Which deity?

[sunbear]

Hello all - I've learned so much reading these messages. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on regarding Wicca and Witchcraft, with my most recent books being by Silver Ravenwolf. I've also gone to a lot of the links that you've all so kindly posted for newbies. However, there are still some things that I'm not quite sure on. So here goes!

I'm floundering as far as Deity goes. I gather from my reading that I don't necessarily have to "have" a specific deity or Pantheon to work with. I feel comfortable with the idea of Lord and Lady or God and Goddess in a sort of general sense. But I'm getting the feeling from my research that for some workings I should work with a particular Deity in a particular pabtheon and that I should not mix pantheons, at least not at my level of expertise (which is absolute beginner!). I've done some research on some of the more well-known pantheons, but I'm not sure how to go about "choosing" one. I don't feel comfortable with some of the ones that I've never heard of, but that's just my own personal feeling. My leanings are toward the more nature-based deities, such as Celtic or Native American, but I'm just really not sure what to do next. I feel that I can't really move forward in my studies and start my rituals until I've cleared this up in my mind.

WI hope this makes sense to you, as I'm having a hard time articulating this, which you can probably tell! Any guidance on this would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

[Raevyn]

First, we have a forum for deities that will be of some use to you, it's called Gods and Goddesses.

Second, you're right, you don't have to work with any pantheon or deities right now. Even more, if one hasn't "jumped out" at you, you shouldn't force it by picking one arbitrarily. The best thing to do, as you've been doing, is study as many deities and pantheons as possible, and especially any that appeal to you in particular.

For some people, working with a specific deity in a specific working is useful - here they pick a deity most suited to their purpose. In this case, however, I think it is more a matter of using the right archetype and correspondence to a desired end - almost as if you using the deity as a symbol of what you want, rather then working with that deity as an individual manifestation of the divine.

There is a difference, I think, between thinking of a deity corresponding to a spell, and fostering a magical relationship with an individual deity. You can do the former, if it suits your purpose, but I wouldn't push the latter case if I were you. In essence, if one hasn't appealed to yet that's because it's not time to work with them.

When you continue studying, meditating, and researching, you open yourself up to the divine. You are saying "I am interested in creating a relationship with a God", and welcoming Gods to come to you. You might find that one comes through meditation or a dream, or that one simply seems to speak to you so you keep studying him/her, drawing him/her, etc. Then you might ask them into your circle and meditations, and after awhile they might help you with workings, and so on. A relationship with a deity is fundamentally like a relationship with anyone - it takes time and can't be forced, but if it comes to you it will be enriching. But then, we don't have a relationship with everyone, and there's no reason to force it either :)

So what I'm saying is, keep researching, and wait until one jumps out at you. If you like, when you study one pantheon, and if it seems really "right" to you, ask the deities that speak to you from that pantheon into your circle or into your meditation, and see what happens. You might get good results and start a great relationship, or you might say thanks and move onto the next. Either way is ok.

Also, while some people mix pantheons, it is good advice in the beginning not to. The reason being that it's easier to keep things in mind, easier to focus on one pantheon at a time, and easier for you to remember what deities get along. If you call on two deities from two different pantheons and they don't get along that can be disastrous - keep in mind though, you should do solid research anyway to avoid calling in deities even from the same pantheon who dislike eachother.

[Amber Ravenstar]

Don't sweat it, it will happen eventually. And sometimes in ways you least expect it!

The best thing to do, as Raevyn says, is to work with as many deities and pantheons as possible. You may find that deities from a particular pantheon appeal to you, or you may discover (as I have) that different pantheons seem to have one or two deities that you resonate with.

[Sylv]

Hi! I just wanted to say that both the previous repliers have given good advice-you should look into different pantheons. However if you still haven't found one you're comfortable with (like me) make your own. If it fits with your belief system, of course. ;) I've discovered that I can't force my myths, though-if some deity doesn't want to be discovered, I'm not going to be able to write. If you want to do this, it's good to find a special inspiring place (I have an oak tree that I climb) because it's easier to get in a mythological mood. Good luck and always remember to have fun!

[kitten]

Great post it has helped me as well thankyou

[sunbear]

I'd just like to say thanks to all who replied to my question. I've read and studied the replies a lot, and they make more sense each time. The advice here is great and, for a newbie like me, invaluable. Thanks again.