In our Tradition we have a "spirit pouch", which I would like to share with you. In it's present form it is said to come from 14th Century Italy, during the time of Aradia. The wearing of such a pouch, however, certainly goes much back in Human history. The purpose of the pouch is to keep one in harmony with Nature and the Spirit World. It also serves as a "portable altar" for practicing the Craft. It is said that these type of pouches were carried by the followers of Aradia, during the time of "Wandering".
The pouch is usually about the size of the average paperback book. In it are placed the following objects:
a large sewing needle
a thimble
a coin (with a pentagram etched on it)
a small twig
This first group of items serves as miniature ritual tools. The needle is the Athame, the thimble is the Chalice, the coin is the Pentacle, and the twig is the Wand. To these items are also added:
a shell (to represent the Goddess)
a piece of antler horn (to represent the God)
two small candles (for altar candles)
ground herbs (for incense)
a portion of salt (for purification)
a small vessel of anointing oil
a measure of cord (9 feet)
a small finger bowl (for the spirit flame)
Finally the pouch is completed with the addition of these items:
a small stone, smooth and rounded (to represent Earth)
a small feather (to represent the element of Air)
a small portion of ash (to represent the Fire Element)
a small vessel of pure water (representing same)
The principle of Contagion Magic was the foundation for empower- ing the pouch. Basically this means that objects absorb power and have an energy field around them (their "numen' or "mana"). When one object is placed with another, then these objects are joined and influence one another. The Nanta Bag in turn, has a contagion influence upon the person who carries it (in direction proportion to those items inside the pouch). This bag is usually carried by a Priestess or a Priest of The Old Religion. With it they can bless, consecrate, heal, and work magic and rituals. In the Aridian Tradition we also place any power objects which we collect from time to time. Gifts of a crystal or other small objects, from people whose power we respect are also placed in the bag. Thus the bag begins to take on a great deal of Numen or Mana.
Originally, of course, these pouches were made from animal skins. Some were Deerskin and some were Wolfskin. The Book of Ways does not specify any type of material. Most of our Initiates use a cotton or silk material. The colors do vary, and again the Book of Ways does not specify. I have some Initiates who use a leather fannypack. These are practical and can be easily worn in public, without anyone giving you the evil-eye. Synthetic materials would, of course, be inappropriate.
"O'Great Nanta,
bless and empower this pouch
and all within it,
making it a bridge to Power.
I am linked to Thee
and thou art linked to Nature.
We are One from three.
We are the Triangle manifest.
In the names of Diana and Dianus,
so be it done"
When using the pouch, the bag itself serves as the altar, upon which the objects inside may be placed. Feel free to add other objects to the bag, which you may find useful. Some of our initiates do have rather large Nanta bags! The Nanta Bag is a very useful tool which allows you to have access to complete set of rituals tools at any time. Our Priests and Priestesses carry them either on their person, or in their cars, etc. Once we were driving along and saw a dog get hit by a car. We all jumped out and grabbed a Nanta Bag. As the dog was dying we blessed it with an oil, and performed a simple ritual for it's spirit to pass in peace. The look on the faces of the bystanders was truly priceless!
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