Inviting a deity to join you,
As a follow up to my 20-day deity work challenge! (day 11)
Context
Sometimes when I feel unexpected enjoyment during an activity, I feel the urge to invite a deity to “join me”, so to speak. In my personal practice, I create a distinction between “invoking” and “inviting”. The way I choose to see it is that the former serves as a formal summoning. During a group/individual ritual (during holidays, for example), one/many may invoke a deity by openly calling out to them and reciting a formal request for them to enter the circle. Inviting, on the other hand, is casual and informal. Instead of asking the deity to attend an event, you may simply suggest that they join you, as you believe they would enjoy the activity you are engaging in. For example, if you merely want to share a day to day activity which you like, then a ritualistic invocation is not necessary. A candid invitation would be more indicated. Why so? Because you’re simply and respectfully presenting the deity with whatever the activity is, leaving them the choice to join you or not. Moreover, inviting is a lot easier when you are unprepared for a formal invocation!
How to invite a deity
There are a few ways I favor when it comes to calling a deity to my side. The first would be to simply whisper their name, while envisionning them as clearly as I can. I try to put as much of my intent as I can into that simple name (meaning I attempt to communicate my invitation through it). After this step, I focus all the more actively on the activity I am engaging in, as if I wanted the deity to see through my eyes and to experience it as I do. If they do choose to join me and appreciate what they see, then they will stay by my side for while. Another simple way to invite a deity would be to light a candle for them as you’re practicing the activity, especially if they have a dedicated candle. Same goes: if they have a dedicated song, then play it! If they have a dedicated piece of jewelry, wear it.
Examples of more or less specific activities a deity may want to join in on
Watching fireworks, a sunrise, a sunset, a bonfire
Cooking something they enjoy, like a meal they are associated with
Hiking in the woods/mountains, or by the beach
Gathering herbs, mushrooms, flowers, leaves, etc...
Meditating
Driving through the countryside
Any creative activity! Drawing, painting, sculpting... Especially if they are a deity of the arts, or inspiration.
Listening to music, or attending a concert.
Visiting a museum or gallery (especially when the exhibition is centered around their related culture!)
Watching a movie you think they might enjoy
Doing a general divination reading, like your weekly tarot card pulling
Exploring a new place
Any moment when you’re unexpectedly having fun/experiencing happiness
Art: The Briar Wood, Lily Seika Jones
