Could you give me some ideas how to use dried herbs, apart from burning them as an incense? In the Middle East area, where I come from, dried herbs are either used as tea or spices, or burnt in aroma lamps, so before googling for hours I thought it would be simpler to just ask someone to give me a few ideas how they use them, that I could then use as a starting point. Thanks in advance, blessed be! 💚🙏
I just love you! I am a new Witch...at 53...called my whole life and tried the Craft several times only to stop in frustration feeling doubtful and silly. Then I found you. Your sound and practical advice has changed how I am navigating this path in every way. Thank you!!!
Some excellent advice. I think that the problem with the majority of "Becoming a Witch 101" books is that their authors base their statements on Wiccan practices, because it seems to have become the "face" of witchcraft in the public eye. (Disclaimer: I have absolutely ZERO problems with Wicca or adopting some of its practices for non-Wiccan Craftwork; I just don't follow the religion myself.) There is also an apparent belief among the general public that ceremonial magick is "the" way to do things, probably because it looks so much better on-camera and has a greater air of mystery & "occultness" (not a real word, I know ). The natural result is that these types of practices either are adopted by, and/or seem more "right" to, both the majority of how-to authors and fledgling practitioners. Personally, my most powerful & successful castings -- despite having the hobby of making wands! -- have been done hands-only, with extremely minimal preparation, and no Circle or invocations. In my mind it's all a matter of will, visualization, and energy manipulation; whatever tools help one focus their will are helpful but, as you say, not entirely necessary.
I taught myself on cunninghams books and he also mentions how cloaks with bell sleeves are silly and get in the way. Especially around candles. But if putting on the cloak gets you in the mindset, you do you.
I used to be an earth based faith lay leader and we used to make cloaks and wands and stuff, mostly just for the alter aesthetic but it was fun to play and make my own things
My cauldron is a cheap little censer/loose incense burner. Three legs and black pewter so it's practically a cauldron lmao. Very tiny but you don't need anything big to burn a few things.
This is an older video but my recommendation for new witches is to only use what you can find. Learn to forage, find stones and crystals in the nature around you or learn what the wild flowers in your area are, or what you can buy from the grocery store and florists. Learn learn learn, don't just buy from an itemized list.
Binders also work really well for a book of shadows if you prefer a physical one. You can add and remove stuff where ever so you don't have to worry about making a mistake in a fancy book. You can also decorate as much or as little as you want if you're in the broom closet or not. I use a binder just so I can keep everything sorted and organized without worrying about running out of pages in a certain subject.
The ritual tools I use in my practice are essentially magical props to help me get into a magical headspace. It’s like you don’t need a plate and fork to eat spaghetti but it sure makes your eating experience a lot better. Lol. As always, I love your videos and expertise. I’ve learned a lot from you. Thanks for another great video.
Thank you SO MUCH for posting this! I was raised with Witchcraft- more Wiccan, and then also raised as a Catholic. I am SO over "ceremony". I never agreed with the fact that I HAD to have certain tools to be effective. I have found that what I am drawn to, works best. It's just nice to know I am not alone. :)
I'm a closet witch. All I have is a BoS, a wand (technically a chopstick but it works just as well), some dried roses, and that's literally it. I do have crystals but I don't know the exact name for them and I don't use them anyway. Yet I can still do spells (beauty spells, cos roses). I've been interested in the craft for about a year now lol. Need to wait many more to get my own house and buy the things. Anyway, nice video!
I'm so glad I'm not Wiccan, traditional Wicca does require a LOT of symbolic tools. 9 years into being a witch and I hardly ever by anything other than consumables like candles that are cheap. I don't own a wand, they never called to me and I never found use for them. That being said, this just reminded me that I dreamt about a beautiful raw stick last night that I considered magical so maybe I should rethink that. Don't want an athame. Don't want a boline. Don't want a pentacle. Couldn't live without my grimoire, that shit's useful for recording and tracking (it was just 12 pounds from Paperchase, but looks magical af). My cauldron is a cheap little censer/loose incense burner, three legs and black pewter so it's practically a cauldron haha. Don't need a chalice. Candles are my life, use them for literally everything. Incense I use less than candles but I use it for transferring energy to objects and for more significant rituals. I have a couple of oils that I dress candles with sometimes but they're not over-useful to me. No interest in a cloak. I love crystals, although I only have I think less that 20, and only regularly use less than ten, but I need to get into herbs more, I'm trying to be more planty.
I have said it before Crystals are pretty to look at, herbs are great for cooking food. As you have stated your magic comes from within all the other junk is a distraction, I have master the power to reverse the energy in ones crystal just by looking at it, see pretty to look at it is now a parlor trick.
As someone that's just beginning, I'm really blessed to have a community garden right outside my dorm... Which means I can go on out there and collect some things without being questioned or having to spend money :)
Great video. The thing about tools is that they are great to maintain your focus and intention. Drifting is a real thing. Tools keep you on track, especially for long term spells. The beautiful thing is that you can use whatever has meaning to you as tools.
I've only been practicing since October and my practice has changed MASSIVELY since then. It's just like you said: Practitioners should learn to do energy work before they use the tools to direct that energy. I started with far more tools than I use now; over time, I stopped using things like wands, rhymes, my mini broomstick, etc. Simply because it was easier to focus on the working itself, how to use energy, visualizing properly, and so forth, without also having to focus on tools and using them properly when I didn't know how to work effectively to being with! And it was all the more difficult because my focus was TERRIBLE and I was filled with doubt. I hadn't really experimented or thought to myself how it was all working, or how to do it better-and this improved a great deal when I left the tools and how other people do their practice behind, and found my own path. I'm still learning the basics, but it's going much, much better now. Less anxiety, less comparison, less turning to others for how to practice. More just practicing.
Also you would be surprised how much inventory you already have right in your own home. That's one of the things I would help ppl with when wanting to start up.
"The table that you're sitting on right now" I love this verbiage! It's almost as if you have some unseen (to your audience) personification if the totality of the people who will ever see your videos, and you're telling this servitor your thoughts on our behalf. I know, you're just telling us through the lens of the camera, but still, that first thought now exists to me.
I started out thinking I needed all the "stuff" when I first got involved in wicca. As my path changed and reading other things like Ray Buckland's Scottish Witchcraft I really learned to appreciate the minimalist tools and that they were also functional beyond props for ritual. So my main tools besides candles and crystals consist of a knife and a staff. A staff always felt more appropriate to me then a little bit of wood for pointing. And I never understood having a blunt knife for very specific purposes. My ritual knife is a working fixed blade that I use like an Athame and a boline and anything else I need. Be it carving, prepping a fire or for directing energy. I did get a scrying mirror too but never had much luck with it. My path has progressed since then but I still use the same minimalist tools I got turned on to by Buckland's book all those years ago. I also like doing rituals on the fly and outdoors so not having to bring a backpack full of random knick knacks is a big deal.
The only tool I'd consider necessary instead of ascetic is my cauldron. A lot of magic requires burning of notes, herbs, etc. While you dont need a cast iron, for magick, large cauldron...i would recommend finding a glass bowl you trust to burn stuff in or over.
Holy cow. I found your channel recently, and I'm somewhat new in discovering my right path. BUT my athame just came this morning, and I've been loving on it ever since. Very awesomely, it's literally the exact same as yours! That made me go "woah bro!" and I feel even more connected 💙
I had a bunch of wands back in the day but when I escaped domestic violence I couldn't take much more than clothes and didn't even have kitchen stuff. I made a bunch of my wands and I loved them. I miss them. I might make more in the future.
I totally agree with you about the wand and athame. I have a selenite wand, but never had an athame. I am solitary, so neither is really necessary for me. I once practiced with someone else, who spent thousands on all the tools, and I tried to tell them that the magic was them, not the stuff. But whatever made them happy I guess. I do love my BOS, however, as I love to refer back. And I do love my cauldron! Chalice? No, just a very nice goblet. Yes, candles for me too. You can't have too many!!
When I started to practice I also thought I needed all the tools to begin. So I gathered all the things the books told me to but I ended up not using most of the stuff (Wand, Chalice, Athame, Pentacle, Cauldron) Now it's all sitting in a box gathering dust. I basically don't use any of those fancy tools and definitely agree that they are not neccessary. They make for nice decoration though 😉 What I use often are candles, crystal, herbs and incense. I also prefer to use my hands to work.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I have been practicing (consciously) since 1996. I have said this to so many young or new witches throughout my life. I really appreciate how you approach the subject and will be referring to your videos when assisting new or newer witches in finding their paths. You have my respect, support, and gratitude.
I went out a bought a tarot deck, even though my whole life I've hated flashcards and things like them. I've barely touched them aside from using them for associated energy/themes for spellwork. Oh well, they're pretty to look at, at least.
Yes yes yes. Go with what feels right in your soul. I "channel" energy that guide's my hand on what to grab and do with my magick. Also going to Thirft/second hand shops your be surprised what you can find. I found my chalices and my son's copper cauldron. My first was a copper tea pot when I was very little and was very grateful that it appeared and was less than $5, can't go wrong with that!
Hi guys just a really useful tip the book "Before you cast a spell" is out of print but you can buy it on amazon as a download it on a tablet or kindle device. You might get lucky in a second hand book shop or thrift store. It's a great read & was worth the download. 🙏🏽💕
When I was in the broom closet, I wanted a cauldron but I new it wasn’t a good idea to get one. It would be wayyyy to obvious. So, I used a jar that a candle was in! It was a bigger candle, so it worked great. You could also use a glass bowl that your family kinda forgot about.
Tools do not have any power or energy in themselves----the witch does. Tools are simply tools. I have found over my many years of practice that the best tools are ones that you just find and connect with. Like most, when I first starting practicing 30 some years ago I thought I had to buy all these rather expensive objects. What I found out as time passed, is that I worked better with ritual tools that weren't originally meant to be witchy tools-----my athame is actually a brass letter opener that had belonged to my deceased mother (great for dragging around outside)…..my cauldron is a large copper pot with handle that I found at a thrift shop and loved. Advice to beginning witch's-----visit thrift shops, yard sales and the like----find items that you connect with and will actually use (if you're into using them).
I bought two notebooks from Walmart & decorated them one is my book of shadows ones my grimore. I set up my alter with fabric from Walmart and a bunch of Buddha statues crystals incense and candles that i already have. I bought little cups and bowls from thrift store too
I am so very happy I found your channel! You have shown me so much about magic and also saved me a ton of money on things I don’t really need for MY practice! I am learning so much from you. I also appreciate your honesty and I love your book recommendations! I love your podcast! Thank you so much!
Excellent video. I have an athame and a crystal ball from my teen years (they were both gifts) and tbh now I'm coming back to practice some decades later, I'm not sure what to do with them. No way would I get rid of them, maybe they just get to stay for sentimental reasons :) Now I work with the few crystals I have, the incense and candles I've picked up over the years, herbs from my cupboard, garden and walks around the neighborhood, and bits and bobs. Since coming back to practice, the only things I've bought are candles, a jar from a dollar store, and a deck of tarot cards because I felt drawn to get some (and I can't just use my mum's ones any more!) You definitely don't need stuff, the stuff can just help you focus, and make your environment "feel" more magical imho. Proper meditation is like magic without stuff, I think.
in the name is the answer. witchCRAFT. it is an art of crafting. anything what you will find around you and you feel it is useful for you - just use it! it can be anythig. a stone, a stick, a feather, a pine cone... anything! it will work for you, if you feel that it will work. the most important thing is an intention. you can spend a lot of money for totally useless (for you) things and you can find a lot of useful things around you. this is a kind of DIY. PS. beautiful hair colour, Hearth! :)
I love your videos! I learn a lot from them! Can you pleas do a video talking about protection on spells and ritual and what is a backfire and how to avoid to get a backfire?
A symbol is a lever for the mind, and working tools are magical symbols. The effectiveness of the working tool is directly propositional to its ability to lever the thoughts of the practitioner. ❤️
I don't need any tools or materials, but I find that using them helps me to "bring all of myself to my magick". I believe that the more of your senses are engaged in what you are doing, the more energy is available to your focus and the more powerful the result. So colors/crystals/sigils engage sight, tones/drums/mantras for hearing, incense/herbs/oils for smell, ritual garb/jewelry and most of the 'altar stuff' for touch, and tinctures/mead/water for taste. Also, since I work with the Cannabis spirit pretty closely, I tend to benefit from having physical objects to hold some of the charges raised rather than having to keep them all in mind all at once. However, they are always only a bonus and not a necessity. A focused thought, powered by emotion energy, and given a direction and purpose will be quite enough.
For herbs and crystals I tend to mainly use what I can find in my kitchen, home grown herbs, or local stones and plants in my area The only crystals I have that aren't local are gifts from family unaware of my practice but the rest are local
I have watched several of your videos. I worry about the world and the craft being so “ in “ right now… because ppl need to remember that the universe is about balance -yin yang - good and evil. When dealing with intention spirit and the unseen you must be very careful not to fall into something you don’t want to ❤️ I also love that you are honest.. when I started I literally had 0 tools and had no way of getting them.
I would definitely recommend a thick walled pot (with sand in the bottom) OR a cast iron cauldron for anyone who wants to burn things like Bay leaves. Fire safety is VERY important and often neglected in our community.
I remember being constantly drawn to witchcraft since a child but between being in the closet and personal detours, I didn't fully dive in (minus my tarot and numerology practice) until later. I finally started collecting crystals in my 30s, and they're one of the tools I use most; but to keep things budget and quality friendly, I go for a single piece of each type I acquire for now. For years, I thought that having no interest in herbs made me a bad witch, until I realized that my practice should align with that works for me (and that experimentation is good).
Well done Hearth 👏! The only thing you could have added to make it better would have been to hold up the magician card from the tarot and let the audience know, "This represents the Self."
Just an idea for people who may not be able to burn insense. Maybe you could use a room spray/perfume that gets you in that spiritual zone or even make your own! There are lots of recipes for room magical room sprays online
Thankfully candles are fairly cheap at thrift stores. I am glad though that you mention the things we dont need because I was thinking I was not a witch because I didnt have or couldnt afford some those things or just didnt feel em'
Honestly, birthday candles (or a candle app for when burning is impractical) are my most used tools. I have others (mostly thrifted or repurposed items) that I use for planned workings but I have definitely done lots of spell work on the fly without any tools.
I totally agree that you don't need tools; I practice TradCraft but I started magic with chaos magic and I used what was on hand (mostly paper, crystals, plants I was given or grew myself) until I accumulated a satisfactory amount of tools that I *wanted*. Although, in my practice, I have kind of lumped together a few tools. I don't have a pentacle on its own, it feels pointless to have one on my altar if it's not on something else (such as an altar cloth). Because it's traditionally representative of the Earth element (at least in Tarot), I just use the cauldron as its more practical replacement. I have a miniature cauldron I bought off Amazon used for $15. Usually the new mini cauldrons go for between $22-$35 depending on the craftsmanship, size and detail. Mine is simple can has a little bit of damage and rust but it works perfectly fine for what I use it for (usually burning stuff and mixing ingredients, but it can also be used for water scrying or offerings if needed). You can also use a normal soup pot if you want, I don't because I don't cook often (at least magically). Also I use the same knife as an athame and bodice. It just feels more practical and magical.
The only tool that I've been really drawn too is the staff. Unfortunately it's hard to find info, but with determination and a clear intent the info has been found. I still don't have a staff yet. At some point I will.
It's funny I started out as a WiccN and I had everything I could find. I realize after many years my magic works when I focus my intentions. Once I bought a green candle for prosperity and intended to put something together for a ritual. My mind was so focused that before I even did the ritual I had more telephone calls for business then I reAlized . I hadn't e enough carved the candle.
I love my 1 ceramic goblet (which came with beer as a promotional deal, before even starting my witchcraft journey 😂) I use it in at least 80% of my workings and I absolutely love and am very happy with my 2 wands ( home made ) which I use in about 70% of my workings. However that being said, I always try my best to do some type of energy exercise. Meditation, centering, grounding or chakra work through meditation because Im personally a believer in a solid foundation.
I know this is 3 years ago, but I will write this for anyone who just found this video like I did. If you think about it, witches in the olden days make use of tools that they have on hand. They didn't have coloured candles, they have cauldrons because that was the normal kitchen tools back in those days and they plant their own vegetation, so they really don't have to buy 2 pieces of bay leaves at an exorbitant amount of price (not targeted at anyone btw). It is all about personal preference and if you want to start but are dirt poor, I recommend the book The Psychic Witch by Matt Auryn. Minimal tools required and you can still practice.
I love this practical approach, because too often people get sucked into the consumerist portion and then wonder why nothing is working. I've had intention work wonders when I was high energy and in an amazing mood, and I focused on already having what I wanted-no tools needed. In over a decade I have never wanted nor used a wand for practice. Yet about a month ago I had a vision of a specific wand, and it felt like it was calling to me. I have yet to come across it, but I am quite curious about this vision. Has anyone else experienced a vision of an object for their craft like this?
Thank you for simplifying everything for beginners. I started with getting reiki certified. It helped me focus my energy. And I'm reading, reading, reading. I take from books what I feel is useful for me now after listening to your advice. I've always been drawn to moonstone and amethyst. I bought a crystal wand on a whim because it spoke to me. I take notes. Lots of them. It helps me see what I feel I should incorporate. I'm not ready for spellwork. I'm building my tools and focusing my energy. Meditation helps too. Thanks for your videos. I do have a question. What do you feel is the best way to cleanse and charge your tools? I like sage but it removes ALL energy, good and bad. Do I charge them in the moonlight? I've heard so much and I don't know what's best.
I think you mean white sage, as that's more for an intense spring cleaning ritual. Try any number of other sages instead: blue sage (grandmother sage), black sage (mugwort), green sage (garden sage), red sage (dragon's blood), gray sage (lavender sage), dakota sage (grandfather sage), desert sage, (mountain sage), clary sage, rosemary (yes, it's reclassified as a sage now), etc. Most of these are milder, and each type has its own unique cleansing & invitation of good energy. For ex. blue sage is great for inviting wealth and success, while black sage invites visions or dreams. And don't forget that there are other herbs or woods or crystals that offer purification: cedar, juniper, frankincense, basil, lemon balm, yarrow, yerba santa, palo santo, sweetgrass, balsam fir, pine, copal, rose jericho, amethyst, citrine, calcite, etc. It's up to you to find out what they each do and which purifier best suits your needs. Hope this helps 😊
I started 6 or so years ago and fell right into the "you need everything" trap. I bought stuff for around 200€ (Probably more) And now i use a Swiss Knife, Scissors and a Tin Mug as main tools.
First I stumbled upon your new Book of Shadows video right as I get into the craft, and now the algorithm is recommending your video on tools right as I'm reading the "Tools" chapter in Scott Cunningham's book lmao
I started my journey into witchcraft not too long ago, I think I bought three books (One about 'general witchyness' and then two more about kitchen and hearth witchcraft which is my personal choice) about it and about four yards of black fabric because I wanted to make my own cloak (Because that's how I am) My husband bought my cauldron however, a cast iron dutch oven... Because his view point is he wants to support me being happy spiritually and emotionally and at worse it's also my kitchenwitch cauldron which means lots of yummy foods
I would suggest before even thinking about getting anything. First you should decide which path your on. Because that will also determine the types of tools and items that you will be working with. For instance being a kitchen witch verses draconic wiccan. Your path will determine the supplies you will need. But I love how you said you dont need anything to actually start.
I do include aspects of New Orleans Hoodoo in my workings after study and conversations with other practitioners of that tradition. However, I don't feel entirely confident in terms of teaching Hoodoo as it is very much a tradition of personal one to one teaching and because I don't fully practice it and instead incorporate it into my own unique path xx
@@HearthWitch I don’t understand what to do to be a witch, I wanna be able to heal people but I don’t know how to can you please make a video on healing magic
I have a small fire pit. However I would love a cauldron. If I purchase the one I've been eyeing I'm going to be questioned by who I live with. Candles have been bought each time I go shopping along with soy candles. Still need to find a spot that has Palo Santo. White sage is what I'm rocking with right now. I need a positive vibe after smudging. T.y for the post🐱.
When I first started with Wicca I was 15, and I felt so hyped about it that I wanted to go out and buy every tool I could get my hands on. Luckily for me, I didn't have the money for it. I have come to realize that it is better to wait for your tools to come to you, or make your own. I have collected little pebbles from the beach to make a rune set, and my wand is a piece of driftwood that I plan to carve magical symbols on before I induct it into my magical working. I find that, when you put some time to work on your tools (those that you can), your energy seeps into them, and they become much more personal to you. When you rush into things and go out to buy the fanciest tool before you are ready to use it, then it won't work.
The only tools I really use are herbs, incense/candles, and crystals (you’re right... collecting them is kind of addictive). I love this video though,because I am always learning something. I’ll definitely have to check out the book that you recommended. Thanks for sharing!
As much as I love the Harry Potter books, unfortunately I think this is where some new witches want to start - get the list of "school supplies" and point that wand at something while saying something in Latin. I get it - the world of Harry Potter is so rich and wonderful and fun (and dangerous and deathly, etc.) that I can understand why new witches can be so easily swayed to buy everything at the beginning. It is worth noting that when you start any journey, things can be so overwhelming and confusing at the beginning. There is a lot of information out there on witchcraft but all the different forms are so intertwined and not necessarily clear about where the roots are coming from. Thanks for your lovely video!
This is very informative video on tools I don't have an athame but I do have a wand I use sometimes. About a year ago I bought a wedding cake knife which I have conscreated it and now I am thinking I might use it as my Boline knife for my herbs and dried flowers so thank you HearthWitch.
Also, the first thing I did was start buying books. I haven't practiced one spell. I just want to learn before I start jumping in feet first. I also want to figure out what I'm interested in and what might work for me - first.
I have that same athame, haha. I also rarely use it, I just use it as altar decoration and the occasional ceremonial magick. I was one of those people who rushed out to buy an athame because i thought I had to have it. I still like and value my athame a lot, but I wish I would have realized then that I didn't need to run out and buy anything to get started.
Hi, I'm a new subscriber. I've been going through and watching some of your older videos. This one, you talk about the main thing anyone needs is their own personal energy. I'm curious as to what your advice would be for someone who feels like their energy (mental, emotional & physical) is depleted due to a chronic illness. Maybe you might have suggestions for "recharging". I think that could be a topic worth making a video for. Thanks ☺
Jo O Absolutely yes. I think this is a very important topic to discuss. It's so hard to focus on energy when you're so distracted with anxiety, or depression, or other illnesses.
I use essential oils in a burner rathe than incense most of the time, I often get ill from the common incense sticks one buy in New Age stores so if I am going to use it I have to make it myself most of the time so I have gotten into the habit to use the steam that rise from an oil buner rather than intense.
I only use candles, dried herbs/flowers, prayers/spells/chants I write myself. That's it. The power is in the person, not the tools.
Could you give me some ideas how to use dried herbs, apart from burning them as an incense? In the Middle East area, where I come from, dried herbs are either used as tea or spices, or burnt in aroma lamps, so before googling for hours I thought it would be simpler to just ask someone to give me a few ideas how they use them, that I could then use as a starting point. Thanks in advance, blessed be! 💚🙏
My alter and my spells are completely my own. I loved this video. You are the only tool you need.You are divine!
SpiritRealm Creations25 ditto....I do the same...
@@aranyanifox4375 The thing is you can use tea and spices for spells, take what youu have in the kitchen or around you :)
I'm rubbish at the moment I'm a baby witch I don't know what to do
I just love you! I am a new Witch...at 53...called my whole life and tried the Craft several times only to stop in frustration feeling doubtful and silly. Then I found you. Your sound and practical advice has changed how I am navigating this path in every way. Thank you!!!
I am also new at age 51 for the same reasons! Still doubting but I know in my heart I'm on the right oath now.
Same. Been dabbling for 30 years, just now getting serious about my path.
Some excellent advice. I think that the problem with the majority of "Becoming a Witch 101" books is that their authors base their statements on Wiccan practices, because it seems to have become the "face" of witchcraft in the public eye. (Disclaimer: I have absolutely ZERO problems with Wicca or adopting some of its practices for non-Wiccan Craftwork; I just don't follow the religion myself.) There is also an apparent belief among the general public that ceremonial magick is "the" way to do things, probably because it looks so much better on-camera and has a greater air of mystery & "occultness" (not a real word, I know ). The natural result is that these types of practices either are adopted by, and/or seem more "right" to, both the majority of how-to authors and fledgling practitioners. Personally, my most powerful & successful castings -- despite having the hobby of making wands! -- have been done hands-only, with extremely minimal preparation, and no Circle or invocations. In my mind it's all a matter of will, visualization, and energy manipulation; whatever tools help one focus their will are helpful but, as you say, not entirely necessary.
I wore a cloak once, it was dangerous and almost caught on fire because it had bell sleeves lol be careful with using them over an alter with candles!
I taught myself on cunninghams books and he also mentions how cloaks with bell sleeves are silly and get in the way. Especially around candles. But if putting on the cloak gets you in the mindset, you do you.
Lol!! Thats hilarious. Glad you weren’t injured!!
I used to be an earth based faith lay leader and we used to make cloaks and wands and stuff, mostly just for the alter aesthetic but it was fun to play and make my own things
😂😂😂Just imagining walking around my apartment with a cloak and the drama of it all...
Kandi, If I buy a cloak ,it will be to keep me warm ..When I go outside during the Winter
I use flowerpot from poundland with sand in it as a cauldron, just some advice if you REALLY want one :))
My cauldron is a cheap little censer/loose incense burner. Three legs and black pewter so it's practically a cauldron lmao. Very tiny but you don't need anything big to burn a few things.
Abi ElectricWitch legit mine is a Harry Potter mug that’s shaped like a cauldron and I heat it by holding it over a candle flame 😂
SociallyAwkwardBurrito i found mine on a garage sale. It has the form of a cauldron . I think its copper or simeler
I know this is a old post,but what sort of plant pot do I need,or something similar.Im on a budget so cant always afford the best of things.x
@@Kat444-r1h As long as its fire-proof so you can burn things in it like bay leaf manifestations you don't need anything specific.
This is an older video but my recommendation for new witches is to only use what you can find. Learn to forage, find stones and crystals in the nature around you or learn what the wild flowers in your area are, or what you can buy from the grocery store and florists. Learn learn learn, don't just buy from an itemized list.
Binders also work really well for a book of shadows if you prefer a physical one. You can add and remove stuff where ever so you don't have to worry about making a mistake in a fancy book. You can also decorate as much or as little as you want if you're in the broom closet or not. I use a binder just so I can keep everything sorted and organized without worrying about running out of pages in a certain subject.
The ritual tools I use in my practice are essentially magical props to help me get into a magical headspace. It’s like you don’t need a plate and fork to eat spaghetti but it sure makes your eating experience a lot better. Lol. As always, I love your videos and expertise. I’ve learned a lot from you. Thanks for another great video.
Thank you SO MUCH for posting this! I was raised with Witchcraft- more Wiccan, and then also raised as a Catholic. I am SO over "ceremony". I never agreed with the fact that I HAD to have certain tools to be effective. I have found that what I am drawn to, works best. It's just nice to know I am not alone. :)
I'm a closet witch. All I have is a BoS, a wand (technically a chopstick but it works just as well), some dried roses, and that's literally it. I do have crystals but I don't know the exact name for them and I don't use them anyway. Yet I can still do spells (beauty spells, cos roses). I've been interested in the craft for about a year now lol. Need to wait many more to get my own house and buy the things. Anyway, nice video!
I'm so glad I'm not Wiccan, traditional Wicca does require a LOT of symbolic tools. 9 years into being a witch and I hardly ever by anything other than consumables like candles that are cheap. I don't own a wand, they never called to me and I never found use for them. That being said, this just reminded me that I dreamt about a beautiful raw stick last night that I considered magical so maybe I should rethink that. Don't want an athame. Don't want a boline. Don't want a pentacle. Couldn't live without my grimoire, that shit's useful for recording and tracking (it was just 12 pounds from Paperchase, but looks magical af). My cauldron is a cheap little censer/loose incense burner, three legs and black pewter so it's practically a cauldron haha. Don't need a chalice. Candles are my life, use them for literally everything. Incense I use less than candles but I use it for transferring energy to objects and for more significant rituals. I have a couple of oils that I dress candles with sometimes but they're not over-useful to me. No interest in a cloak. I love crystals, although I only have I think less that 20, and only regularly use less than ten, but I need to get into herbs more, I'm trying to be more planty.
I have said it before Crystals are pretty to look at, herbs are great for cooking food. As you have stated your magic comes from within all the other junk is a distraction, I have master the power to reverse the energy in ones crystal just by looking at it, see pretty to look at it is now a parlor trick.
Abi,Would an arrow be ok for me to use as a tool?
My Matron deity is Astarte
Abi ElectricWitch you don't require any of it.
As someone that's just beginning, I'm really blessed to have a community garden right outside my dorm... Which means I can go on out there and collect some things without being questioned or having to spend money :)
thats amazing! hope you don't mind the advice but if it's safe you should sit out there and meditate!
Great video. The thing about tools is that they are great to maintain your focus and intention. Drifting is a real thing. Tools keep you on track, especially for long term spells. The beautiful thing is that you can use whatever has meaning to you as tools.
I've only been practicing since October and my practice has changed MASSIVELY since then. It's just like you said: Practitioners should learn to do energy work before they use the tools to direct that energy. I started with far more tools than I use now; over time, I stopped using things like wands, rhymes, my mini broomstick, etc. Simply because it was easier to focus on the working itself, how to use energy, visualizing properly, and so forth, without also having to focus on tools and using them properly when I didn't know how to work effectively to being with!
And it was all the more difficult because my focus was TERRIBLE and I was filled with doubt. I hadn't really experimented or thought to myself how it was all working, or how to do it better-and this improved a great deal when I left the tools and how other people do their practice behind, and found my own path. I'm still learning the basics, but it's going much, much better now. Less anxiety, less comparison, less turning to others for how to practice. More just practicing.
11:30 - when you said “I am very connected with the fire element” I felt that in my core. It resonated with me.
Also you would be surprised how much inventory you already have right in your own home. That's one of the things I would help ppl with when wanting to start up.
"The table that you're sitting on right now"
I love this verbiage! It's almost as if you have some unseen (to your audience) personification if the totality of the people who will ever see your videos, and you're telling this servitor your thoughts on our behalf. I know, you're just telling us through the lens of the camera, but still, that first thought now exists to me.
I started out thinking I needed all the "stuff" when I first got involved in wicca. As my path changed and reading other things like Ray Buckland's Scottish Witchcraft I really learned to appreciate the minimalist tools and that they were also functional beyond props for ritual. So my main tools besides candles and crystals consist of a knife and a staff. A staff always felt more appropriate to me then a little bit of wood for pointing. And I never understood having a blunt knife for very specific purposes. My ritual knife is a working fixed blade that I use like an Athame and a boline and anything else I need. Be it carving, prepping a fire or for directing energy. I did get a scrying mirror too but never had much luck with it. My path has progressed since then but I still use the same minimalist tools I got turned on to by Buckland's book all those years ago. I also like doing rituals on the fly and outdoors so not having to bring a backpack full of random knick knacks is a big deal.
The only tool I'd consider necessary instead of ascetic is my cauldron. A lot of magic requires burning of notes, herbs, etc. While you dont need a cast iron, for magick, large cauldron...i would recommend finding a glass bowl you trust to burn stuff in or over.
Holy cow.
I found your channel recently, and I'm somewhat new in discovering my right path.
BUT my athame just came this morning, and I've been loving on it ever since. Very awesomely, it's literally the exact same as yours! That made me go "woah bro!" and I feel even more connected 💙
The only tools you'll ever need: candle (white tealight is perfect) pen/pencil, paper.
The rest is icing on the cake
I had a bunch of wands back in the day but when I escaped domestic violence I couldn't take much more than clothes and didn't even have kitchen stuff. I made a bunch of my wands and I loved them. I miss them. I might make more in the future.
I totally agree with you about the wand and athame. I have a selenite wand, but never had an athame. I am solitary, so neither is really necessary for me. I once practiced with someone else, who spent thousands on all the tools, and I tried to tell them that the magic was them, not the stuff. But whatever made them happy I guess. I do love my BOS, however, as I love to refer back. And I do love my cauldron! Chalice? No, just a very nice goblet. Yes, candles for me too. You can't have too many!!
When I started to practice I also thought I needed all the tools to begin. So I gathered all the things the books told me to but I ended up not using most of the stuff (Wand, Chalice, Athame, Pentacle, Cauldron) Now it's all sitting in a box gathering dust. I basically don't use any of those fancy tools and definitely agree that they are not neccessary. They make for nice decoration though 😉 What I use often are candles, crystal, herbs and incense. I also prefer to use my hands to work.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I have been practicing (consciously) since 1996. I have said this to so many young or new witches throughout my life. I really appreciate how you approach the subject and will be referring to your videos when assisting new or newer witches in finding their paths. You have my respect, support, and gratitude.
I went out a bought a tarot deck, even though my whole life I've hated flashcards and things like them. I've barely touched them aside from using them for associated energy/themes for spellwork. Oh well, they're pretty to look at, at least.
Yes yes yes. Go with what feels right in your soul. I "channel" energy that guide's my hand on what to grab and do with my magick. Also going to Thirft/second hand shops your be surprised what you can find. I found my chalices and my son's copper cauldron. My first was a copper tea pot when I was very little and was very grateful that it appeared and was less than $5, can't go wrong with that!
Hi guys just a really useful tip the book "Before you cast a spell" is out of print but you can buy it on amazon as a download it on a tablet or kindle device. You might get lucky in a second hand book shop or thrift store. It's a great read & was worth the download. 🙏🏽💕
Cat Rowe hi everyone I just wanted to add that the book is available from Apple Books (for iPad etc) at £13.99
Thanks for this information 🙂
I love my book of shadows, candles, crystals, herbs and tarot cards in my practice ❤️
My Book of Shadows is a Microsoft OneNote journal. Great organizational tool
When I was in the broom closet, I wanted a cauldron but I new it wasn’t a good idea to get one. It would be wayyyy to obvious. So, I used a jar that a candle was in! It was a bigger candle, so it worked great. You could also use a glass bowl that your family kinda forgot about.
Really great video thank you Hearth. I would love to see a tour of your herb collection some day
Tools do not have any power or energy in themselves----the witch does. Tools are simply tools. I have found over my many years of practice that the best tools are ones that you just find and connect with. Like most, when I first starting practicing 30 some years ago I thought I had to buy all these rather expensive objects. What I found out as time passed, is that I worked better with ritual tools that weren't originally meant to be witchy tools-----my athame is actually a brass letter opener that had belonged to my deceased mother (great for dragging around outside)…..my cauldron is a large copper pot with handle that I found at a thrift shop and loved. Advice to beginning witch's-----visit thrift shops, yard sales and the like----find items that you connect with and will actually use (if you're into using them).
I bought two notebooks from Walmart & decorated them one is my book of shadows ones my grimore. I set up my alter with fabric from Walmart and a bunch of Buddha statues crystals incense and candles that i already have. I bought little cups and bowls from thrift store too
I am so very happy I found your channel! You have shown me so much about magic and also saved me a ton of money on things I don’t really need for MY practice! I am learning so much from you. I also appreciate your honesty and I love your book recommendations! I love your podcast! Thank you so much!
Excellent video. I have an athame and a crystal ball from my teen years (they were both gifts) and tbh now I'm coming back to practice some decades later, I'm not sure what to do with them. No way would I get rid of them, maybe they just get to stay for sentimental reasons :)
Now I work with the few crystals I have, the incense and candles I've picked up over the years, herbs from my cupboard, garden and walks around the neighborhood, and bits and bobs.
Since coming back to practice, the only things I've bought are candles, a jar from a dollar store, and a deck of tarot cards because I felt drawn to get some (and I can't just use my mum's ones any more!)
You definitely don't need stuff, the stuff can just help you focus, and make your environment "feel" more magical imho. Proper meditation is like magic without stuff, I think.
in the name is the answer. witchCRAFT. it is an art of crafting. anything what you will find around you and you feel it is useful for you - just use it! it can be anythig. a stone, a stick, a feather, a pine cone... anything! it will work for you, if you feel that it will work. the most important thing is an intention. you can spend a lot of money for totally useless (for you) things and you can find a lot of useful things around you. this is a kind of DIY.
PS. beautiful hair colour, Hearth! :)
I love your videos! I learn a lot from them! Can you pleas do a video talking about protection on spells and ritual and what is a backfire and how to avoid to get a backfire?
Any tips on developing your energy manipulation skills?
A symbol is a lever for the mind, and working tools are magical symbols. The effectiveness of the working tool is directly propositional to its ability to lever the thoughts of the practitioner. ❤️
I don't need any tools or materials, but I find that using them helps me to "bring all of myself to my magick". I believe that the more of your senses are engaged in what you are doing, the more energy is available to your focus and the more powerful the result. So colors/crystals/sigils engage sight, tones/drums/mantras for hearing, incense/herbs/oils for smell, ritual garb/jewelry and most of the 'altar stuff' for touch, and tinctures/mead/water for taste. Also, since I work with the Cannabis spirit pretty closely, I tend to benefit from having physical objects to hold some of the charges raised rather than having to keep them all in mind all at once. However, they are always only a bonus and not a necessity. A focused thought, powered by emotion energy, and given a direction and purpose will be quite enough.
For herbs and crystals I tend to mainly use what I can find in my kitchen, home grown herbs, or local stones and plants in my area
The only crystals I have that aren't local are gifts from family unaware of my practice but the rest are local
I have watched several of your videos. I worry about the world and the craft being so “ in “ right now… because ppl need to remember that the universe is about balance -yin yang - good and evil. When dealing with intention spirit and the unseen you must be very careful not to fall into something you don’t want to ❤️
I also love that you are honest.. when I started I literally had 0 tools and had no way of getting them.
I would definitely recommend a thick walled pot (with sand in the bottom) OR a cast iron cauldron for anyone who wants to burn things like Bay leaves. Fire safety is VERY important and often neglected in our community.
I remember being constantly drawn to witchcraft since a child but between being in the closet and personal detours, I didn't fully dive in (minus my tarot and numerology practice) until later. I finally started collecting crystals in my 30s, and they're one of the tools I use most; but to keep things budget and quality friendly, I go for a single piece of each type I acquire for now. For years, I thought that having no interest in herbs made me a bad witch, until I realized that my practice should align with that works for me (and that experimentation is good).
I love you darling !! You are one of my favorite witches !! Sending hugs and lots of love 💕 blessed be my darling !! :-)
Well done Hearth 👏!
The only thing you could have added to make it better would have been to hold up the magician card from the tarot and let the audience know, "This represents the Self."
Just an idea for people who may not be able to burn insense. Maybe you could use a room spray/perfume that gets you in that spiritual zone or even make your own! There are lots of recipes for room magical room sprays online
Thankfully candles are fairly cheap at thrift stores. I am glad though that you mention the things we dont need because I was thinking I was not a witch because I didnt have or couldnt afford some those things or just didnt feel em'
My preference is candle, herbs, crystals its all about INTENTION
Honestly, birthday candles (or a candle app for when burning is impractical) are my most used tools. I have others (mostly thrifted or repurposed items) that I use for planned workings but I have definitely done lots of spell work on the fly without any tools.
Aaaahw i always get so happy when i see a notification from hearth witch 😍🙇♀️❤😘
I totally agree that you don't need tools; I practice TradCraft but I started magic with chaos magic and I used what was on hand (mostly paper, crystals, plants I was given or grew myself) until I accumulated a satisfactory amount of tools that I *wanted*. Although, in my practice, I have kind of lumped together a few tools.
I don't have a pentacle on its own, it feels pointless to have one on my altar if it's not on something else (such as an altar cloth). Because it's traditionally representative of the Earth element (at least in Tarot), I just use the cauldron as its more practical replacement. I have a miniature cauldron I bought off Amazon used for $15. Usually the new mini cauldrons go for between $22-$35 depending on the craftsmanship, size and detail. Mine is simple can has a little bit of damage and rust but it works perfectly fine for what I use it for (usually burning stuff and mixing ingredients, but it can also be used for water scrying or offerings if needed). You can also use a normal soup pot if you want, I don't because I don't cook often (at least magically).
Also I use the same knife as an athame and bodice. It just feels more practical and magical.
The only tool that I've been really drawn too is the staff. Unfortunately it's hard to find info, but with determination and a clear intent the info has been found. I still don't have a staff yet. At some point I will.
Such good advice. Really summed up most of my questions.
I love your vibe you do what ever you want you go girl keep up the good work 👍👍👍👍👍💖
It's funny I started out as a WiccN and I had everything I could find. I realize after many years my magic works when I focus my intentions. Once I bought a green candle for prosperity and intended to put something together for a ritual. My mind was so focused that before I even did the ritual I had more telephone calls for business then I reAlized . I hadn't e enough carved the candle.
💚💚💚🤗🤗🤗💥
Thank you for this practical and honest guidance!
That was such an amazing video, thank you for enriching the witchcraft community the way you do :))
I love my 1 ceramic goblet (which came with beer as a promotional deal, before even starting my witchcraft journey 😂) I use it in at least 80% of my workings and I absolutely love and am very happy with my 2 wands ( home made ) which I use in about 70% of my workings.
However that being said, I always try my best to do some type of energy exercise. Meditation, centering, grounding or chakra work through meditation because Im personally a believer in a solid foundation.
I know this is 3 years ago, but I will write this for anyone who just found this video like I did. If you think about it, witches in the olden days make use of tools that they have on hand. They didn't have coloured candles, they have cauldrons because that was the normal kitchen tools back in those days and they plant their own vegetation, so they really don't have to buy 2 pieces of bay leaves at an exorbitant amount of price (not targeted at anyone btw).
It is all about personal preference and if you want to start but are dirt poor, I recommend the book The Psychic Witch by Matt Auryn. Minimal tools required and you can still practice.
I love this practical approach, because too often people get sucked into the consumerist portion and then wonder why nothing is working. I've had intention work wonders when I was high energy and in an amazing mood, and I focused on already having what I wanted-no tools needed. In over a decade I have never wanted nor used a wand for practice. Yet about a month ago I had a vision of a specific wand, and it felt like it was calling to me. I have yet to come across it, but I am quite curious about this vision. Has anyone else experienced a vision of an object for their craft like this?
Thank you for simplifying everything for beginners. I started with getting reiki certified. It helped me focus my energy. And I'm reading, reading, reading. I take from books what I feel is useful for me now after listening to your advice. I've always been drawn to moonstone and amethyst. I bought a crystal wand on a whim because it spoke to me. I take notes. Lots of them. It helps me see what I feel I should incorporate. I'm not ready for spellwork. I'm building my tools and focusing my energy. Meditation helps too. Thanks for your videos.
I do have a question. What do you feel is the best way to cleanse and charge your tools? I like sage but it removes ALL energy, good and bad. Do I charge them in the moonlight? I've heard so much and I don't know what's best.
I think you mean white sage, as that's more for an intense spring cleaning ritual. Try any number of other sages instead: blue sage (grandmother sage), black sage (mugwort), green sage (garden sage), red sage (dragon's blood), gray sage (lavender sage), dakota sage (grandfather sage), desert sage, (mountain sage), clary sage, rosemary (yes, it's reclassified as a sage now), etc. Most of these are milder, and each type has its own unique cleansing & invitation of good energy. For ex. blue sage is great for inviting wealth and success, while black sage invites visions or dreams. And don't forget that there are other herbs or woods or crystals that offer purification: cedar, juniper, frankincense, basil, lemon balm, yarrow, yerba santa, palo santo, sweetgrass, balsam fir, pine, copal, rose jericho, amethyst, citrine, calcite, etc. It's up to you to find out what they each do and which purifier best suits your needs. Hope this helps 😊
Exactly, 100%, solid advice!
I started 6 or so years ago and fell right into the "you need everything" trap.
I bought stuff for around 200€ (Probably more)
And now i use a Swiss Knife, Scissors and a Tin Mug as main tools.
"The table you're sitting on..."
If she lights all those candles, we're gonna get our asses burnt....
First I stumbled upon your new Book of Shadows video right as I get into the craft, and now the algorithm is recommending your video on tools right as I'm reading the "Tools" chapter in Scott Cunningham's book lmao
I started my journey into witchcraft not too long ago, I think I bought three books (One about 'general witchyness' and then two more about kitchen and hearth witchcraft which is my personal choice) about it and about four yards of black fabric because I wanted to make my own cloak (Because that's how I am)
My husband bought my cauldron however, a cast iron dutch oven... Because his view point is he wants to support me being happy spiritually and emotionally and at worse it's also my kitchenwitch cauldron which means lots of yummy foods
I would suggest before even thinking about getting anything. First you should decide which path your on. Because that will also determine the types of tools and items that you will be working with. For instance being a kitchen witch verses draconic wiccan. Your path will determine the supplies you will need. But I love how you said you dont need anything to actually start.
Can you make a video just about everything hoodoo, what it is exactly and how to practice it? Love you channel!
im pretty sure hoodoo is one of those things where you have to learn from a person. like irl . since its like a culture thing . gl~
Oh, alright. I'd just like to know more since she has it written in the beginning of the videos :)
I do include aspects of New Orleans Hoodoo in my workings after study and conversations with other practitioners of that tradition. However, I don't feel entirely confident in terms of teaching Hoodoo as it is very much a tradition of personal one to one teaching and because I don't fully practice it and instead incorporate it into my own unique path xx
Hoodun is a full fledged religion. You should read about it, not get a gloss-over from youtube IMO.
@@HearthWitch I don’t understand what to do to be a witch, I wanna be able to heal people but I don’t know how to can you please make a video on healing magic
I have a small fire pit. However I would love a cauldron. If I purchase the one I've been eyeing I'm going to be questioned by who I live with. Candles have been bought each time I go shopping along with soy candles. Still need to find a spot that has Palo Santo. White sage is what I'm rocking with right now. I need a positive vibe after smudging. T.y for the post🐱.
When I first started with Wicca I was 15, and I felt so hyped about it that I wanted to go out and buy every tool I could get my hands on. Luckily for me, I didn't have the money for it. I have come to realize that it is better to wait for your tools to come to you, or make your own. I have collected little pebbles from the beach to make a rune set, and my wand is a piece of driftwood that I plan to carve magical symbols on before I induct it into my magical working. I find that, when you put some time to work on your tools (those that you can), your energy seeps into them, and they become much more personal to you. When you rush into things and go out to buy the fanciest tool before you are ready to use it, then it won't work.
the cool toned lipstick with the fiery red hair is such a look
This makes me feel better. I think have about four.
I really love your channel, I feel like we have very similar ideals in being a witch and I absolutely love that your sharing ☮💖😺
Wonderful video! I spent way too much money on unnecessary items at the beginning.
I just absolutely love your videos, girl!!!! You are so informative and a ton of information that is perfect for us baby witches !!
Blessed Be
💜💜
The only tools I really use are herbs, incense/candles, and crystals (you’re right... collecting them is kind of addictive). I love this video though,because I am always learning something. I’ll definitely have to check out the book that you recommended. Thanks for sharing!
Yay a longer video! Best channel ever
As much as I love the Harry Potter books, unfortunately I think this is where some new witches want to start - get the list of "school supplies" and point that wand at something while saying something in Latin. I get it - the world of Harry Potter is so rich and wonderful and fun (and dangerous and deathly, etc.) that I can understand why new witches can be so easily swayed to buy everything at the beginning. It is worth noting that when you start any journey, things can be so overwhelming and confusing at the beginning. There is a lot of information out there on witchcraft but all the different forms are so intertwined and not necessarily clear about where the roots are coming from. Thanks for your lovely video!
Thanks for the information, I like the videos where you talk about your own practice.
This is very informative video on tools I don't have an athame but I do have a wand I use sometimes. About a year ago I bought a wedding cake knife which I have conscreated it and now I am thinking I might use it as my Boline knife for my herbs and dried flowers so thank you HearthWitch.
Thank you for the book recommendation. I believe it is what I'm looking for. I was looking around and was uncertain which book would be good for me.
Best advices ever! Many thanks!
I see Harmony Nices book on your shelf 🙂🙂
Also, the first thing I did was start buying books. I haven't practiced one spell. I just want to learn before I start jumping in feet first. I also want to figure out what I'm interested in and what might work for me - first.
Thank you for the valuable information!
Just found your channel. Love your approach. You’re amazing! I am subscribed!
Thank you so much for sharing. I do agree with you ♥
The first crystals i started with was clear crystal quartz amethyst and rose quartz
Late to the conversation, but I work only with energy, sigils, and a ceramic bowl for burning them.
I have a mortar and pestle and I just use my mortar as a cauldron as a new witch.
I have that same athame, haha. I also rarely use it, I just use it as altar decoration and the occasional ceremonial magick. I was one of those people who rushed out to buy an athame because i thought I had to have it. I still like and value my athame a lot, but I wish I would have realized then that I didn't need to run out and buy anything to get started.
Wonderful suggestions ... thank you for sharing!
Another invaluable lesson. Thanks a million!
For someone who did not want to use a pentacle in her workings (I'm not Wiccan), I am pretty excited that I don't need one.
I want a wand. But probably just for decoration. Lol.
Hi, I'm a new subscriber.
I've been going through and watching some of your older videos. This one, you talk about the main thing anyone needs is their own personal energy. I'm curious as to what your advice would be for someone who feels like their energy (mental, emotional & physical) is depleted due to a chronic illness. Maybe you might have suggestions for "recharging". I think that could be a topic worth making a video for. Thanks ☺
Jo O Absolutely yes. I think this is a very important topic to discuss. It's so hard to focus on energy when you're so distracted with anxiety, or depression, or other illnesses.
I just have a metal tart melter I'll probably just use for bay leaves and maybe incense
I use essential oils in a burner rathe than incense most of the time, I often get ill from the common incense sticks one buy in New Age stores so if I am going to use it I have to make it myself most of the time so I have gotten into the habit to use the steam that rise from an oil buner rather than intense.