This week’s question from the Pagan Perspective YouTube channel is a three-in-one, all of which deal with how you resource the supplies you use in your faith and/or craft.
From Jay Jackson:
“I was wondering about the group’s different takes on using Items that are now mass-produced or that are not naturally occurring for use in their Craftwork or Rituals. For instance you can go down to one of the large camping stores and buy a cauldron or acquire one from one of the various “witchy” stores. Back in the day people usually repurposed a family heirlooms or acquired an old one from an antique store. Some Items that were made by hand are now available off the shelf.”
I really don’t have an issue with this. For some people, they are limited (sometimes severely so) in their ability to access natural resources, hand-me-down items, antiques and vintage pieces, and other such methods that were once common place. Sometimes they are financially strapped and mass market is the only way to afford something they feel they want or need.
As long as all paths and venues are represented and none are causing the death of any of the others? Then I say do what feels right for you.
In my own personal choices, I get a lot of what I need from my hikes in nature, as well as from second hand stores, yard sales, garage sales, etc…. and occasionally thrift stores and dollar stores. There is also eBay and Etsy, although I usually avoid ordering spellcraft items online whenever possible (especially crystals), as I find I need to touch them in order to make sure the energies they emit are going to blend well with my own or my purpose.
Keep in mind when ordering online that if you are sensitive to energy emissions, you might not be happy with what you receive regardless of how many pictures you see of the item first. Cleansing can only do so much. Sometimes? It’s just not enough.
(Cont.) From Jay Jackson:
“Also due to modern technology, Laboratory grown Crystals are available. Last year I saw a really beautiful Crystal that was Opalite, I really felt it was ‘calling’ to me, my hopes for the stone were dashed when someone pointed out Opalite is man-made in Labs. I recently acquired one anyway to use as a focal point for a similar item found in Druid Practice but it is unknown what its historic nature was. (A Serpents Egg or Dragon Egg)”
I’m okay with using non-crystal “crystals” in magical practice. If the item suits your needs and/or you feel it has the energy and qualities you’re looking for to enhance your practice or crafting? Go for it. Crystals aren’t the only things in the world that carry energy, so why not?
I do have a HUGE issue with misrepresentation on the side of crystal suppliers. Whether this is because they don’t know any better, or because they are intentionally being deceptive? Not okay.
First? They should know their shit, and if they don’t they shouldn’t be selling crystals. So that they don’t know what they’re actually selling is NOT an excuse.
Second? Whether it is “accepted in the industry” or not. Whether it is something “everyone is doing” or not. Whether it is legal or not. I don’t give a fuck. Deceptive practices are still deceptive practices, regardless of the reasons and/or excuses used to justify their use. And…. IMO? Not okay. This includes baking amethyst to then ‘pass it off’ as citrine. This includes claiming opalite is a stone (it’s glass). This includes claiming dyed stones are naturally that color. All of that is deceptive. Commonly done, but deceptive.
From Lea McAlister:
“I’m curious what everyone’s thoughts might be in the Sephora Beginner Witch Kits that they [were going to] be selling. It seems like a pretty hot topic with divided opinions everywhere. I would love to know what everyone here thinks. :)”
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I’m pretty sure that says it all where my opinion is concerned.
From Shadow_sun:
“Favorite budget ideas for spells such as supplies, herbs, or just in general.”
I already mentioned a number of them above. One of my favorite sources is when I go hiking in nature or take a trip to the beach. You have to be careful that you are sourcing sustainably, though. Don’t just take whatever you want, as much as you want, and think it’s okay because it’s “free”. Be certain that you are not harming the environment or those that live within it by what you decide to take away with you.
Second hand stores, yard sales, garage sales, thrift stores, dollar stores, etc. All of these are really good for things like supplies and in general. Estate sales can also be a good place to look for things such as crystals and supplies at a steep discount, although that’s not always the case.
For herbs, my biggest suggestion is to learn how to grow what you need. This is what I do for sage, lavender, rosemary, and a few other herbs. I grow them, bundle them (when appropriate), and dry them myself (or freeze them if needed). You’d be amazed at how much you can get out of a single plant.
Other venues for herbs would be the local grocery store, ethnic markets (ie: Chinatown), bulk food stores, etc.
Craft stores often also are a good place. They will often have coupons online that you can use to get some pretty steep discounts (such as 20% off an entire order, or 40% off a single item, for example).
You’ll notice I don’t mention metaphysical shops. This is because I’ve found unless they’re having a spectacular sale or liquidating to close down? They don’t really have good deals for saving money. Since this question is all about how to SAVE money, I did not include them.
Nor do I mention Amazon, eBay, or Etsy on this question. I have found that although you can occasionally find some really good deals from online sites, the results of what you get when your order arrives is a “mixed bag” when it comes to getting what you -expect- to receive. For this reason, I prefer to shop for my spellcrafting supplies in person whenever possible.
Twisting the Leaf 