There are a few things you may want to get for working with your herbs.
I will try to get most of them here, but may add more later.
Mortar and Pestle: It would be a good idea to have two different mortar
and pestles. This way you have one for herbs that are edible and one
for herbs that are not. If you are using a potentially harmful herb for
a working, you surely would not want to crush it in the mortar that you
will grind an herb you take internally! These will be used to grind,
bruise, and mix your herbs. There are many different types of mortar
and pestles out there�glass, ceramic, porcelain, wood, metal, and
stone. The first three I mentioned have the tendency to break easily.
Wooden ones can splinter and easily absorb odors and other properties
from the herbs. I would recommend a stone one. Metal ones are fine also
as long as the sound of metal clanging does not bother you! I
personally use a soapstone one.
Jars/Containers: Of course you want to have containers to keep your
herbs in. As described above, dark colored glass containers are best.
These tend to keep the sunlight from getting through as easily. You can
use plastic containers for magickal herbs. As long as it is airtight
and you keep the herbs out of direct sunlight, any container should be
fine. Also, keep your herbs out of the reach of children!! If you plan
on ingesting any of the edible herbs, I would not recommend keeping the
herbs in plastic though. Herbs can pick up the impurities from the
plastic.
Labels: Some kind of marking system for your herbs, whether it be with
marker and a piece of tape or a label, etc. This way you know what you
put in the containers and the date you put them in there. Do this as
you fill your containers with the herbs.
Teapot: This is used for brewing smaller batches of herbals. You can
also get a larger pot, holding about 2 quarts, for anything larger.
Preferably non-metallic.
Teaball/Muslin Teabags: Good for making one person teas, infusions, or
other herbals where steeping is needed. These keep the herbs in one
place, like a tea bag you buy from the store.
Cutting Board: A stone or glass one is recommended since herbs are
easily wiped off of them and they do not tend to absorb the herbal
odors or properties. If you cannot get one of those kinds, a wooden one
can be used, but you need to make sure you wash it and dry it
thoroughly after each use. I would keep a separate one for edible and
non-edible herbs though.
Charcoal Blocks: Little round circles of charcoal that you can
purchase from about any metaphysical shop. You would use these to burn
your incense, powders, and resins on.
Censer: A small, heat resistant dish that you can burn your incenses,
etc in. You would use the charcoal discs in this also. Make sure it is
big enough for you to work with, but not so large that every time you
use it you need a fire extinguisher or water hose close by. Brass,
clay, or copper work well. Adding some sand to the bottom of it is also
a good idea for keeping the heat under control.
Eyedropper: Handy when using oils or tinctures. Most come with
measurements on them. Some are glass and these would need to be washed
thoroughly between uses. I personally like using disposable plastic
ones.
Spoons: Wooden spoons are generally recommended. Plastic ones are ok
also, but it is best not to use metallic ones. Always keep your
magickal ones separate from your everyday ones. Used to mix recipes,
potions, etc. When getting ready to mix up batches, get your magickal
working spoons out and beside your working area to make sure you don�t
grab one of your everyday spoons.
Funnels: Used for pouring and mixing liquids easily. Keep separate from
everyday items.
Cheesecloth: Used for straining your liquid mixtures. Pieces of
cheesecloth can also be used for sachets, dream pillows, amulets, etc.
since the scent of the herb can easily come through it.
Journal/Notebook: A notebook to record what herbs you have used and the
outcomes. This way you know what you used in that protection spell that
worked so well, or any other magickal recipes that were successful.
Always write down what you did, how you did it, the date, the reason,
any information about the herbs used, the amounts, and the effects,
success or otherwise.
