What do you think?

[Artemis84]

Is the craft getting a little materialistic? It seems like a lot of wiccan/pagan books that I read are always hinting about buying more tools. For instance, we supposedly MUST have a candle snuffer because if we blow out candle we blow away the magick. ???

[MammaStar]

Well, regarding the candle snuffer, I read some where that blowing out the flame was offensive to the God/dess, so i tried my best NOT to blow them out.

But, I have noticed that a number of titles of books that come out, talk about using the Craft to get what you want out of life. I usually, don't pick those books up.

[Myst]

A religion *should* help you get what you want out of life - whether that be happiness, success, spiritual fulfillment, et cetera. I think a lot of people are locked into this belief that wanting what you feel you deserve is "selfish" and "wrong". Yes you have to work on the mundane level and there is a balance, but even so there tends to be two camps - "I need help, give me a spell", and "oh I can't work magic about that, that would be selfish". People should find their own balance and acknowledge their gifts as well as working in any way possible to achieve their goals.

That said, it is not the fault of authors that some are convinced you need specific tools to work magic, but that of people who are inexperienced and unaware as to the true workings of magic and will. I have never seen a book that said "you need THIS athame and THIS wand or you can NOT practice Paganism, period!".

The only people I know, for example, who adhere to the candle snuffer concept are those that have sat down and considered their own beliefs and preferences and come to a conclusion that works well for them. I really don't think that that is to be attributed to books at all - I'd never personally heard of that until coming to MW (and I do have a formidable Pagan library). Besides that, if you don't want to use a snuffer you can pinch the wick.

[Danustouch]

Alot of books that I've read, have suggested ways you can "make" your own tools, instead of buying them, too. Even Buckland, tells you how to make many of your own tools. And I've read books that say you can substitute a bent spoon for a snuffer...etc.

I've rarely read a book that reccommends you have a 14 carot gold pentacle on your altar, or a blue glass chalice with a pentacle etched into it..etc.

So..no...i don't think it's all a ploy to get you to buy more tools. I think some people simply feel more comfortable with more tools on their altar. Many people come from religious backgrounds which have a lot of ritual, liturgy, and ceremony behind them (such as catholicism), and when they become Pagan, some of that follows with them. The more ritualized, organized and "tool" oriented their practice, the more comfortable they are with it, because it's familiar. Also...let's face it ..what ARE tools, but symbols which help us focus our intent. Focus is something which can be very difficult to acheive, without symbols, for some people. So reccomending they have this or that tool on their altar, is saying.."hey..it will be easier for you to focus on the intent of this spell, if you use x, y, and z tool, as a symbol of *&$@(, in your spell.". Personally, i could do a spell with or without my tools. However, when I first got into the craft, I was lost without my tools. It took time to be confident enough in my focus, and objectives, to not rely completely upon the tools, circle, etc. So I think when books reccomend having this item, or that item, for spell work, it's a good thing. It helps "newbies" feel more confident in their practice, when they have the symbols (tools), to work with.

If that made any sense what-so-ever.

[Flaire-FireStar]

From what I've read, I don't find that buying tools is completely necessary.. Most things say that you should make your own tools, like Danus said..

But also, as a "newbie" to practicing, I don't use many tools.. I just don't find them a absolute need to get my work done. So far, everything's been fine with out a chalice or a wand, etc. But also, as a newbie, I don't do elaborate rituals and such.. I make mine up beforehand and make sure I have what I need - usually my tarot cards and a couple of candles.. That's about it.

And as far as the candle snuffer goes.. I think I'll just stick with blowing my candles out. Not that I'm cheap or anything (I do have the money to buy one if I felt that I needed it), but I feel that blowing out the candles just helps to get things in motion. :)

[Amethyst Rose]

Originally posted by Myst

The only people I know, for example, who adhere to the candle snuffer concept are those that have sat down and considered their own beliefs and preferences and come to a conclusion that works well for them.

Yes, that's how it was for me. I don't blow my candles out because I don't want to make any element more powerful than another (air over fire)....I prefer that the elements stay balanced.... such as fire needing air to live, and creating water and earth (carbon). So I just pinch the flame out....I don't have a candle snuffer, although I've considered buying one.

[Twilight Garden]

Just thought I'd say that making your own tools makes them more personal. Just like giving someone a card that you've taken the time to make v/s buying one from a store. The thought is still the same either way. But I also don't see anything really wrong with buying something either. (I'm not starting any argument about which is better, just giving my opinion that either works.) And there is the minimalist opinion that you really don't need many tools at all, so long as the energy can be properly raised and directed and the focus on intent remains.

Besides, if blowing out your candles are all that bad, why do we make a wish and blow out the candles on a birthday cake. Taking a snuffer to that many candles could be a pain for some people. :)

[gunner]

i've always heard that as far as possible you should make your own tools if your practise calls for them. the reasoning being that magick, spellcasting, and such are a personal thing and making the tools yourself invests them with a direct link to your being. in my own case that would be difficult, swordmaking is not one of my talents but my path does not call for making my own. my personal thought is along the lines of danus' post.

[Old Witch]

A candle snuffer is a good idea. Just the other night I was to lazy to go from the bedroom to the living room so I blew out a candle. Dang near set my nightgown on fire!!! I believe!!!