This is the Accompanying Note from a Map to a Mystery


1.    When you go, go alone.
2.    Two weeks before you depart, on the night of a new moon, place five grains of sand in your palm and sleep with them pressed against your cheek.
3.    Do not be disturbed if the sand has seemingly vanished by daybreak. This portends good things.
4.    The sand must be from a rocky shore, and you may require a magnifying glass to count out just five grains. This is vitally important. Any less, and you will not sleep. Any more than this, and the gods may take displeasure at your greediness.
5.    Wear shoes made only of natural things—this may be difficult and expensive, and you may have to make the shoes especially for this. If you must have shoes made, try to retain the services of someone from the Sioux or Navajo Nation—barring that, an excellent Italian shoemaker will suffice. But say nothing of your intentions. Say only that you need shoes for a wedding which is not a lie. You’ll discover why this is so when you arrive.
6.    On the day of your departure, eat no seeds and drink only reds as if you were unclean and starved for some quenching sangria.
7.    On this day, if you happen to be in the company of a newborn, a virgin, a homeless man, or some other sacred being, you might want to reconsider your plans and leave on the next half-moon instead.
8.   Be sure to wash your hands and feet before your departure.
9.   Take nothing with you.
10.    Be silent. 

Followers