Growing up, I had to be thoughtful with my spending. When I had a little extra to spare, I’d usually indulge in food, books, clothes, or makeup—things that were important to me at the time. As I’ve matured, my priorities have shifted, but I’ve come to understand the value of free. You don’t need a big budget to practice witchcraft and develop your skills, especially if you focus on what’s already available.
Instead of outlining budget-friendly witchy goods, I’m highlighting how you can harness the power of magick without spending a penny. Some people don’t have extra money for supplies and prefer to spend their money on other priorities (which is perfectly okay!). Here’s a comprehensive guide to practicing witchcraft for free, using accessible tools to empower your craft and your spirit.
Witchcraft That Costs Nothing
Making Sigils
Sigils are potent magical symbols that anyone can create using their own personal intentions. My go-to method is using pen and paper, but that’s not essential. You can carve symbols in the sand, use natural elements like leaves, or even draw them in the air with your finger. Sigils can be as simple or intricate as you like, and they don’t require specialized equipment.
Visualization Techniques
Visualization, the mental creation of vivid images, can help you achieve goals and reshape your reality. This practice requires only your imagination and is adaptable to any belief system. Try focusing on a particular image representing your desire or outcome and hold that mental picture while immersing yourself in the corresponding emotions. Building your visualization skills can empower you in setting intentions, manifesting goals, and altering your mindset.
Energy Work
Working with energy is a cornerstone of many magical practices. Enchantments, healing energy, and protection rituals can all be done using the energy within and around you. Meditation, grounding exercises, and deep breathing are helpful ways to tap into your energy stores. With your intent set, you can direct energy into any object, person, or purpose.
Weather Magick
The elements offer a vast range of opportunities for free magick. Storm witches work with thunderstorms and lightning to fuel their spells, while ocean witches draw power from the sea’s ebb and flow. Moon witches harness the moon’s phases and celestial events to charge their tools. Even if you live far from nature, you can connect with the rain, wind, or sunshine and align your magick accordingly.
Kitchen Witchcraft
You’re likely already buying groceries and cooking your own food, so why not infuse those routines with a bit of magic? Incorporate intention into your meal preparation, whether by stirring clockwise for abundance or using specific herbs and spices for their magical correspondences. Something as simple as blessing your meal or stirring love into a cup of tea can turn a mundane moment into a magical ritual.
Knot Magick
Tying knots is a way to bind intentions, whether for love, protection, or prosperity. All you need is a cord or piece of string, which could be a shoelace, a loose thread, or an old purse strap. With each knot, focus on an intention, like “I bind love to myself” or “I tie this knot to protect my home.” Knot magick is simple yet effective, and untying the knots can release the magick when it’s no longer needed.
Color Magick
You don’t need fancy candles or altar decorations to practice color magick. Pay attention to the colors you wear, the nail polish shades you pick, and the pens you use. If you’re aware of color correspondences, you can use different hues to subtly influence your emotions or intentions throughout the day.
Dream Work
Dreams offer a glimpse into your subconscious and can be a powerful tool in your magical practice. Keep a dream journal next to your bed and jot down your dreams each morning. Over time, you might notice patterns that reveal hidden emotions, upcoming challenges, or even premonitions. Try asking your subconscious for guidance before falling asleep, and look for symbolic clues in your dreams. This practice helps with problem-solving, gaining insight into yourself, and exploring other realms.
Astral Projection and Lucid Dreaming
Astral projection and lucid dreaming let you explore beyond the confines of physical reality. With practice, you can train yourself to become aware during dreams or consciously leave your body to journey in the astral plane. This can be done through guided meditation or sleep techniques like reality checks. Both practices can aid in spiritual exploration, meeting spirit guides, or gaining insight into different dimensions.
Free Activities to Boost Your Witchcraft Skills
Meditation
Meditation is crucial for developing focus, clearing your mind, and setting intentions. By incorporating regular meditation into your routine, you can deepen your connection to your magic, calm anxious or negative thoughts, and gain clarity. Many guided meditation apps offer free sessions or trial periods, and you can always find plenty of tutorials online.
Connecting with Nature
Even if you’re not naturally drawn to the outdoors, reconnecting with the elements can rejuvenate your magick. Every tradition draws some power from the elements, whether fire, water, earth, or air. Spend time listening to birdsong, basking in the sunlight, or even just planting a small herb. These moments can help you feel grounded and replenish your energy.
Scrying Practice
The fundamentals of scrying do not require a lot of materials (though they do require some practice). Hone your scrying skills, or try it out for the first time, with whatever resources you have at hand. You can use a mirror or even a bowl of water to practice this craft.
Free Tools and Resources
Online Freebies
The internet is an endless source of free tools for practicing magick. Virtual tarot decks, digital grimoires, and phone apps can offer insight and resources. Printable guides, digital candles, and meditation videos are only the beginning. Get creative in finding what works best for you, and explore online communities that share helpful resources.
Multipurpose Items
There’s a misconception that witchcraft requires specialty tools, but you can easily find magical substitutes in everyday objects. An old T-shirt can double as an altar cloth, a butter knife can stand in for an athame, and a stick from your backyard can make a powerful wand. A little creativity can go a long way, especially when imbued with your intention.
Foraging in Nature
Nature provides a bounty of magical tools, often for free. Depending on your location, you might find twigs, feathers, stones, and shells that can enrich your craft. These items are naturally imbued with energy and can be used for spells, protection jars, or altar decorations. Always forage responsibly, and be sure to leave offerings when taking from nature.
Ask Fellow Practitioners
The witchcraft community thrives on sharing knowledge and resources. Many witches have supplies they don’t use and are happy to pass them on. Reach out to local groups, online forums, or friends who practice magick to see if they have anything they’d like to rehome. Be sure to ask politely rather than demand, and consider sharing your own unused items in return.
Public Libraries and Archives
Public libraries hold a treasure trove of information on mythology, folklore, herbalism, and magick. Whether you’re interested in learning about ancient rituals or exploring herbal correspondences, libraries can offer free resources to expand your understanding. Many libraries also have digital collections and eBooks available, providing access to research material from the comfort of your home.
Swap Groups and Free Markets
Some communities host free markets or swap meets where people can exchange goods without spending money. Check local listings or online groups to find like-minded individuals looking to trade or share magical items. From crystals to candles, you might find an unexpected treasure or meet fellow practitioners willing to share their abundance.
Volunteering for Local Organizations
Engaging with local environmental or wildlife organizations can bring unexpected benefits. Not only will you be contributing positively to your community, but you might also gain access to natural spaces and build connections with others who share your values. Whether it’s planting trees, cleaning up beaches, or caring for animals, these acts can strengthen your connection to the natural world and inspire new magical practices.
Even without a budget, you can practice meaningful, powerful witchcraft. Your mind and the natural world offer abundant resources to strengthen your craft. Magick is all around, waiting to be harnessed, and with these ideas, you can build your practice creatively, resourcefully, and authentically.
This post was originally published in 2021 and has been updated to fix minor errors and add new information.
