Things to Forage

We are very big on keeping things simple and foraging is a great way to find magical treasures for spell making, tasty snacks and more. Go on, be a thrifty witch!

Feathers

We all know feathers are magickal, and they often appear out of nowhere when we are least expecting them to. Many believe that this is a sign that a spirit is trying to connect with us.

In spell work, feathers are used to encourage change and hold the element of air, which makes them great for help with communication. They can also be used to agitate smoke from burning incense which invokes this element.

The colour of the feather and type of bird that it comes from will also add to its magickal properties.

swans feathers = purity , clarity and calm
Black crow/magpie =protection and luck
Peacock = insight , protection and visions
Pigeon = hearth and home magic
Chicken = prosperity
Owl = wisdom

You can find feathers almost anywhere when you are out and about, so keep your eyes peeled.

Pebbles, stones and
seaglass

Crystals and gemstones are very pretty and full of magickal energy, but you can also use stones, pebbles and sea glass that you find on the beach or out in nature. Finding them yourself brings a very strong sense of place and the energy running through it.

Stones and pebbles are connected to the Earth element, so could be good for grounding spells, or spells to call in stability, security and solid foundations.

They can be carried in the pocket as secret worry stones to aid anxiety.

Hag stones, which are stones with naturally occurring holes through them are great for inviting good luck and seeing fairies and mermaids through the hole!

Seaglass will hold strong water energy from it's time spent in the sea, so is good for spells relating to emotional issues.

If you find a pebble or a stone with a white stripe running through it, it is believed to be a wishing stone, so make a wish as you pick it up.

Herbs and Flowers

Herbs and flowers can again bring a strong sense of place, especially if they are grown locally, and they have lots of magickal and medicinal properties. They can also be dried and stored to use when they are out of season.

Flowers and herbs can be used in spells to bring abundance, luck, fertility and more, they can also be grown outside your home for protection and clearing energy. Plants are infinitely magickal.

Here is a basic list of some examples of plants and their magickal properties.

Love spells - Roses, Jasmine ,Vanilla

Money spells - Shepherds Purse , Sunflowers , Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Protection spells - Rosemary , Thistle Tansy, Black Pepper, Sea Salt

Astral Travel & Lucid dreaming - Mugwort

Most can be found in supermarket or online, but they are most potent if you are able to gather them yourself.

Always make sure that you can correctly identify the plant before working with it.

Sticks

Sticks are great, aren't they? Such a versatile tool for people of all ages.

In terms of magick they can be used as wands to cast spells, for directing the flow of energy, or opening and closing a circle. They can be woven together to make ceremonial crowns, or even used around the house to bring prosperity and protection, not to mention making good handles for broomsticks!

Hazel twigs on the windowsill of your home is said to protect against storm damage.

Burning Ash at Yule is said to bring prosperity for the new year.

Beech wood is particularly good for making wands as it is believed to have a strong connection to the divine.

In the Celtic calender each month (lunar cycle) has it's own corresponding tree.

If you are looking for sticks, always look on the ground first, rather than chopping them from trees.

Shells

Collecting shells on the beach is a magickal experience in itself, but did you know that you can also use them for their magickal properties?

Shells are very closely associated with the moon and the element of water, as they are often washed up on the beach when the tide (influenced by the moon) is high.

So you can use them in conjunction with the moon cycles and spell casting. If the moon is waxing use them to call in positive energy and if the moon is waning use them in spells to help clear energy that no longer serves you.

Sea shells can also be used in spells relating to people overseas, whereas a snail shell could be used in hearth and home spells.

If you are making a magical circle of elements, place a shell to the west to represent the water element.

Dead Bugs

This may be a bit out there for some, but dead bugs can be used in spellcasting. (Not ones you have killed, but ones you have found.)

Bumble bees can be used in productivity spells.

Ladybirds can be used in hearth and home spells.

Butterflies and Dragonflies can be used in transformational spells.

Wasps* and flies for return to sender, freeze spells.

*Be careful, wasps can still sting when they are dead!

Always wash your hands after handing dead bugs.