Building a relationship with deities

[phoenixsong]

How do you build a relationship with the deities? Any website or book I look at just says to practise magick and get to know them like that, but I'm not really interested in magick. I'd like to come to see them as friends and companions like many of you do, but I don't know how I can begin to.

[Eeluna]

I would recommend reading their myths and also any other books you can find that talks about their roles in mythology. There is a lot that gets omitted from encyclopedias and such, so you have to read anything you get your hands on and *keep notes*. You could even try writing new stories and poetry about them.

Meditate about them and just let the images and thoughts come without any preconceptions--oftentimes you will be surprised by what comes up. See if you can discover their special days of worship and celebrate them--if only by lighting a candle or reciting poetry.

Keep a journal of your thoughts and the results of your meditations and any dreams you may have about your Deity.

This is all stuff that I've done, and I found it works well for me. Developing a personal relationship with a Deity takes a committment of both time and emotions, but it is extremely fulfilling and definitely worth the investment.

[Armitage]

Try talking to Them. Let the conversation flow as well as you can until it feels like they're answering and not you. Doesn't have to be out loud, either, especially if you feel silly.

[Raynewitch]

I agree - talk to your chosen Deities as often as you can....try to "feel" them around you. Meditation is a good way to establish a connection too :)

[Mithrea]

I agree with everyone. I learned about them and then meditated for a very long time.

But here is something you might also try. In "A Wise-Womans Guide to Spells, Rituals and Goddess Lore" by Elisabeth Brooke there are some great spirit guide meditations that have really worked for me and they could easily be adapted to include deities. :)

[NebtAnhai]

I started with a book! I read all about the God and Goddess that called to me, then I read about all the people that called to me. ;)
Learn about them and they will most likely speak to you!
Nebt Anhai

[Mnemosyne]

I think that everyone has given great input. First, I think that you must have a basic understanding about the gods and goddesses. For example, choose a pantheon to follow and learn about the main dieties. Meditation is a great way to form a close bond with the dieties.

To me, the most important part of understanding the dieties is trust. I put so must trust in the dieties, and in return, they help me make good choices and cope in difficult times. For instance, I was having low self-esteem problems the other day. I felt so low and didn't know to whom I could talk. Then, I asked Athena for some strength. I put great trust that the goddess would help me. I felt so much better and found the strength to recover to a more happier me. :)