How is everyone doing tonight? Blessed I hope! So I’ve been studying and reading and researching my tooshy off for about 8 months now. I’ve gotten a small stock of tools and other accessories over time too. I’m still needing a bigger cauldron, potion bottles, candles of every color and size but need to find some multiple colors in tealight candles. I need a besom and athame as well as bigger crystal ball. Stones and crystals. Runes and tarot card deck. I want a custom made willow wand. I’m getting together my Grimoire, Book of Shadows, and book of mirrors. I’m doing the best I can alone. I’m might be looking for a coven group to call home but don’t know much about covens yet! Just reaching out and releasing myself I’m a mother of four three are living I just lost one back in May and I just stay home all the time with the toddler and could use some other witchy friends that would be amazing because no one else is like me around here and I need someone to chit chat with and we can bounce ideas off of each other and stuff I don’t know where do you really start I haven’t cast any those or rituals yet I am wanting to do a protection ritual on my home cuz I think something’s been bothering me and it’s not something good I’m scared to fail so it has prevented me from doing which I need to take that leap Forward and try I just don’t want to feel like a failure if it doesn’t go correctly but for every fail is a new lesson learned thanks for the ones who stopped and read the post and my rambling haha
Wow… you did jump in. Good on ya!
Welcome to Spells8. There are tons of topics to study and it looks like you may have dialed that in already! If you are looking for colored tea lights, Walmart has them (if you are in the States).
Don’t fret about casting - if it doesn’t work, do it again. Practicing is what does the trick. Home protection spells are plentiful so look one up using the search function. I like Poppets and jars to hold my home protection efforts.
I’m Dan and I study belief systems. My path loosely falls under the Chaos umbrella.
Have fun!
Welcome, @kyah . You certainly came to the right place! I’m Jayne, an eclectic witch originally from the UK, but now living in Texas.
As you may have discovered, there’s a TON of information on the Spells 8 website (of which this forum is part). There are courses you can follow and learn about all aspects of witchcraft.
This forum itself is large, with witches from all around the world. We have regular activities and challenges that we can participate in. Feel free to jump into any conversation that interests you, and if you have any questions, don’ t hesitate to ask.
It looks like you jumped in and bought a lot of tools etc already but you don’t need to worry if there’s something you feel you need but don’t have. You can start simply, with items purchased at the dollar store, or even home made. You can check out the virtual altar as well.
Fanatical Friday Kyah,
Whoa, Slow Down 
Love your enthusiasm!! I started quite small and it started to make a noticeable difference within months. Very, very simple and easy. Find a jar, I have an old pickle jar, about 16 ounces. I fill it with water and an amethyst (for day)and bless the water, place in the sun…bring it in the house in the evening (right about sunset) and bless the water as I pour it into my water bottle. Same thing for my moonwater with a moonstone.
So, feel free to use your god/dess of choice.
For sun water. I pour water into my jar as I say, “Danu, thank-you for the water today, Brigid, please put your sensational sunbeams into my water”. When I bring it in, likewise I thank, “Danu, thank-you for this water, Brigid, thank-you for your superb sunbeams, Tiamat please use this water to help reconnect the synapses in my brain” For the moon water, I fill the jar with water and the moonstone, and say, “Danu, thank-you for this water, Hanwi, please place your magnificent moonbeams into my water.” I let this sit out all night, and when I bring it back into the house in the morning, I say, “Danu, thank-you for the water, Hanwi, thank-you for your magickal moonbeams in my water, Tiamat, please use this water to help repair my liver.” Long story short, the doctor was amazed at my blood results and thought it was vitamins; I let him think what he wants, but within 4 months of drinking this water daily, my friends at bingo noticed and said that I was looking “better” and “healthier”. The only difference was my waters.
So, you can try this.
Very simple and very easy.
Lady Gene 
Merry Meet, Kyah. 
First, I just want to say how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Carrying grief while caring for a toddler and trying to grow spiritually at the same time is a lot. Please be gentle with yourself. You are not behind and you are not failing.
I’m Stephanie or Eira of the Living Hearth, an eclectic witch from California. My practice is very hearth and green witch centered. I love working with herbs, divination (tarot, runes, oracle, Lenormand), shadow and ancestry work, and weaving simple protection and self-care magic into my everyday life.
You’re honestly starting exactly where most of us start, reading, gathering tools slowly, feeling unsure, wanting community. You don’t need every item before you begin. I sure didn’t. It took me time to build what I have today. Protection work especially can be very simple: intention, cleansing your space, maybe a candle, salt, prayer or spoken words. That’s how a lot of my rituals go. Magic isn’t about perfection; it’s about sincerity and practice. 
Also, being scared to “do it wrong” is so normal. Every witch has felt that. I still get that feeling once in a while. The truth is… the leap is small. You try, you learn, you adjust. That’s the path.
You’re not alone here, and you absolutely can find witchy friends to talk with and grow beside. I’m really glad you reached out.
Blessed Be. 
Greetings from New Mexico!
Welcome @kyah!
I’m slowly coming out of a massive change in my life, so I seem to be starting over. My focus at the moment is charms for casting and elemental edibles. Ostara is great for this!
I’m sorry for your loss. May you find comfort.
Your tool collection sounds fun. I’d like to encourage you to use what you have. If you need support, feel free to post what you do. If you have questions, ask away: we are here for you, each with our own specialties and collections of wisdom.
Hello and welcome lovely, just dropping into say 
. I’m Tracy from England.I practice Seidr and Runes, still in training. This is a fabulous coven, make yourself at home 
Hi there, @kyah! I’m Amethyst from Southern West Virginia. Welcome to the forum! 
I’m sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain you’re in. You have my condolences.
I’ve got to agree with the others on slowing down a little. If you go overboard on buying anything, I’d have it be books, because I’m of the opinion you can never have enough. But that’s just me.
The thing is, the craft is all about intent. You can get just as much power from some store-bought Glade Candles and a dollar jar of rosemary as you can from the expensive stuff. If you can get there, dollar stores and thrift stores are your friend, and by all means, save all the pickle and salsa jars you can!
At the end of the day, it’s all about you. You, and your belief in yourself. To quote the wonderful Aggie Cromwell from Halloweentown, “Magic is really very simple, all you’ve got to do is want something and then let yourself have it!”
Right now, you need to find what kind of magic fits your style. What if you buy all sorts of seashells and saltwater only to find out you’re not a water witch but a fire witch? And I’ve got to tell you, I use the coffee mug with Goddess on it for offerings to Brigid more than I use the goblets or chalice I have. Those might get broken, or just feel wrong to me, but a mug? Perfect!
I buy tea candles in the big packs and three-wick candles from Walmart and use them the most. I do use chime candles, and buy them from Amazon, but that’s mostly because taper candles are just so tall!
I have a purple rubber ducky on my Spring altar.
So don’t take all the props and ritual seriously unless you want to! I always recommend the book Rebel Witch: Carve the Craft That’s Yours Alone by Kelly-Ann Maddox as a great starter book. While there are items that help you do magic, it’s less like a formula and more like home cooking. A little of this, and a smidge of that, and never the same thing twice but it always turns out good! So relax, enjoy the forum! Make some friends and don’t worry about mistakes!
Mistakes are how we learn. Or how we got capybaras and the platypus. Who knows?
Sensational Saturday Amethyst,
So well put. I am not into much “stuff” either. I figure our past witches did not have all the contraptions, we don’t either. I love the dollar stores for stuff. We have a place called 5 Below that is like between a dollar store and Ross. They have a small section for “witchy” stuff. I got a spell jar, some incense, palo santo and sage smudgers. I also buy my tea-light candle in huge packs at wal-mart, I use a candle each morning for my oblation then let it burn out, (about 4 hours). Most of my other goodies have been “found” like seashells, twigs, my-grandmas salt shaker that I use for the Earth element….on and on and on….I did have to buy my tarot and lenormand decks…but most of my “stuff” that I use constantly has been “free”. My altar cloth, I asked a lady at Bingo to make for me. She gave me 4! I change the cloth for the season and colors that she gave me. I use the pink one for spring, green for the summer and fall, and black for the winter. I change these out as the mood hits me anyway.
Point being, it is not about stuff, as you say Amethyst, it is about INTENT!!
Lady Gene
Merry Meet kyah,
First off I am so sorry for your loss.
Glad that you are herer.
Like everyone has said take your time. Things come to you when you need them( I had been looking for a wand and never told anyone and that Christmas my best friend gave me Harry Potters wand as a gift). I have been practicing for many years. I am a Crone at thos point, my craft took a little bit of a back seat due to life. But, I am back with a twinkle in my step. When I started many moons ago I went out and bought every book I could get. As[leilani1 said dollar stores, and 5 below are you best friend. I found alot of my stuff that way.
Everyone here is wonderful and helpful. Enjoy all the info here, they do an amazing job.
Feel free to chat with me anytime.
Blesssed be
Celestria
Merry Meet Kyah
I just wanted to welcome you.
My heartfelt condolences for your loss.
With regard to casting spells I have come to learn that there is no right or wrong way, sometimes when you read what herbs, crystals are needed and you don’t have some of them you may think I need to get them before you can do it. If something missing I just go with what I have, your store cupboard can be your best friend as many herbs can be a substitution, basil, rosemary, black peppercorns, chilli flakes, cinnamon sticks, salt, eggshell, flower petals from plants, etc. The most important element is you and your intention. Don’t worry use what you have.
I am from a small village in Lancashire, England.
I am a Solitary Eclectic Witch and my divinations are crystals, candle magic, tarot, runes, angel numbers, lenormand, tending outdoor, indoor plants and growing herbs, garlic, tomatoes, spell jars, spell bags, sun & moon water, water meditation and home cleansing. I am doing the daily Oracle Cards which is my new go to.
I try to simplify, balance and live intentionally to create a calm, peaceful, relaxing home for my family and and two German Shorthair Pointer Dogs and Koi Fish
Everyone is very supportive, caring and helpful with anything you need it is a wonderful coven to be a part of.
Blessings to you 
welcome. I am “new witch” too. This is a wonderful place with so many great people. I am very sorry for your loss. It must be very difficult caring for a wee one while weaving your magical/spiritual path all whilst carrying grief. I hope you can work in some self care/love to your practice.
There is certainly so much to learn it is sometimes overwhelming. Im finding that reusing/repurposing things I already have is becoming a large part of my practice. I not only see it as a way to honor mother earth but also keeps costs down. for instance my “offering bowl” is repurposed glass container that had yogurt or something. I have to admit I do have a small collection of crystals.
who can resist crystals.
Many spring blessings 
Merry meet @kyah and welcome to the fourm!
I’m Bry, an Eclectic Witch and one of the moderators. I just wanted to stop by to say hi, it’s very nice to meet you 
Others have kindly shared some great advice about where to begin. I don’t think there’s any “right” or “wrong” way to start, so let your interests guide you. If there is some area of the Craft (be it tarot, crystals, protection work, etc) then look for resources and/or discussions about that topic. You’re welcome to jump into any open discussions here in the forum, and as others have said, there is a treasure trove of content on the main Spells8 site too that’s fun to explore. Take your time and know there’s no rush! I hope you have fun with your studies 
Blessed be!
Welcome, @kyah and Merry Meet! I’m Feathertip, from SE Michigan. I’m a lifelong Pagan who enjoys working with Nature and all her critters.
As you are hearing, there is no right or wrong way. Don’t think you must surround yourself with all the usual “goodies” to be authentic - that only comes from within. I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like living where you do, and being at home with the toddler all day is making you feel a bit isolated. And grief doesn’t help. You ARE in a safe space while you’re here with us, so please don’t hesitate to ask questions about anything while you find your way.
Settle in, look around, and please join in the discussions here on the forum if you’re comfortable with that. You’ll find that we’re supportive of everyone’s path here, and we’re all different.
Enjoy your journey, lovely! 
Welcome
Take one day at a time is a decent way of forging forward in your endeavors.
Please don’t second guess yourself. You have all you need within yourself, relax take a deep breath and you’ll find exactly what you need. This will take time, and practice.
Dragonfly Cottage Keeper
Well hi Kyah! All the welcome and best wishes from me. The pain from your loss is immesurable and will never be totally understood by another human being. We are all different and our realities are all drawn from our own experiences, but let me please say I am so sorry for the trials you have suffered and may you be blessed in the future.
I “read” some hesitation and unsurity from your post. It’s not that you know nothing: It’s more that you are overwhelmed with “everything”.
The truth about being a witch is that it is about spirituality over stuff. Don’t get me wrong: I have a ton of herbs, crystals, divination tools, etc. But that’s only because I need those things to help me focus. I “need” my handwritten BOS and spell cards in order to force my mind to turn to the right choices for what I attempt to do. You? Might be just fine with twine and a $.50 cent white taper from Walmart.
As in everything, witches are a myriad of types of people. Some of us have minds that spin and lose focus, others seem built to write a sigil or a charm or an entire spell in a hot minute.
Some of us find magic in a song, or a storm, or a breeze just before a thunderstorm.
Others? We have to focus more and control our intent through multiple means to insure our intent doesn’t go sideways.
I own things that I have purchased from other witches. Why? Because they call to me and help me focus, and remind me everytime I see, touch, etc: exactly what my intent is. Purchasing something that is “called” a spell doesn’t “make” it a spell, it makes it a tool for YOU. So: whatever you have? Use it for yourself and it might be enough. If not: Find something that seems like it might be the right tool. That doesn’t MEAN you need a besom, an alter cloth, or an athame or anything else. It means you need to find what calls you in order to speak your intent.
I have found over the years that if I touch something in the store, or smell it: It might tell me I need it. The same with things online. If you FEEL a connection to a “thing” feel free to buy, but don’t ever buy because you need it to be “a real witch”. If you know you’re a witch? Then? You’re a witch.
All that being said??
You HAVE found the best source of wisdom online by joining this group.
I wish you all the best, may you find the resources that allow you to be your best you in the best way and for the best of everything you want in your life. Never quit trying to be better. The effort is the trial.
Be blessed and safe. 
Witchy Wednesday Water,
So well put!! That is one of the benefits of our large group. Someone knows what you are feeling and/or how to say something and reach out to you!
Welcome to the group, and good morning to all!
Lady Gene 