Welcome @Kaz66, if you would like you can change your username to Kaz, it may have to have another word or number(s) added to it, so if you think of a couple of them it can definitely be changed to reflect that name.
I’m Siofra from Cape Cod I’m happy to hear that you have started the initiation process, is it through the Wicca Self Initiation Course?
As for the tools, at first, I used what I had on hand until I found something that said, “Pick Me!” which happened to be a dark purple/maroon hand towel, birthday candles, and things I found around my home. Normally I repurpose things like pouches, bags, small boxes, jars, and bottles…
I think at first if you have something to represent each element you are on the right track. Incense is used, I make my own fresh incense & use charcoal discs, but the incense cones or sticks are just as good. White & black candles are ones that are used quite a bit & of course, a white candle can be substituted for any other color candle if you don’t have them.
You’d be amazed at what you can find at the Dollar Stores & Thrift Stores, Walmart, and Michael’s. Amazon & Etsy… I’m more partial to Etsy for some things. I try to grow some herbs of my own or purchase them from places that get them ethically sourced or from that particular area. (We have a lot of cultural shops on the Cape because of the diversity of people from around the world that live here) Honestly my first BoS was a 3-ring binder & I used the printables from Spells8 with a 3-hole punch to get them in the binder (I did wind up with 5 binders when I got so excited I thought I need ALL the THINGS. By the way, you do not. You only need what works for you.
For general things though:
- Rosemary can be substituted for any herb
- Tobacco can be substituted for any toxic herb/ingredient
- White candles can be substituted for any color candle (the type of candle also doesn’t matter just remember to use Candle Safety
(Candle Safety PDF)
- a cup or small bowl or votive holder can be used for holding liquids
I’m trying to think of some other things that I used to use when I first began. I saved herb & spice jars, and mason jars, my husband & son find me bottles & jars on job sites sometimes when they are doing demolition or digging for a foundation or other landscaping. My daughter used to find me treasures.
I’m sure others will have some ideas for you also.