What’s in my travel altar
1. Journals- I like to journal my daily tarot spreads and write or color a related daily affirmation, it helps the lessons sink in more and it helps me to remember my affirmation. It’s also fun to look back at spreads and see what things actually came to fruition!
2. Index- I honestly use deep seek to interpret my spreads usually but sometimes if it’s a shorter reading it’s quicker to check the index. Most decks come with one or you can usually find some at Five Below. The library might even have one you can check out!
3. Altar cloth- I just use a fabric quarter from the craft section. It was like $1 and it has symbols that are meaningful to me. This is where you can lay your cards or place the workings of a spell.
4. Tarot deck- I do tarot almost daily so this is the main course In my altar. I don’t do a ton of spell work yet, and tarot is where I began my spiritual journey! If you’re interested in learning more about divination and witchcraft, tarot is a great place to start! There is a myth that your first deck should be gifted, but your first deck should actually be one that you connect with! If you feel connected to the cards someone gave you, that’s great! (Be sure to cleanse them properly before use!) But it is just as valid and meaningful to look at different decks, pick them up and hold them and just see which one you feel most drawn to! My deck is the Starman David Bowie deck. I felt a warm and comforting sensation when I held them at the store and they still feel so very connected and aligned, 2 years later!
5. Oracle deck- this one is the inner child oracle that was gifted to me by a good friend. I like drawing 1-3 cards a day to find my focus. (You can absolutely make your own Oracle! Or even a tarot deck! )
6. Incense- how I clear energy and set my intentions for the day! Incense is the easiest way to clear or summon a particular energy! You can find a box for around $1-5 and the scents work with different energies depending on the work you’re doing.
7. Crystals- found all these at Luna Metaphysical in Dallas. The large carnelian was a gift they gave me when we went there on my bday! I like to use them to represent the elements or pick a certain one if there’s a specific energy I need to call on that day.
8. Pens & stamps- I like to use different color pens for different things in my tarot journal and having the stamps helps if I’m having a painful hand day and don’t feel like writing.
I like using the popcorn bucket from dollar tree as my altar container, it’s fun and is big enough to hold everything which makes it easier if I want to do my tarot outside one day or need to take it in the car with me somewhere.
I keep it all in this little ottoman chest that I thrifted for $1!
What’s in your altar??
Building a travel altar might seem daunting at first, but I've personally found it's one of the most rewarding ways to ensure your spiritual journey continues, no matter where life takes you. Having my little sacred space on the go provides immense comfort and a consistent point of connection to my practice. While my Dollar Tree popcorn bucket and thrifted ottoman chest work perfectly for me as containers, the beauty of a travel altar is its adaptability. You don't need anything fancy! You could use a small wooden box, a pretty cloth bag, a sturdy tin, or even a repurposed makeup bag. The key is to find something that protects your spiritual items and is easy to transport. Think about what you already have around the house before buying something new; creativity is part of the magic! When I first started, I wanted to bring *everything*! But I quickly learned that simplicity is key for a truly portable altar. For my tarot practice, I usually stick to one deck – like my beloved Starman Tarot – and maybe a small oracle deck, such as the Inner Child Oracle, for quick daily insights. Instead of a full-sized Tarot journal, I've sometimes used a smaller notebook or even a dedicated app on my phone for logging my spreads and affirmations. You don't necessarily need a bulky 'Tarot card index' if you're familiar with your cards, or you can find quick references online. Incense is wonderful for clearing energy and setting intentions, but not all travel situations allow for burning. I've found that a small bottle of ethically sourced essential oil, like lavender for calm or frankincense for grounding, works beautifully as an alternative. Just a drop on a cotton ball or a tissue can set the mood. You could also use a small bell for sound cleansing, or simply visualize clearing the space. For crystals, I pick just a few key pieces that resonate with my current needs – maybe a clear quartz for amplification, amethyst for peace, or a carnelian for creativity, similar to the lovely one I received from Luna Metaphysical. These small, carefully chosen crystals can make a big impact without taking up much space. My trick for packing is to use small fabric pouches or even soft socks for delicate items like crystals or even a mini altar cloth. This helps prevent breakage and keeps things organized within my popcorn bucket or ottoman. When I arrive at my destination, setting up my travel altar takes just minutes. I look for a quiet corner, a bedside table, or even a clean patch of grass if I'm outdoors. Simply laying out my altar cloth, placing a few chosen items, and perhaps lighting a flameless candle or diffusing an essential oil (if appropriate) instantly transforms the space into my personal haven. It’s about intention and connection, not elaborate displays. Remember, your travel altar is deeply personal; let it evolve with you and your journey! What spiritual items would you choose for your own portable altar?
This was soooooo visually pleasing like I was excited for each swipe 😮💨 but I love the concept of this, and the execution is viola ✨ compliments to the chef 💕