I have worked with different deities over the years; sometimes just for a few weeks, sometimes for several years. As with all relationships, working with deities is a give and take affair; when we cast a spell or perform a ritual we are asking them to do something for us, and why should they? Gods and Goddesses are powerful beings, we cannot demand they work for us because they simply won't. We need to build an affinity with them, we need to show them that we care about them as much as we want them to care for us, and we are grateful for what they do.
It can be difficult when we lead such busy lives, as not everyone has the time to perform complex rituals every evening or even at the weekends. So what can we do to show our deities that we honour them for the blessings that they give us and build that bond that will help us be successful as we walk our path? Even tiny gestures, if done regularly and with sincerity, can make a huge difference.
It can be difficult when we lead such busy lives, as not everyone has the time to perform complex rituals every evening or even at the weekends. So what can we do to show our deities that we honour them for the blessings that they give us and build that bond that will help us be successful as we walk our path? Even tiny gestures, if done regularly and with sincerity, can make a huge difference.
Lighting A Candle:
I used to work with several Celtic deities regularly, and would use a red candle for Nantosuelta, a green candle for Airmid and a yellow candle for Nuada. Whenever I buy a new candle I spend time carving symbols of my deity into the candle; herbs and healing for Airmid, a house and fire for Nantosuelta, a feather, a sword and shield for Nuada.
I used to keep my altar in our spare roomwhich is where I would get dressed in the morning. So I would light each candle, say a quick thank you and then leave them to burn whilst I got ready for work, before blowing them out before I left the room.
Birdseed Offering:
I will often take a handful of birdseed and put in my offerings bowl, taking three pinches for each deity and say a prayer of thanks. After a day I will throw it outside and say another thanks. Birdseed is good because it gives back to nature and helps feed wildlife so is a fitting tribute.
Writing A Poem/Song/Story:
Penning a few words in honour of your deity is another great way of thanking them, especially for a deity like Nuada who is a God of creativity. The Celts were a fan of stories and songs, and is again a fitting way to honour Celtic deities. It doesn't have to be long, and it doesn't have to be good, but it doesn't take long to jot down a few lines on your morning commute or before bed.
Dedicating A Meal Or Baking:
We could not live without food. The witches Sabbats are based around the harvests, focused on providing with us with the means to survive harsh periods like the winter months. Dedicating a meal and remembering how lucky we are to have food in our bellies, or baking something special (I like baking Rosemary bread) is another way of showing our thanks. Depending on the food, you could also leave some out for the wildlife, as with the birdseed.
Physical Exercise:
There are many rituals that we perform in our day-to-day life. Many cultures value physical attributes such as strength and athleticism. Dedicating a yoga practice, a run, a climb, anything which involves physical exertion can be a worthwhile practise.
I'm always looking for ways I can incorporate honouring my deities into my busy schedule, but these are little acts that I have found fit easily into my every day activities, and have helped me build a close bond with my main deities.
I used to work with several Celtic deities regularly, and would use a red candle for Nantosuelta, a green candle for Airmid and a yellow candle for Nuada. Whenever I buy a new candle I spend time carving symbols of my deity into the candle; herbs and healing for Airmid, a house and fire for Nantosuelta, a feather, a sword and shield for Nuada.
I used to keep my altar in our spare roomwhich is where I would get dressed in the morning. So I would light each candle, say a quick thank you and then leave them to burn whilst I got ready for work, before blowing them out before I left the room.
Birdseed Offering:
I will often take a handful of birdseed and put in my offerings bowl, taking three pinches for each deity and say a prayer of thanks. After a day I will throw it outside and say another thanks. Birdseed is good because it gives back to nature and helps feed wildlife so is a fitting tribute.
Writing A Poem/Song/Story:
Penning a few words in honour of your deity is another great way of thanking them, especially for a deity like Nuada who is a God of creativity. The Celts were a fan of stories and songs, and is again a fitting way to honour Celtic deities. It doesn't have to be long, and it doesn't have to be good, but it doesn't take long to jot down a few lines on your morning commute or before bed.
Dedicating A Meal Or Baking:
We could not live without food. The witches Sabbats are based around the harvests, focused on providing with us with the means to survive harsh periods like the winter months. Dedicating a meal and remembering how lucky we are to have food in our bellies, or baking something special (I like baking Rosemary bread) is another way of showing our thanks. Depending on the food, you could also leave some out for the wildlife, as with the birdseed.
Physical Exercise:
There are many rituals that we perform in our day-to-day life. Many cultures value physical attributes such as strength and athleticism. Dedicating a yoga practice, a run, a climb, anything which involves physical exertion can be a worthwhile practise.
I'm always looking for ways I can incorporate honouring my deities into my busy schedule, but these are little acts that I have found fit easily into my every day activities, and have helped me build a close bond with my main deities.