I'm moving and looking for suggestions or advice on the following
First up, I'm moving and I'm traveling a long way to do it. What discreet item or saying could I use for protection on my trip across? I meditate at least once a day usually twice, is there visual maybe that others find effective to hold that would signify protection and safe travel.
I have an incantation I repeat in my head or under my breathe already when I feel I need it for more protection, but I'm just wondering if there are other thoughts or ideas?
Second, when I get to the apartment, what are some good ways to cleanse out old energies and protect my new space. I was thinking about cleaning the house with regular cleaning supplies and then blessing it with mint and lavender to help clean out any old energy. The connections with lavender and mint are more personal for me than a general herbal, but I think they line up with general herbalism too. As far as protection work went I was thinking about filling a jar with personally significant symbols for protection a long with rocks from the surrounding area (assuming I can find some in Cheyenne, WY) to blend my desire for protection and safety of home with the local earth energies. It's just a few off the cuff thoughts though, I would love to hear other opinions and ideas.
Third, this is the first time I'm going to have my own space to practice without interference from other roommates or family. Some of the kinds of decisions I'm trying to make involve how to celebrate holidays now that I have the ability to do more than a quiet brief little ceremony. I'm not saying I'll be doing more, but I want some sources and thoughts on what I could do.
I like to acknowledge the moon phases both full and new moon. I also like acknowledging the change in seasons and the equinoxs. My faith practice focuses on what's going on around me in the moment. So when I can I prepare meals with seasonal foods. I take time to look at the weather and where things are moving to. I look at where I am with my own life and try to celebrate that. When possible I line up the phase in nature with my life phase, or I work on bringing in the good aspects of the season into my own life. I'm a very new agey eclectic neo-pagan type, if you couldn't guess. Most of my practice is founded on personal journeys and thoughts rather than books too, but I do like to read that which is reccomended and strikes my interest and I love hearing others thoughts.
Fourth I'm considering creating a walking labyrinth, and I want any visuals on different designs possible. I want to create my own but it's always nice to see others takes.
Thanks for any thoughts, references, and other scraps in advance. I really do appreciate almost any comments or thoughts.