✨️'Seasoning' your Tools✨️
What do you mean by "seasoning"?
I'm referring to whatever method(s) that are utilized to help get your magical tools up to whatever standard you prefer before utilizing them. To be blunt, the term I've coined is synonymous with consecration of an item.
This honestly is just a personal preference thing, but I highly recommend it especially if you like to use "mundane" objects for witchy purposes, or even if you're kind of a beginner and you're not quite used to using your own magic it might help build some confidence.
- Tarot cards/playing card decks
If it already has a name, why coin a new term?
When I started as a beginner, there wasn't a lot of information for solitary practicioners-- either that or I was shit at finding the information I needed. Most information was presented in a "you must do it this way because this is how the main crowd does it" sort of way so I was always under the impression that every item absolutely had to have a consecration and it had to be the most beautiful, most perfect ritual ever.
Referring to it as 'seasoning' the items is just a way for me to destigmatize the purpose of consecrating tools while also utilizing a comparison I like. Some people like their things heavily seasoned, some people don't... it just feels fitting to me I guess.
What type of objects can you "season"?
- pendulums/necklace
- pendants with spiritual significance to you
- head coverings
-Wands, athames, besoms, etc.
-your grimoire, Book of shadows, etc.
How do I decide on a method to 'season' my tools?
The method you decide on may depend on multiple factors:
1) Level of Importance
For example, if you're using a tool for a very important and specific purpose you may feel called to using a special consecration ritual.
2) What type of item you're working with
Some items just aren't compatible with specific methods. For example, you wouldn't want to enchant a deck of cards with moon water because it may run the risk of damaging them.
3) How easy it is for you to 'season' them
Being someone who can't safely do certain methods, I find this factor to be quite important. Some methods may be harder than others, some may be so easy that anyone could do it.
What are some methods?
Here are some ideas, please note that you can use multiple methods if you'd like and you can also do any of these methods regardless of how long you've owned the object.
"Sleep" with the item
This is one of my go-to methods. Especially with divination tools and my grimoires. Just stick it under your pillow/under your bed/etc. then go to sleep. This method might be your best friend if you love working with intuition, the 'unconcious' mind, and dreams.
Enchanting with water
Pretty self explanatory, in this method you'll gather some form of charged water (Sun, Moon, storm, etc.) and then use it to enchant an object to hold magic for a specific purpose. Admittedly I've only been able to use this method once but I loved the outcome I got.
"Play games" with the item
This may not work on every item, and doing this on it's own will take more time to imbue the item with magic, but I especially reccomend it since it'll help you connect with whatever magical tool you're working with. I like to practice card tricks on tarot cards, watch pendulums spin after I "wind" them up, etc.
Practice your hobbies, watch TV shows, listen to music with the item near you
This is another method that's heavy on the "bonding" aspect but I really reccomend it. I find it nice to experience emotions and formulate ideas while getting a feel to how my magical tool reacts to it. You can also "talk" to the item while doing whatever task if you enjoy talking to yourself.
Customize the item
This may not be applicable to every item, but in the occasions that you can customize a tool it can be a very powerful method. You can decorate it with colors and symbols that speak to you personally or you can even pick symbols and colors that fit the purpose of the tool.
Bury the item
This method is one that may not be accessible to everyone, but throughout my years as a beginner I heard of it so many times and it's always stood out to me so it felt wrong not to include it. Personally I've never been able to try it, but the concept of imbueing an item with the energy of the earth sounds beautiful.
Bring the item out while on a nature walk and ask 'the Earth'/nature around you to help you bless it
This is my workaround for the whole "can't bury an object" issue. I mainly do this for objects I want to use that came from nature as a 'thank you' gesture to nature for allowing me to use it.
Create/utilize a special ritual for the purpose of dedicating the item
This is a more traditional route that can be simultaneously more accessible than some methods while also being less accessible depending on what type of ritual you follow. Especially if you follow a specific belief, path, or way of life that includes these rituals this experience may be the best for you.
And there is much, much more you could possibly do! Hopefully, my ideas have given you some guidance on consecration and made it seem a little less rigid or intimidating and a lot more relaxed and simplistic. As always I'd love to see some reblogs with more ideas!
