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Witches and that sort,
I like having honest conversations about witchcraft practices & ethics. (*my crystal conversations)
We put on a large witches' market & have vendors/visitors from several surrounding states.
I've noticed a lot of 3D printed altar & ritual items in the vendor apps.
We strive to present an artisan market of craftspeople. Also, to promote more eco-friendly items.
What are your thoughts on purchasing and using plastics as ritual tools?
@KentuckyConjurer I don’t see any scenario where *I* would, but my practice is very intentional about using what is available in my surroundings even if that means it’s not the “prescribed” thing. Like, sometimes the substance of the object is important but not the shape (or vice versa).
But that said, while I would be uncomfy using plastic replica… I would not necessarily dismiss its applicability for someone else? Like, I could see where it might be an accessibility boon to someone where the real deal is to heavy to manipulate or they need something more easily washable…
I dunno. I would be sad if I saw a vendor who primarily had plasticised tchotchkes, but as long as they were upfront about it I wouldn’t be made if they had a little in their offerings?
I think about accessibility, too, and how we can work that into our practices.
One of the things I love about witchcraft is the flexibility for the practitioners. We aren't cookie cutters.
@KentuckyConjurer OK to boost this to the FediCoven hashtag?
Please do and thank you!
@KentuckyConjurer I'm nobodies Pope but myself's so while I wouldn't use plastic myself, I wouldn't lose my shit over someone else doing so.
I might ask them to explain, like they would to a child, how items inextricably linked to climate change and pollution are OK in rituals for a nature-based religion...
I think that's where it is for me on allowing it at an event where we promote and encourage people to be more environmentally conscious. Like we encourage people to bring their own bags and provide muslin bags for cheap ($5).
We will have plenty of vendors if we don't accept these but I just wasn't sure if it's because I'm an old witch that I don't and if they younger witches are more comfortable with it, or what.
@KentuckyConjurer My rubric is: does it work? For whatever metric of “work” is meaningful to the user. Does it help connect you to a spirit? Does it put you in the right mindset to have a real experience? Otherwise it’s just aesthetic tchotchkes.
I understand that.
I think maybe because I come from an animist point of view (I know not all witches are animists), that sometimes we have to overlook what we think might work better for us for the betterment of all of us. ie not polluting the place.
@KentuckyConjurer I realized after I hit post that I hadn’t really addressed your point, ie plastic vs wood or whatever. Tchotchkes made of organic material are still just vibe decor. But maybe there is there something meaningful in using natural materials to connect with a nature based spirituality.
I always have to keep in the back of my mind that not all witchcraft is earth centered. So not all witches are going to care where their products came from or if they are easily disposable or their effect on the environment.
I guess I just really like getting that info.out there for people to knowingly choose their path.
@KentuckyConjurer I think there is a lot more plastic used than people realise. For instance, plastic resins, or finishes on wood. I do try to avoid plastic, but you make do with what's on hand
I agree. It's about making a conscious and concerted effort I think. At least for me.
@KentuckyConjurer I said "try not to use." But I am less concerned about plastics than I am about the overall ethics of any given tool. A plastic tool that happens to have been imbued with great psychic value, that was given as a gift, or similar is probably better than a natural but violently sourced crystal. For example, when I was gifted my first set of runes, they were clearly 3D-printed — which I didn't appreciate, but they were a gift, & the spirit in which the set was given meant a lot to me. So I decided to use it & it's paid off.
All that aside, again I did say "try not to use." I would like to eliminate as many plastics as possible from my life & while I'm by no means hugely successful at doing so, it's a work in progress. I would not personally buy a plastic ritual tool unless I could find no other affordable option & it were imperative for me to have such a tool right away. That scenario is unlikely, so unless I'm gifted with something else I think I can handle this goal. Also, when I do actually make my own rune set, I will make them out of wood, stone, or metal.
I love that you are making your own! I think that really adds to the energy of your tool.
Getting away from plastics is daunting..I'm forever finding new ways to cut it in my house and practice.
@KentuckyConjurer I wouldn't always go to the effort of making my own thing — I'm a polymath but I long ago embraced the benefits of letting specialists in certain things do that for me & do it better than I ever could. As far as divination tools go, my higher DIY priority is a tarot deck so that I can finally have a deck with images & meanings that *fully* match my cosmology. But... I have always heard that rune sets are meant to be self-made, so I feel a kind of obligation there in the long run!
One of my besties has run a heathen kindred for years and she has made several rune sets and encourages everyone to do the same. Even if it's precut pieces of wood and you draw the symbol on, she says that's more effective than purchasing a pretty set.
@KentuckyConjurer@social.horrorhub.club i won't use plastics for magic. there's no orgone in them.
From a pagan but non-witch, and ritually minimalist, perspective:
1. If the plastic is already there and within reach, re using it seems form of upcycling.
2. Tools have the significance you give them, whatever the material, to my mind.
3. Ecology suggests best not to purchase for the purpose, if avoidable. No different to any other item.
Sooo... whatever works in the individual circumstance.
My questioning this came from the prospect of inviting people who make 3D printed items to vend at my market. I was curious how many people use plastic in their rituals.
I also agree with upcycling. If they were upcycling plastics I might feel better about allowing them to vend.