You never stop being a witch, no matter where you go. Take a witchcraft travel altar with you on vacation so you can connect with Spirit as you travel the world.
As I write this, I'm about to set off on my first proper vacation since before Covid. It's also my first trip abroad since April 2019. Sure, we've had a couple of weekends away on the train, but this time, we'll be gone for over a week. I absolutely do not want to be disconnect from my witchcraft practice for that long, but I'm also a practical witch who likes to travel light. A simple witchcraft travel altar is an easy way to take your craft wherever you go.
What I always have in my witchcraft travel altar
There are a two non-negotiables that always travel with me. First, I seem to never go anywhere without tarot or oracle cards these days. To keep things simple, I usually take my Rider Waite Smith deck as it's the smallest and lightest and doesn't have a hard box or its own guidebook. If I want to research a card, I look up the meaning online. That means it takes up less space in the box, so I can squeeze in some other goodies.
The next thing I always bring with me is a cleansing essential oil room spray. I create a blend that will clear out any negative energy from previous occupants of my hotel room while also creating a sense of being in my own space. Oils like lemon, lime, sage, or thyme would all be good. Add a pinch of salt to help disperse the oils in the water, but also for added spiritual cleansing. Most hotels won't appreciate you smoke cleansing, so this is a safe and easy way to cleanse the space.
I usually take a couple of crystals as well. I definitely don't want to be lugging a box of rocks through the airport, so I take a clear quartz and a turquoise. The latter is good for travel protection, so I charge it with the intention of keeping us safe as we move around the world. The clear quartz is multipurpose, so I can cleanse and charge it as needed to bring me whatever energy I might need.
Other items for your travel altar
Everyone's practice is unique to them, so there may be other items you want to bring along. Think small things that you know you'd really miss. If you work with a deity, you may want to bring a symbol of that diety in your travel altar. You may want to create a small spell jar for protection or joy or whatever intention you want to carry with you. If you're going to a place where smoke cleansing would be allowed, you could bring a cone or two of incense (cones are easier to fit in a small box). And if fire safety is not an issue, maybe bring a few birthday candles for quick candle magic on the go.
If herbs are very important to your practice, you could fill a small muslin pouch with your favorite herb blend to make tea. And if you know there will be a bathtub in your hotel, you could mix up some bath salts for a bit of bath magic. Try and visualize the kind of experience you want to have, and put together a travel altar that suits your needs. Remember, just keep everything as small and light as possible.
I also always bring a pen and a journal, but they typically don't fit in the box. You could add a small notebook for keeping grimoire notes on the go if you like.
What can you keep your altar in
I usually use a small box, typically an empty one from my Birchbox subscription. I like them because they're pretty and they're just the right size to fit what I need. Plus, I can stand the lid up behind the box to keep my altar on display while still keeping it contained. This works perfectly for me.
I've seen other people use anything from a shoebox to an Altoid tin. Take a look at what you really need to bring with you to make your practice feel complete, then choose a container accordingly.
I'm also not an artsy person, so I don't decorate the box itself in any way. If you're an arts and craft kind of witch, you may want to draw on, decopage, or otherwise decorate your container. Draw protective sigils or symbols that are meaningful to you. Maybe write affirmations for safe travels and happy memories. Adding your intention and creativity to the container itself will make your travel altar even more meaningful.
I wish you safe travels, witches. Go out in the world and share your unique magic. We are desperately in need of more connection, more good vibes, more Universal love. Take your practice with you and create a sacred space wherever you are. Your witchcraft travel altar will be your conection to your craft.
If you create an altar, I'd love to see it. Share a photo and tag me on Instagram so I can see the awesomeness you've created. Take good care of yourself.
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