Tools
The word tool derives from Old English tol meaning an instrument or implement used by a craftsman or labourer. Also from Proto-Germanic towalan, implement (source also of Old Norse tol) from a verb stem represented by Old English tawian, prepare.
It’s first recorded use of being used in a figurative sense is in the 1660’s, a person being used by another for his own ends. Similarly it’s a slang meaning for penis first recorded in the 1550’s.
Sticking with the word tool as an instrument or implement, all of us use tools in some way every day. The first human use of tools dates back roughly 2.6 million years to a region of Ethiopia called Gona. These tools known as Oldowan include fist sized rocks for pounding and the creation of stone tools. Knapping a hard stone against rocks such as quartz, obsidian or flint, flaked to produce a sharp edge. The oldest butchered animal bones are dated to this time too.
Fast forward 1.8 million years and human evolution has changed markedly. This marks the begining of the Acheulean. It’s a time when tools become more sophisticated coinciding with Homo Erectus. When humans become terrestial, bipedal beings leaving an arboreal way of life behind, diverging from the great apes. Tools become larger, being carried around rather than dropped after use. This is significant to human evolution as it marks the emergence of complex behaviour. The ability to apply aforethought and planning to produce large sized tools with a standard form repeatedly. Given the fossils for Homo Erectus stretche over 1.5 million years. It makes them our longest, surviving ancient ancestors. The fact they must have survived so many changes to climate and environment makes it hugely significant. Homo sapiens have been around for roughly 400.000 years. Are we going to make it like they did?
Where would we be without tools. If our ancient ancestors hadn’t decided one day to pick something up and use it. And having done so, repeated the action in turn causing a whole cause and effect on our evolution. That spark of cognitive development leading to a shift in thought and behaviour.
Modern humans rely heavily on tools. Our computers, phones, cooking implements and all manner of things which make our lives easier. I’m betting you all have your favourites you like to use. There’s a tendency to see magical tools as being those things which might be kept on an altar or only used in specific magical practices. If I have an ordinary tool such as these secateurs above. Couldn’t these be magical if they’re used repeatedly to prune and look after plants? Having being bought for a certain task and used repeatedly. If I then went on to whisper a word or two while going about my work doesn’t this become a magical act? Even with this ordinary every day item. I guess what I’m saying is that any tool can be magical. It rather depends on how you view it. We don’t need to buy what we’re told is specific to a certain magical practice. Any object or ordinary item can be used, even more so if it has meaning behind it.
It’s amazing really, that small transition our ancient ancestors made to using tools. It had such a significant impact on human evolution. I wonder if they placed attachment onto those early axes and cutting implements. If they had a favourite tool and favoured a particular material personal to individual use. When they misplaced or lost it did they become upset. If they knew a certain member of their group was particularly good at making a certain thing. Did they use everyday, ordinary objects and give them particular magical significance.
What do you think about the use of tools?
Do you have an ordinary object you like to use in your Craft?
*3 Comments*
Unrelated (you can delete this)… pls check Insta messages. Misplaced your number and Insta has eaten a load of our messages. Happy to give you a call. Hugs.
I think a world without tools would not be our world at all. I really enjoyed this post.
I’m trying to think of every day items I use for my craft without realising 🤔 maybe my phone? I try to teach through my phone or show what I’m doing and hope it inspires others and to do this I use my phone. It may not be brining magick directly into my life but if it does for another then I’m happy.
In my direct practise 🤔 a tea spoon I would say and my bath tub! I’m always stirring in intentions or using my bath as a giant cauldron! I’m sure also as time goes on my watering bucket will be high on my list of tools 🥰
Thank you Bee. Yes, I can see that phones have become a necessary tool. I don’t really use my phone to much in this way as some might. I’m trying to learn how to use my camera better for video and such, it takes better photos too. Having said that it’s easier to whip out the phone to take a picture. But phones these days are more like mini computers that happen to have a phone. A teaspoon is a necessity I think. Your bath as a giant cauldron, thats intriguing. What powerful magic must be wrought in it. 🙂