Tools of the craft
The one and only tool a witch truly needs is themselves!
All you truly need is you! Your intent, your energy, your body, and mind! Everything else is just extra.
Using tools vs just yourself is like if I read you a book vs performing a play. Both tell the story, both can be lovely and moving, and at different times you may prefer one or the other. But a play is just hugely extra and can help relay my exact vision.
Do not think that you need to write out a shopping list and go out and buy every tool you read about before you can practice witchcraft. If you wish to get tools, I would start out with a few essentials then slowly build up over time as you find pieces that mean something to you or you really feel drawn to.
The essentials:
Candles- candle magick is an important and easy tool to begin with. You can always simply use white candles for everything but you can also use colored candles for specific meaning.
If you are in the broomcloset candles can seem like a very normal decoration that everyone has.
If you are in a place where you can not light candles you could try using wickless candles on a warmer or LED candles. I love LED candles, they can look quite real and are great for safety. I use some LED candles on my altar because I wanted a lot of candles but also wanted to keep in mind fire safety.
Cauldron/cast iron pot- This can be really useful for safely burning herbs, incense, and items for spells. I would skip the tiny ones they are harder to safely use. You can get a cast iron cooking pot as well if you are in the broomcloset or if you want a larger size. You might like the look better or it may be a better price even.
Chalice- Used for drinking during ritual. This doesn't need to be a fancy cup bought from a witch store as they can often be expensive. Look for wine glasses at the dollar store even! Mine is a really pretty glass I got from Walmart!
Those three are the most important, most used tools in my opinion.
Other tools:
In my opinion, do not rush to get these. Take your time and find what's right or if you even want to use one.
Athame- ritual knife used to direct energy and used to magically cut energy and ties
Wand- used to direct energy
Altar plate- often a large plate of sorts marked with a pentacle. This is used to place ritual items and spell workings on. Sometimes also offerings.
Broom- used to symbolically clean
Bell- Used to cleanse with sound/vibrations
Divination tools- Tarot, runes, pendulum, crystal ball, scrying mirror, teacup, etc...
Offering Bowls- to hold offerings
Statues- to represent spirits, deities, etc...
Crystals/rocks
plants/flowers
See my altar page for pictures of my altar for ideas!