First time posting here and I wanted to ask a (very loaded) simple question;
Do practitioners really / meaningfully use Spell books?
For context around my questions, here's the loaded part of why I ask.
I've made all manner of things in wood, metal and leather mostly. A few years ago I made a dagger and sword with some very specific instructions on how they were to be made. I can tell you it was a total pain in the posterior and as a non-practitioner of any of the magic arts, a very unusual set of requests. The point of how I was to make them was to ensure they were firstly 'cleaned' and then imbued through the crafting process. I essentially ignored the eccentricity of the request because it paid well. Yes, I know I know...
Then out of the blue the guy came back last year and asked me to make two Spell books, with essentially the same instructions but a massively tight window to make them in.
Now what I thought was just a fun crafting commission has me intrigued. I've read through some things here and over the internet and the steps to follow seem legitimately important in context of your practices and the considerations you have over artefacts and items you use.
If needing a thoughtfully and correctly crafted Spell book is a thing, I'd be interested (mainly for personal reasons) in making a couple more now I know 'how' (hopefully).
However, may I restate the question;
Do practitioners really / meaningfully use Spell books?
Regards,
TC
(Just re-read my post, apologies if the above all seems terribly vague and mysterious. I'm not a practitioner or member of your wider community and mean only the greatest respect. I'll be sure to post more once I get a better understanding of things.)
I do think that spells books are important for safekeeping spells so, later on, you don't forget the spell. And honestly, I know many practitioners who use spellbooks. It's good to have one so you don't forget a certain spell you might need later on or just to have it. Some spellbooks are super meaningful because they have been passed down through a family line just depends on the practitioner.
For the most part, spell books and other magical accoutrements have only the meaning that the individual gives them. Of course some people give them more importance than others.
When gathering tools, a person is also building a collection of symbols. And the more detail and gravitas that symbol can be made with, the more personal meaning is has. Of course this is also why most practioners try their best to put together their tools themselves. An imperfect project that you make yourself has more investment and personal sentiment than a flawlessly emgineered purchase.
To your benefit, though, being able to describe the specific details and care (and therefore effort and knowledge) put into your construction does make for an amount of appeal. A lot of people don't feel like they have the time or skill to put things together. Being able to have access to them knowing they are 'properly' made according to traditions/practice would be a great selling point.
Re: Spell Book - Important? By: Lark Moderator / Adept
Post # 4 May 16, 2018
Personally I do not use spellbooks. When I need a spell I craft on that is specific to the situation with which I am dealing.
But spelbooks can be a useful tool early on in one's practice to give you an idea of how to go about crafting a spell. When you are first starting out it is often easier to take an existing spell and then modify that for the specific magical goal you have in mind.
Not being the 'sentimental' type (if that's the correct term) I agree. I've always seen many of these items being more about creating a sense of situation and context.
However, if items like gem stones or wands can be considered to have special properties that are utilised during various practices, I'd be inclined to say so would crafted items. But then I would, wouldn't I :)
I've got a window of a couple of months later in the year to craft 1 or 2 (spell) books, which I might do for the practise.
