A New Witches Guide: Top 10

Since approximately 2017 Witchcraft has become popularized. From Witch-Tok, to new Witchy books coming out each month.

Its by no means a bad thing nor an evil one if you feel Witchcraft or Spirituality in general speaks to you.

So today I will be giving you my top 10 lists of Crystals, Herbs, and books to help you in the direction of understanding yourself and Witchcraft, so let's jump right on into it.

Up first is top ten books I feel are beneficial in the art of Witchcraft, but by no means is it wrong or right, always remember to only by what speaks to you.

Part 1:

Top 10 Books that would be beneficial to a new or beginning Witch

• Book One- Arin-Murphy Hiscock- "Spellcrafting" and "The Green Witch", This author and Witch is amazing in the way she explains how to practice and especially at making Witchcraft your own.

In Spellcrafting, Arin walks you through the basics of how to begin your practice all the way to showing and explaining in grave detail how to raise your personal energies before casting a spell to guiding you on creating your very own spells.

• Book two- "The Green Witch" is another starter guide but to green witchcraft. It's a step-by-step guide teaching you how to use Mother Earth, using herbs, plants, flowers, to make potions and oils for specific needs and/or wants in your everyday life.

• Book 3- Paige Vanderbeck's "Green Witchcraft", This books tagline is, " Learn to live the way of the green Witch". She teaches you that ANYONE can be a Witch, how to create your own green space, and what real Witchcraft is to her and some common misconceptions.

• Book 4- Silver Ravenswolf's "The Witching Hour", this book teaches you the power of Magickal timing, how to create spells, powders, formulas, and witchy techniques that work. Silver has been in the Witch community since the 1970's, there is some controversy around her because of her older way of teaching, but in my humble opinion I think her newer books are just the same as all the other new writings coming out.

• Book 5- Lisa Chamberlain's, " Wicca Magick Starter Kit" Candle Magick, Crystal Magick, and Herbal Magick. Its a 3-in-1 book that's 334 pages, of all you need to get started in the craft. Its extremely informational and designed to be made easy on the new practitioner.

• Book 6-Stephanie Rose Bird's, " 365 Days of Hoodoo", For this book is for those interested in starting a Hoodoo practice, and the best part is that this author is also a Witch, so all in all this book will guide you in a safe and effective Hoodoo practice. I love this layout because its as if you are taking a daily course teaching the basics to the more complex workings in Hoodoo, and she does it with such grace and respect to the practice of Hoodoo and the new practitioner.

• Book 7- The entire " Wiccapedia", the series is written by a handful of authors yet Shawn Robbins is the Main writer. There are seven books in this series, touching on all Magickal topics such as; crystals, kitchen witchery, Love, and so much more. The series also has a Tarot Deck and Journal and/or Book of Shadows. These books are a must for any new Magickal person since its a fresh take on all things Magickal.

• Book 8- Skye Alexander's, " The Modern Series" There is 1) The Modern Witchcraft book of Tarot 2) The Modern Guide to Witchcraft 3) The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book 4) The Modern Witchcraft Grimoire 5) The Modern guide to Fairies 6) Lastly, The Modern Witchcraft book of Love Spells.

* Each of these books are extremely helpful to new Witches & Magickal people alike. They hold tons of modern informative information. I bought mine one at a time, so please don't break your bank.

• Book 9- Silver Ravenswolf's, " Solitary Witch" the newly revised version, but if your like me and like the older books then by all means grab yourself an original copy. In my humble opinion, this book was very helpful to me in my younger and older years. There is much controversy about Silver, yet I do not take others opinions and run with it. I choose what I want to have in my home at the end of the day, so if you vibe with this well written 557 page book that has more info then you could imagine, by all means it's worth it, in my opinion of course....

• Book 10- Joy Woodward's, "A beginner's guide to Numerology. Now before you start scratching your head wondering why I would add a Numerology book to a top ten Witchy column hear me out first. If you have already got yourself a Tarot deck and a well written guide either with it or separate, and you've already started to read the basic info on the practice of Magick, you should've noticed that numbers play a large role in any Magickal practice just about.

Numbers have meaning when casting a spell, how many times you say your incantations, how much to add to Magickal powders, oils, etc. This book is an extremely easy guide as to how to start your journey into how number play a significant role in our daily lives to our past lives. The soul numbers, how you got your name, your personality, it's crazy just how much numbers play in our lives. It will wow you once you get started. I chose this book because in my opinion it is the best beginners guide I have yet to find, so please enjoy your discoveries, and if you'd like share with us.

Part2:

Top 10 Crystals for beginner Witches & Magickal People:

1. Amethyst- This is one of the first crystals most obtain when starting in any Magickal journey, so it only made since that this beauty was first.

Magickal Properties- Energy=Receptive, Planets= Jupiter & Neptune, Element- Water

* Dream Magick, Healing, Peace, Love, Protection against thieves (Place one next to your front door), Courage, Happiness, Helps to banish nightmares, helps to improve insomnia.

2. Clear Crystal Quartz- This crystal is one that is a must in your Magickal cabinet, and should be the cheapest (smaller pieces of course) too.

Magickal Properties- Energies= Projective & receptive, Planets= Sun & Moon, Elements= Fire & Water.

Leaves energy bin a perfect state (after meditations), Good to have on altar during spell castings as is amplifies all crystals in its surroundings, Protection Magick of all sorts, Healing, Power, Psychsim, and note that this crystal is also well known to be "all purpose" in Magick. You may use a clear quartz in place of any crystal needed for spells, ritual, sachet, and so on.

3. Citrine- This light yellow beauty is a form of quartz and is extremely powerful when used properly. It is one of my favorite crystals to hold on to when I'm working my other job as a waitress.

Magickal Properties- Energies= Receptive, Planet= Sun, Elements= Fire

This crystal has many uses but attracting wealth & prosperity is the main focus for most that work with one. Yet, that's not all it does, it can also prevent nightmares/terrors, prevent obstacles and blockages in life, fosters self-esteem and confidence as well as reduce anger, lastly protection (mostly for new home rituals).

4. Sodalite- This crystal is generally used for obtaining more inner wisdom. I like to use it on Fridays in my day of the week cauldron because it helps me seek more self-love.

Magickal Properties: Energies= Receptive, Planet= Venus, Element=Water

Wear or rub this crystal over the body to dispel fear or guilt, Hold during meditation to aid in stilling the mind, relax the body, especially great to calm inner turmoil, Removes sluggishness (better for teenagers), intellect, perception, and for opening up ones deepest thought and desires.

5. Onyx- I truly love this crystal for those days that I am working with a co-worker in which I do not like. Because of its strong protective qualities.

Magickal Properties: Energies= Projective, Planets= Mars & Saturn, Elements= Fire

All defensive Magick, Reduces sexual desires, protection, brings peace during childbirth, and my favorite guards against the "Evil Eye".

6. Peridot-Other names for peridot is Chrysolite, This beautiful green crystal is something I believe all working young people should have either in their pocket of wearing a piece of jewelry. It brings nothing but good.

Magickal Properties: Energies= Receptive, Planets= Venus & Sun, Elements= Earth

Attracts wealth, used for protection, attracts love, calms raging anger (personal experience), Dispels all negative emotions, soothes nerves, worn as a ring can relieve depression, Used in Magick to invoke money, happiness, and prosperity.

7. Pyrite- My late grandfather used to give me pieces of this precious crystal and tell me stories about Pirates used to make real money from trading these. There are many stories that date back millions of years ago about Pyrite, also known as "Fool's Gold"

Magickal properties: Energies= Projective, Planets= Mars, Elements= Fire

Its is mainly used today to draw money, wealth, prosperity, luck, aids in divination, and provides protection from physical and environmental pollution

8. Carnelian- As a new business owner and public writer I always have one of these beauties near my work space and one in my lap as it draws courage to me making me feel more confident. It carries many other Magickal purposes.

Magickal properties: Energies= Projective, Planets= Sun, Elements= Fire

Provides protection, peace, Eloquence, healing, courage, sexual energy, place next to your front door to invite abundance, fertility Magick, powerful healing powers, and it possesses such strong energies that its capable of cleansing and restoring other crystals. Place inside a Geode it will permeate powerful energies and rid other crystals of contamination. Its especially great for anyone who's been in an abusive relationship, providing them with inner strength to fight and follow their true path.

9. Tiger's Eye- As a true Leo, I have come to find that this crystal works especially well with fire signs.

Magickal Properties: Energies= Projective, Planets= Sun, Element= Fire

Money, Courage, Confidence, Energy, Luck, Aids in divination, Carry or wear for protection against all forms of danger, Protection against the "evil eye", releases fear and anxiety, Aids new families with combining two families into one.

10. Selenite- It almost seems that all new age Witches have this beautiful crystal in either their Tik-Tok videos, YouTube videos, or blogs (like me here... ha) but there is good reason, and it's not only because of its beauty. It is also named after Selene the ancient Moon Goddess.

Magickal Properties: Energies= Receptive, Planets= Moon, Elements= Water

When worn it lends energy to the entire body, can help with reconciliation in the home, spiritual awakening, connecting to the mystical, great to have on you triple moon goddess altar, aids in angelic communication, when placed throughout the home it helps create a loving environment.

In conclusion to my top ten beginner crystals, I really tried to make a list that had affordable crystals. Crystals can do many things for the practitioner using them, remember it is you who activates them, takes care of them, and uses them for the greater good. There are always new studies as to how each crystal works or doesn't but to me the Witch and/or Magickal person is the one who says what to do with it. Always go with your inner self when choosing crystals

Part 3:

• Top 10 Herbs to begin your Alchemy collection:

Herbs play a very important role in the practice of Magick, they provide an immense amount of energy to anything you make, use in rituals, offerings and so on. So I thought it was only Witchy if I provided MY top 10 favorite herbs to work with that are so easy to acquire some of them might even be in your cupboards or pantries already, the herbs I chose are affordable and extremely easy to find, if I feel like you might need an idea as to where to get them I will also provide ideas and places that I truly know you can.

1.) Basil- Without a doubt I know you either have this wonderful herb already in your Magickal pantry if not it's very inexpensive at your local supermarket.

Magickal Properties: Gender= Masculine, Planets= Mars, Elements= Fire, Deities: Vishnu & Erzulie

POWERS: Love, Exorcisms, Wealth, Flying (Soothe during flights), Protection, Sympathy. Dispels confusion, fears, and weakness

2.) Bay Laurel- This Magickal plant goes by many names, yet it is an herb that most kitchens have in the US for cooking hearty foods and giving bold flavor including in the winter months. If you are a Kitchen or Hearth Witch then you probably already have this dried leaf in your cabinet, if you do not then all you need to do is make a quick trip to your local grocery store. At Safeway's you can purchase them fresh or dried under $2.

Magickal Properties: Gender= Masculine, Planets= Sun, Elements= Fire, Deities: Eros, Apollo, Ceres, Faunus a.k.a The Horned God, Aesculapius

POWERS: Strength, Psychic Powers, Healing, Purification, House & Business blessing, Attracts romance, Make a dream pillow with Bay Laurel to induce prophetic dreams.

3.) Lemon Verbena - This herb is used in Witchcraft & Hoodoo often. Its Magickal uses are broad and powerful. If burnt it smells slightly sweet. This is one of my favorite to work with. Places you can find this are; online, Co-ops, Natural food stores (that carry herbs, teas, etc.).

Magickal Properties: Gender= Masculine, Planets= Mercury, Elements= Air

POWERS: Purification, Love, Worn to increase attractiveness, Carried as an amulet to attract the opposite sex, Boosts powers of other herbs, Wear a sprig around your neck to STOP dreaming. Used as a very strong protection herb.

4.) Lemon Balm (a.k.a Melissa): You will come to find over the time of your path, that if you use herbs there are always other names in which they go by. Do not stress yourself out, you will get it over time. Melissa is one of my top choices to work with when it comes to success Magick.

Magickal Properties: Gender= Feminine, Planets= Moon & Venus, Element= Water, Sign= Cancer

POWERS: Success, Love Healing, and Psychic/Spiritual Development.

5.) Cinnamon: This wonderfully smelling herb is a favorite during Yule. Its also great for making lovely sweets. This Magickal herb can be used either ground up or as a stick. Now there are slight differences in Cinnamon & Cinnamon Bark. If you have obtained both, please makes sure to do your Magickal homework on its correspondences.

Magickal Properties: Gender= Masculine, Planets= Sun, Element= Fire, Deities= Venus & Aphrodite

POWERS: Spirituality, Success, Healing, Power, Love, Lust, Protection, Luck, Strength, and Prosperity.

6.) Lavender: This is a beautiful flower that can be grown inside or outside. I am lucky enough to live in the PNW (pacific northwest), where lavender can be grown almost like a shrub in the summer months. If you have a green-thumb, then you should have no problem keeping this Magickal flower all year round. If you want organic you can google to see if there are any Lavender farms in your area, they tend to let you gather bunches yourself. Or you can try your local co-op or natural food store.

Magickal Properties: Gender= Masculine, Planet= Mercury, Element= Air, Deities= Hekate

POWERS: Love, Protection, Sleep, Longevity, Purification, Happiness, Peace, Sleep, and Healing

7.) Lemongrass: Hundreds of years ago this wonderfully smelling herb was scattered around the home to repel snakes. Later it was discovered that it had many other Magickal uses. In the practice of Hoodoo this herb is used for a couple of different things.

Magickal Properties: Gender= Masculine, Planets= Mercury, Element= Air

POWERS: (Witchcraft)= Lust, Psychic Powers, Protection, communication, Balance, Clarity, Divination, Expels negative energies when burnt, worn, carried or in an Essential oil blend.

(Hoodoo Uses): Love affairs (to promote and not get caught), and to invite good luck.

8.) Oregano: This herb isn't just for cooking amazing Italian dishes. This handy herbs helps in more ways than one.

Magickal Properties: Gender= Feminine, Planet= Venus, Element= Air

POWERS: Protection, Creativity, Travel, Freedom, Love, Joy, Strength, Vitality, and added energy.

9.) Sandalwood (Red Sandalwood): Now you're probably scratching your head because this isn't an herb at all, in fact this is a wood. You can use this wood in one of two ways, either in chip form or powdered form. None of the Magickal properties change so don't be worries.

Magickal Properties: Gender= Feminine, Planet= Venus & Jupiter and sometimes Mars ( because of the red color), Element= Water

POWERS: Love, Clear out negativity, Increases Opportunity, Brings luck, Manifestation, Meditation, Healing, and Aids in concentration when burned in a censer.

10) Rosemary: I chose this herb for the last because of the rich history, powers, and so much more. Rosemary can be found in any local grocery store, either dried or fresh. You can even buy them potted and grow and use them all year around.

Magickal Properties: Gender= Masculine, Planet= Sun, Element= Fire & Air Deities= Aphrodite, Hebe, and the Virgin Mary (Hoodoo Practice)

POWERS: As with a white candle being an all purpose color for your craft, its the same for Rosemary as it can replace ANY herb in a spell, meaning this is a must for all Magickal people who practice the Craft. Cleaning, Exorcisms, Memory, Healing, Protection, Purification, Has ability to stop gossip, Dispels thieves, Attracts Elves, Keeps your partner faithful when hung near your front door, Used to burn for home blessings, Lastly, When burned along with visualization can remove unwanted jealousy in a relationship.

As you start to build your home Alchemy, you will also find what does and doesn't work for you Magickally. And you will have herbs that won't mend with your Magick and that's perfectly Okay. It happens to everyone. If you do run into this issue, take the time to bond with a little pinch of whatever it is in your Dominant hand, cup with your other and ask for the herb to help you out. Do not ever forget to say thank you.

There is no one way to use your Magickal herbs, always follow your gut when using herbs in your practice. And if you have questions, concerns, or want to share your knowledge with the rest of us, please feel free to join the conversation over at our interactive forum.

PART 4:

The top 5 Resins used in Witchcraft & Magick

The Magickal use of resins dates back to Ancient Egypt. The extraction process isn't kind, but sometimes natural.

The tree is repeatedly wounded till it bleeds the gum, it's waxy and coagulates very quickly. Once that happens, they jar it and let the processes of hardening begin.

All resins used in the practice of Magick are extremely sacred. Always be mindful when purchasing your resins.

1. Frankincense: Gender= Masculine, Planet= Sun, Element= Fire, Deities- Ra & Baal. POWERS: Spirituality, Protection, To summon spirits, purify one's space, Burn before any ritual to clear negativity and raise the energy of one's sacred space.

2. Myrrh Resin- Gender= Feminine, Planet= Moon & Mars, Element= Water, Deities= Isis, Ra, Adonis, Marian, Leto, and Neptune. POWERS: Purification, Exorcism, Protection, healing, To connect with the dead & the Underworld.

3. Copal Resin- Gender= Masculine, Planet= Sun, Element= Fire. POWERS: Clearing energy, Creativity, Raising Vibrations, Love Magick, Concentration, Invocation, Attraction, and Happiness.

4. Benzoin Resin- Gender= Masculine, Planet= Sun, Element= Air. POWERS: Prosperity, Purification, Protection, Clearing sacred space, Banishing, Concentration, Mental focus, Attracts all good while keeping malevolent energies away.

5. Dragon's Blood Resin- Gender= Masculine, Planet= Mars, Element= Fire

POWERS: Love, Protection, When added to other resins it increases the potency and power, and Banishing spells.

How to burn your sacred resins:

• You can use a charcoal disc, make sure you use a fire proof dish. Light the igniting side with a match or long lighter. It will spark, once that happens place it in your dish and wait patiently for the disc to be red hot before adding your resins, herbs, barks, etc.

• Alternative option would be to purchase an oil burner (dollar store always has them in stock) purchase tea lights. Light your candle and place inside of the opening, take no more than a half of a tablespoon of your loose incense place on to where the oil usually goes. Wait for it to warm and watch as you do this and you will notice a subtle amount of smoke rising.

• Another alternative would be Bamboo tablets or other devices made to protect you from the harshness of charcoal.

• Always blow out any fire or wait till done burning before you leave your home. Safety first.

PART 5:

Essential oils & Witchcraft:

The use of oils in Witchcraft has been going on for thousands of years.

The history surrounding the extraction of oils are found in many writings around the world.

If you choose to blend your own oils instead of buying them here at The Kitchen of Magick or elsewhere, please remember the practice itself is a ritual, timing is your best friend, and enjoy the process.

Essential oils in Witchcraft aren't just for smelling good, it is for spells, rituals, medicinal use, and many other aids in your craft. I highly recommend purchasing, " Llewellyn's Complete Formulary of Magical Oils" by: Celeste Rayne Heldstab. This book doesn't only give you over 1200 recipes, potions, and tinctures, but she also helps you understand the importance of each oil, Magickal & Medicinal uses, and so much more. You will not regret purchasing this book for your Magickal collection of knowledge.

1. Lavender

2. German Chamomile

3. Myrrh

4. Frankincense

5. Neroli ( Petitgrain can be used in place of)

6. Cedar

7. Orange OR Orange Sweet

8. Lemon

9. Sage

10. Sandalwood

Essential Oil Recommendations:

Essential oils and blends play a vital role in the practice of Magick. As you start to make your own spells, rituals, and so on you will need a couple of books to guide you. But by no means do you need them, you could just start blending, I do recommend not doing this till you know the Magickal properties of each. And having a better understanding of the use of Essential oils.

For new or established Witches and Magickal people should at least obtain a copy of Llewellyn's " Complete Formulary of Magical Oils" By: Celeste Rayne Heldstab, I wholeheartedly believe out of the hundreds of Witchy and Magickal books I personally own, this one is the Holy Grail of formulas. But even better she gives you the true Magickal properties of all of your "Base" oils along with oils I have personally never heard of. Its 393 pages of extremely useful information.

Other must-have book recommendations:

The Crystal Bible BY: Judy Hall

(Note: there are a few versions, no matter what one you can find, all are great references.) Giving you hundreds of stones and crystals with pics, color ranges, and mundane and Magickal properties.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs BY: Scott Cunningham

(Note, all books by Scott are extremely beneficial to all witches & magickal people.) In this book, its a condensed version of most commonly used herbs, plants, trees, and resins, along with magickal properties, keep in mind this is a book with multiple versions with the original copy-write in 1984. The 2020 version has add-ons and current uses, The back of the book gives you a plethora of more information and uses along with planetary correspondences.

Blackthorn's Botanical Magic: The Green Witch's guide to spell-craft, ritual, & healing: BY Amy Blackthorn

This book is all about history,lore, and Magick stemmed around the Usage of essential oils.Amy gives over 140 recipes for various uses of oils. As well as clear and concise instructions on how to create your own. Because botanicals are used by most modern witches, these books are a great place to start.

Llewellyn's Complete book of Essential oils: BY: Sandra Kynes

Yes, I own a ridiculous amount of books pertaining to Essential oils. Yet, these books guided me in my own blends over the years. New and old versions alike, they all hold keys to unlocking your own Magick. This is less of a book in my opinion but more of a guide. Giving you the true name of the botanical, the uses and precautions, and a guide on how to blend with other oils. I like how she provides medical and magickal uses.

The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook BY: Denise Alvarado

Oh boy is this my most used book in my collection, Denise is amazing in the way she wrote this book, having more than 200 spells and over 100 authentic New Orleans formulas from oils to Gris Gris bags. She guides you and suggests using her formulas as an outline to crafting your own. Everything from correspondences to Tables for how to use candles, herbs, resins, powders, to what Psalms to use for hundreds of types of circumstances. A perfect guide for anyone interested in the practice of Hoodoo.

Resources & References (Note: I am not affiliated with any of the websites or publishers, this is just my opinion and take on how and where to find helpful tools.)

• LLewellyns.com Is the number one source to find any and all books, blogs, and publications pertaining to just about all aspects of the Craft and Magick.

• luckymojo.com Is another go-to of mine as I also practice Hoodoo, Cat Yronwode is extremely insightful and her shop carries EVERYTHING you can possibly think of when is comes to the practice. But her shop can be used for any Magical person from Witch to Hoodoo Priestess.

• thriftbooks.com is a great place to find most Witchcraft and Magickal books of any genre, and the best part is that they carry not just newer editions but Vintage books too! You can learn so much from Vintage books, the Magickal possibilities are endless.

• Then you have your major suppliers such as: amazon.com walmart.com target.com all of these are definitely places that carry all things magickal, but keep in mind as Witches and Magickal people we always want to support our small businesses so please try to do a little homework on small, privately owned Magickal shops first if possible.

• Local Library- For those of you who might not have the means or money can go to your local library and check out what they got, the bigger the city the more there will be. For smaller towns you usually can find it at another location and have it sent to yours. Growing up poor, this is how I discovered Magick and boy it got me all the way to here. Growing up in a fairly large city made it easy for me to obtain these books, but they were a lot different in the 90's than today.

• Metaphysical Shops ( local) Lastly, as always I do mention your local Metaphysical/Crystal shops as they usually have an in-store reference library, all you'd need to supply is a spiral note book and a pencil, and your time. The one in a few towns over has a comfy room and shelves full of Magickal books. Always remember to be kind and express your gratitude. Building a relationship with the owner or manager will get you even further.

The biggest difference between Witchcraft and Hoodoo in my opinion is the Correspondences for Magickal use of herbs, resins, and oils. There are varying differences depending on what it is your using. Being able to have references that aren't just things you find on a Pinterest mock-up or an Instagram story. Books and blogs that you can tag or favorite, and even print for anytime use is great.

Don't always just assume one way is the right way, be mindful and do your research, there is just as much false information provided as there is tide and true. Ask other Witches or like-minded people within your group or community for opinions or help, never be afraid to double check something before you move forward. Good luck on your Magickal journey and reach out to me personally for any questions, never hesitate even if you think its stupid, we all feel that way at some point along our journey.

XoXo,

Nova Ravenswood

Contact me at:

novaravenswood@thekitchenofmagick.com

(509)730-5364 Business hours are Mon-Friday 6 am to 9 pm