When you first start getting into witchcraft, it can feel like you’re drowning in stuff. There are magic books everywhere, fancy candles, crystals, oils, and who knows what else. And it can make you feel like you need all of these things to do magic “right.” I’ve heard someone say that “Spirituality is expensive.” But does it really have to be?
I get it—there’s a ton of information out there, and it’s easy to get sucked into the idea that you have to have the right tools to get started. You start asking yourself: Which book is for beginners? What supplies do I really need? Which stores have the “best” crystals? All this stuff can pile up, — it’s hard to imagine spending extra money on candles, crystals, and all the other “witchy” stuff.
You don’t need to buy a single thing to be a witch. Magic isn’t about all the stuff you own. I know—candles and crystals are pretty, and they can help set up your mind in the right space to create focus for your practice. But at the end of the day? Magic is all about you.
What Do You Really Need to Get Started?
Nothing. Not a single thing.
The most important thing you need to practice witchcraft is yourself. You don’t need an altar full of expensive crystals or a candle that costs more than your rent. You need your thoughts, your energy, and some quiet moments to sit with yourself. That’s it.
Magic is about self-reflection, intention-setting, and belief in yourself. It’s about recognizing the power that’s already within you and using that to manifest what you want in your life. I’ve been practicing witchcraft for over 20 years, and let me tell you: You don’t need a bunch of expensive junk to do this.
How Can You Get Started With Nothing?
It’s honestly pretty simple. Magic isn’t about fancy tools, expensive crystals, or a $100 altar setup. What matters most is you, your thoughts, and your intention. You can practice witchcraft with just a few basic things, and a lot of it doesn’t even require you to spend any money. All you really need is your energy and your belief in the process.
Here’s what you can use to start your practice with the bare minimum:
1. A Notebook & Pen
First thing you need? A place to organize your thoughts and write down your intentions. This doesn’t even have to be a notebook and pen. You can use your notes app on your phone, your computer, A Google Drive, anything where you can write down your thoughts and self-reflect.
When you're first starting out, write down things you want to manifest, or keep track of how you feel during different moon phases or rituals. Where you write becomes a record of your growth, both magical and personal.
2. Candles
Candles are a staple in many rituals and spells, but they don’t need to be expensive, fancy candles with glitter and crystals inside them. Tea lights, which you can buy in bulk for just a few bucks, work just as well. Light one when you want to create a calm atmosphere or when you're meditating, working a spell, or setting an intention. The act of lighting a candle is a ritual in itself—symbolizing the focus and energy you’re putting into the spell or intention.
Don’t overthink it—tea lights are small, affordable, and effective for everyday practice.
3. Table Salt
Salt is one of the most powerful tools in witchcraft for a reason. It’s been used for centuries to cleanse, protect, and purify spaces. And no, you don’t need special “magical” salt—regular old table salt works just fine. Use it to cleanse your space, your tools, or yourself before a ritual or spell. If you feel off or have bad energy around you, you can sprinkle salt around your space or create a salt circle to help protect and clear the area.
It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s cheap.
4. A Quiet Spot to Reflect
You don’t need a designated altar to do magic. Sure, it’s nice to have a space that feels sacred to you, but magic can happen anywhere. The key is to find a quiet spot where you can focus, whether it’s your bedroom, a couch, or even somewhere outside. What’s important is that you create an environment where you can reflect and connect with yourself.
Take a few minutes to clear your mind, focus on your intention, and just be present. This is where you’ll do the real work of magic—connecting your thoughts and energy to the things you want to manifest.
5. Your Thoughts & Intentions
At the end of the day, your thoughts and intentions are the most important part of your practice. You don’t need a bunch of “tools” to do magic. What you need is clarity of thought and a strong belief in what you're doing. You can do all the rituals, use all the ingredients, and buy all the fancy items—but without the focus and intention behind them, they’re just things.
Set your intention clearly. What do you want to manifest? What are your desires? What changes do you want to see in your life? Sit quietly, breathe, and focus on your desire. Let your mind create the image of what you want, and believe that it’s already on its way to you.
How to Use These Basics
Once you’ve got these basics, here’s how you can use them:
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Start with Cleansing: Before doing any work, light your tea light and sprinkle some salt around your space to cleanse the area. This gets rid of any negative energy and sets the tone for your magic.
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Write Your Intentions: In your notebook, write down what you want to manifest or what your goal is. This could be a personal transformation, something material, or a spiritual goal. Writing it down solidifies your intention and gives it power.
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Meditate or Reflect: Once your space is cleansed and your intentions are written down, take a few minutes to reflect. Breathe deeply, focus on your desires, and allow your mind to focus on your goal. This is where the real magic happens.
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Believe in Your Magic: Magic works best when you truly believe in it. Trust in your power and know that what you’re putting out into the world will come back to you. This is the energy you’re working with.
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Do the Footwork: Magic doesn’t work unless you do. Want a new job? By all means write it out, where you want to work, everything. Close your eyes, imagine it happening. But then apply for the job! Make sure you are qualified! Do all the steps you can in the physical space to secure the job you want. Magic works best when it’s backed up by our physical steps.
Don’t let expensive items or complicated rituals hold you back from beginning your own spiritual journey. Simple tools and the power of your own belief is enough. Magic is about you. All you need is the willingness to trust in yourself and your abilities. So forget the idea that you need all the “stuff” to be a witch. You don’t. You are the magic.