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What traditions are these Wiccans members of?

The tools are necessary for the practice of Wicca. How we're defining "studying" in the context of Wicca will determine whether you need those tools.... what I mean by that is if you're studying it from the outside, studying history etc, all you need is mind and books. If you're studying it from the inside, your teachers will determine what you will require.

As far as I'm aware your coven will provide the tools you need.

As Vi said, establish that the "experienced Wiccans" you are speaking of are lineaged initiates of valid traditions. Otherwise, they're not Wiccans and have no authority to speak on the issue.

Most often people are gifted with the tools they need to practice with, as they progress as Seekers. A coven will always make sure, as best they can, that their initiates and students have the things that they need.

Communication with the Lord and Lady requires nothing but an open heart and mind. The rituals, however, are done in a set way with specific tools and methods: this is what defines Wicca, and makes it an orthopraxic faith.

So no...you don't need anything specific to talk to the Gods. The rites of Wicca, however, require certain things, and if they're done improperly or without them the ritual really can't be considered Wiccan.



You've said in the past you aren't Wiccan, and I'm willing to bet your friend/teacher isn't either, having never been part of a coven.

Wicca is a coven-based practice. You can't practice Wicca properly alone, and if you've never been part of a lineaged coven you don't have any way to learn what Wicca is, either.

What non-Wiccans do or don't use in magic or ritual has no effect on what Wiccans require for the proper practice of their faith.

Your understanding is incorrect. 'Solitary' Wiccans are Wiccans who have been properly initiated by a coven, and for whatever reason are unable to practice with that coven. Because they are still initiates, they are still Wiccan.

During that period, however, what they practice alone cannot be considered Wicca - the rites of Wicca properly require a coven to practice. So what you end up with is a 'solitary Wiccan' who is practicing ecclectic neo-paganism until such time as they can return to coven-based practice.