There is probably a different answer for each and every practitioner. All I can give you is my answer, which may change as my practice evolves.
To me a spell is a representation of something you want or need to happen. And good spell ingredients represent elements of that vision.
The following are a few of the most often elements of my SpellCraft that I keep in my at home altar. They are items I have made or collected over the years. Some spells contain all three. I am not a ceremonial magician and none too organized when it comes to planning out my spells. I do have a book of shadows where I jot down ideas and spells that have been successful but, for the most part, I do a spell when the need arises and with whatever makes sense to me at the moment.
Herb Mixes
As a green witch my spells always contain some form of herbs and flowers. In my belief system the gods have gifted us not only with a plethora of natural medicine but also metaphysical potential in the plants that populate the planet. Inside my magickal apothecary there are jars of single herbs but, the jars I most often use are of herb/flower mixes that I collected with specific meaning.
This jar of herbs was collected entirely from herbs in my parent's backyard. My mother and I have crafted this herb garden over the course of years so it holds the positive associations I have with her as well as taurus energy of home & comfort as I collected these herbs in May during taurus season. I use this herb mix in spell bottles and herb sachets when I am needing to bring in the feeling of being stable & at home wherever I am.
Tarot Cards
Typically tarot and oracle cards are used as tools of divination when spells are concerned. And of course I use them in that way quite often. More than asking the oracle for guidance I like to incorporate my cards as representations of the goal I am trying to manifest.
Here is an example: let's say I want to cast a spell for protection around my house and for everyone in it. I could use the cards to represent my partner, our pets, as well as the concept of protection. I might choose the Four of Wands or the Strength card to symbolize protection. I would probably bust out my Tarot Cats deck and pick one card for each of my cats and the Magician to represent my partner.
From there I would sprinkle the herbs that most signify protection around the cards - quite possibly the herb mix I mentioned above - and initiate the ritual with the lighting of a candle.
Candles
Though other tools may vary, there is a common denominator amongst most religious and spiritual practices and that is the use of candles in rituals. Turning off electrotonic lights and letting the flickering of a candle's flame be the main source of illumination in itself adds an enchanting mood to any setting.
In this age of constantan distraction, focusing on a single flame can be an easy way to meditate on the subject at hand. That is why so many rituals begin with the lighting of a candle and end with the candle either burning out or being intentionally put out.
If you are curious about candle magick specifically, I made a video where I delve into the subject much more deeply here:
While the candle burns I like to express all that I am thankful for and give credit to my spiritual guides who have helped me get to where I am. I might say aloud, or in my head, a petition for the goals I am after. I might spend some time writing out my desires or needs in my journal or on a piece of paper to leave at the altar. I might create a spell bottle or some sort of amulet to carry around as the spell does it's work. Just like the specific ingredients I use, the ritual itself all depends on the inspiration of the moment!
(())(()) A Bit About Calendula Craft (())(())
Herbs, books, and positive predictions can be used to build a better life. In these weekly posts I share aspects of my journey as a pagan witch. These are the aspects of my craft that you are allowed to see, anyway.
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You might enjoy seeing the witchy photos I posted last week!
Happy Samhain.
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