At Ancient Ways Revealed, we offer a variety of categories that delve into the rich heritage and traditions of the Southwest. Our focus is on longform chapters and in-depth ritual studies that provide insight into ancient practices and beliefs.

Each category is carefully curated to enhance your understanding of the cultural significance and historical context of the rituals and traditions we explore. Whether you are interested in spiritual practices, historical archives, or the art of storytelling, our categories provide a comprehensive resource for your journey into the ancient ways.

We invite you to explore these categories and discover the wisdom and knowledge that has been passed down through generations. Our aim is to preserve and share these invaluable insights with those who seek to connect with the heritage of the Southwest.

Charging gear for long days in the field and the archive

The title of this piece points to something practical: the USB Power Delivery (PD) chargers that became common around 2020 and that now quietly support a great deal of heritage work. Anyone who spends a day photographing petroglyph panels, recording oral histories or transcribing documents in a reading room knows how quickly a phone, camera or laptop battery drains. A reliable charger is not glamorous, but it decides whether the last hour of light or the last interview of the day gets captured.

USB PD is an open charging standard carried over USB-C. Instead of pushing a fixed voltage, a PD charger and a device negotiate how much power to deliver, which lets one adapter safely top up a phone, a tablet and many laptops. Around that period, many manufacturers also began using gallium nitride (GaN) components, which allowed smaller, cooler-running bricks with higher output. For travel across the Southwest, where a single bag may hold everything for a week of fieldwork, that reduction in size and weight matters.

What to look for

  • Wattage that matches your heaviest device. Phones charge well at modest output; laptops usually need considerably more. Check the rating printed on your laptop's original adapter.
  • Multiple ports with clear power sharing. Multi-port chargers divide their output, so one port may deliver less when several devices are connected.
  • Good cables. Higher-power charging requires a USB-C cable rated for it; a cheap cable can limit speed.
  • Safety certification. Reputable products carry recognised safety marks and protect against overheating and over-current.

Power in remote places

Many sites in northern New Mexico are far from outlets. A PD-compatible power bank recharged overnight, or a vehicle USB-C adapter, can keep recorders and cameras running. Heat is a real concern in summer: avoid leaving batteries in a closed car, and let devices cool before charging. In archives and libraries, ask staff before plugging in, as some reading rooms restrict where equipment can be used.

If you are preparing for a research trip, our Field Notes collect practical observations from the road, and the Guides section offers further planning help for visiting places across the region.

Also on this site: ancientwaysrevealed.com