in Wiccan/Pagan ceremonies, is it ok to use both storebought scented candles? and storebought incense?

Question

I thought it was about the intent and not the flashyness ( sp?) if a ritual/ ceremony? I don't have alot of $ to spend on it and have been told that I need to buy candles from a certain shop because they were made on certain days. I find that silly.I am not into alot of flashy stuff and utilizing what I have here at home and supplementing the others from ( gasp!!) Wal-mart, dollar stores and ( gasp!!) yard sales. any comments on this??? A certain writer, who shall remain, (Scott. c.) nameless, says to use what ever u find. help.

Answer 1

I agree with Cunningham. It is the intent and your willpower that matters, NOT whatever flashy items you pick up. Whoever told you that you have to buy candles "made on certain days", or special incense, or anthing else, is just trying to part you from your money.

Answer 2

Greetings!

Will, and Intent.

Big Lots, Thrift Stores, and do go to the "International Foods" section at the Supermarket, and get the little Kosher Candles-no Harm, no Foul! Anoint a Candle, thinking about your Purpose, it becomes a Consecrated Tool.

The Nameless Writer is right! And, when you find something that your Heart says is Right, you`ll feel very good.

I raise Bees, make my own Ceremonial Mead, use the Wax for Candles, use the Propolis for glue, BUT!, The Gods smile on those who are sincere-as a Wise Man once said; "It is easier for a Camel to go through the Eye of a Needle, than for a Rich Man to get to Heaven".

/!\

Answer 3

Anyone who tells you that you have to buy something at a specific place is trying to sell you something. Don't listen to 'em.

Of course you can use candles and incense that you bought... I mean who exactly is going to be mad that you didn't toil over making your own candles and incense while skyclad on the eve of a full moon in the middle of a forest??

Though I don't recommend using scented candles, just from experience. Consider you're doing a typical ritual- four "element" candles, plus two altar candles. That's six strongly-scented candles, PLUS incense. All burning at once. Now if you're outside that might be one thing, but if you're like me and you simply push back some furniture for your circle, it's not a good idea.

Answer 4

It's ok to use storebought scented incense and candles. I prefer to make my own candles, but I don't know how to make incense, so I buy it.

It is about intent. Use what you find, or substitute for whatever is convenient for you.

I am a Traditional (non-Wiccan/ pre-Gardnerian) Witch without much $$$ myself. Even if I did have much $$$, I wouldn't waste it on flashy crap because some writer said to.

Answer 5

Contrary to what you may have been led to believe, there is no substantial difference between a chalice you buy at a "wiccan supply store" and one you get at any other place - the Dollar Store, ;or a garage sale, or even *HUGE GASP* lying by the side of the road.

And candles are just that - candles. No matter what day of the week they were made, whether they were hand-dipped or made on an assembly line.

The important thing is to feel a connection with your tools. Some will feel "right" to you, whether because of their materials, or the energy they carry, or the way they fit in your hand.

Now, as far as incenses go, I really prefer to make my own, but that's because I tend to use ingredients that not only are appropriate for the occasion (Esbats, Sabbats, etc.) but ALSO are evocative for ME, personally.

For example - generally orange or tangerine peel (dried) is used in Summer Solstice incenses...but *I* have a very strong association of oranges and tangerines with Yule. As a child, one of the biggest treats on Xmas morning was to have that orange or tangerine in my stocking (We lived in Illinois, where citrus was hard to come by in the winter, and as such was a BIG treat)

So in addition to things like Pine Needles, Cinnamon, Apple Rind, Myrrh, Frankincense and juniper berries, I put dried orange or tangerine peel into mine. And, in reality, there's not one thing "wrong" about including citrus in a dried form in Yule incense. The smell tends to recall the promise of returning heat and light....

But I certainly don't expect everyone to make their own incenses. I do it because I love to do it and I have a talent for it.

Oh, BTW - for resins to burn, check with any local Indian food markets - they often have lovely plastic packages of "incense" that's a combination of copal, myrrh, and frankincense. And it's FAR cheaper than getting those ingredients at "Ye Olde Occult Store".



It sounds to ME like someone is just trying to guarantee themselves an income. (the bit about having to buy from a specific shop)

Answer 6

Some people are weaker than others and require more material things to help them concentrate.

Use whatever works to get you into the right (ritual) mood.

ADD: That works both ways. If you are having trouble getting in the mood because you are too self conscious about your tools, you may want to save up and buy something impressive to boost your ego before your rituals.

Answer 7

It is the intent that matters. Buy what you need where you can, But also know. You are the magic. You do not really need props all you need is you.

The g-ds do not score you are things. They want to be with you to assist you to care and commune with you. Thing just help us to focus.

I am a Green Witch and focus on the Spirits of Nature. My Mother taught me to do well with what you have.

Use what works for you. You'll be fine. And good Luck!!!
Blessed Be

Answer 8

It depends.

There are certain times and certain rituals when it does matter where, when, how the tools, etc came to be, and others...not so much.

don't just disregard such things and dismiss them as rigid, flashy, etc. all those things can be part of the intent, and going through the process and sacrifice to collect or create specific materials for ritual can indeed be very important. sort of a "what goes in affects what comes out" thing.

But, understanding will come with experience. Do what you can, and what makes sense to you now, and over time, you will come to understand the other way of seeing things, even if you choose to do things another way.

Answer 9

It doesn't matter where you obtain your ritual materials. You're right, it's a about intent. I would prefer to buy mine or make them as feels right to me. While homemade products can help to put you in the right frame of mind and can give you a sense of pride in your work, they aren't necessary. You don't need to buy your tools at a special shop either. Some people reccommend it because it also helps to put you in the right frame of mind. If you can do it without them, then they aren't necessary for you. In truth, to practise magic, you don't need any tools, just your intentions.

Answer 10

Just fine. It's all based on intent. The God's don't care if it's from dollar tree.