthday candles or tealights from the dollar store work just as well as fancy spell candles.
2. Look to nature!
I use a lot of nature in my own craft!
Moon Water
Simply leave a jar of water under the full moon to charge.
Rocks, sticks, and other objects
I LOVE picking up things in nature to use on my altar or for my spells. Found objects like stones, pinecones, shells, feathers, and fallen branches can be powerful tools.
Dirt & sand
These are perfect to use in grounding rituals or spell jars.
3. DIY your tools
I will admit that I love a good wand and pendulum. But you can get creative with tools like these instead of spending a lot of money on them.
Sigils & symbols
Draw them on paper instead of buying expensive tools.
Pendulum
Use a necklace with a pendant or ring instead of buying a special pendulum. My first pendulum was an old key tied to some ribbon that was leftover from a craft project. I was going to throw it away because it wasn’t really enough to use for anything else. But It was perfect to create a simple pendulum. I used that ribbon and key for a long time and it worked well for me!
Wand
You can use a simple stick from nature, decorated with paint, carvings, or string. Of course, you don’t need to decorate it at all for it to be effective. But I always enjoy dressing up my wands a bit.
4. Digital & free resources
This is the digital age. Because of that, you might want to consider using these digital ideas to help you practice witchcraft on a budget!
Online Grimoires
Use free note apps or a simple notebook instead of buying fancy journals.
Oracle cards
Oracle and tarot card decks can be expensive! I know because I will freely admit that I have a bit of an oracle card-buying problem! I really love them! But did you know that there are several websites and card creators that offer free 1-3 card readings on their websites? They do! Alaina Fairchild, Colette Baron-Reid, Diana Cooper, and John Holland are just a few of the card creators who offer free card readings online.
Free witchcraft books & PDFs
There is SO much information online, including books on witchcraft and spell books. Check out your local library or websites like Project Gutenberg.
YouTube & podcasts
Some great experienced witches have YouTube channels and podcasts! They share some amazing information so find a few that you resonate with and give them a follow!
5. Simple & powerful spells
The spells you create don’t have to be elaborate or require expensive components. Here are a few spells that are simple!
Manifestation spells
Write your intention on a piece of paper and burn it safely.
Protection spell
There are lots of simple protection spells. But creating a salt circle is one of the easiest. Sprinkle salt around you or around a place that’s important to you while focusing your intention on protection.
Cord magic
Use pieces of leftover string or yarn for knot magic.
Beverage magic
This is a great form of kitchen witchcraft! Infuse your intention into a simple cup of tea and enjoy drinking it! You can also do this with water!
6. Connecting with the energy around you
Meditation & visualization
No tools are required, you just need to focus on energy work.
Nature walks
Spending time out in nature is a great way to strengthen your connection to the earth. You can also collect materials for future spells!
Chanting & affirmations
Spoken spells cost nothing but are very effective. Never discount the power of your words. After all, we “spell” words…
Witchcraft isn’t about expensive tools—it’s about intention and energy. The most powerful magic comes from within, not from what you buy! So get creative with the things you find around you! You are surrounded by things that can be used for casting spells without having to spend anything! You absolutely can practice witchcraft on a budget!
