I like the idea in your first paragraph, it's about working with tools at hand and being creative.
Going form that, I can just make up any ritual that I want as long as the symbols make sense to me and agree with my intention. Would you agree?
Even if you don't agree, I'm coming with that idea. No offense meant, I am interested in your opinion, but I'm utterly bewildered by the use of herbs, oils, and other dressings. There's too many to get a handle on.