What do the Gods and Goddesses ask from us in return?

[-Sky-]

I was reading through this (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=122851&highlight=Scathach) thread and it created a question in me.
While asking the help of a deity or while working with them do they ask things in return?And if they do,what are these things?And how are you aware that they are asked from you?

I work with deities but not on a regular basis. They are in my heart all the time but i don't regularly do devotions or rituals involving them. I would if i was not my lazy,procrastinator,busy self. While working with Brigid,for example, i was not aware of her demanding something from me.But maybe she did so in a subtle way and i didn't realise it or i did it without realising it. Many times i feel like i am not offering enough to my Gods for the help they offer me. But in the end,i like to believe that our relationship is not a "i give you,you give me" trade.

[Zephyrstorm]

Mine are very good at making it clear what they would like, some more... forcefully than others. It's usually a phrase, symbol or something that repeats through the day, reminding me of my obligation.

For example, I might be surfing online and come across a striking image of a torchlit procession, then later be walking out with a friend and see a perfect oil lamp lit in a storefront window, and then see a succession of animals or other symbols. And this has to be coincided with a instantaneous feeling of, "Oh yes, I need to do that." or have some other sense about it before I'll say for certain that it was so-and-so.

Usually it's been things that I didn't exactly want to do, but that I needed to do, or the encouragement to get off my procrastinating butt.

I think that different Gods approach things differently. Some of mine are very quiet and undemanding most of the time, and others barely give me time to work on my own stuff at times.

I hope that makes sense. :)

[Theres]

piety, respect, dedication.

[branwenWR]

i think my dieties want me to be honourable, honest, as true to myself as i can be. to live in harmony with my surroundings and respect nature. they are giving me the tools to live this way, and i, as a matter of respect, try to live that way. of course, easier said than done! lol:hahugh:

[Nitefalle]

I agree with everything said here. I think love and devotion are the most important offerings we can give to our deities, but piety and trying to live up to their expectations are also important ways of showing that love and devotion. The relationship is beneficial to both parties, and just because we don't see and feel directly how it benefits our deities, that doesn't mean it isn't there. I can't even comprehend their presence, so I'm not going to try and comprehend how they feel something or why they do something. For me, that's where faith comes in. I can't really explain it, and I'm not going to ask them to explain Themselves to me, so I just take the leap of faith that everything is going well - because if it's not, I am sure They will let me know. :lol:

[Amelserru_halqu]

Indeed what do they want? They're certainly more powerful than humans so what do they gain in return from aiding us? Kicks from controlling and influencing lives? Are they simply playing with us? These are possibilities, as is they are simply trying to help us with no strings attached. However if we look at this from a slightly different perspective, if god(s) created us why? What do they need beings like us for (ant farm maybe?)? If we assume that god(s) are beings of energy (which makes a certain amount of sense) then wouldn't their energy gradually dissipate into the environment? Therefore they need energy, perhaps some of this comes from prayers or sacrifices and that is why they demand such things. However if we assume that the human soul is also made of energy then perhaps we were created to act as batteries so that they can recharge their power by devouring human souls? Hard to believe but doesn't it make as much if not more sense than other reasons? Ah well... I think I've rambled enough for one session.

[hikarilove]

In my experience (obviously subjective and not the gospel truth!), the deities I work with tend to request something from me in return. Usually, it is something simple like a cone of incense burnt in their honor, some fruit left in the woods... that kind of thing.

I have also offered particular holidays/moon phases to deities. Once, while working with Ishtar and Ereshkigal, I made a rather lofty request and, in return, offered to honor Ishtar on the full moon and Ereshkigal on the dark moon. My request was granted, and I followed through on both promises. However, what happened on those days wasn't entirely enjoyable. I guess it's important to be careful what you offer! ;)

[Rain30]

Personally, I don't believe that the Gods are omnipotent, with infinite power. Intervening with the natural order of things can be quite difficult, and it may take some extra energy from us. That's why whenever I practice, I send the Gods power, as well as my love, devotion, and desire to see the changes manifest. I think that's sacrifice enough.

[RavenStars]

While asking the help of a deity or while working with them do they ask things in return?And if they do,what are these things? And how are you aware that they are asked from you?

When I was working with Kali I had the habit of reading a small number of her puja, which are a set of 1008 prayer like chants. These are part of an active tradition that is chanted every day. This devotion is an offering, a giving back to the Goddess. Other offerings are given as well but this is the one I practiced and enjoyed.

Here's an example from the Kali Puja by Swami Satyananda Saraswati pg. 119:

She Who is the Cause of Removing Darkness
She Who is the Dark Night of Egotism and
She Who is the Eternal Mother
She Who is the Wife of the Fearfulness of Infinite Time and
She Who Illuminates the Whole World

I believe that many other religions consider any kind of worship to be given without anything in return. In fact worship, prayers, and offerings are are practically required if something is granted.

How do you know that the gift of worship is received? That is part of faith. It is also about humility and hope. The question for me is do I really need to get an acknowledgment? If I do, isn't that sort of selfish?

But I must admit that I have had the feeling that She is present when I pray or worship. It’s not something that can be described. I simply know She is there and that I am heard.

[Paracelsus]

I think that deity requires the same as all persons - appropriate honouring.

Just as we honour one another through our relationships, and honour those beings with whom we share our lives (animals, house spirits etc.), deities live in a relationship with us - and that relationship should be one of honour. While devotion, and love are important parts of this, I think that honour is the key.

[plumedsnake]

I think that what gods want essentially is holyness. You see that's their achilles heel. they must be holy and unfortunately humans have a way of creating such an unholy mess. So all those rites and purification are basically to undo the mess we've created thereby allowing them to breathe easy again. Unholiness is to a god like light is to a vampire. In return for our adhering to their holiness they reward us with all manner of boons as they are capable of.

(Another thing that they love to do is take a ride in human bodies. Why? I don't know, but it seems that the physical realm with it's sensual pleasures is something that is novel to them and they will give you a lot in return for a ride. ) Okay, I'm only joking here, but not totally!