In a bit less than a week from the time of this writing, I'll be going on a short spiritual pilgrimage in the Columbia Gorge. My partner and I will be traveling up the Columbia River Gorge to check out the Confluence sites, and learn more about this region we live in. 

One of the reasons I'm doing this journey is because I've felt a powerful connection to the spirit of the Columbia River. I feel that by traveling to these sites, walking the land and learning the lore I can develop a deeper relationship with the spirit of the river, while also honoring the past and present.

I think that when you decide to go on a spiritual pilgrimage its important to get clarity about why you are doing this journey and what you plan to offer and what you hope to get from it as well.

I've shared why I'm doing this journey above. I'm writing this article, and ones that come after it to share my experience with others and raise awareness about the Confluence project. And what I hope to get is a deeper connection to this land I live in. I feel that when you walk the land, you experience it directly and come to know it. And when you learn the history, it also helps you see your place in the present and determine what you'll do to contribute to the future.

The other preparation for a journey is the practical reality of being prepared. Do I have water for this trip? Do I have places to stay? Do I have something I can use to take any trash with me? Do I have my notebook, so I can record observations and experiences?

And then there's also this last most important preparation: Am I open to learning and being changed by this experience?

You can't really prepare for that last question. You just have to and have the experience and let it speak to you and through you.

*Picture Courtesy of WikiTravel

Taylor Ellwood has been practicing magic since he was 16 and writing books about magic since his mid-twenties. His books include Pop Culture Magick, Space/Time Magic, and The Process of Magic. When Taylor isn't experimenting with magic or writing, he enjoys swimming, weight-lifting, traveling and gaming. To learn more about his latest projects, or read some of his other articles please visit Magical Experiments.