Pagan Utility Belt

• Esbat (Full Moon Ritual)

1. Bug Spray
2. Blanket to sit on
3. Shoes (just in case the ants are biting)
4. Flashlight (to find things in the dark)
5. Water (or something to drink)

• Sabat (Pagan Picnic)

1. Blanket to sit on
2. A Chair - if you don’t want to sit on the blanket
3. Bug Spray
4. Sun Screen
5. Water (or something to drink)
6. Food (something to add to the Community Kitchen)
7. Bathing Suit and Towel (so you can go swimming if available)
8. Pen and Paper (to write things down for any workshop you may be attending)
9. Your addition to the public alter {if you care to have one}

• Pagan Festival (Weekend Trip with Camping)

1. Know where you are camping, if you want quiet then don’t camp where a lot of activity will be going on late into the night, such as around Drum Circle.
2. Don’t assume you can wield your Sword or Athame around, some events allow this others do not find out before you take action.
3. Provide Emergency information to someone you are camping with in case of just that there is an emergency.
4. Bring more then you think you will need like water and toilet paper
5. Bring a sun hat, sturdy shoes, and sunscreen, you may want to wear shoes even if going skyclad to avoid injury.
6. Be sexually responsible. This is part of the “perfect love/perfect trust” code. Don’t do something you may regret later, bring your own protection.
7. Be courteous and responsive to site staff
8. Make a check list and review it at home as you pack, then again at the site when setting up. That way if essentials are missing you still have time to make a run to town
9. Work cooperatively with other campsites. If someone needs extra tarp – and you have some, for example, lend it to them. NOTE: This does not mean people can return this item or others in a damaged state. If someone helps you, don’t abuse that trust.
10. Remain aware of people’s personal space. Lightly clad people don’t necessarily represent an open invitation for fondling – it could just be HOT!
11. If at all possible have a water bucket, a fire extinguisher or other means of quickly putting out a fire, should one happen.
12. Leaving lit candles unattended in your campsite is a BIG NO NO!
13. Don’t take candles or other fire sources into tents – there are plenty of battery operated mechanisms for light that are far safer especially in tight spaces.
14. Remember to waterproof your tent before you camp, checking all seams and gear to be sure you have (a) stakes, (b) poles, © heavy duty rope, and (d) colored tape to mark the ropes so they’re easily seen at night.
15. If a festival has fire codes, obey them diligently. For example, if torches must be at least 4’ tall, don’t try to use mini-tiki style torches. This is a safety issue and can become a legal issue should a local inspector decide to visit.
16. Be kind to your fellow campers – practice good physical, emotional, and spiritual hygene.
17. Tend to garbage immediately in whatever manner designated by the site (unless you like critters of all shapes and sizes showing up at your camp)
18. Check the weather prior to leaving for the event and make sure you have appropriate attire for the expected weather conditions.
19. Other nice items: an altar set up, bottle opener, tooth picks, q-tips, duct tape, a sewing kit, minor injury first-aid kit, small throw rugs (to wipe your feet on before going into the tent), identifying emblems for your campsite, a camping chair, and any other small items that equate to minor “creature comforts” that will make your stay more pleasant. I say small because few of us use moving trucks to go camping!
20. It’s easier to camp with a group than alone as it decreases the amount each person must carry. For example, everyone can share the kitchen equipment rather than each person packing a portable kitchen. Note, however, this also means coordinating and communicating with all members of your group so you know who is responsible for bringing what items.
21. When you’re done setting up, take a long walk of the site so you get your bearings. At night one tent looks a lot like another. This will also make it easier to find the activities you want to attend in a timely manner.
22. Know your plants – don’t camp in poison ivy (don’t laugh, it’s happened).
23. Don’t camp too close to water – flash floods have been known to happen.
24. Leave the camp in as good a condition, if not better, than when you came. It will make it easier for the event coordinator to get that site again, if they rent it. It will also make clean up much easier for the staff.
25. Prepare yourself spiritually before you go. Remember that each person handles events differently and you need to honor those differences, so “stay tuned up and tuned in”
26. Take some quiet time alone with the earth. Camping events offer a fantastic opportunity to return to nature’s classroom. Don’t overlook the chance.
27. Have fun! Laugh a lot, dance a lot, listen a lot, feel a lot and BE. Festivals are all about rediscovering self, others, tribe, and the greater family of all earth’s citizens. Revel in it.

The above information came from a Witchvox Article by Trish Telesco, if you have more ideas please feel free to email them to me and we will continue to update this list as new information becomes available.