I tried to put in "Candlestick Maker" in the title, but didn't have enough room. Lol.
So, I teach a introductory class on Ceremonial magic in my area. It's 6 months, one class per month with ritual work at every class. One of the things in the class is that each student will make their own wand. Now, in ceremonial magic the wands have perscribed designs, colors and uses, especially in the beginning. Later, once you are beyond the basics, you have more freedom. Some of them truely are works of art. Well, as we are taking the wood for our wands, sanding it and painting it one of the participants noted that he didn't realize it was an art class.
That got me to thinking that evening as I packed up everything from the class how many skills you need to follow this path. I made everything for the temple that is used in the classes. That means I cut and sew the quarter banners, painted the designs on them, sew all the insignas for the officers, built the altar, made the elemental weapons by hand(I'm a carpenter by trade, so the wood ones were easy. Also, my first job as a teenager was for a farrier, so I am comfortable working with metal when I made the dagger.), painted and inscribed the proper symbols on them, and so on. For the class, the only thing I did buy was the sword, and that was just because I ran out of time. Of course, I did the same for my personal use and for our lodge. Of course I made my own robe, sashes when I was still active in the G.D., etc.
I know that many paths do not put as much work into their tools, and I don't think there is anything wrong with that. What works for you is what is right for you. I have always done it this way. Several people who have taken the class, who have done other practices before, said that they liked the full temple setup and that it really gave an increased energy to the rituals. That is obvious, I believe, but it is cool when you get that kind of feedback.
I don't really know why I am posting this. One of those things you get stuck in your head and just have to get out, ya' know? I just thought it was cool.
There is something to be said for items you have crafted yourself and most require a great amount of concentration in the making. I have always thought that making your own items not only gave you a greater bond with them but also taught patience and focus two characteristics too many people seem to be lacking.
I don't think there is anything wrong with having someone else make something for you or to buy something you need, we don't all have the skill set or have acquired the skills to make everything. But there is something noble in learning how to do so and enriches the mind and most times is a lot easier on the pocket.
I would advise everyone to learn how to make something they use be it something simple like learning how to make candles (Mmmmm beeswax), or something a little more advanced like silk screen printing and metal work.
I agree that there is nothing wrong with having someone else make or buying them. Everyone has different abilities. What is important is that they work for you and you like them.
