Being Creative

[Airyn]

Because I am one who practices magick very seldomly, I don't keep many 'supplies' on hand... by this I mean that I don't have all the right candles, oils, flowers or herbs, etc that a spell might requre. When I am moved to do something, I usually collect the objects I need that mean something to me, that weave together pieces of 'spells' from other books and things to make it my own. For example, I didn't have a green, a yellow and a red candle lying around, so I used one candle that was made up of those three colors in layers.

In your opinion, is it better to follow the rules, using the specified oils, the right color candles, the specific object to represent something, etc make a spell make it any less effective? Are there some key items that I should keep on hand just in case? Should I try to follow someone else's spell or feel more confident in ones that I change and alter to suit myself? I am still fairly new to all this, and would appreciate any input! Thanks!

[darkfaery]

It seems to me your doing just fine. It's all about intent, the "tools" you use are more for focus than anything else, so feel free to use what YOU feel is right. The magic comes from within.

[Temptation]

The only rule in magic is that there are no rules.
You don't even need any tools, they're just a means to focus your energy. I personally use candles because, for some reason, I need fire to be able to focus enough to send the energy out there. I don't really care what color they are, I just need to look into the flame or I can't concentrate. I think it's got something to do with the hypnotic properties of the element of fire. It helps clear my overly chaotic mind.

As far as spells go, the ones you create yourself are the most powerful ones you'll ever use. Like darkfaery said, magic comes from within. Just do and use whatever feels right to you. Trust what your instinct tells you and you can't go wrong. :)

[Kitfox]

The most decieving thing about witchcraft is the need for physical tools. Remember that tools are just that, tools. They aren't necessary. They help, yes, but aren't necessary.

Just imagine the tools in your head. Or use something simple. I'm a great fan of plastic knives as athames and salt packets from McDonalds when I've got no tools with me.

Don't worry about using the "right" tools. If it feels right, do it.

[KEishin]

Willpower is the most important ingredient in any magick working. If you don't have that, it doesn't matter if you have all the right tools - it won't work correctly.

Besides collecting lots of spell components may be fun, but they take up a lot of room!

[Home & Garden Witch]

There are no magic rules, so you should be fine! I've often found myself of short supply. So long as you are focusing, visualizing and making your intent known you should be fine!