For Pagans, how have you sourced your altar tools?

Question

Have you purchased them from an esoteric store, on-line or made them? Or a combination?

Answer 1

I found my athame in the woods when I was six, I have a collection of home-made wands, I stole my altar cloth, chalice, and censers from a Catholic Church. I have a diverse assortment of home-made candles, and I made my own robe(not really necessary, as most times I work sky-clad). I'm working on forging a sword for ceremonial work at the present moment.

Answer 2

Damn near anywhere. Take your time and collect items that really mean something or, better yet, make them yourself. My primary altar setup is mostly gifts now, and a few items of my own making, but I've been practicing for many years. When I started practicing, I made a pentacle in a wax disc, used a swiss army knife I got as a tchotchke at a developer recruiting fair for an athame, and a $1 wine glass as a chalice.

Answer 3

Well, I'm kind of equal parts hedge-witch and small-w wiccan.

I have made some myself, I have been gifted with some, I have purchased others. None of my purchases have been from on-line stores...and not any from "esoteric' shops. I imagine some of the gift tools I have are from such shops, but I don't really know.

Answer 4

Hey, in many cases, I've made my tools. In some cases, where my lack of ability would have resulted in a substandard tool which would've regularly diverted my attention, I have bought from an online store. Only in the case of my athame have I made any sort of adaptation of the store bought materials, but that's simply due to how personal the athame is.

All the best,

Lazarus

Answer 5

I've gotten my alter tools from various sources. None are obviously pagan, but that doesn't matter to me. Some items came from craft fairs, some I made, and I found my chalice at a thift shop - it just kinda called to me.

Answer 6

I find them.

I got my athame because I used to sell kitchen knives [I use mine for blood rites, so it needs to be sharp]

I got my pentacle, as it was a pie holder [so the pie didn't melt the table] that I had around th house.

My chalice is the glass I got at graduation.

My wand was a willow stick someone gave me.

Answer 7

Esoteric stores are more convenient and work the same.

Answer 8

A combination of all three.

Answer 9

Combo, really....you acquire them when you need them. They'll come to you when they are needed. My pentacle, though...I made myself. It means more to me than anything store bought.

Answer 10

I've always made all my own tools.