Deity Work
A deity is a mystical presence, like a god, that is worshipped by individuals who believe it commands or wields influence over a characteristic of existence. In the witch world, many worship or work with deities or spirits. However, you never need to do this to be a valid witch, and always hold magic within yourself as well.
Worshipping Vs Working With:
Worship:
Worshipping is to believe, honor, and venerate a spirit or deity. This means not only believing in their existence, but admiring their power and displaying gratitude and loyalty towards them.
Working With:
Working with an entity is different than worshipping, although many consider it important to start worship before working with any spirit or deity. (That doesn’t mean stop when you start working with them though!) This is when an entity comes through with energy, messages, and is willing to guide you.
Terminology:
Aspect:
Aspects are a phrase utilized across various beliefs and in theology to illustrate a particular manifestation or perception of a deity or spirit. Subject on the religion, these may possibly be separate, overlapping, or methods of perceiving or conceptualizing the deity in a distinct context.
Devotee:
A passionate or fervent believer in a particular religion, deity, or spirit. To explain further, an individual who is completely devoted and given almost exclusively to conviction, and one who is spiritually committed to conscientious obligations, principles, and ceremonies.
Devotion:
An act of prayer, offering, or ritual, generally cast in private. This can range from playing music, to writing poetry for them. Devotions are often considered to occur solely in the mornings in some cultures.
Epithet:
In Hellenic and European primitive times, an epithet was a informative term to be associated with or occurring in place of the name of a deity or spirit. These epithets are repeated continuously in their ancient literary works, and this phrase is used to specify the characteristics of a deity or spirit.
Matron:
A distinct Goddess you feel most linked and relaxed working in alongside, and can often be demonstrated within themselves. The amount of Matrons an individual may have is a subject to preference.
Offering:
An offering is to put forward something to a deity is to show and recognize allegiance, appreciation, and passion. Offerings are usually given in devotions, in veneration of, and general rituals.
Oracle:
A human being that an entity is conducted to answer when consulted, they convey messages through this deity with the ability of communication of them. Oracles are considered to be dead to many, although there are reconstructionists today.
Patron:
A distinct Goddess or God you feel most connected and comfortable working in conjunction with, and is often displayed within their temperament. The number of patrons a human can have is a matter of choice, although most individuals choose one as their principal spirit.
Priest:
A priest is a human certified to execute the blessed traditions of a religion, deity, or spirit. A Priest is regarded as an authority, and often requires an initiation. This is also sometimes referred to as a High Priest.
Priestess:
A priestess is a woman certified to execute the blessed traditions of a religion, deity, or spirit. A Priestess is regarded as an authority, and often requires an initiation. This is also sometimes referred to as a High Priestess.
Veneration:
To venerate is to worship, respect, and admire another. Metaphysically, veneration is often used as a term of worship to a spirit or deity. Unquestionable and unconditional belief can be associated with this term.
