As an eclectic practitioner of natural magick I am often inspired to do a spell right when inspiration strikes or need arises. Some of the most successful spells I have ever performed were cast with only the items I had on hand. Very often I was without any of my magical tools and used the simple power of prayer or connected with the natural magic of herbs and flowers nearby.
Life can get complicated and it is best to be prepared. And since I go nowhere without my trusty backpack I have also included a small bag of witchy supplies that stays in my backpack and is handy whenever needed.
Would you like to take a look?
A few vials of herbs, a pair of fairy scissors, natural twine, two crystals, three candles, and a deck of cards are all I really need when out and about. For the most part I use these items to make offerings to the landscapes. And when I go on my travels it is nice to have the supplies to make a hasty petition for safe travels or protection.
((a note:: as this pouch contains glass vials I am careful to keep it snug in my backpack, often wrapped in a beanie or some other type of clothing. Another addition to my spell bag would be an altar cloth of bandana!))
My at home altar contains an apothecary of jars full of herbs and flower, a variety of rocks, books, and representations of deities. My travel spell bag is paired down to only what I really need to make a mini altar wherever I go. Of course, you don't really need anything to perform a spell and I think anyone who is spiritual or religious knows the power of prayer is with us wherever and whenever we call on God.
Personally I have found a lot of healing and power in simple rituals of gratitude and so I like to have herbs that are dear to me, or a crystal that has been charged with positive vibes on hand as an offering to places I go and the spirits of the land.
An Oracle on the Go ~
As a life long tarot reader I feel strange without a deck nearby. When meeting a new friend it is nice to have cards handy in case they desire a reading. In a way a free tarot reading is an offering to this new friend and can forge a special connection.
Tarot cards, however, can be a bit intense for such a casual encounter. No one wants the devil or tower card to show up on a first reading! So I often opt for a happier oracle reading and the Apothecary Reference Cards that I found on Etsy are great for that!
They are also helpful in spell casting too! Not only do they add beauty to a spur of the moment spell but also inspiration. The deck covers the basic herbs of western herbalism/esotericism and can stand in for an herb if I don't have it on hand.
On the back of each card is a line or two of the medicinal as well as magickal properties associated with each herb. I don't rely on these cards for my medicinal information but, it can be a nice way to remind myself or someone else for the diverse uses of the herbs if it comes up in a reading.
I like those Apothecary Cards ! It gave me this crazy idea to see how many I could grow, then press and dry them, and turn them into cards with the actual pressed plant on 😀
that is a great idea! You should totally make these kinds of cards, it would be so personal and beautiful. I hope you share them so we can all see how they turn out!
thanks!!