You wouldn't try to build a house without tools.  You wouldn't try to repair your car without proper tools.  You wouldn't even try to cut down a tree with your bare hands, unless your a bit crazy or Edward Scissorshand.  Sometimes, circumstances make it necessary to do a job without the proper tools, but it usually goes faster with better results when you do use the proper tools.  
    Development of your spiritual side is no exception.  There are tools that can make the process go much more smoothly and quickly.  Some of these tools are:

• Insense and scented oils - there high vibrations help you to vibrate at a higher level
• Sacred music, bells, and chants - they help vibrate the energy centers (chakras) in a way that aids spiritual development
• Gems and crystals - They too can help increase your vibration rate and also protect you from evil influences when you are practicing spiritual growth techniques
• Divination tools like Tarot or I-Ching - they can help answer question about where you are and where you need to go next
• Crosses and other spiritual symbols - they remind you to keep up your spiritual growth
• Altars - In many religions, not just Christianity altars are an important tool.  Often, one of the first things a Native American spiritual teacher will tell a student is to build an altar
• A spiritual teacher - the most important tool of all.

Not all of these tools are required, but the more tools you have, and the better quality the tools,  the easier it will be to reach your goal.