Connecting to the divine

[AussiePagan]

I've been coasting along for a while, happily reading about different religions and forming my own ideas on how the divine works. But doing so doesn't really prove anything. You just end up with a syntheses of all the religions you've read about, since you have no way of knowing which ideas are true and false. So I want to start off by proving to myself that the Gods/Goddesses are real, and then start working with them to learn more about them.

At the same time, I don't want to jump in too far or fast. When I first started exploring spirituality I dived head first into Christianity because that was the default religion and got burnt. So I'm really cautious about dealing sprits and deities nowadays.

So how do you think I should go about trying to connect to the divine ?

What steps should I take to protect myself while doing so ?

If something supernatualish does happen, how do you differentiate a sign from coincidence ?

[Ceffyl]

So how do you think I should go about trying to connect to the divine ?

What steps should I take to protect myself while doing so ?

If something supernatualish does happen, how do you differentiate a sign from coincidence ?

Relationships with particular deities take work to establish and maintain, just like any worth-while relationship. Don't be surprised if the first few times you go in to commune with your chosen deity/deities, if you don't sense a huge amount. Your experiences may start small and build as you learn more about your deity and how to best communicate.

Is there a particular deity or pantheon you are interested in or feel drawn to? If so, try reading about the history of the deity and the people who honored him or her. Not just magickal texts by mass market publishers, but some schoarly works too -- indepth online seaches can reveal a wealth of information.

Try meditating on a regular basis and thinking about the deity. Visualization techniques can be useful. For example, visuzliating going to a cave or clearing in a wood and visiting with the deity. Before you start, make sure you ground and center. You may find lighting a candle or incense helpful. Using a focus that represents the deity may also be useful. If you are concerned and want some kind of protection, you can cast a circle of white light around you that keeps out any negative energies and allows in positive ones.

What do you mean by something supernaturalish? When I've felt a connection with my own Deity, it's generally felt as a warm or an urge towards a particular action. Other times flashes of images, things I'm supposed to do. On very rare occasions, She visits and we have a good conversation.

[mtpathy]

So how do you think I should go about trying to connect to the divine ?

What steps should I take to protect myself while doing so ?

If something supernatualish does happen, how do you differentiate a sign from coincidence ?

You approach it to learn about yourself only
If your trying to protect yourself with your left-hand,and trying to explore
the devine with your right, Then what are you using to climb the mountain?
don't think of supernatural events happening,enjoy the experiences and just
let them be what they are.

[arianrhods_daughter]

So how do you think I should go about trying to connect to the divine ?

Meditation, visualisation, ritual, prayer, whatever feels right to you

What steps should I take to protect myself while doing so ?

Visualise sheilding yourself, you could cast a circle if you're so inclined, but if its just simple prayer or the likes I dont see why you'd need extra protection unless you're going to try to contact something with a temper or PMS hehe

If something supernatualish does happen, how do you differentiate a sign from coincidence ?

You just sorta know, I know thats not really helpful, but you do :)

[Toby Stimpson]

I did that for a long time, just sort of looked at various religions...I mean i still do...to me my connection to the Divine is looking at how similar some religions are to each other and trying to connect to that 'spirit' and essence from all of them. I mean I have taklen and chosen several personifications for my life, Shiva and Devi and various others...but apart from those looking beyond those I took more of a generalist perspective and connecting that way. If that makes any sense. But also in way, who is to say that you arent being lead soemwhere and are at this yime not ready? Fatalism gahhh hehe.

Namaste

Tobias

[AussiePagan]

Thanks for the replies guys.

[Redshire]

But doing so doesn't really prove anything. You just end up with a syntheses of all the religions you've read about, since you have no way of knowing which ideas are true and false.

Hmm... How does one ever know which religious ideas are true or false? Is that not a matter of belief and faith? IMHO, such answers come to the individual through their experiences, reading and scholarly learning can only take you so far...

So I want to start off by proving to myself that the Gods/Goddesses are real, and then start working with them to learn more about them.

what sort of proof are you looking for?

So how do you think I should go about trying to connect to the divine ?

Since you aren't wanting to attach yourself to any one specific belief system at this time, I would suggest that you keep in mind/heart what you believe the divine is, and start praying! I came to Paganism after being a hard-core Athiest, and was very wary, as well as doubtfull, about Gods and Goddesses. So I prayed to the whole divine force, and got an answer.

What steps should I take to protect myself while doing so ?

A basic circle or shield should do the trick. And keep in mind the power of your own strength, that you are not a weakling to be messed with by pesky astral nasties. Or something like that. Just be confidant in yourself.

If something supernatualish does happen, how do you differentiate a sign from coincidence ?

You just know. Sometimes it's something subtle that catches your attention, and you finally realize what it was later down the line... Sometimes something completely unusual happens, and there is no question about what is was or where it came from. (well, there is allways the question, it just becomes nearly irrelevant)


em hotep