Sat 17 Feb 2007
The Personal Ritual Kit
Posted by Fiacharrey under Paganism, Magic, Philosophy
As some readers here may know, I am very interested in emergency preparedness, and I am also a member of ADF. The Personal Ritual Kit, or “PRK” is the intersection of those two interests.
You see, wilderness survival types talk about carrying a small survival kit, often in an altoids tin, at all times (”every-day carry,” or EDC). This kit is usually called a PSK, for Personal Survival Kit. One might also carry a PFK, or Personal First-Aid Kit, along with a SAK, or Swiss Army Knife. As in pretty much any other specialized interest, three-letter acronyms (TLA’s) abound.
Inspired by these examples, and even more so by project ARES, which sends altoid-tin ritual kits to pagans in the military, I set out to create my own altoids-kit that I could easily take with me into the wilderness and have as “EDC” ritual equipment in case of a need to perform an emergency ritual. If something happens so dire that I need the other emergency gear I carry around sometimes, I would imagine I might want to perform a ritual, too.
My kit uses a round altoids tin. When it is opened, and the contents removed, the cover becomes a base for a candle, and the bottom is used as a bowl for water. Any nearby tree becomes the Bile.
Right now, the contents are: a tea-light, a mini-Bic lighter, a length of heavy duty aluminum foil wrapped around the lighter, and a small folded sheet with a chart for taking omens. The aluminum foil is for use as a wind screen. When set up, the ritual kit looks like this:
The kit is not fully “stand-alone,” though. I carry a bottle of water, wear a piece of silver jewelry to “silver the well,” and a stopwatch feature on my wristwatch used to generate random numbers for the omens, which, in conjunction with the chart, can take the place of drawing oghams or runes. Lastly, anything that might be given as offerings has to be carried separately.
There is still some space in my kit, which seems a shame to waste, but I don’t have anything else to stick in there. I am considering a tiny set of dice, or other omen-taking equipment, or very small samples of things for offerings, if I could find suitably tiny containers. Also, if I wanted some back-up silver, a ring or other small piece would easily fit.
February 17th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Very interesting, and not a bad idea. I’ve also seen survival kits imbedded in watches, but I’m not sure a ritual kit could be condensed into something that small.
btw, the watch survival kit is listed here: http://sneakyuses.com/freeprojects.html
February 18th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
You might want to think about some smallpieces of incense to use as offerings, either short pieces of stick inscense or a cone or two.
February 18th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Thanks, folks. That “sneaky” site is fascinating. And I’ve gotten some good suggestions about offerings to include. Inscense sticks and cones are great. Another idea I was given is a packet of salt from a fast food place. Lastly, a silver coin or two. Very cool, folks. Thanks for the input.
February 19th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Will you post your complete finished list if you update it with any of those suggestions?
February 21st, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Sure thing, Crys!
February 21st, 2007 at 8:13 pm
This is such a great idea, especially since I do a lot of long distance hiking. It would be great to carry something like this.
You said that you would carry additional items if you could find a suitable small container - why don’t you use another Altoids tin?
February 22nd, 2007 at 12:13 am
This idea of an emergency ritual kit reminds me of the Nanta bag used by the Strega. It’s just a little pocket-sized bag with miniature representations of the elements and, if possible, small versions of tools, deities, etc. I have at times used those small items for rituals on the go, but didn’t ever consider it an emergency kit, but I guess it kinda is just that. Nice post.
February 22nd, 2007 at 10:03 am
I’m in the process of putting together a travel ritual kit myself, so this post is very timely! One thing that I have found invaluable is the foil packets of olive oil that Carrabbas’ Italian Grill gives you with take-out orders - perfect for offerings, and leak-proof (unless punctured).
February 22nd, 2007 at 9:49 pm
You said that you would carry additional items if you could find a suitable small container - why don’t you use another Altoids tin?
I meant small containers that fit in the tin, like the tiny vials Project ARES uses for oil, or these super-tiny zip-lock bags I saw somewhere.
It’s all about being as self-contained as possible. That’s part of the fun of the project!
February 27th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Hello and Blessed Be!
A small container…how about one of those Berts Bees hand salve tins. They’re about the size of a half dollar, and maybe 3/8″ deep. The whole idea is very good, I’ll have to put one together for myself. I think they would make great gift ideas, too! Thank you and love always.
May 17th, 2007 at 11:29 am
Hi there, I stumbled across your site through A Pagan Sojourn, while looking for Druid blogs (I’m trying to build up a list of blogs written by Druids from all different perspectives), and I was wondering if I could link to your site on my own blog, Meadowsweet & Myrrh (http://meadowsweet-myrrh.blogspot.com/).
Also, I really liked your idea for the emergency ritual kit. I found myself thinking about this recently, and I actually wrote a post about what I call “Impromptu Book Altars,” about using open books as discreet altars in public places. I also didn’t know about the altoid-kits they send to pagans in the military–wow!