Witchcraft is a traditionally expensive practice, but it really doesn't need to be. Whether you follow a specific path like Wicca or are more eclectic in your beliefs, there is a way to participate without going broke. Below are my tips for getting the most out of your altar and craft, without feeling wasteful or blowing your budget (and yes you should always begin with a budget). Note: Don't let anyone make you feel bad about wanting things to look nice. If you are a visual person like I am, it is important your space reflects that. However, I am not going to just post links to items for you to purchase. I think it is irresponsible and contradictory to tell you ways to spend wisely and then ask you to impulse buy. Pick a feature item. This is where the bulk of your budget should go. As a Tarot Reader, my cards become the feature tool I use, so I invest here, but maybe for you it's a goddess statue, or a selection of plants, or an athame. Decide what is essential to your craft and drop the rest. If you live in a place where you can't burn incense, you probably don't need a cast iron cauldron or a fancy incense holder. Thrift stores are a great resource for beautiful items that are just itching to have a home. Not only can you find some great pieces, but you are cutting down on waste and helping the Earth - yay. Switching to local and seasonal plants and herbs reduces your carbon footprint and connects you to the place you live (bonus points if you grow your own). This is where people tend to be the most resistant to change, but I think we have all been there. The scene often goes like this: you are working on a spell and it calls for white sage, which you don't have, and panic sets in. You begin to wonder if you can substitute it for the cooking sage you grow in the kitchen. Could you? Should you? I am here to tell you that yes, you can, and you should. Do a swap with other witches! Heard of clothing swaps? Apply the same principle to crystals (hurray for reducing harmful mining practices). Foraging! Reconnect with nature by picking and collecting items like leaves and stones. I am going to state the obvious and remind you not to pick flowers from other peoples property.... Have a tip you can share? Hit reply to this post and leave a comment. I read all your messages and really appreciate your feedback, even if I am not able to respond due to volume. XO Claire