Ganesh calling?

[pellegrina]

Hi guys--

I had a REALLY interesting experience and I'm wondering what you all think. I'm still in my year and a day of study, leaning toward eclectic Wicca with a strong dollop of Stregheria.

I hadn't felt called by any particular deity, and was actually a little envious reading all these posts of people who have felt a strong affinity with a certain God or Goddess. I'm of Italian descent, and so I thought it would be good to focus on Diana, Aradia, and the rest of the Roman pantheon. After doing some research, I decided I could use Vesta's energy in my life, and actually invited her to be my patron during ritual. For a while, I was lighting a candle for her every day, but then I stopped. I was never sure if she "answered" or not. I wasn't feeling her at all.

Then something weird happened. At Borders one day, I picked up a copy of New Witch magazine, and noticed an article about calling a certain God and having a different one answer. Apparently the author called a certain deity, but Ganesh was the one who showed up and made it clear He wanted to be in her life. I thought the article was interesting and funny, then forgot about it. Until I read the article, I wasn't even entirely sure who Ganesh was.

But the very next night, my husband and I went to a concert at a casino and we were given passes to this very exclusive private club, good for that night only. We're not private club people, but we figured, what the heck, it's free, we'll go check it out and have a drink. Well, the club was beautiful, with all these plush little rooms, and we were wandering around going from room to room, trying to find an empty one.

Eventually, we turned a corner, and found ourselves face-to-face with an enormous (I mean huge) metal statue of Ganesh. He completely dominated this little room, it was basically the statue and two small couches. We sat down and just kind of soaked up his Presence. I can't tell you how safe and peaceful I felt in that little room. It felt like a shrine, and it bugged me knowing that people party in there. My husband and I sat and talked quietly, and I explained about the article I'd read. Finally it was time to go, and as we reluctantly got up, I noticed Ganesh's outstretched hand. "We have to leave an offering!" I said. I remembered from the article that Ganesh likes sweet things, but all we had was some coins, so we left some shiny quarters in his palm.

So what do you all make of this? Was this what everybody's always talking about when they speak of being contacted by Deity? It's really funny that Ganesh kind of barged into my life right after I read about him barging into somebody else's. It seems like a pretty blatant sign, right? Should I forget about the Roman pantheon for now and research Ganesh?

Good thing I'm eclectic, LOL.

And and all opinions about this are very much appreciated!
Blessings,
Pellegrina

[indigo rain]

sounds like ganesh to me... he doesn't seem to care if you're into something else, if he wants you, he just kinda goes and gets you. i work with the egyptian pantheon. but he just keeps tugging...

[aluokaloo]

Hi guys--

I had a REALLY interesting experience and I'm wondering what you all think. I'm still in my year and a day of study, leaning toward eclectic Wicca with a strong dollop of Stregheria.

I hadn't felt called by any particular deity, and was actually a little envious reading all these posts of people who have felt a strong affinity with a certain God or Goddess. I'm of Italian descent, and so I thought it would be good to focus on Diana, Aradia, and the rest of the Roman pantheon. After doing some research, I decided I could use Vesta's energy in my life, and actually invited her to be my patron during ritual. For a while, I was lighting a candle for her every day, but then I stopped. I was never sure if she "answered" or not. I wasn't feeling her at all.

Then something weird happened. At Borders one day, I picked up a copy of New Witch magazine, and noticed an article about calling a certain God and having a different one answer. Apparently the author called a certain deity, but Ganesh was the one who showed up and made it clear He wanted to be in her life. I thought the article was interesting and funny, then forgot about it. Until I read the article, I wasn't even entirely sure who Ganesh was.

But the very next night, my husband and I went to a concert at a casino and we were given passes to this very exclusive private club, good for that night only. We're not private club people, but we figured, what the heck, it's free, we'll go check it out and have a drink. Well, the club was beautiful, with all these plush little rooms, and we were wandering around going from room to room, trying to find an empty one.

Eventually, we turned a corner, and found ourselves face-to-face with an enormous (I mean huge) metal statue of Ganesh. He completely dominated this little room, it was basically the statue and two small couches. We sat down and just kind of soaked up his Presence. I can't tell you how safe and peaceful I felt in that little room. It felt like a shrine, and it bugged me knowing that people party in there. My husband and I sat and talked quietly, and I explained about the article I'd read. Finally it was time to go, and as we reluctantly got up, I noticed Ganesh's outstretched hand. "We have to leave an offering!" I said. I remembered from the article that Ganesh likes sweet things, but all we had was some coins, so we left some shiny quarters in his palm.

So what do you all make of this? Was this what everybody's always talking about when they speak of being contacted by Deity? It's really funny that Ganesh kind of barged into my life right after I read about him barging into somebody else's. It seems like a pretty blatant sign, right? Should I forget about the Roman pantheon for now and research Ganesh?

Good thing I'm eclectic, LOL.

And and all opinions about this are very much appreciated!
Blessings,
Pellegrina



Wow! What a cool experience! Yeah, it sounds pretty blatant to me. It very well could be, perhaps you could ask Him.

[Seshata]

Yup - seem's like he's definately saying 'hello'!

Just above our computer at home we have a lovely statue of Ganesha and also of Lakshmi... Ganesha also likes milk, and of course sweets..

We're very lucky as we have an Indian Temple a bus ride away from us and they have a lovely statue of Ganesha there, also there's a statue of Hanuman too! Whilst we were at the Temple, we bought photos of both of them, they're lovely!

You can get lots of lovely little statues of him around and if you do a google, you'll find places with stories about him too.

Good luck!

BB

Seshata

[Toby Stimpson]

Mmmm Jai Ganapati...

Well he does get his way...I mean you would think he is a spoiled and pampered child but he does a lot of good and gets down and dirty with those who follow him. If you look on google, and put in "Ganesh symbolism" you can find a chart showing what his attributes mean. :).

Namaste

Tobias

[Agaliha]

Yeah, Ganesha!
:dancy:
How exciting. He's one of the only Gods to take interest in me. He came to me around the same time as Sarawati, Ganga and Ushas. All Hindu/Vedic.
I've always loved elephants, but at that time I was seeing them all over and I became obsessed with them. I later found out that as well as Ganesha being there, I had an elephant totem.
I started a thread about it here Ganesha (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=101462)
And about-- Elephants (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=101311)

Ganesha is one of the most beloved of the Hindu Gods so the resources for info are endless, a search in Yahoo and Google can provided you with hours of reading [trust me].
Here are some general basic ones to start you out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha
http://www.gurjari.net/ico/Mystica/html/ganesha.htm
http://www.cs.virginia.edu/~sgd2z/more/gods/ganesha.htm
http://www.cix.co.uk/~ganesh/
http://www.mantraonnet.com/ganesh.html
http://ganpatibappamorya.faithweb.com/mythology.htm
http://www.webonautics.com/mythology/ganesha.html
http://members.rediff.com/saivani/GaneshChaturthi.htm
http://www.luckymojo.com/ganesha.html
http://ganesha.exoticindiaart.com/
http://www.souledout.org/healing/healingdeities/ganesh/ganesh.html

[There are way more sites that that though, just search for'em :) ]

As far as what to do about Ganesha and the Roman patheon...I would not drop the Roman pantheon like a hot potato, but try to work time into learning and understanding Ganesha more. He has called to you for a reason, try to find that reason out :). At the time that Saraswati, Ganesha and the others came to me I was not even contemplating andthing Hindu. It just happened that way. What I do is honor them in a traditional way-- or in a way that is similar to the Hindu ways and pujas-- that way it is respectful and such. I love the Hindu faith and Indian culture, so for me it's not too hard to do.
Just keep learning and get to know him!

[Avanti]

Maybe his outstretched hand means...here take my hand and lets go....Ok i'm feeling sappy today:P Sounds exciting! Do some research and see how it goes.

[argento_occhi]

Djehuty felt the need to introduce me to ganesha as well. I was at the zoo shop and was looking for a birthday present fo rmy friend, when I turned around as saw this statue of Ganesha on one of the shelves with a voice saying, "Look, it's me! Sort of..."

I looked at it, noted the price and left it there, wandering around the shop still looking fo a present. I found this cute little monkey for my friend, but couldn't get that Ganesha statue out of my head and eventually bought it. he's been sitting by my computer ever since.

I've definitely felt calmer when I just look at His image. He seems much quieter to me than Djehuty is (who's supposedly reserved and all, but who gets very excited when He comes to class with me). Whichis interesting, as I have been interested in the Indian Gods for some time now, and Ganesha was one of the first I ever heard about. He always intrigued me, as did -- does -- Kali. So, now I have another God to get to know.

Argent

[SylverStar]

I kinda like the fact that he was in a club. :P Anyways I've found he's not easy to ignore...so if you do decide to not take the sign...I'm sure you'll get more.

[Agaliha]

I kinda like the fact that he was in a club. :P Anyways I've found he's not easy to ignore...so if you do decide to not take the sign...I'm sure you'll get more.

Yeah, you'll get more signs as like elephants, he is persistant. He also removes all obstaces so I found he will remove all the obstacles that are stoping you so you can hear him :)

[Gareth]

I used to install satellite tv.
Many times I'd reach a customer's house who were from India.
I have seen so many signs from Ganesha that I'd have to be a total idiot not to notice.
So I would say go for it!! :D

[Moonshine]

I am from India and here it is Ganesha all along! :) He is called upon / remembered at the beginning of auspicious events for good luck. Also for protection, when starting out on a journey. I call upon Lord Ganesha each time I step out of my house.

Recently, I have been feeling like Lord Ganesha is calling out to me. I have been seeing his picture / idol / elephants everywhere. Twice during the last week, I have felt his presence at night, before I fell asleep. He is also the God of intelligence. I have been asking for clarity of thought about my project at work. I am sure he is helping me with it.

If any of you need me to translate anything from Hindi you can PM me. I am not an expert on Hinduism, although a Hindu myself.

Best wishes,
Moonshine:broomride

[pellegrina]

Wow, thanks so much for all the responses! (Especially Belle Terre for all the great links.) I see that everybody calls him "Ganesha" and not "Ganesh", I'm not sure where I got that originally, although I have been seeing it both ways in my web travels.

I'm very excited and feel very blessed that he has chosen to introduce himself to me. There's a book on Amazon called "Loving Ganesa" that I'm going to order that supposedly is chock full of everything a follower could want to know. I'm also going to keep an eye out for a nice statue, but in the meantime, I'm going to print out an image of him and place it on my altar.

Thank you again, all of you, for the feedback.
I very much apprecaiate it!

[lednevir]

I love Ganesha and have had a relationship with him for quite a while he's about sucess and removing obstacles,so If you seeking spiritual knowlege he's going to help you,no matter the panthenon because he's freinds with all of them.

bb

[Moonshine]

I see that everybody calls him "Ganesha" and not "Ganesh", I'm not sure where I got that originally, although I have been seeing it both ways in my web travels.


Ganesha is the English-ized version of the original Hindi word Ganesh. ;)

[Agaliha]

Ganesha is the English-ized version of the original Hindi word Ganesh. ;)

Then why is Ganesha used in Hindi and Sanskrit prayers?

Om Sri Ganesha Namaha/ Om Sri Ganeshaya Namaha - Great Lord of Wisdom
Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Lakshman
Sri Ganesha Sri Ganesha Sri Ganesha Rakshamaam
*
Ganesha Sharanam Parama Paavanam Sathya Sainam Gajaananam
Nithya Smaranam Parama Paavanam Sathya Sainam Gajaananam
Sadguru Sharanam Parama Paavanam Sathya Sainam Gajaananam
Bhava Bhaya Haranam Parama Paavanam Sathya Sainam Gajaananam
*
Ganesha Sharanam Sharanam Ganesha
Sayeesha Sharanam Sharanam Sayeesha
*
Mangala Kar Hey, Mangala Kar Hey
Mangala Kar Hey, Mangala Kar Hey
Sundara Sai Ganeshs Ganesha
Sundara Sai Ganesha
*
Prasanna Ho Sathya Sai Ganesha
*
Prathama Smarana Shree Ganesha
Prathama Namana Sai Ganesha ...(Prathama)
Vighna Harana Siddhi Kaarana
Dhoomra Varna Shree Ganesha
Karunaabarana Poojya Charana
Vara Pradata Sai Ganesha
Sai Ganesha Jaya Ganesha
*
Shree Ganesha Shree Ganesha Shree Ganesha Paahimaam
Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Rakshamaam
Shree Ganesha Pahimaam Jaya Ganesha Rakshamaam
Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Rakshamaam
Shree Ganesha Pahimaam

From: http://www.eaisai.com/baba/docs/ganesh.html


I think don't think one is more "English-ized" than the other. Rather Hindi and Sanskrit are languages that are in scripts-- not Roman letters. So when things are translated [or rather transliterated]into English there are minor descrepencies, Shri and Shree for example.
Also, Hindi and Sanskrit are languges with many tenses that effect the endings of words [unlike English, but like Latin does]. It all depends on the context of the sentence and such. Sometimes it may be Ganesha, Ganesh, or he is called one of his 108 names.
I have seen and heard Hindus use Ganesha and Ganesh. It doesn't matter. They are both correct, it's just personal preferance I think

I also went onto www.shabdkosh.com (http://www.shabdkosh.com/) one of the better online Hindi Dictionaries.
I searched "Ganesh" and got this:
ganesh n
1. gaṇēśa
With an "a" ending.

Dictionary.com has this:
[Hindi Gahttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/nlowdot.gifehttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/sacute.gif, from Sanskrit Gahttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/nlowdot.gifehttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/sacute.gifahttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/hlowdot.gif, from gahttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/nlowdot.gifehttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/sacute.gifahttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/hlowdot.gif, master of throngs : gahttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/nlowdot.gifahttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/hlowdot.gif, throng, group of followers + http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/imacr.gifhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/sacute.gifahttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/hlowdot.gif, master (from http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/imacr.gifhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/slowdot.gifhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/tlowdot.gife, http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/imacr.gifhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/sacute.gif-, he rules over. See aik- in Indo-European Roots).]
n : Hindu god of wisdom or prophecy; remover of obstacles [syn: Ganesh (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=ganesh), Ganesa (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=ganesa), Ganesha (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=ganesha), Ganapati (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=ganapati)]

[Moonshine]

Then why is Ganesha used in Hindi and Sanskrit prayers?

It is common to suffix an 'a' to Hindu deity names : Lord Ram-a, Lord Krishn-a, Lord Shiv-a. It does not make one name more or less respectful or correct. This usage is common in English texts referring to Hindu deities, hence English-ized.


Also, Hindi and Sanskrit are languges with many tenses that effect the endings of words [unlike English, but like Latin does]. It all depends on the context of the sentence and such. Sometimes it may be Ganesha, Ganesh, or he is called one of his 108 names.
Ganesh and Ganesha are not different contexts.

I have seen and heard Hindus use Ganesha and Ganesh. It doesn't matter. They are both correct, it's just personal preferance I think

I am not saying one is correct and the other wrong or that both can't be used. I would not mull so much over it. One can choose to use Ganesha or Ganesh.


I also went onto www.shabdkosh.com (http://www.shabdkosh.com/) one of the better online Hindi Dictionaries.
I searched "Ganesh" and got this:
ganesh n
1. gaṇēśa
With an "a" ending.

By the way, shabdkosh.com gives the following transliteration for the common word 'sahib' (approx. meaning sir), with an "a" ending. The general pronouncaition of sahib is sahib not sahiba. That pronouncaition would change the gender from male to female, making sir to madam. ;)

sahib n
1. sāhaba

Just my 2 cents.
Moonshine:broomride

[Toby Stimpson]

I think the popularity of Ganapati is that he is so laid back. I mean you look at the Simpsons where Homer tries to be ganesh to stop the wedding between Apu Mahashapimapetalon and his girl to be, and comes in:

Homer: "I am ganesh...This wedding angers me...bow to your lord ganesh..."
Hindu Man: "But Ganesh is not wrathful, he if compassionate."

You don't see Ganesh getting up to stop him, just blah tis all good lol. I think of all the Hindu Gos, he is the most well known for he is so unmistakable....how many Gods can you say have elephant heads and like to sit about with their legs apart? Not that many. If memory serves, a Shivite Swami wrote a set of books on Puja practices in his area, and he wrote one called "Ganesh Puja." It's only like 10 dollars on amazon...well worth it I think.

Moonshine, I was always under the impression that i and e were the feminine forms for names. Rohini...Mohini...Rudrani...Brahmani...Kali...Shakti...
and likewise a sound was more masculine...Rama, Brahma...Shiva...Surya...would these names be pronounced then with sharp endings. I man not argue, but of all the east indians I know they pronounce it that way. just a question :D...oh as a sidebar, what part of Bharata did you come from?

Namaste

Tobias

p.s. this is my 600th post!!!!!!!! :D

[Moonshine]

I think the popularity of Ganapati is that he is so laid back. I mean you look at the Simpsons where Homer tries to be ganesh to stop the wedding between Apu Mahashapimapetalon and his girl to be, and comes in:

Homer: "I am ganesh...This wedding angers me...bow to your lord ganesh..."
Hindu Man: "But Ganesh is not wrathful, he if compassionate."

You don't see Ganesh getting up to stop him, just blah tis all good lol. I think of all the Hindu Gos, he is the most well known for he is so unmistakable....how many Gods can you say have elephant heads and like to sit about with their legs apart? Not that many. If memory serves, a Shivite Swami wrote a set of books on Puja practices in his area, and he wrote one called "Ganesh Puja." It's only like 10 dollars on amazon...well worth it I think.

Moonshine, I was always under the impression that i and e were the feminine forms for names. Rohini...Mohini...Rudrani...Brahmani...Kali...Shakti...
and likewise a sound was more masculine...Rama, Brahma...Shiva...Surya...would these names be pronounced then with sharp endings. I man not argue, but of all the east indians I know they pronounce it that way. just a question :D...oh as a sidebar, what part of Bharata did you come from?

Namaste

Tobias

p.s. this is my 600th post!!!!!!!! :D

Hi tobias,

Sorry about the delayed reply to this thread. There are as many feminine names ending with an 'a' where the ending 'a' is pronounced as the ending 'a' in strata. Examples include Sita, Maya (pronounced like java), Mala, Mandira, Seema, Tara, Kaya etc. This way, ending a name with an 'a' is not enough proof of the name being masculine or feminine. :) Yeah, Surya, Shiva, Brahma are also acceptable pronounciations and work just fine. :)

I hope I am not sounding too confusing. Please feel free to PM me if you want me to clarify anything. I will be happy to answer your questions.:)

I am from the north of India (near Delhi) and am presently working in Bangalore (south).

Best wishes,:broomride
Moonshine

[indigo rain]

has anyone ever noticed how ganesha appeals to alot of people already following egyptian gods or is it just me?

[Toby Stimpson]

Haha ok...I forgot about those Devatas. Well played, thats true...I still have yet to study Sanskrit and Hindi...so it is confusing but also an interesting thing. I know in southern india, becasue of the Dravidian tongues like Tamil...many of the feminine endings are A...such am Amma...it's interesting.

Ahhh Delhi...I want to go on a tour in that area and end up in Calcutta in the next few years. Head through Delhi...down the Yamuna to Mathura...down the Ganga to Varanasi...do a jungle tour of Bengal and end up in Kali Ghat. I'm from Canada and since I startd looking into India a few years ago Im obsessed lol. So, do forgive me for asking but what brought a northern girl to the Southern planes? haha. Thankyou for your clarifications though, :).

Namaste

Tobias

[AdNoctum]

has anyone ever noticed how ganesha appeals to alot of people already following egyptian gods or is it just me?

Perhaps it's because Ganesha is zoomorphic like many Egyptian deities.

[kaosxmage]

Congratualtions on finding (or being found by) Ganesha. As a Mage, I have found Ganesha to be the greatest ally and friend. There is no sweeter force in the universe for breaking down barriers, removing all obstacles, and simply dancing a way through uncharted waters.

Riding a mouse to no avail,
--Kaos