Magic: Is it about you or the tools and the words? (Jesus, ritual)

[MoonWater]

Now I'll admit my knowledge of magic is limited and I still have much studying to do however there is one thing I've noticed that bugs me a bit whenever a start reading about the subject in a book or on a website. In the introduction it will state that the magic comes from within you and that any tools and words and ritualizing you do is simply a way to help bring the magic out. But then it goes into long detailed descriptions about what tools you should use, what material they should be made out of, where they should be placed, what colors to use, when to cast particular spells, etc. etc. It seems a bit superfluous if it's really supposed to be "all you". So I'd like to hear your opinion. Do you think it's about you or about the tools and words or a combination of these? Do you feel that these long explanations you find in many books on magic are superfluous, helpful, hurtful?

[Gentoo]

I believe that magic comes from within. But then I also know that tools have their place. Every practitioner uses them differently, if they're used at all.

Personally, if I'm going to use a tool, I would like to know how to use it, how to store it to keep it safe and so on. So I think the descriptions are quite helpful, if a little lengthy.

I use mine mainly for focus and atmosphere. There's something about candles and incense burning with music playing that puts me in the mood to do something special.

[FyreBrigidIce]

I believe the magic comes from within also. We are all part of the divine (at least that is my position) and the tools can help focus the energy and intent of the magickal work. Also you ust believe that what you are doing will succeed and that comes from believing in yourself.

Brandy

[Guitar's Cry]

The power from the tools comes from within the tool user. Even a hammer is useless without the will of the carpenter.

It's the "Riddle of Steel" of Conan the Barbarian.

[Azakel]

I must say that I too believe that Magic(k) comes from within. Tools are just that tools, they help one focus on where they want there energy to go. They are go for beginners to help them understand how to do things, I use them and still do some times. Also even if one understands Magic(k) really well tools might still help them focus is they might be doing a vary long and powerful working. At lest this is how I see it.

[UltraViolet]

In my reality...
just as every single thing around me is a potential sign...
every single thing around me is a potential tool.

Sometimes the signs become the very tools themselves...
Sometimes the tools contain & reveal a sign.

I do not feel any calling to "familiar” magickal tools".
(as "dedicated "tools" of purpose)
As GC said somewhere else,
our "attachments" are all we have.
And while I believe this is absolutely true,
attachments can either be of the light & free kind,
or they can become crutches…
seeking to steal your own deep life in the “divine mystery”.

It is rather the “signs and symbols of the every day life” kind that leave me in awe.
The spontanious, inspired, and syncronistic kind.
I rather prefer the surprise of seeing what each new season brings and inspires in me.
I am only just a little ways down the road of “realizing” that the sign and symbol potential
of the “everyday” world, is ALSO “tool” potential.

Anything can be a sign,
Anything can be a tool.
They can change meaning and use…
As the seasons themselves change.

At times “keys and doors” are nothing but ordinary “world” objects,
But at other times, they unlock hidden secrets….and meanings…
And swing wide open,
To reveal whole new worlds.

The current “sign turned tool” in my life is A STEP.
The improbable stair, the spiral staircase, the DNA spiral,
the exercise step, and yes EVEN my RF avitar!"
Steps/stairs have been speaking to me at every turn,
And as well have become a powerful tool for me in this season,
as I LITERALLY take focused, dedicated, high powered & well intended steps,
to manifesting the reality CHANGE I now inVision, desire, and need most.

[UltraViolet]

Ok,

After re-reading MoonWater's question,
I am going to pose a question of my own,
for those of you with more experience and background
in "dedicated"magickal tools"

I spent a short season pendulum dowsing.
I dedicated my pendulum(s) for communication with God & Jesus,
Holy Spirit, and the Heavenly Host of God.
(His Saints, Angels... etc).
But MOSTLY I posed my questions to either
"Father, or Jesus".

I was just coming out of the Roman Catholic church,
and NEEDED answers from God.
No longer trusting "church" teaching or doctrine,
(and remembering "witch hunts" and the like),
I figured "why not?".
If it IS true that "lesser spirits" speak through these things,
to help "their own" ....
than why not God Himself?
And let me tell you,
those little catholic medals might as well be MADE,
to hang on the end of a piece of string for dowsing.
(my suspicious little mind wondered about that as well!)

You know.
This is a long story.
I think I'll do an audio about it on my blog.
You all have helped make me unafraid to share honestly about these things.

Anyway,
my question for you all is,
when you use magickal objects for divining....
pendulums, rods, cards, crystals,
WHO DO YOU BELIEVE,
is giving you your answers?

Are you tapping into the oneness of the UniVerse?
God?
Other lesser chosen dedicated spirits?

Or are the answers found in your divining,
still, and always coming FROM YOU?

This is a GREAT curiosity for me.

I appreciate any responses I may get.
Thanks in advance.

[Guitar's Cry]

Originally Posted by theNEWreality

Are you tapping into the oneness of the UniVerse?
God?
Other lesser chosen dedicated spirits?

Or are the answers found in your divining,
still, and always coming FROM YOU?

I think they most probably are coming from the individual asking them. Which is also to say you are tapping into the oneness of the Universe and possibly God. Though who know...perhaps there are "spirits" involved after all!

[wizanda]

Faith made the reality and faith can change it.