Deity ABC Guide (typed edition)
FINDING A DEITY YOU CONNECT WITH
Everyone has different thoughts on how to connect to deities because everyone has had different experiences with the gods. Some people get signs or felt called to a specific god or goddess, others decide to initiate contact. Remember that your path is your own and there's no need to compare your experiences with others
Firstly, consider which pantheon you want to work with. You can work with as many Gods as you choose and you can work outside of a single pantheon but picking one group of Gods may help narrow your search.
Once you have found a pantheon begin to consider your interests, beliefs, and values. Look at the myths within the pantheon you chose and see if any Gods or Goddesses embody that for you.
Research the deity that you have in mind. Look at their myths, their symbols and the culture they were worshiped in. Learn how they originally were worshiped and how they are worshiped today.
Now that you've done your research, take a step back and open yourself up to them. See if any of their symbols begins to appear in your life. See if you feel called in a dream or through meditation or prayer.
This is my advice in how to go about finding a deity to work with. Remember that some people have very close relationships with their deities and others don't. Some people have obvious messages and others receive more subtle ones. It can take time to build a strong bond and that is completely natural
CONNECTING TO A DEITY
Once you've decided to reach out to a deity you're going to want to connect with them and build a relationship. Remember that relationships take work and the gods are beings deserving of respect. Below are four typical methods of working with deities but ultimately how you practice is entirely unique to you. Take your interests and what you know about the deity into consideration and you should be fine. If you wonder whether or not something is appropriate, aska follower of the deity who you trust. This is where networking comes in handy but there are a lot of resources already available if you don't have anyone to ask.
CONVERSATION
MEDITATION
DIVINATION
OFFERING
CONVERSATION
I chose the term conversation because some people may not use the term 'prayer' but directly talking to the gods is often the easiest way of contact. These can be scripted poems, casual conversations, or a list of petitions. You can also turn your messages into songs and dedicate them to your deity. This is especially useful when you are hiding your practice or don't have anything physical to offer. You always have your voice
MEDITATION
There are multiple ways to meditate and connect with your deity of choice, the first is to simply take a set amount of time and just listen for them. You can also meditate on a certain phrase, song, or image that reminds you of them.
DIVINATION
There are various was to use divination to work connect with deities and is especially useful when you have a question for the deity. You can ask a god or goddess to guide a tarot spread, pendulum reading, or scrying exercise. Just remember that the gods are beings. They may not want to answer some questions and may get offended if you quiz them or use them only for information. Remember to thank them after with an offering.
OFFERING
Offerings are physical gifts to the gods used to show appreciation and thanks. Offerings can be homemade, things you already have, or physical actions. Offerings do not have to be fancy, formal, or expensive. To look for offering ideas look at what was traditionally offered to the deity and what you feel would be appropriate. You can also look for examples from other practitioners as inspiration. Just remember not to liter. If you are going to leave an offering outside, let it be biodegradable and in small amounts.