Looking back on the past ten years of my 'woo' path, I notice that many of my most powerful encounters and experiences have come, not sitting before my shrines or within the bounds of formal ritual, but when I was Out somewhere in the wilds, exploring a numinous place, contacting the wights that dwelt there, or surrounded by my own spirits. Recently, this has become more solidified for me, going from 'noticeable pattern' to 'command' - I have been Told I need to be spending much more time on these spirit-work journeys, getting to know the local wights (and feeding them, whatever it is they feed on), finding the places around me where the veil is thinnest, and also learning to better connect with (up to and including horsing) my spirits while in these places. 

My first task (self-appointed, mostly to give myself time to figure out what the hell it is exactly that I am supposed to be doing) was to assemble a bag of supplies that I could always have at the ready, to take with me on these jaunts, that would have everything I need for pathwalking, for finding spirits, and for feeding them. I took far too much time on this project, as it kept being delayed for other things, but finally it is ready. I am sure there will be additions and changes over time, as I actually begin the Work in earnest and learn what is really needed, but it's a good start, I think.

Pictured above: the bag itself, made of "cruelty-free" leather from Nepal. It may acquire a name soon. Paper and pen, to keep notes. Red wine, pomegranate liqueur, and elderflower liqueur, three libations I have found to be accepted by a variety of spirits. A pocketknife and twine, for practical reasons. Sage smudge stick (I plan to eventually replace this with mugwort) and jasmine incense. Beeswax mini-taper candles and matches. Hand santizing spray. Black leather bag with runes, though this will probably be replaced with another oracular system I'm working on. A bag of coins and jewelry to use as offerings, as needed. Dried rosebuds and honey sticks (the sealed plastic makes them much less messy than other containers), also for offerings. Unfiltered clove cigarettes, which could be offerings but I also smoke to facilitate trance sometimes. Sterile needles, for blood offerings. A couple talismans, for guidance and protection. My entheogen kit with a beautiful new antler pipe I just bought. A container of blood and bone meal mixed together, for offerings (the idea is that it basically represents an animal sacrifice). 

When I take it out with me, I will probably add a few things that normally live elsewhere, such as my ipod if I want music, my prayer beads, special talismans or devotional jewelry, and other specific offerings. 

While I had many of these things already and certainly didn't need a special fancy kit to bring around, it helps put me in the right mindset, and on a practical level it keeps everything together and means I can go on a moment's notice, should I get the Call. Plus, many of the wights I deal with like pretty things, and who am I to argue? 

My next project - creating an almanac of all the numinous places I find, the wights that live there, what they want and need, etc.