To most people the tools of the magical trade are wands, and knives or atheme. This can be considered pop culture to serious casters. Yes some use a wand some use athemes and most use good old common sense.
A wand like anyother focus device focuses the casters thoughts or intents on a particular person or object. Other focus devices can be gems, staves, ruinic stones, etc.. Once you begin looking you can find many different types of focus points. A wand is best made by the caster and not purchased from any store selling occult items. If someone wants a wand that badly go to the Harry Potter store and buy several from Olivandar.
A knife is used to cut something. You may cut herbs for a particular spell or cut a circle of protection with it. All you can really do with a knife is perform cutting actions. Some paths use the knife in particular spells so as to form a focus point for the caster. I don't dispute it but a knife will always be used for cutting. Even the catholic church uses a knife for excommunication and exorcism.
A Cauldron is a large pot with feet attached to the bottom. Great for making soup and other liquid potions. Is it special? Not really, it is used for boiling objects nothing more. Popular culture has a cauldron being used to create spells with fog going over the edges. Dry ice anybody? If you need one for special usage get a large enough pot to contain the liquid and keep it with your supplies. Otherwise just go to your kitchen and get a pot for daily use.
Grinding of certain herbs releases their oils. If you need to grind an herb you will eventually find a mortar and pastel. This really doesn't change any spell you cast but it does help with extracting essential oils. Remember it is your intent that makes the spell. Beyond these small items you might want to start a book.
A book of shadows is your everyday workbook. This book contains the spells that worked and the spells that don't. It is your daily diary of spells. Things you might wish to record are the spells, what went right, and what went wrong. You will want to keep this book near your work area so that you can write in it every time you cast. Yes this book is handwritten so don't keep it on a computer. This is your spell book protect it as you will.
A Grimoire is a book that contains spells and their components. This book is not written in except by the original author. You can purchase this type book but it is not to be confused with a book of shadows. It is impersonal and does absolutely nothing for the caster. This type of book needs little or no protection other than what your path requires of you. If you think about it a website can be a grimoire.
Silk bags can be made from a variety of materials that are silk like. I personally use real silk due to what it actually is. Others may use what they will but real silk is a natural insulator against magical vibes. Why do you think it is pooped out by silk worms? Other items can be used for insulation but things from nature work the best.
A storage chest for your components is important as this keeps innocents out of trouble. This chest can be a simple lockable piece of luggage, carpet bag or an actual chest that locks. It must be locked to keep prying fingers from getting their vibrations all over your tools. You have invested time and effort to get these tools so protect the innocent. Unless you are using them keep the chest locked.
One final item that I have found to be useful. A chalice or cup can be used for a variety of purposes. Most commonly it is used to quench your thirst during a long period of spell casting. Common materials cannot be used so expect a fairly high cost in obtaining one. Gold or silver or a combination of the two works well especially when working with the elder kind.
Other paths have different tools some involve a shovel or a spade, some use a hammer or a sledgehammer, and some use a sickle or a scythe. Make sure that these tools can fit into a safe place or be disassembled and placed into your chest. Most of what your particular path requires starts with the above basic tools.

written by eli, January 30, 2009
written by April (heroheidR), January 31, 2009


