(Third of a series of three. The first two are here and here.)
While I’m not out and about every month, I’m on the road nearly three months out of every year (and expect to increase that in coming years). To meet the need for being able to boost my magick while I am out and about, I created a a traveling magick kit.
This one is my most recent kit, and is the most practical one. A simple pill bottle, painted with colorful acrylics, is more than large enough to hold everything I want. It’s also waterproof, perhaps a specific reaction to losing my first one! I chose to paint it so that no border agent mistakes it for its original intent.
Tidily wrapped within, I have:
Incense holder. Representing air, mine is a flat piece of pottery and holds a stick of incense (I like sandalwood). It’s in two pieces because it fits in the tin that way, and I have more than one opportunity if needed.
Penny. Representing earth, my penny is old enough to be almost pure copper, which appeals to me. Of course, any stone or bit of dirt will work for this element, but I like the association the penny has with the pentacle on my altar.
Birthday candle. Representing fire, my candle is usually white. Fire representatives that actually burn are sometimes difficult to come by, and the candle burns quickly and cleanly. White covers any magical intent.
(Water is easily found, although I have carried a thimble to act as a chalice.)
Cotton Embroidery floss. Pictured is dark brown, but any color will work, as will regular sewing thread. I prefer cotton as I find silk has magic-dampening properties, and polyester isn’t environmentally friendly. The floss can be used to bind paper petitions, sew sigils, or do knot magic.
Drawstring bag, cotton. This little beauty is a secret weapon in my traveling magical practice. It can hold herbs to make a tea, or a charm. I can sew or draw sigils on it. It can hold special items to tuck into a pocket or for offerings. It folds into a bit of nothing and usually holds the small items in my kit so they don’t rattle around.
Pendulum. Pictured is one made of lapis lazuli and silver, although I have several. Easier to carry around than a deck of tarot cards, a pendulum is my favorite way to divine while traveling.
Safety pin. Aside from all of its potential practical uses, a safety pin can be used to attach notes with sigils to fabric, like the lining of a purse, backpack, or piece of luggage.
Sewing needle. I use this to sew sigils and such on the bag, but it also can act like the safety pin, if a bit more precarious in its hold. Moreover, it can act as a (very tiny!) athame.
Tiny stones. I have a large collection of tiny stones that are perfect for magical use. The ones I use most often are a crystal point, turquoise, carnelian, malachite, and citrine.
And so you have my latest traveling altar kit!