THE NANTA BAG

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.

Ps. by PAGAN

Modern Wiccans also carry miniture tools for those times that they are away

from home.[ holidays etc] EXAMPLE BELOW:

a tooth pick as a wand.

a needle as a athame.

a thimble for water.

a packet of cake candles.

a booklet of matches.

a cowrie shell for the Goddess

an acorn for the God.

a crystal for earth.

a feather for air.

a flint stone or a piece of coal for fire.

a tiny bottle of oil.

a tiny bottle of blessed water.

incence cones & blessed herbs.

a coin covered with silver paper with a pentacle on it.

salt & pepper sachets [the take away food outlet type]

7 flat stones or seed pods, for candle holders & incence burners. These are

generally wraped in a large mans hankerchief, which serves as an altar cloth,

[sometimes the pentacle is embroidered on this hanky] & then placed in the

Putsi or Mojo bag aft er concecration.

USING THE NANTA BAG

Once completed, as outlined in the previous note, the Nanta is

ready to be consecrated. Begin by presenting the pouch (filled with

the objects) to the four quarters, saying "Blessed be by the spirits

of the East", and continuing with the spirits of the South, West, and

North. Next bless the pouch by touching it to each of the elements

Always begin with the East/Air element. A gesture of power is then made over

the pouch, or you can trace a crescent or pentagram on it. Once com-

pleted, say these words over the bag:

"O'Great Nanta, bless and empower this pouch & 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!

FROM: RAVEN GRIMASSI

The "Nanta" is a powerful spirit, associated with the Earth and with Nature

(as a Whole). It is considered a "name of Power". It is not an Italian word,

and it's origin most likely is even pre-Etruscan.

REPRESENTATIONS OF THE GOD & GODDESS FOR THE NANTA BAG.

Many antique stores seem to have a set of antlers / horns laying around, you

may want to try them in your area.

There are other representations of the "God Energy" which you could use,if

you desire. These are: acorns, pine cones, oak, evergreen needles, etc.

You might also be interested in contacting a coin dealer. The Moroccan coins

have a pentacle on their face. Some of the coins have a wreath design around

the pentacle. Many of us use these coins for our Nanta bags. Also, the

Moroccan flag has a penta cle on it (solid red field with a green interlaced

pentacle) and some initiates use the small flags as altar cloths for their

Nanta bags.

Goddess symbols are cowrie shells, seed pods, wheat, holey stones etc.

BLESSED BE.