Perform this map ritual for safe travel, whether you’re going on a far-flung trip or making your daily commute.
You will need:
- Peppermint essential oil for protection (also good for keeping alert!)
- 1 black or light blue candle (blue and black for their protective qualities). Alternatively, you can make a road candle with a sheet of black beeswax and a tlight blue taper or pillar candle. Cut the beeswax into long strips of equal widths and wind them around the taper or pillar to form a “road” that spirals around the candle. Be sure to press the beeswax strips gently but firmly onto the pillar so that they stick. (You can also use a hair dryer to heat up the wax a bit so that it adheres better.) Once the candle is made, dress it with the oil.
- Black and light blue markers.
- 12-14 inch lengths of black and light blue ribbons
If you did not make the road candle described above, dress the candle with peppermint oil. Light it and use its flame to focus. When you’re ready, log in to Google Maps or your favorite online service to create a map of your route. Take your time and cinclude all the stop you plan to make, then print the map.
Using the black marker, trace your route, visualizing yourself arriving at each destination safely. Write a mantra out along your route (feel free to change and adapt!):
There and back, Keep me on track, Safe and sound 'Til the journey's end.
Now take the light blue marker and with broad, outward strokes, color hte route that will give your path a protective aura in case of detours or changes of plans.
Roll the map up, repeating the mantra, then tie with the ribbons. Why roll rather than fold the map? After all, most maps (of my era, anyway) were folded (infuriatingly difficult to refold!). The folling motion makes for smooth, swift travel. Creases made by folding symbolically cut lines through maps, which may incorporate stops or blocks into your travel plans.
Keep the map with you when you travel. Safe journeys!
Adana Luna 