the feather

the feather of the neelkantha is an omen of good fortune.
when channeling its spirit, listen well to its divine guidance.
lean into the ever unfolding story of transformation.

the stick

sandalwood is a potent fragrance used to enhance meditation and enlightenment.
you may smudge with it, but the resultant scent may be overwhelming.
best held in the hands at throat level.

the prayer

begin with the mahāvyāhṛti, only if a mantra becomes useful, proceed further.
sing the mantra with the entirety of your being.
exhale through the words with the exhalation of the universe.
curated sample of mantras below (satvir gayatri mantra is the most well known).

mahāvyāhṛti (the great mystical utterance)

oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ

we invoke all of creation: earth, spirit, and heaven.

to satvir (literally the Sun, granter of enlightenment)

oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ
tat savitur vareṇyaṃ
bhargo devasya dhīmahi
dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt

we invoke all of creation: earth, spirit, and heaven.
we meditate on the glory of the One who has produced this universe.
we bow before the supreme and divine Light, may She enlighten our minds.

to shiva (the sum of all consciousness, Spirit)

om tatpuruṣāya vidmahe
mahādevāya dhīmahi
tannō rudraḥ pracōdayāt

we invoke the supreme male and omniscient Lord. let us meditate upon Him.
we bow before You, Lord, provide us inspiration and guidance in our path.

to durga (the great mother goddess, Creator)

oṃ kātyāyanyaya vidmahe
kānyākumāryaya dhīmahi
tannō durgā pracōdayāt

we invoke the supreme female and omnipresent Goddess, let us meditate upon Her.
we bow before You, Goddess, provide blessings and wisdom in our path.

to ganesha (protection for travelers, remover of obstacles, child to shiva/durga)

oṃ ekadantāya vidmahe
vakratuṇḍāya dhīmahi
tannō dantī pracōdayāt

we invoke the single-tusked elephant; the one with the curved trunk.
we meditate upon you, destroyer of obstacles, illuminate our minds with wisdom.