Autumn is such a magickal time. A season of change, reflection, and preparation.
As the leaves begin to turn and fall, and the blazing heat of the summer sun lessens, it always feels like the perfect moment to refresh my witchcraft supplies and resources.
With the Equinox almost here, and Samhain and Yule just around the corner, it’s a time to ready yourself for the cosy, introspective energy of winter and the deeper magick that these months bring.
When I first started my witchcraft journey, I believed I had to own every tool under the sun before I could truly call myself a witch! But over the years, I’ve come to realise that witchcraft isn’t about how many tools you have or how fancy they are, it’s about the intention you channel into them and the connection you create with each one.
So I invite you to take some time this season, to reflect on what you (really) need, clear away or gift what you no longer need, and cleanse, and refresh the most useful items that will carry you through the darker months ahead.
With the veil between worlds growing thinner by the day, it’s a beautiful time to reconnect with your craft and gather the tools that will help you traverse the upcoming shifts in the Wheel of the Year.
Below you’ll find some affiliate links, which I hope spark inspiration as you gather the tools that will carry you through this season of transformation…
1. Book of Shadows (grimoire)
The Book of Shadows is where witches keep spells, reflections, and lessons. It’s not about perfection – it’s about documenting your journey.
If you don’t already have a book of shadows, autumn is as great a place to start as any! Look at THIS Pinterest board for inspiration.
Over time, the grimoire becomes a deeply personal record of growth and discovery. Whether you use a journal, binder, or digital app, your Book of Shadows will evolve with you and become a deeply cherished ally on the path.
We love this selection of journals:
- Stunning green leather-bound journal with key detail – SO beautiful!
- Sun & moon leather journal
- Lunar moth journal – a stunning handmade notebook for your book of spells
2. Pendulum
A pendulum is SUCH a simple witch’s divination tool and often overlooked.
Autumn equionx – the seasonal point of balance across the globe is a great time to start a daily practice… and practice makes perfect!
Try one of these:
- Obsidian Pendulum point is an ornate and undoubtedly beautiful piece
- Aquamarine Pendulum point is just lovely
- Amethyst Pendulum with butterfly board a great set for easy divination
- A Little Bit of Pendulum a sweet little book all about pendulums
- 9″ Wooden Pendulum Dowsing Board – an amazing addition to your divination kit
3. Pentacle or pentagram
The pentacle (also known as a pentagram) is a disc inscribed with a five-pointed star, and is a grounding symbol of protection and balance.
For many, it’s the quintessential witch symbol, inscribed in candles, embroidered on wall hangings or drawn in journals. But I think it’s important to have one permanent, ceremonial pentacle.
WHen you refresh your altar for fall, be sure you have a pentagram included. It will help you stay centred and connected to the physical world, even during deeply spiritual work. Here are a few I love:
- Simple wooden pentacle
- Modern black wooden pentacle is really striking, yet classic.
- Decorative pentagram tealight holder for something with real impact!
- Pentagram offering bowl a versatile and functional offering dish for your altar
Also read: The Most Simple Protection Spell EVER!
4. Wand
The wand is a classic tool for directing energy during rituals or spells. Mine is simple, crafted from part of a fallen branch I found on a walk.
You can craft your own from crystals, wire and wood, or purchase one from a witchy maker who specialises in wand making, like these:
- Intricate hand-carved wooden wand
- Hand-carved owl wand – this one is SO beautiful! A must.
5. Athame or ritual knife
The athame is a ceremonial knife used to direct energy.
It represents clarity, focus, and the energy of certainty. An athame is an extremely useful tool as we move into the darker part of the year, as protection becomes ever more important.
I often use mine to symbolically cut through energetic cords or create protective boundaries.
Your athame doesn’t have to be ornate—choose something that feels powerful and purposeful to you. Here are a few beautiful ones:
-
Silver ceremonial goddess athame (OMG this is a stunning, handmade athame pendant, perfect for subtle, yet powerful magick)
- Black obsidian athame (SUCH a striking and potent athame for protection rituals)
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Fleur de lis Medieval athame – a classic, timeless tool
6. A new oracle deck
Oracle cards offer a remarkably flexible approach to divination – from daily card pulls to more in-depth monthly or even wheel-of-the-year-type spreads.
Each Samhain, I get together with a couple of friends and we pull a card for each sabbat over the upcoming year – it’s a really precious ritual, and helps to create the shape of the year to tom.
Here is a selection of my favourite decks:
- (go on, treat yourself this is oracle gold!)
- The Green Witch’s Oracle Deck
- The Starseed Oracle probably the global favourite!
- the illustrations are to DIE for, and this is a potent set
- Seasons of the Witch: Samhain Oracle – just SO powerful, part of a greater series
- I can’t do without Goddess cards and these are divine
7. Runes
Runes are an ancient system of symbols used for divination and insight.
I love the tactile experience of casting runes and interpreting their meanings. If you want to add a new divination tool to your repertoire during the darker season, try these:
- Unlock the Secrets of the Stone, a high-quality set with glass runes, cloth and guidebook
- Opalite engraved runes
-
is probably the best book out there on the meaning of runes.
8. Scrying mirror or crystal ball
Scrying is a wonderfully dark feminine practice that allows you to access visions or messages from your intuition.
My black mirror has become SUCH a potent portal for self-reflection, guiding me to answers that aren’t always immediately obvious. It’s a tool that requires patience but rewards you with profound clarity.
If you’re looking to buy a scrying mirror this autumn, here are a few good options:
- This stunning obsidian pocket mirror is great for easy travel, and it’s beautiful too.
- A simple, minimal mirror with a stand, ideal for those who want zero decorative distractions!
- This obsidian stone ball is another beautiful scrying option
Also read: How to Scry with a Black Mirror
9. Candles
Candles are one of the simplest and most versatile tools and autumn is a great time to refresh your stocks.
Use different colours to align with specific intentions (green for prosperity, white for protection, and red for passion, for eg).
As well as candle magick, simply lighting a candle can transform any space into a sacred one, setting the tone for meaningful work.
If you’re new to candle magick, try these:
- Great beginner set of 24 different coloured candles
- Complete set of black candles, ideal for dark moon, protection and banishment rituals and spells
- Pure beeswax tapers are IMO the creme de la creme of ritual and everyday candles
- Candle Magick for Beginners, a wonderful resource book for beginners
10. Chalice or cup
A chalice is a beautiful way to honour the element of water during rituals. I use mine to hold offerings like water, wine, or even a gorgeous autumn herbal tea.
The chalice can also add a sense of reverence to your practice, and conjures the emotional and intuitive aspects of magic. Check these out –
- Brass triple moon etched chalice (this is petit and SO beautiful!)
- Stunning Medieval (very ornate) brass chalice
- Modern stainless steel Goddess chalice – this one looks SO good on a simple altar.
11. Incense, smoke or saining sticks
Late summer, every year, I make my own herbal smoke bundles from mugwort, yarrow, rosemary and whatever else is calling to me that season.
Be aware of appropriating certain herbs – smudging with white sage is a native American practice, whilst saining is a Scottish method of purification. Personally, I believe that the herbs growing around us locally are often the ones with the most to offer, not to mention being easy and readily available to work with.
Make your own bundles – this book is a great guide – or burn pure resin or incense blends on charcoal disks or an incense burner. Here are my recommendations:
- Smokeless burner this one is lovely and works exceptionally well.
- Cast iron incense burner to hold your burning charcoals
- Charcoal discs
- High-grade frankincense resin
12. Cauldron
A cauldron symbolises transformation and creation. Mine is a small cast-iron pot I use for burning herbs, making small potions, or holding offerings.
It’s a womb-like tool that reminds me of the alchemy in everyday life, and the way intention and action can transform the mundane into the magical. Try these options:
- Cast iron cauldron: classic, versatile, high-quality
- Large cast iron cauldron simmer pot is a real statement caldron for BIG magickal workings
- Sweet triple moon cauldron
13. Witch bells
Witch bells are a powerful tool for protection, and they really come into their own during the darker season. Hung on doors or windows, their soft chime wards off negative energy and keeps your space safe.
I have a few sets, mine by tying brass bells to a ribbon, and adding charms and herbal sprigs. You can also buy a set, and customise them with charms or crystals, making them a gorgeous of magick and practicality. Here are a few options:
- 2 Piece set of hanging witch bells
- Simple, classic witch bells, ideal for customising
- Brass minimal cow bell (I really love these)
14. Energy Clearing Spray or Mist
Energy cleansing sprays can be an absolute game-changer. These work wonders in situations where burning incense isn’t possible, or you’re on the move and need a quick spritz.
You can make your own with moon water and essential oils, but there are some gorgeous handmade ones on the market too. I love these:
15. Ancestral or spirit communication tools
Fall season is when many witches feel the ancestors come close.
We all have different ways of connecting with Spirit and the ancient ones who came before. You could try lighting a candle, journeying with a drum, burning specific herbs, singing or humming…
Without elders around us who do this work, it can be really hard to know where to begin. I suggest reading books, speaking to others you trust, and experimenting to find practices and tools that resonate with you.
Work to cultivate a relationship with these practices and the spirits you connect with. Here are some books you could use as starting points:
Craft your own path…
These tools are the foundation of my autumn practice, but remember that witchcraft is deeply personal. You don’t need every item on this list, and the ones you choose should feel meaningful to you.
Start where you are, trust your intuition, and let your practice, and your resources grow organically through the season.
Blessed be, witch X
