If we don’t need tools, why even bother to use them?
So they say the only tools you really need is you, and that is true. But we all still start with tools anyways. This is a good thing. Not only do these tools help us learn to focus our minds and hearts and to help create a ritual atmosphere, they also help give us something to do, something to pick up to hold on to etc during ritual.
But there is another reason why we start with tools. We need to learn the energy of each tool.
If you want to cut something psychically or energetically, like a Circle, using just your hand you will need to know how to use your hand like a knife or how to create a knife with energy to go cutting negative energy surrounding someone. But in order to do that you first need to know, and know well, the feel of a knife in your hand, the energy of a blade, the feel of cutting energy with that tool.
To learn how to cup and pool feminine energy in your hands, you start by holding it in the cup or chalice. You learn the feel of that cup and the energy pooled within, you learn how to handle it. Then one day you can put down the cup but keep the energy in your hand.
Want to learn how to cast out the unwanted energies in a room with naught but a glare? Start sweeping with your broom, then sweep without your broom but recreating the feel of it. That’s the start, the first steps.
Time to go look at those tools with different eyes kids.
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3 Responses to If we don’t need tools, why even bother to use them?
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What lovely explanations! I’ve always told younger, upcoming witches that tools help to train and mold your will until they are no longer needed (although some can be used to store energy), but your explanations of HOW they do so are stunningly beautiful–extending the microcosmic to the macrocosmic. Even a kid of 50 can gain a fresh perspective!
Typically, I’ve heard that remark about not needing tools made as a nudge against wanting tools as goods, as magical bling. But it’s true that practitioners do not rely on tools but on skills.
FWIW, I did not learn any tool-using magic until I was some years into my own practice. I learned personal energy skills first. But even then, I suppose that I did have familiar tools in mind as models of working.
Yep, training wheels for the Pagan.