Hey Everyone! I just want to ask a few questions.

[Lyciana]

Hi Everyone! I've been studying and following the wiccan traditon for about 5 years. I can never afford to really do much spellwise. I do alot of visualization and i try to meditate everyday. I also have done a self-initiation. I try and celbrate the holidays and i work some spells on the esbats. i feel like i cant do alot though because i cant afford it!

What can i do? Please help me!

[hipfairy]

Maybe the time wasn't right for you to do a spell? When the time is right or there is something you strongly desire, it'll just come to you naturally. It's good to be creative and gather whatever you already have. Many candles and herbs can be pricy, so maybe get some herbs from the garden or the park? Stock up on candles whenever there's sales going on. Buy little bits here and there, it'll help.

[Skydaughter]

What kind of parks can you find herbs that you can be sure don't have random stuff (like doggy germs or wildlife germs) all over them? I live in an apartment and while I would love to have a garden there just isn't room! Like Lyciana I can't really afford to buy herbs, candles, incense, etc...

[mysticwildstar]

I do not usually find them in the park if i can help it but it is possible, what you need to remember is what the plant of the herb you are looking for as well as your region.(as some don't grow in some places) Look up online what the plants look like and any other important info to help you id them.

I find most of mine at the store(herb section) now so I have not gone looking in my local park for a long time.

Skydaughter as for your post, you can find them in all kinds of parks although i would stay away from dog parks as much as poss. even if you find it in a park with no dogs/wildlife you should still wash them before you set them to dry. as well a purify them before you used them. As for dog you know i would avoid picking herbs that have or near it, to be safe of any bacteria it may have.
I hope this helps
RW

[Velvet_Rose]

I've had the same problem as you for a while. Getting all the supplies you need can seem daunting when you add it all up. I've found that it's ok to improvise if you can't afford all the tools etc. As long as something is clean and has been blessed (table salt and tap water) it can be used in ritual. As far as herbs etc goes; there are sites and books that can tell you common substitutions for things you either can't get hold of or can't afford.
I agree with hipfairy about buying candles whenever they're on sale, but also remember that you don't have to buy specialised candles. Plain candles like the type used for dinner tables and power cuts will work just as well as any bought from a specialist shop.
If you do find yourself unable to perform ritual at the time of a sabbat, just light a candle and meditate for a while. The acknowledgement of the day is just as important and valid as any elaborate ritual.

[Kaala]

heehee

yea i know how tool stuff comes when its with money. I only have a staff, wand, penticle. crystal ball, and a few other tools, but i made them by hand, that always helps, stuff that was made by hand to me works a lot more powerfully when you use your own energy to put in it. Or at least that's how i was taught X3 But as for all the other stuff you've done, I think your doing the best you can at the moment and i say keep it up :D

[Gwenyfur]

It's important to remember...the Universe has everything you need...and will supply it. It may take time and a bit of energy on your part...but it's possible.

I am fortunate in that I'm able to grow a great variety of herbs in my backyard these days, but that wasn't always the case...I would spend hours on the weekends hiking around the recreational lake trails, deer trails in nature preserves and just about anywhere else there was nature in order to collect spell herbs and items.

My first wand came from a mulberry tree that I picked leaves and berries from, always leaving behind an offering of some sort (usually of blood from pricking my finger)...a lot of the herbs I found would get the same offering to the parent stalk...

Yes, hiking gets you hot sweaty, and dirty, but it also teaches you more about how to be with nature...not just using it as a push for your magick. Plus, it's great exercise.

As for candles...not every witch has the time to sit for hours while a spell candle burns itself away...I've found that small solid color birthday candles work very well ... small enough to be time practical, solid enough to carve runes in...

Anyhow...just a couple of tips...