The Tools, Are all of these props really required? Options

Okay, I'll be the fool for five.

In all of me 'extensive' research I'v come across several methods of evocation. The Golden Dawn seems to the the most popular.

My question is, whats with all the tools? I mean, sure I know they can help the summoner and all, but do you really need an elemental weapon for every direction as well as a sword and a dagger, in addition to a magick wand, a blasting rod, a rainbow wand, a banishing wand and well, the list goes on.

Maybe it's just me. I'm more of a simple is better kind of guy. I have one dagger. I have one bowel and a small scrying mirror. Not too big into tools, as useful as they can be. My great luxery is a sword (I love my sword! ^_^).

I have yet to do an evocation, I'm working my way up to it very slowly, but the huge amount of stuff that seems to be required (at least in popular use) is a little big baffling to me.

Are they really all required?

Sincerely, an eternal newbie.

Greetings Jabberwock!
You'll find dissenting arguments for and against throughout Ceremonial Magic. (Mostly for - elsewise why the 'Ceremony' part?) The tools , IMHO, can represent states of mind(and/or the universe) and how we manipulate the tools gives us greater insight as to the frames of reference needed to perform certain 'ceremonies'. Alot of the Sorcerous brethren disdain the use of tools and, for some, this is appropriate. If you take the time to study the tools used and their methods (and ceremonies) used to create them you will find that each tool represents a certain facet either within ourselves or in the macrocosm (the outer world). By creating the tool one gains a form of 'initiation' along the road of Ceremonial Magic. I would suggest that you should, at least, meditate fully on each tool before dismissing them out of hand as unnecessary. I hope that this will spark more interest on your journey. Good luck! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wizard.gif)