The preparations, for someone like me, are simple. I am a solitary practitioner, and as such have little to do. A small shopping list:

• Nine candles, scented with sandalwood, a pleasing smell for the Gods.
  
• Nine glass cylinders to place the candles in, these are rather inexpensive, and I have several of them already.
  
• For each day, a different kind of incense to be offered, except for the fifth day. I buy online from Santosha or Shoyeido
  
• I will be offering up burnt offerings of prayers on paper. Someone has suggested very light cigarette paper, I will try it.
  
• Three bottles of wine to be used as libations to the heavenly.
  
• Milk and Honey to be used as libations to the Chthonic Gods.
  
• And finally, I plan to cook up a feast to share with some friends, but failing that, take them out to dinner somewhere I can afford, but still fairly nice.
  

These things are what I will need, however, as the days approach, I may find myself thinking of other things that will make this a special occasion for me.