!Working! with Gods and Goddesses

[-Sky-]

Inspired by another member's post I begun to ponder on what does it really mean to work with your deities. Looking back at my relationship with my Gods and Goddesses i can see myself worshipping them,giving thanks, celebrating and revering them in Sabbats,sometimes invoking them in rituals and spells but... What does it really mean to work with them?Does it mean that through the certain aspects and traits of a Goddess/God we try to learn and grow spiritually?Does it mean that we work magic with them in order to bring luck,love or happiness?

I have strayed from my path the past months,i lacked the direction and the interest. And it is a goal of mine to create a more complete,strong and honest relationship with my deities once i've settle down in my new house and my new life.So my question is,how do YOU work with your deities?

[Garm]

For me it has been giving me the tools to do the job myself.

I have some creative ability which transfers to my chaos influenced DIY practice but there are points at which I am sure that my workings are being inspired.

It would be foolish of me not to give credit where it is due.

As far as directly getting them to do things for me, I would not make such a presumption.

[WarriorZhanna]

For me, it means everything. It's not just "work" for me, it's being in touch with the Gods whom I like to call my parents. They give me strength, they help me, they guide me, they're always there.
Whenever I have a question or need comfort, help.. anything! I go to them. I speak to them, ask them for advise, ask them to fill me with energy again. Sometimes, when I wanna be especially honourable towards the gods I chant an invocation for them to appear. And when I need help in healing, I also ask them to come to my aid.
They have also helped me grow spiritually. If I hadn't met Isis, I would've never known certain things and facts about myself. They are my answers from the divine, my light.
So to me, it means many things. Lots of things. I don't just do spells where I need a god/goddess to help me or something, I actually go to them and speak my mind.

[Lemon]

When it comes to working with a god or goddess, I usually have a process that I take. First, I'll research and learn everything I can about their history and personality. Then I'll start giving offerings to them, and after that I'll begin praying to them. So, that basically starts my relationship with them. And I don't do rituals or spell work, so I haven't had an experience dealing with those things.

[~Elise~]

For me, my spirituality isn't work... it is my Way of Life. It is Who I Am, it is What I do (for the most part-I am human and do make mistakes).
My life is honor to Them--so I don't consider it work. It is not the easiest path, but it is the Path I chose (and was chosen for me)

Elise

[WarriorZhanna]

For me, my spirituality isn't work... it is my Way of Life. It is Who I Am, it is What I do (for the most part-I am human and do make mistakes).
My life is honor to Them--so I don't consider it work. It is not the easiest path, but it is the Path I chose (and was chosen for me)

Elise

Well said. I couldn't have said it any better. And I completely agree. I wouldn't call it 'working'.

[Agaliha]

I think in many cases when people say they "work" with their deities it's used as a synonym for worship, honor, communing, etc.

Many people for whatever reason shy away from "worshipping" and so they use work, thinking that describes their relationship---it might, but many people take the word literally ("I don't work with my gods, I honor them" sort of thing). For word variety I've used "work with" to mean honor before. I think many people do. *shrug*

As for right now, I don't work with (ie honor) any deity, things are happening around me spirituality so that might change-- I don't know!

[Theres]

I think in many cases when people say they "work" with their deities it's used as a synonym for worship, honor, communing, etc.

Many people for whatever reason shy away from "worshipping" and so they use work, thinking that describes their relationship---it might, but many people take the word literally ("I don't work with my gods, I honor them" sort of thing). For word variety I've used "work with" to mean honor before. I think many people do.
i can see the sense in that, and i think i agree with you.

i'm not one for whom the terms "worship", "prayer", etc hold any sort of leftover Christian guilt or baggage, so i'm not afraid of those words. but i can see how "work" can be a colloquialism for those who do.

however i DO have a major problem with people who refering to "using" such and such a deity in their 'workings'. in this i can find nothing but contempt and disrespect.

[teishabee]

For me theres never one way, jsut what happens at the time. My spiritually is always developing so the way I worship changed also.

Also My relationships with my Gods/goddess change also. You get to know them more and learn from each other.

I too have become distanced from my practice but as long as Im still searching and have faith then I see no harm in this.

BTW havnet spoken to you in a while, Ive been moving around. Blessing in your goal.

[Agaliha]

i can see the sense in that, and i think i agree with you. i'm not one for whom the terms "worship", "prayer", etc hold any sort of leftover Christian guilt or baggage, so i'm not afraid of those words. but i can see how "work" can be a colloquialism for those who do.

however i DO have a major problem with people who refering to "using" such and such a deity in their 'workings'. in this i can find nothing but contempt and disrespect

I agree with you on the "using" thing. Saying "I use Venus in my ritual" doesn't remotely convey worshipping and honor--or respect. When talking about people and relationships, using someone has a negative connotation. I think people try to find many words to describe their relationship and sometimes those words don't cut it-- like "using" the gods. I'm sure some might mean it how it sounds and see the gods as their servants, but I think many just don't realize how the word sounds and have no clue to it's meaning and how others percieve them/it (they might just see it as worshipping, for example).

[aluokaloo]

for me it is getting to know them, going through all aspects of life with them good and bad, listening what they have to say, when they give advice their is nothing wrong with double-checking it, if for your own comfort, and curiosity, it's my belief that the Gods don't want us to follow blindly. sometimes the Gods are you asking to try something out like gardening, or runes. Working with deities can mean lots of things from going on journeys, to tests and trials, of everyday life, to becoming their priest/ess.

[RavenStars]

Am I right -Sky- in saying that you are interested in more then just the typical worship practices? Maybe how to live your beliefs?

Also, I'm using the term "work" to suggest a partnership rather then just responding to the dictates of a particular path. I prefer a more personal, participatory relationship with my understanding of the Divine. And yes, I do have to literally work my path. I'm a solitary and it's not easy without someone or some institution telling me what to do.

[Fiamma]

Am I right -Sky- in saying that you are interested in more then just the typical worship practices? Maybe how to live your beliefs?

Maybe I'm crazy, but I should certainly hope that worship extends to living one's beliefs.



Also, I'm using the term "work" to suggest a partnership rather then just responding to the dictates of a particular path.

I know I'm not speaking for everyone, but I also know that most of us who are following some specific religion are doing a heck of a lot more than "just responding to the dictates".



I prefer a more personal, participatory relationship with my understanding of the Divine.

As compared to...?



And yes, I do have to literally work my path. I'm a solitary and it's not easy without someone or some institution telling me what to do.

I have both a group/organizational religious practice (Ar nDraiocht Fein) and a private, personal somewhat but by no means entirely reconstructionist religious practice. The two are different but complimentary. One encourages the other. One is within a well-established format- I'm not told what to do, but I know when what I'm doing is within ADF lines or not. The other is a combination of old practices and personal innovation- no one's telling me what to do, what I must adhere to from ancient times or what I can improvise on my own. Neither is really easier than the other, and each is more difficult than the other in different ways. Trust me, I work plenty.

Why do so many solitaries think that it must automatically be so much easier to practice an established religion, and that all there is to do is follow what you're told (or even that you're constantly being told what to do?) Nevermind, I think I have the topic right there for a thread unto itself...to be posted in an appropriate place.

[teishabee]

Fiamma personally what I got from RavenStars was trying to help Sky clarify key points that she was seeking help with.

Im a solitary and dont think that people who attend circles or who are part of a coven have it easier.

I just think that sometimes people need guidance. Hence why Sky originally posted and people tried to help.

[-Sky-]

Thank you all for your responses!:) Fiamma i agree with teishabee. I believe that Ravenstar was only trying to help be while stating her opinion. She didn't say anything offensive nor did she point that people in covens have it easy. They might have it easier however in my opinion not because they don't work but because they have others to exchange experiences with and a teacher/high priestess to guide them.

As teishabee said i was only looking for guidance.Since i am solitary and in a country where paganism is not widely spread it is more difficult for me to walk in my path. Advise from wise people or just other curious souls is always welcome.



For me theres never one way, jsut what happens at the time. My spiritually is always developing so the way I worship changed also.

Also My relationships with my Gods/goddess change also. You get to know them more and learn from each other.

I too have become distanced from my practice but as long as Im still searching and have faith then I see no harm in this.

BTW havnet spoken to you in a while, Ive been moving around. Blessing in your goal.

Same here!:) It just seems that sometimes i am so caught up in every day life that i have no room or mood for my practices. Yeah.:( We haven't spoken in such a long time.I've been thinking of you. Lots of love and blessings!


Am I right -Sky- in saying that you are interested in more then just the typical worship practices? Maybe how to live your beliefs?


Yes indeed RavenStars. I would be interested in living my beliefs more something i don't exactly do right now. It seems like i keep my faith and every day life separated. I live daily and when i have time or the right mood i do tarot readings or rituals.I would like the spirituality the spread in all areas in my life.Any advice or ideas?Someone recommended me the book Walking the Mist.

[Theres]

... It just seems that sometimes i am so caught up in every day life that i have no room or mood for my practices.
and THAT right there is the "work". if these things matter to you, MAKE the time!

i'm not saying this is easy, quite the contrary. but the the "work" isn't in prescribed reading or formal ritual. it isn't necessarily about being a part of a group, either as an acolyte or as a teacher.
but it is ALL about finding the time, however brief, to sit and honor those things which make up your spiritual practice, whatever that might be. otherwise all of this discussion is just so much spiritual masturbation.

i believe the Gods aren't particularly concerned with whether or not we get it right, just that we make the attempt. at least up to the point when we become comfortable with getting it wrong, then i think They step in and let us know to keep moving forward.
but the work is in the journey itself and not necessarily the vehicle.

imo.

[teishabee]

Same here!:) It just seems that sometimes i am so caught up in every day life that i have no room or mood for my practices. Yeah.:( We haven't spoken in such a long time.I've been thinking of you. Lots of love and blessings!


I think the case is to not let this worry you. I find just being here on MW helps me.

Sometimes its just having your beliefs that count and therefore this is with you everyday.

I have to admit sometimes I just dont make time when I can. Most of all its good to just see whats around you. When you walk to town, notice the changes in your surroundings.

Sadly I think your post has been lost a bit in semantics. But I recently posted with much the same tone to this. You might find the answers help you as much as they have me.

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=169605

[Agaliha]

Sadly I think your post has been lost a bit in semantics. But I recently posted with much the same tone to this. You might find the answers help you as much as they have me.


Not really. I was answering her question: "What does it really mean to work with them?"

I was stating that working with often means the same as honoring-- as Elise said "For me, my spirituality isn't work... it is my Way of Life." I was clarifying that "work with" is used in place of honoring and worship. *shrug*

As I said I don't honor ("work with") any deities right now. I have in the past, Saraswati being one of them. I considered many things as devotional: researching, learning, creating poetry and art, reading, respecting her, respecting nature, giving her little offerings, meditating, etc.

It differs with the deity. Saraswati is very much into the learning and arts so things that came natural to me I did and dedication them to her (poems, art, etc).

To get started again (which I'm doing right now myself after a loooooong break!) I'd say to take it slow. Perhaps start meditating or just being in nature or at peace somewhere. Be open and receptive. Pay attention to signs and dreams (any unusual ones). If you have deities you have a relationship with, ease back into things. Meditate with them. Talk to them. Offer them something (food, libations, creative things, etc). Let them know you're back into the mind set of honoring them. If you don't have any dieties right now, that doesn't matter. You can offer to nature spirits, your ancestors or just nameless deities-- in time one will make themselves know to you. Don't expect to be back into your full game right way, start small and build off of there. A ritual here and there, meditation every Friday, etc. Let them know you're trying...because like Theres and Fiamma mentioned, doing is often more important than thinking/saying... and this is something I'm personally dealing with and striving to accomplish-- I always think too much and so my action is lacking, but I'm trying and that's what counts. :)

[RavenStars]

I believe that Ravenstar was only trying to help be while stating her opinion. She didn't say anything offensive nor did she point that people in covens have it easy. They might have it easier however in my opinion not because they don't work but because they have others to exchange experiences with and a teacher/high priestess to guide them.

As teishabee said i was only looking for guidance.Since i am solitary and in a country where paganism is not widely spread it is more difficult for me to walk in my path. Advise from wise people or just other curious souls is always welcome.

Thank you for helping to clarify my poorly worded post. I sincerely did not mean to offend anyone. I will be trying to make amends by being more careful in the future.




Yes indeed RavenStars. I would be interested in living my beliefs more something i don't exactly do right now. It seems like i keep my faith and every day life separated. I live daily and when i have time or the right mood i do tarot readings or rituals.I would like the spirituality the spread in all areas in my life.Any advice or ideas?Someone recommended me the book Walking the Mist.

I had the feeling that was what you were trying to say. Some times the practices of my path bleed over into other aspects of my life and I feel I'm living properly in the world. Other times, like now, I struggle as a solitary because I am alone. I do the rituals but even they are feeling flat. And I don't know what to do about it. Take heart, you're not alone!

Here's what I'm doing to help myself right now:
- Breathe (deep, cleansing breathes help me connect and be aware).
- Wearing a mala bracelet (I use it to make tiny little prayers at each bead).
- Keeping the Book of Qualities (http://www.amazon.com/Book-Qualities-J-Ruth-Gendler/dp/0060962526/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-4638378-5556065?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1191993187&sr=8-1) by J. Ruth Gendler at my desk.
- Honoring Enodia each time I pass through a 3-way intersection.
- Not stressing that I'm not buried deep in Samhain preparations.
- Studying what people have to say here, especially on paths that aren't my own.
- Being sincerely grateful for what I have.
- Really trying to listen to my own deepest heart.

And one final idea, from me anyway, do you listen to music very much? Sometimes I find music can sanctify even the most mundane tasks!