In light of the Altars Four post I have decided now would be a good time to talk about something that I think is very important and more often then not misunderstood.
Modern society has commercialized Paganism. By this I mean that there is a general attitude that makes people feel like they need to have X, Y, Z to be considered faithful or a true walker of the path. This mentality directly feeds into the belief that for ritual work of any kind to be effective and to have an altar that won't be offensive to the spirits/Gods you need the X,Y,Z items and have to say things and move in an exact way.
This mentality is mainly perpetuated by the literature and the general attitude of people already involved which creates a self sustaining cycle. This happens because the litature itself and the tone (of how it has to be done) of it describes what needs to be on an altar/how to set it up, what items/ingredients are needed for various workings, how you should commune with the spirits, etc. This said litature rarely explains that you can or should improvise, make your own ritual tools, use your own wording, and write your own rituals/spells. Then people armed with these references (or just how they were taught) preach these "necessities" and thus, the cycle continues to perpetuate.
Do not get me wrong, I think it is great that we easily have access to Pagan litature and supplies. It is the "you need this" or "most do it this way" attitude that is intimidating and creates self doubt in the individual practitioner regarding their faith. I was a victim of this intimidation and self doubt for a very long time - this was what held me back from practicing for a very, very long time. It was not until a conversation with a High Priestess that cleared my beliefs of this need and made me realize that intent, faith, and effort are 90% of it. My first altar (I used it for years) was four different stones that represented the four elements in a little box and a tea candle.
People need to remember/realize/be taught that ritual tools are metaphorical and help one focus the energy and their mind. In addition, altar items are considered the same as above. Even the Buddha said many time, "My teaching is like a finger pointing at the moon. Do not mistake the finger for the moon." This is something important and powerful to remember when studying Paganism/Spirituality in any shape or form and Manly P. Hall goes on to elaborate that;
...wisdom drapes her truth with symbolism, and covers her insight with allegory. Creeds, rituals, poems are parables and symbols. The ignorant take them literally and build for themselves prison houses of words and with bitter speech and bitterer taunt denounce those who will not join them in the dungeon. Before the rapt vision of the seer, dogma and ceremony, legend and trope dissolve and fade, and he sees behind the fact that truth, behind the symbol the Reality. Through the shadow shines ever the Perfect Light.
These items/tools do not need to be exact or bought and can be improvised. The people's Gods and the spirits will not be offended if you do not have that $300.00 dollar statue of them in the window or some fancy hand carved hammer. A hand crafted token of representation and/or a trip to a thrift/craft/hardware store or the woods (be respectful and thankful) will work just as well if not better becuase the person put in time and creative energy.
Certain items or techniques may resonate with what or whoever the person is working with and those said items and techniques may make things easier when working with particular energy but it is not needed (remember to stay responsible and safe). Does a person need a green candle for a money spell to work? No. If the green candle will help the person focus their mind and energy for their desired intent then bring on the green candle.
No comments:
Post a Comment