Vaguely Arcane Gifts for the Occasional Occultist
Have a friend whose interest in the occult goes beyond a "we are the granddaughters of the witches you could not burn!" bumper sticker? Do read on!
While I cannot claim to be an occultist or a possessor of supernatural gifts, I can claim a slight fascination with the unknown. I keep certain protections — mostly Italian ones — in our home and on my person. There’s an apothecary of sorts in our bedroom, my wife is a shrewd tarot reader (her cards are never wrong) and we’re both fairly well-versed in astrology (thanks to
’s work — a subscription to her newsletter itself is a great gift!).
Over the years we’ve collected more than a few items that are sort of “gateway drugs” into learning more about ghosts, astrology, tarot, spells, etc. Generally, items used in these practices are deeply personal to the user. So we’re keeping it on the shallow end of the cosmic pool today, but this should be enough to conjure some holiday cheer.
If you or anybody is serious about getting into witchcraft, your first step should be Pam Grossman’s body of work, notably Waking the Witch. It offers substantive answers to the oversimplified question of, “What is a witch?” In addition to cultural observations about the Witch and Womanhood, it includes autobiographical details about her own journey. Malcom Gaskill’s The Ruin of All Witches is an astonishing work of historical research that pieces together how a colonial village (not Salem) upended itself with charges of witchcraft. It includes tons of primary sources and reads like an engrossing novel. (Not for nothing, the cover art is perfect.) And finally, the soon-to-be-released Intention Obsession by Hauswitch founder Erica Feldmann could serve as a more practical guide to…practicing.
Pam Grossman also co-edited this gorgeous entry of Taschen’s Library of Esoterica with Jessica Hundley. I highly recommend the entire series, but Witchcraft is so arresting and offers a much wider viewpoint than the traditional witch myths. Similarly Frances F. Denny’s Major Arcana is full of photographs of practicing witches across the United States, illuminating how they live in modern times. Think of these books as a sort of starter course, if you will.
Ouija boards are famous for their ability to communicate with the other side. I often get into fights with my wife because I really don’t like being around them but they’re one of her essentials (she used to carry a computer printed one around which drove me insane). So, here we are. This tiny one won’t fit in a wallet but can easily be thrown in a handbag, and then of course, there’s the original Ouija Board. You can also find first editions on Etsy occasionally, but they generally go for $500+ in my experience. (Trust their authenticity at your own risk.)
Any space or home could always use a little smudge stick for cleansing, too. They all essentially do the same thing but look for self-contained options because sage can get everywhere. If you’re gonna do magic, do it practically. A great housewarming gift as well!
Candles are very specific if you’re using them with magic intention. These from HausWitch are $3 a pop but make sure you’re buying the proper kind and know what you’re doing. (There is a color guide on their product page.) Also, never blow out candles that are burned for a reason — everybody needs a candle snuffer, but witch’s especially. (The Loewe one is ridiculously expensive I know. But I love it.)
If somebody is toying with the idea of casting spells, they’re going to need a place to write them down. (Among other things.) This big leather journal from Liberty screams, “Magical powers, inquire within!” (and works as a diary just the same). If you’ve followed my writing you likely know I’m a huge fan of Sage and Salt and also appreciate that their crystal balls come with crystal-gazing instructions.
These spell kits make the best gifts — partly because they include everything you need to cast something, but also because they come in the inimitable HausWitch box. Wrapping? Done. I recommend getting these early if you can. Things tend to sell out here when we get closer to the end of the year.
I sort of consider this a two-part gift. First, you have the actual A.E. Waite and P. Colman Smith deck (the most widely used one, so they say) but then you also get a beautiful book with information about the cards, the story and all the artwork. Win-win. (Don’t be afraid of the death card, it’s not bad!) Should your giftee already have that deck, then you can’t do better than the Moon Witch Tarot. I bought this for Alex a few years ago and she and all her subjects are huge fans. Can you blame them? (Pictured below.)
If you’re putting things out there, you might as well put up some protection for yourself. These red beads are fully meant to be Christmas decorations, I am aware of that. But, something red outside your door will ward of bad energies and that stupid Malocchio that I am constantly dealing with. (Malocchio is just Italian evil eye.) And you likely recognize the evil eye, another classic charm to protect your home. If you’d prefer it as a necklace, you can do that too. (Plus this sculpture has the zodiac in it — ooooh.)
This teacup, though slightly satanic looking, would be a big hit with anybody with a caffeine addiction and an understanding of their sun, moon and rising. (If you don’t know what that means, then maybe choose something else.) We bought one of these palmistry candles, etched with a basic palm reading guide. Ours is gray, I recommend something brighter. Gray is sad! I hesitated to include this lamp, but it reminded me very much of Christine McConnell, who is sort of like the Netherworld version of a 1950s Martha Stewart. (She can also build, make, renovate or revive anything.) Including here for good measure and it would be at home in a fancy witch's lair.
Until next time,
JJ
Other Gift Guides You Might Like:
Great Things to Give & Receive (Vol. I)
My Elite Faves Are on Sale (Woo)
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This is lovely, finally a very different gift guy!