Advice I Was Given, and By Whom
When I was new, I had a few books to learn from, but I was confused as I was told that I had to use my wand to consecrate herbs, but that the wand was blessed using the herbs. I couldn't figure out how I could do either without having done the other first. My friend N.M. lent me a different book and explained to me that the tools weren't the most important part, the energy and the magic was within me, not just in whatever tools the ritual calls for. She also explained that it isn't necessary to follow what the books say 100% - sometimes you have to adapt things to your situation.
Why They Gave it To Me
I was new and unable to proceed without figuring out how to resolve the issue. I went to her for help once I learned she was an experienced pagan. Her advice really came in handy as we were living in the desert at the time and did not have handy trees and plants for rituals.
Lessons Learned
- trust your own instincts
- books are guides, not infallable
- nothing beats actually interacting with other pagans. Take any opportunity you can to meet up.
- the most important part of any spell or ritual is YOU!
How This Advice Impacted My Life as a Pagan
I have learned to adapt everything I read, following the truth of Buddha, who said not to believe a thing unless it rings true to your own heart. If 99% of a book is good, and 1% just doesn't work for me, I don't fret over the 1% anymore.
