*Update: Pinrose will no longer be offering this kit, but I feel the discussion should still be had.
There has been a lot of talk recently about Sephora‘s latest offering. In October, cosmetic company, Pinrose, will be offering a Beginner’s Witch Kit. The kit includes tarot cards, rose quartz, sage and a variety of essential oils. The link above is to Sephora’s website, the kit isn’t up on the site just yet. Just do a search for Pinrose in October to get your own online.
When this was announced, my fellow witches (I’m an ecclectic urban witch, fyi) had a collective fit about it. While I respect their opinions, I don’t understand the ire. I think, and this is just my assumption, is that they feel the practice of the craft is not being taken seriously by this company. I can see where that assumption could be made. However, I think we are getting into “fake witch” shaming territory here, which could take us into a very negative direction. I’m reminded of all the times I’ve been accused of being a “fake geek girl” because I didn’t know the minute detail that this particular person was talking to me about. I feel shamed everytime this happens, and I don’t want to be “that witch” that shames someone for reaching out and exploring the craft for themselves.
Hear me out. If someone is alone in their desire to learn more about the metaphysical or magick or whatever spirituality, they may not know where to start. Perhaps they feel comfortable shopping at Sephora. They see the kit. They want to know more. They buy the kit, take it home and then once they feel more comfortable, then they go to their local metaphysical store to ask questions. Now they know what questions to ask! They buy books and become more schooled in things. Their friends notice a positive change in their energy. They ask about that change. This new witch passes on her knowledge and so on.
Now, I realize that the preceeding paragraph was a “best case” scenario. Will there be people just embracing this as a fad? Absolutely! You have people jumping on bandwagons for pretty much everything. There’s no stopping that. I just hope that my fellow witches don’t throw out beginners that really want to explore and learn magick for themselves. I don’t think anyone can say that there is only one right way to get started. Just get started. After all, there are beginning witch kits available everywhere from metaphysical stores like Psychic Eye to Etsy and Amazon.
I do have a recommendation for those of you that are interested in the craft and how to practice it. This wonderful book. It is available on Amazon.
“Wiccapedia” has tips from everything from setting up your altar, minerals and their uses, oils and herbs and their uses, basic casting and a history of Wicca and Paganism as a religious practice. This book is something I revisit on the regular to get answers to questions or to just reconnect with the practice.
So, if you see someone purusing the shelves at Sephora and pick up a kit, don’t give them a hard time. Don’t be a gatekeeper. It might have been really hard for them to do that. Encourage their curiosity and embrace them as your sister/brother in magick. So mote it be!
Love, Kim and Scout
