Shiva

[Agaliha]

It's been a long time since I asked anything on here, heh. Sorrty for the length.

After a few months of having a crisis of faith, a deity has finally caught my attention (Shiva). I was at my school library brainstorming for a poem about belly dancing (my new hobby) for my poetry class when I remembered Shiva had a dancing form (Nataraj) [why he came to mind I don't know]...I went to the Hinduism area of books (I was an isle away) and found an entry explaining the meaning of Shiva Nataraj and the whole day it was stuck in my mind. It's been a long time since I've even been intersted in any Gods, so it's a welcome feeling. Plus I never reallly had a God catch my eye, it's always been the Goddesses...so that too is interesting.

I don't know if people remember but Saraswati was my patron, then there was the Morrigan incident, and both of them left me(or appeared to), then I focused on the Earth, then I got really frusturated and felt like I was imagining all my other experiences and there were no Gods, that went on for a few months, then I felt the need to reconnect, but didn't know how or with who, etc. And here I am.

The reason for my post is not to ask for factual information about him-- I know how to use the search function and research-- rather I'm looking for information of the more personal kind that it harder to find in books and sites.

I don't even really know where to begin with him. There's so much information about him and so much history...it's almost hard to comprehend it all.
-How would one approach starting a relationship with him?
-Does it matter what form one honors (Nataraj for example)?
-Does any one who has/had a connection with Shiva have any advice, experiences to share?

And on another note, I was thinking it was interesting how Shiva caught my attention and say not Saraswati again (though I do sense her energy at times). I was wondering if it was because Saraswati and I are so similar-- as in I'm a writer, poet, obsessed with learning, books, libraries and things in her "domain" of thing. Maybe I need some other energy (Deity) that's not so much like me-- sort of like Shiva and his consorts (Paravati, Kali, Durga, etc)...I don't know, just a thought.

*Waits for Galadraal to show up, lol*

[Toby Stimpson]

It is quite dificult to find information about the personality of Shiva...who he is, what he is. I've gradually become a follower of him through my worship of kali over the past several years. I think, to me anyways, he's like...Im not even sure. I get a feeling from him, that of a proud and at times dark character. I soemtiems feel total insanity coming from him, all ending up in perfect order. I've gotten into the habit of just saying a mantra or singing along to a bhajan late at night and collecting images. I've also tried to read his puranas. Its almost like he is a multiplicity of characters all found in the same body...all controlled by the same mind. As a patriarch, I find him to be more...down to earth than Vishnu. No offence to Vishnu but in some ways i find him to be almost too patriarchal and domineering. Look at how he treated Sita during his lifetime as Ram. I can see a great deal of love for krishna...but thats one of the few forms I would consider to be a Guru in my life. With Shiva its like, he doesnt care but at the same time he is the perfect counter part, and sharing his place with Shakti makes him even more endearing. His teachings though, I find that to be the perfect thing about him...where as other Gods try to shame you into something or creates a following by defeating and enemy...Shiva shows by example. The same with his sons too. Blah its too late but I just wanted to comment before I head out, nice to see you back Belle terre!

Namaste

Tobias

[SilentDreams]

It's been a long time since I asked anything on here, heh. Sorrty for the length.

After a few months of having a crisis of faith, a deity has finally caught my attention (Shiva). I was at my school library brainstorming for a poem about belly dancing (my new hobby) for my poetry class when I remembered Shiva had a dancing form (Nataraj) [why he came to mind I don't know]...I went to the Hinduism area of books (I was an isle away) and found an entry explaining the meaning of Shiva Nataraj and the whole day it was stuck in my mind. It's been a long time since I've even been intersted in any Gods, so it's a welcome feeling. Plus I never reallly had a God catch my eye, it's always been the Goddesses...so that too is interesting.

I don't know if people remember but Saraswati was my patron, then there was the Morrigan incident, and both of them left me(or appeared to), then I focused on the Earth, then I got really frusturated and felt like I was imagining all my other experiences and there were no Gods, that went on for a few months, then I felt the need to reconnect, but didn't know how or with who, etc. And here I am.

The reason for my post is not to ask for factual information about him-- I know how to use the search function and research-- rather I'm looking for information of the more personal kind that it harder to find in books and sites.

I don't even really know where to begin with him. There's so much information about him and so much history...it's almost hard to comprehend it all.
-How would one approach starting a relationship with him?
-Does it matter what form one honors (Nataraj for example)?
-Does any one who has/had a connection with Shiva have any advice, experiences to share?

And on another note, I was thinking it was interesting how Shiva caught my attention and say not Saraswati again (though I do sense her energy at times). I was wondering if it was because Saraswati and I are so similar-- as in I'm a writer, poet, obsessed with learning, books, libraries and things in her "domain" of thing. Maybe I need some other energy (Deity) that's not so much like me-- sort of like Shiva and his consorts (Paravati, Kali, Durga, etc)...I don't know, just a thought.

*Waits for Galadraal to show up, lol*

I'll try and answer these few questions. These are my personal opinions so please take them with a grain of salt.

Firstly, when approaching a relationship with a God I think it's best to find out if you need to make the first move or if he/she does. I know it may seem hard to figure that out. But if you just focus on the question you should get a "gut" instinct telling which to do.(Remain relaxed though. Dont' worry if you don't get a "Feel" right away.) Then once that question is answered you must now figure out how to go about approaching him(if you realized that you should make first contact). Again, thinking on different things you can do(i.e. rituals, spells, meditation etc..) try to find the one that you feel the most drawn to or the one that feels the most "right". You'd be amazed at how far one can get just by following your "gut". The rest all can be done by the same methods as listed above, just adapted for the next questions.

As for if one form matters more than the other. That's all up to you. Thats something you have to focus on. Perhaps more research on the different forms. See which one you feel the most connected and comfortable(or interested) with. That will be the right one.

Finally, on your side note. I think its perfectly understandable. I believe in balance more than anything. That everything in existence has balance. So for me, having a diety that you don't nessecarily identify with is quite normal. Especially since your other diety(although you two sound a little disconnected at the moment) and you are so very similar.

Acctually I think you'll benefit quite a bit. I wouldn't be surprised if you learn quite a bit about yourself and your path from Shiva that you wouldn't expect(opposites can attract!). That in turn could make you also value and understand your similarities with Saraswati and bring you two back to that close-ness that you once had(only this time with a deeper understanding and appreciation for eachother).

[Kalika]

I don't even really know where to begin with him. There's so much information about him and so much history...it's almost hard to comprehend it all.
-How would one approach starting a relationship with him?
-Does it matter what form one honors (Nataraj for example)?
-Does any one who has/had a connection with Shiva have any advice, experiences to share?

And on another note, I was thinking it was interesting how Shiva caught my attention and say not Saraswati again (though I do sense her energy at times). I was wondering if it was because Saraswati and I are so similar-- as in I'm a writer, poet, obsessed with learning, books, libraries and things in her "domain" of thing. Maybe I need some other energy (Deity) that's not so much like me-- sort of like Shiva and his consorts (Paravati, Kali, Durga, etc)...I don't know, just a thought.

*Waits for Galadraal to show up, lol*

Well... I honestly can't tell you much about Shiva, from a personal standpoint. Kali is my matron, however, I've never felt a pull towards Shiva, despite many feeling that they are consorts.

However, I would say, as I tell people who find their way to Kali, to tread carefully while you are exploring your relationship with Shiva, and letting it grow into what it will.

I would bet you are absolutely right in thinking that he's come along because you need the influence from a different type of source. :)

Sorry that's not more helpful. :p

[Toby Stimpson]

I don't even really know where to begin with him. There's so much information about him and so much history...it's almost hard to comprehend it all.
-How would one approach starting a relationship with him?
-Does it matter what form one honors (Nataraj for example)?
-Does any one who has/had a connection with Shiva have any advice, experiences to share?

I didnt even see your questions gahhh.

Well, number one, i cant speak for everyone as everyone is different. But a relationship with him is not like other gods, indeed many Hindu Gods are like this...they simply are archetypes, they are figure heads, they are things to follow...its up to you to dedicate time, worship and appease them. With Shiva it is no different.

Number two, well as all forms are Him, I dont think it matters as long as you dont become attached to form. Dont begin to mentally see Shiva as ONLY that form...just as dont think god is only 1 form because that then allows the ignorance your trying to rid yourself of. I mean nataraja, Shankar, Rudra, Bhairab, Lingam...all different forms with different lessons, but they all are Shiva.

My experiances well, as I said before lol...my advice is not to become discouragd but flow...if you feel he isnt right for you at the time then go to soemthing else...remember the deva is only 1 face of the divine so the form you inevitably take as your personal God will teach you parts of the divine.

Namaste!

Hope this helps...

Tobias

[David19]

I don't know much about Hindu gods or Shiva, but what about going to a Hnidu Temple or something or a Hindu shop, they might be able to tell you how to worship Shiva, or point you in the right direction.

Anyway, hope i've helped :).

[TaysatWesir]

It is quite dificult to find information about the personality of Shiva...who he is, what he is. I've gradually become a follower of him through my worship of kali over the past several years. I think, to me anyways, he's like...Im not even sure. I get a feeling from him, that of a proud and at times dark character. I soemtiems feel total insanity coming from him, all ending up in perfect order.

My ex-husband who Hindu introduced me to Shiva. I have the same impression of him as you do but I'm mostly into Egyptian gods. Interesting fact the name Mahes (egyptian god) is also a name of Shiva. I worshipped Mahes till I was introduced to Mut now she my primary patron.

[Agaliha]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Silent_Lover:
Makes sense. I'll take it slow and see what happens-- if I should make the move or not. I don't want to rush things (especially after I've been having issues in the faith dept). I do feel an interest and pull there though and I'm going to look into it more (already have tons of sites about him saved, ready to read).
I'm glad to know my idea about opposite energies is plausible, lol. Opposites do attract in many ways, so it's totally possible. It seems when I was honoring dieties that are very much like me (Saraswati for the reason I listed, Bast for my obsession and love or cats, Seshet for the same reasons of Saraswati, etc) things got...stagnant? Unproductive? So I'm hoping with Shiva and possible his consorts, things will be different...because they aren't so much like me and aren't the obvious ones for me.

Kalika:


However, I would say, as I tell people who find their way to Kali, to tread carefully while you are exploring your relationship with Shiva, and letting it grow into what it will.
Why exactly? Because they're "darker" destructive part of the triad? Or some other reason? Just curious.

Gladraal:
I knew you if anyone would reply, lol.
Good answers, they all make sense too.
Right now Nataraja has really caught my eye and I'm looking more into that form, though I know all the forms are still Shiva. Just like all the goddesses are forms of Maha Devi.

David19:
I never thought of asking other Hindus, heh. I acutally want to go to a Hindu store really really bad. Maybe if I find one where live I can ask them.

Anyway, I'll just take is slow and see where things go. :)

[Toby Stimpson]

My ex-husband who Hindu introduced me to Shiva. I have the same impression of him as you do but I'm mostly into Egyptian gods. Interesting fact the name Mahes (egyptian god) is also a name of Shiva. I worshipped Mahes till I was introduced to Mut now she my primary patron.

Im not surprised...Egyptians were around and might have influenced the Indo Aryans in the middle east...and that carried on to India.

Agaliha: lol, well I am a man of conviction what can i say? If you are looking for moe general info...go to www.exoticindiaart.com and look for their archived information files.

Namaste

Tobias

[Agaliha]

Last night I printed up tons of articles about Shiva and started reading it last night. I just have to say Shiva rocks. The history, symbolism and meaning connection to Shiva is just amazing. I don't know why I never saw that before...I guess now is the time to. I have no idea where all this will go in the future, but I'm sure I'll be learning a lot!