Why do so many new age witches preach against casting spells for own pleasure?

[PrincessKLS]

It seems like when you are taught witchcraft anymore, you're taught that you can't just do anything you want, you actually have a stricter dogma than Christianity, why?

[chrysanna]

It seems like when you are taught witchcraft anymore, you're taught that you can't just do anything you want, you actually have a stricter dogma than Christianity, why?


I don't know if the "preaching" is actually about casting spells for your own pleasure, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

First off, the only dogma "officially" regulating your behavior is generally regarded as the Law of Cause and Effect, Karma, The Threefold Rule, The Witches' Rede, etc., whatever you may call it. This only states that you must harm none, lest it come back to you. Should you cast a spell for your own pleasure and it not harm someone, then by all means, so mote it be.

Another trend I've noticed on boards, especially among the more experienced generation of "new age" witches is that there is strong encouragement toward doing everything realistically possible to solve a problem/situation before turning to magic or spellwork. This is the only time I've noticed this, so if it falls under my first point, I don't know why anyone would object to a spell for pleasure's sake.

As a matter of fact, I tend to think that personal gain is a perfectly acceptable reason for casting a spell, provided of course it isn't at another's expense.

I hope this helps.

[aranarose]

I think some of it is Christian-based, and a reaction to Christian culture. A large number of witches were raised Christian, and that's a hard thing to get over. By limiting when and how spells are committed, they are justifying to themselves that it's okay.

[Infinite Grey]

hmmmm it could be the most witches are escaping the tyrannical clutches of the main stream religion - all of which enforce a sort of sadomasochistic doctrine designed to make you feel guilty about your own existence. The denial of personal gain by other supernatural means is probably a throw-back from that... or simply a variant of it.

Ooooooor they watch too much Charmed.

[PrincessKLS]

But not all witches follow the Wiccan rede and when I was taught witchcraft, I was taught by someone with their own agendas so I was taught to be way too careful, I hardly do spells or rituals. Even though it's been years since my teachings, it almost always feels new to me.

[PrincessKLS]

I think some of it is Christian-based, and a reaction to Christian culture. A large number of witches were raised Christian, and that's a hard thing to get over. By limiting when and how spells are committed, they are justifying to themselves that it's okay.


I'm starting to think that too, in fact at some point I sort of went back to Christianity because I didn't see a major difference in some of new beliefs and practices. Some things never really changed. And oddly enough, I find Wicca is sometimes more dogmatic than Christianity or Christianity is really the firm, hardcore religion.

[Æon Flux]

You can do whatever you do, but the question is do you really want to go through life relying on magic to fix every problem you might have.
And in my opinion so-called "personal gain" is a load of crock. Everything we do is usually for personal gain, directly or indirectly.

Some witches might not want to use magic to solve their personal problems, some do it happily. What's important is to maintain a balance... a lot of beginner witches might not be in a position to realize that everything they do hav e consequences in one way or another, especially when it comes to magic.
That might be a reason as to why you tell beginners to keep away from using magic for their own benefit... or they've all watched too much Charmed. I don't know...

[Æon Flux]

Ooooooor they watch too much Charmed.

damnit, you beat me to it. :lol:

[Darkest Eve]

Well, that's a pretty broad category that you lumped in there. :) "New Age Witches" could be just about anyone... or noone. :lol:

I think that most are probably just being cautious... and those that have a religion backing their magick practice don't always like to see it put to frivolous use.

And yes... most people would consider doing something for your own pleasure (which I took to mean "just because I can") frivolous - I'm not saying it to be a smart aleck or mean.

What you do is up to you. I typically don't condone or condemn what other people choose to practice.

My only concession to that is to know what you're doing before you leap into something. Every action has a reaction etc etc etc. If your actions have a negative effect, and you didn't do your research before jumping in... well... I don't have much sympathy.

Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should do something.

I think that's where the question is coming from... but I could be wrong.

[PrincessKLS]

hmmmm it could be the most witches are escaping the tyrannical clutches of the main stream religion - all of which enforce a sort of sadomasochistic doctrine designed to make you feel guilty about your own existence. The denial of personal gain by other supernatural means is probably a throw-back from that... or simply a variant of it.

Ooooooor they watch too much Charmed.

And also some witches say it's alright to do revenge spells but warn things can come back to you 3x and always emphasizing the bad stuff more than the good stuff (karma). And I find (me included) that a lot of scorned witches and pagans just turn the other cheek in fear that god really will punish you for casting an "evil" spell on the person or people who've really hurt you the most.

I'm trying to break free of the dogma because I find even when I turn the other cheek I get the same treatment.

I guess it's just human nature, that people want a scapegoat.

[Infinite Grey]

And also some witches say it's alright to do revenge spells but warn things can come back to you 3x and always emphasizing the bad stuff more than the good stuff (karma). And I find (me included) that a lot of scorned witches and pagans just turn the other cheek in fear that god really will punish you for casting an "evil" spell on the person or people who've really hurt you the most.

I'm trying to break free of the dogma because I find even when I turn the other cheek I get the same treatment.

I guess it's just human nature, that people want a scapegoat.

No it's human nature that we want answers - the scapegoat came as a symptom of trying to explain things - example lightning = god is pissed off with me - so I give him something to chew instead of me.

It's a bit of baggage that is taught to us as children - not inherent.

[chrysanna]

But not all witches follow the Wiccan rede and when I was taught witchcraft, I was taught by someone with their own agendas so I was taught to be way too careful, I hardly do spells or rituals. Even though it's been years since my teachings, it almost always feels new to me.


In this case, I have one more comment. Regardless of who taught you, one of the beauties of this type fo path is that you find your own way. Take4 what you will from your "teacher" (IMHO, no one with personal agendas should be teaching), and make your own decisions.

If a spell feels right to you, do it. If you think it's wrong or frivlolous, don't.

[Infinite Grey]

damnit, you beat me to it. :lol:

You bet I did :thumbsup:

[watersprite]

I practice witchcraft to protect myself, my family and friends. I practice witchcraft to heal and give compassion. I practice witcraft to Kick somebody's ass who just tried to kick mine.
I grow my own herbs and many of my own vegetables and dehydrate them myself. While I try not to harm folks, I will also not lie down and be somebody's doormat. I am not afraid to kick some butt now and again.
If I were able to do so, I would have won a big lottery pot a long time ago, and set up a fund for witches less fortunate, as well as having some more creature comforts for my self. Still would. But I don't think that my life path this time was meant to give me that.
If I wanted the boundaries of religious dogma, I would have followed a different path.

[Lunacie]

But not all witches follow the Wiccan rede and when I was taught witchcraft, I was taught by someone with their own agendas so I was taught to be way too careful, I hardly do spells or rituals. Even though it's been years since my teachings, it almost always feels new to me.


And also some witches say it's alright to do revenge spells but warn things can come back to you 3x and always emphasizing the bad stuff more than the good stuff (karma). And I find (me included) that a lot of scorned witches and pagans just turn the other cheek in fear that god really will punish you for casting an "evil" spell on the person or people who've really hurt you the most.

I'm trying to break free of the dogma because I find even when I turn the other cheek I get the same treatment.

I guess it's just human nature, that people want a scapegoat.

Are you getting these mixed messages from the same people? They say they don't believe the Wiccan Rede has any meaning for them yet they do believe in the Law of Threefold Return, which is also Wiccan in origin? Doesn't make any sense to me.

Unless you see this as another case of human nature in picking and choosing which things have meaning and which things don't. You're doing well to look around and ask questions and make up your own mind which things have meaning for you and which things don't.

[Shanti]

I practice witchcraft to protect myself, my family and friends. I practice witchcraft to heal and give compassion. I practice witcraft to Kick somebody's ass who just tried to kick mine.
I grow my own herbs and many of my own vegetables and dehydrate them myself. While I try not to harm folks, I will also not lie down and be somebody's doormat. I am not afraid to kick some butt now and again.
If I were able to do so, I would have won a big lottery pot a long time ago, and set up a fund for witches less fortunate, as well as having some more creature comforts for my self. Still would. But I don't think that my life path this time was meant to give me that.
If I wanted the boundaries of religious dogma, I would have followed a different path.

The bolded part is a gem!
If you dont want it, to your own thing and lets those with the dogma do theirs!

As to the why...heck if we understood others we would be them!

[Silverfire Darkmoon]

Ooooooor they watch too much Charmed.

This.

Of course, I'm one of those horrible Wiccans who wants to have the Rede shoved up its own ass. Cripes, Gardner's rationale for harming none was so that the mythical Wiccans during the witch hysteria wouldn't get blamed for cursing anyone, and if no-one died from witchcraft no-one would start a panic. And once, 'when we had power', we used our powers indiscriminately.

Wicca used to have balls.

[PandoraHealer]

hey now... I watch charmed... comes on in 2 hours-- lol--- I also read vampire books-- I find them entertaining...
Do i think any of that crap is real? of course not! (du'h)

When I first started reading about withcraft and wicca and everything pagan-- my first books were silver raven wolf -GASP! I learned the wiccan rede and three fold law and all that... it sort of kept me in check.... I was a teenager hopped up on horemones and stuck in the nightmare known as high school-- I was picked on a lot and there were a lot of people I wanted to do some damage too--- but because I learned the 3 fold stuff-- I didn't do much besides put them in the freezer.... I didn't want anything to backfire

I'm not sure how to explain it-- I guess what I'm saying is that when I was first learning, I didn't feel *ready* to do serious spells... I didn't do big rituals, I didn't "mess" with anything.... learning the 3 fold law thing- kept me from even trying any of the more serious spells and rituals.... Now i've grown a tremendous amount- especially in the last 2 years and not only do I do more serious spell work and rituals-- but I LOVE it! I know how to be safe now, and I don't believe much in the 3 fold law anymore.... You screw me over and you get exactly what you deserve... nothing more- certainly nothing less...

does any of that make sense?

~Ph

[PrincessKLS]

hey now... I watch charmed... comes on in 2 hours-- lol--- I also read vampire books-- I find them entertaining...
Do i think any of that crap is real? of course not! (du'h)

When I first started reading about withcraft and wicca and everything pagan-- my first books were silver raven wolf -GASP! I learned the wiccan rede and three fold law and all that... it sort of kept me in check.... I was a teenager hopped up on horemones and stuck in the nightmare known as high school-- I was picked on a lot and there were a lot of people I wanted to do some damage too--- but because I learned the 3 fold stuff-- I didn't do much besides put them in the freezer.... I didn't want anything to backfire

I'm not sure how to explain it-- I guess what I'm saying is that when I was first learning, I didn't feel *ready* to do serious spells... I didn't do big rituals, I didn't "mess" with anything.... learning the 3 fold law thing- kept me from even trying any of the more serious spells and rituals.... Now i've grown a tremendous amount- especially in the last 2 years and not only do I do more serious spell work and rituals-- but I LOVE it! I know how to be safe now, and I don't believe much in the 3 fold law anymore.... You screw me over and you get exactly what you deserve... nothing more- certainly nothing less...

does any of that make sense?

~Ph
I used to watch it myself but that's not where I got my ideas. When I was 14, my sister taught me and she's not 100% Wiccan herself. She had a lot of bias and thought I shouldn't do certain spells and that bad things would happen and shit like that.

[Darth Brooks]

First off, the only dogma "officially" regulating your behavior is generally regarded as the Law of Cause and Effect, Karma, The Threefold Rule, The Witches' Rede, etc., whatever you may call it.

These things are not the same thing by any means. The Law of Cause and Effect is scientifically proven, but there is no scientific proof for the Threefold Rule, nor is there scientific proof for Karma. Karma is not the Threefold Law, since Karma pertains to cosmic reactions against your present actions in a future incarnation, not in your current incarnation. Now, I'm not saying these beliefs are invalid - although I don't believe in them myself, I'm not about to tell anyone they shouldn't believe in them - but they are not the same thing. I would agree with you that the only "dogma" regulating my behavior is the Law of Causality, but I do not agree that my behavior is regulated by the "Threefold Law" or Karma in the slightest.


This only states that you must harm none, lest it come back to you.This is an optional belief, not necessarily an objective fact.

[Darkest Eve]

I used to watch it myself but that's not where I got my ideas. When I was 14, my sister taught me and she's not 100% Wiccan herself. She had a lot of bias and thought I shouldn't do certain spells and that bad things would happen and shit like that.

If you think it's crap you don't have to believe what she did... you don't have to follow her beliefs or continue her bias just because she's your sister.

Keep in mind: One witch doesn't represent all witches. Just as one Christian doesn't represent all Christians, one Satanist doesn't represent all Satanists... etc etc etc.

Even people on the same path hold different ideals. Typically, their core values will be the same... but this isn't always the case.

Taking things on a case-by-case basis is about the best thing to do... everyone is unique. (Like that quote: "You're unique... just like everyone else.") :lol:

Like others have said... one of the best things about paganism (as a general term) is that it is more of a "do what you will" than a dogma-driven practice.

Just because you are taught one way doesn't mean that's the only way to do it... and just because someone gives you grief about something doesn't mean you have to listen or care what they think.

[Windsmith]

It seems like when you are taught witchcraft anymore, you're taught that you can't just do anything you want, you actually have a stricter dogma than Christianity, why?Who was taught you could "just do anything you want"? I mean, anyone? Ever? Even in "normal" life that doesn't work!

As for spells for "pleasure"...wow. I don't know about you, but I put a lot of effort into my spells. They're good, and doing them is maybe even enjoyable, but I would hesitate to call even the very best of them "pleasurable." If I want pleasure, I'll curl up with my wife, or a good book, or some chocolate, or...that little thing that makes a buzzing sound when I push the button..._whistle_

All that said, I disagree that we have a "stricter dogma" than Christianity, but I would also say that it's not automatically a bad idea to have some guidelines and maybe even boundaries, even (or maybe especially) if only self-created, self-imposed ones, simply because Christianity has some of those, too. They've been doing this for almost 2,000 years; they haven't gotten everything wrong.

[cyndianna]

I prefer to do spell work only when other mundane avenues are not feasible, or in conjunction with my mundane efforts. I do this, because I believe that hard work and self accomplishment are excellent for personal development. Ofcourse, there are many times when magick is quicker and easier. I consider each new choice placed before me on an individual basis- and sometimes relying soley on magick is a no brainer. Each of us must decide what is best for ourselves. Same thing goes with to cast or not to cast. Have you thought out all possible outcomes and consequences? Are you willing to accept those consequences? Will you feel good about yourself or will you have regrets keeping you up all night?

[chrysanna]

These things are not the same thing by any means. The Law of Cause and Effect is scientifically proven, but there is no scientific proof for the Threefold Rule, nor is there scientific proof for Karma. Karma is not the Threefold Law, since Karma pertains to cosmic reactions against your present actions in a future incarnation, not in your current incarnation. Now, I'm not saying these beliefs are invalid - although I don't believe in them myself, I'm not about to tell anyone they shouldn't believe in them - but they are not the same thing. I would agree with you that the only "dogma" regulating my behavior is the Law of Causality, but I do not agree that my behavior is regulated by the "Threefold Law" or Karma in the slightest.

This is an optional belief, not necessarily an objective fact.

When I say The Law of Cause and Effect, I'm not talking about Newton. It's part of some teachings and is along the same lines as karma. And under some teachings, karma can affect your current incarnation. It's a matter of what traditions you're quoting from.

Also, I am not saying that any of this is true or factual. My referencing this particular material is only to perhaps shed some light for the original poster on why her teacher may have taught her to be so cautious. I never even insinuated that any of this is objective fact.

[Caitlin.ann]

It seems like when you are taught witchcraft anymore, you're taught that you can't just do anything you want, you actually have a stricter dogma than Christianity, why?

Not a clue, I don't follow or watch the trends, I just do as I see fit for myself. I don't practice magic often because I usually don't feel the need.

[Cassie]

It seems like when you are taught witchcraft anymore, you're taught that you can't just do anything you want, you actually have a stricter dogma than Christianity, why?
Maybe because, as that great Witch Spiderman once said, "With great power comes great responsibility."

[Avanti]

It seems like when you are taught witchcraft anymore, you're taught that you can't just do anything you want, you actually have a stricter dogma than Christianity, why?

Do you act in anyway you want? If you're mad at someone, do you just lash out and hit them over the head? Morals and Ethics seem to be exaggerated and re-interpreted as dogma, when really it's just common sense.

I don't agree with people who don't curse because they believe in karma. To me that's just following a dogma. Whereas if you truly realise the extent of damage you can do to a person when there are more mundane methods that can be used, then that is the heart of the reason for not cursing. (Although I think cursing should be used in some situations, I just think you need to think it through)

When I cast a spell to enhance my performance on an exam, I don't cast a spell for getting 100% on my exam. I cast one that will calm my nerves and consolidate what I have learnt. To me, asking for marks to land on your lap with no effort is akin to cheating.

So yes I do not think I should use magic in anyway that I want. I follow my own moral code.

[Xentor]

I don't know of any Pagan that preaches against spells for one's own pleasure. If I do know them, and they did preach about it to me, I have forgotten or didn't pay attention.

Dismissing one's own pleasure is an ascetic notion: the body is thought to be dirty and in need of cleansing and sometimes even punishment, for only through being pure and clean, one can reach divinity. Several religions have preached and acted on this idea.

Personally, I prefer the tantric way. That includes magic.

[Darbla]

A practitioner named Br. Molok or Moloch or something like that said on another forum I used to visit: "I got into the Occult for two things: Money and Power. That's it. I don't pretend to have some altruistic hippy notion of peace, love and goodness..."

I'm with him. I ought to look him up and see how he's getting along now.

Darbla

[aluokaloo]

I don't know why. I see their message but I think it came out wrong, what should mentioned is that they should be mindful that their actions don't cause serious harm. A real life example would be drunk driving, it's pleasurable for you to get drunk, but it can cause serious harm if you were to get into an accident. if you were to cast a love spell on a specific person, you screwing with their free will. but words get in the way i guess.

as for doing everything in your power before you cast a spell, that's common sense. you shouldn't get too reliant on magic, especially when you can do something on your own, it can help direct and guide you but it's not the solution to everything. it'd be damn nice if it was though.

[Rudas Starblaze]

It seems like when you are taught witchcraft anymore, you're taught that you can't just do anything you want, you actually have a stricter dogma than Christianity, why?

A. cause they believe in karma.... *rolls eyes*

B. cause they believe in the 3 fold law.... *rolls eyes*

c. cause they fear.

d. cause they can talk the talk, but cant walk the walk so they come up with excuses for why they dont (or shall i say.. cant) do many things.

[~Belladonna~]

I think one should cast a spell whenever one wants to cast one, and be it for self gain or not.

Witches just don't seem like Witches these days :eyebrow:

[lavenderdawn]

While reading this it occurred to me that it depends on what you mean by 'spell' as well. I will give 'pushes' to things all day everyday: to find a better parking spot, to have exact change at the toll booth, to not have the cops see me speeding, stuff like that. I consider all magic of this type "spells".

If you're talking about casting a circle and raising energy for just the shear pleasure of doing so, I don't see any harm in it but why not put the power to some constructive use while you're at it? I'm sure someone in your personal network needs a boost even if you do not or even sending it out to someone who needs it most would be a good way to deal with the energy you raised. You could end up with an energy overload otherwise(not fun) not serious but it just seems like a waste to me.

I do think that each person, and especially magic workers, should build their own sense of ethics and follow them. All the admonitions about not 'doing harm" are really just a way of getting people to think about the consequences of their actions. Good idea for all of us but 'harm' is pretty subjective, everything 'harms' something at some level. 'No Harm" is not a practical idea just an ideal to shoot for, shorthand for 'doing the least harm for YOU in this particular situation in this time and place according to your judgment and to the best of the knowledge and skills you have available to you.'

I believe in justice and in self defense, which at times may include a good offense. "A witch who cannot curse, cannot cure" but I also believe that each of us must make these decisions according to an inner moral code that you create by listening to your own conscience and inner knowing.

There is also this interesting limiting phenomenon I've noticed in magical workings, if you are new to raising and directing energy you probably can;t move enough of it to any real damage. You might make a temporary mess that can be painful but then you learn. Ooops...

So magic has it's own way of teaching us what's not a good idea.

Harm None? Pffft...

[DoktorSick]

hmmmm it could be the most witches are escaping the tyrannical clutches of the main stream religion - all of which enforce a sort of sadomasochistic doctrine designed to make you feel guilty about your own existence. The denial of personal gain by other supernatural means is probably a throw-back from that... or simply a variant of it.

Ooooooor they watch too much Charmed.

100% pure gold !!!!:thumbsup:

[OneGreyOwl]

There is a very, very good (and short) book that anyone who questions exactly what the ethics of the Wiccan Rede (and being a witch in general) genuinely means should read, it's called "When, Why, If ..." by Robin Wood. It's not just a book, but a workbook, every chapter ending in exercise questions.

It's required reading in our coven. I can't recommend it highly enough, seriously.

The main problem is not so much doing spells for your own "pleasure" but how will your actions/intensions impact others.

And then there is the question is it appropriate to do something simply because you CAN do it? Or are you trying to do something through magic that is best achieved through mundane means?

[~Belladonna~]

It seems like when you are taught witchcraft anymore, you're taught that you can't just do anything you want, you actually have a stricter dogma than Christianity, why?

Wow, we actually agree on something :jawdrop:
As I said in a post of mine elsewhere, Witches just don't seem like Witches these days... and for what reason you ask? Well, it's all this "don't cast a spell business until it's the very last resort" and "this is gonna come back and bite you on the ass" and "3 x 3" and "blah, blah, blah."

Now it's not that I go around casting spells on all and sundry (or whatever the saying is?) and all willy nilly, but geesh, if I want to cast a spell I will do and I'll do it whenever the fancy takes me. I'm a Witch for Gods sake. I mean, when would I cast a spell if I took the mundane route all the time? You tell me because I really haven't got a clue? Seriously!

I used to be Wiccan. I started on a Wiccan path but I got fed up of all the does and don't so went else where. To be fair to Wicca though it wasn't just that, I'd outgrown it as much as I'd got fed up with it and its people (not all of them, just a lot of them) ;) I kept hearing the same old cliches all the time. Hell, at one point I was even saying them myself :bigredblu

These days I class myself as simply - Witch. I cast my spells whenever I feel the need and on whoever I feel needs them :brew: :deviltail and instead of worrying about if it's gonna come back and bite me on the ass I take responsibility for what I do and except the consequences (though you cover yourself well and there normally isn't any) :thumbsup:

So yeah, that's my opinion. Witches just ain't Witches no more... sad, but true :uhhuhuh:

[watersprite]

And also some witches say it's alright to do revenge spells but warn things can come back to you 3x and always emphasizing the bad stuff more than the good stuff (karma). And I find (me included) that a lot of scorned witches and pagans just turn the other cheek in fear that god really will punish you for casting an "evil" spell on the person or people who've really hurt you the most.

I'm trying to break free of the dogma because I find even when I turn the other cheek I get the same treatment.

I guess it's just human nature, that people want a scapegoat.
IT sounds like Wicca just followed the Christians and did not know any other way. So they heaped guilt on everyone, formed a strict hierarchy and threatened us with Bad Karma instead of hell. I was enthusiastic, like a new Christian, until the Dogma slapped me in the face and I started reading further.
I realized that my path is solitary traditional. I left Wicca behind forever.

[~Belladonna~]

IT sounds like Wicca just followed the Christians and did not know any other way. So they heaped guilt on everyone, formed a strict hierarchy and threatened us with Bad Karma instead of hell. I was enthusiastic, like a new Christian, until the Dogma slapped me in the face and I started reading further.
I left Wicca behind forever.

Exactly!

[Lunacie]

IT sounds like Wicca just followed the Christians and did not know any other way. So they heaped guilt on everyone, formed a strict hierarchy and threatened us with Bad Karma instead of hell. I was enthusiastic, like a new Christian, until the Dogma slapped me in the face and I started reading further.
I realized that my path is solitary traditional. I left Wicca behind forever.

Ah, but it's only the newer Wicca-lite that puts out that kind of mindset. Wiccans who are taught the older, traditional ways are still real Witches, people who know that cursing and healing are just two ends of the same stick.

[OneGreyOwl]

Cursing and healing someone ties your karmic life up to theirs.

Hey, personal freedom/personal responsibility.

Frankly, I'm not on this path to get rich, get famous, or get powerful, I'm here to learn and grow and maybe leave the space and those whose life path I cross a little better than I found it. And I'm forced to wonder, anyone out there casting spells to make yourself rich or curse another, how well really goes your life? How much money do you have in the bank, how much do you enjoy your job, how well loved are you, by yourself and others? Hows your health? Did your enemy come down with a case of the crabs?

But I suppose by the definitions of some I am a new age witch (even though I'm quite steadfastly anti-xtian). The real truth of the matter is I'm neither witch nor wiccan. I consider myself a pagan who belongs to a path of syncratic wicca. My mentors, elders, HP and HPS, tell me to follow my heart and use my head, and frankly I've found those, and just plain common sense, to be the most valuable tools I have in my toolchest.