The Book of Shadows of a Broom Closet Dweller *EDITING*

Tools

First things first: do not... I repeat... do not think you need tools. You can still be a successful witch without using any tools or spending any money. That said, tools can be helpful to beginner witches as they serve to remind you that you are working with another realm of existence. They help to firmly cement in your subconscious brain, "I'm a witch, I'm practising witchcraft, and this is my will." Tools essentially help you to switch you into an alternate state of consciousness; a mindset ideal for working your magick. With practice, adept witches can easily switch their mindset into a magickal one without tools; but for beginners, switching your mindset can be difficult, so tools make it easier.

The abundance of tools or the quality of tools does not automatically make a more powerful witch. A highly experienced witch can just as easily cast a powerful hex with a single onion than a newbie witch using a full set of tools.

🧘 Mastering The Fundamentals is (meditation, visualisation, grounding & centring, energy work) is the most important thing to becoming a successful witch, not the physical tools you use. 🧘

Tools also connect us to our traditions. Although Wicca is less than 100 years old, some of the tools and traditions are drawn from much older faiths. Tools connect us not only to the pre-Christian traditions we suspect were practised by our ancestors, but also to the traditions that have developed in the faith over the last 80 years.

The abundance and quality of tools does not matter, but forming a strong bond with your tools can matter. When you really get to know your personal tools and ingredients, you become accustomed to the way they work, their range of function, what they're capable of, and the jobs they are ideal for. 

So remember:
> No tool is essential, and any spell can be performed with only your mind and your words.
> Take your time gathering tools. It is better to work without a tool than to rush out and collect them all at once. You will know when you find the right tools for your practice.
> Tools just help you to focus and direct your energy. It is easier to visualise energy extending from the point of an athame than the tip of your finger, but in actuality, the finger is just as effective.

Consecrating

Consecration is the process of blessing an item, making it sacred for only a single purpose. Witches often consecrate their tools so they become sacred to their craft. In other words, once a witch's tool has been consecrated, it can only be used for magick. If it is used for something else, say, someone else uses your cauldron for a Halloween party, it will need to be re-consecrated. Some witches also choose to re-consecrate their tools after they've been used for a heavy banishing or curse.

🎇 While it is not mandatory, most witches consecrate all of their primary tools such as the ritual dagger, wand, cauldron, chalice, and broom. Consecration is highly recommended for beginners. 🎇

Consecration typically involves cleansing the object, followed by blessing it with each of the four elements and any preferred deities, but you can consecrate it in any way you like.

> Once a tool is consecrated, you should only use it for magickal purposes.
> It should be properly stored and maintained to ensure that its magical energy does not weaken.
> Should it become clouded with negative energy or be misused, you can re-cleanse and re-consecrate it.

(A typical consecration ritual has been published towards the end of this BoS at the Rituals and Spells section)

Cleansing tools

There are many ways to cleanse objects, you can use any one of the following methods or create your own way.

> passing through smoke/essential oil mist/flames,
> spraying with moon water/sun water/saltwater/rainwater/herbal infusion,
> burying in soil (for up to 3 days),
> leaving on a bed of salt (for up to 3 days),
> storing with a crystal cluster,
> subjecting it to uplifting music/singing/tuning fork
> leaving in moonlight
> blowing on the object
> asking deities/Spirit to help cleanse the object
> and/or visualising gentle, cleansing light blanketing the object

Note: the most appropriate method depends on the material the tool is made from. Avoid using salt to cleanse metal objects, and be careful using water with iron tools. Wooden tools may not respond well to salt. Do not use water with wooden objects unless they are coated with sealant.

Tool storage

Once consecrated, your tools should be stored separately from your common household objects. If you keep an altar, some of your tools can reside on it. If you have room, place a box or closed basket under the altar for the rest of your tools. You can also keep them in their own drawer, shelf, or box.

Many dwellers of the broom closet choose to keep their tools in a shoebox, or, if it's the only way, hidden in plain sight with their non-magical possessions (I use my cauldron to hold jewellery when not in use, and put my candles on shelves for decorative purposes).

If you feel any item might collect negative energy, wrap it in a piece of black silk. This mostly applies to Tarot cards, runes, scrying mirrors and Ouija boards.

Good practices for tool storage:
> Keep your tools together in one place (optional)
> Keep them in a secure box or cabinet
> Store fragile tools with extra care such as tarot cards, ceramic/wooden/crystal tools, and candles
> Some tools are prone to absorbing energy, so should be wrapped in dark cloth such as tarot cards, ouija boards, scrying mirrors, and crystal balls(1)
> Herbs, potions, and powders should be clearly labelled and dated to prevent accidental ingestion of toxic substances
> Toxic ingredients, matches, lighters, and sharp blades must be kept out of reach of children

Broom closet tip:

I made a YouTube video explaining different ways to get the traditional tools in the broom closet:

First published: Jun 2018

Last updated: Jul 2023