Which Gods and/or Goddesses?

[CO Noche]

Hey I hope I put this in the right forum cuz I need some help.
Okay so far I'm still new to Wicca and Paganism and due to my current living situation, senior in high school who's mom will not let him do anything outside the social norm, I am unable to do a full on practice of Wicca but I would still like to offer mental things like prayers to the deities I worship which is where my question comes in: What deities do I worship? I've read that the God or Goddess chooses you but how do you know? Do you meditate or do you look for signs? Please help would much appreciated :uhhuhuh:.

Thank you for your time:smileroll

[CosmicTree]

I would meditate and invite the Divine to speak to you, and see what you visualize. I personally have not seen any specific deities myself (although the images get clearer and clearer with time!) but I can feel their presence. Read some mythology, remember a few stories that stick out to you. Meditate, and then think about what you saw. Write it down if that helps. Repeat and see if patterns form.

[Gwenni_Fae]

The deities you worship are up to you. Its a quite personal thing that no one can tell you. While sometimes a goddess or god will hand pick you in obvious ways, this is not always the case. Do some research about the gods in different pantheons (Greek, Roman, Celtic, Egyptian, etc) and see if any stick out more than others. Do you feel a certain pull or connection to one? if so, study that god/dess more and see. I'm of the belief that there's nothing wrong with you choosing the deitiy to work with, just make sure its one you feel close/relate to. For me, I stumbled across info one day on Hekate and instantly felt drawn to her. :) She's my goddess of choice.

[R. Eugene Laughlin]

I recommend that you don't worry too much about the specifics. Instead foster a general attitude of desire for communion with deity, then spend as much time outdoors as you can, paying attention to any and all interactive natural phenomena, like the weather, water systems (streams, lakes, oceans, or whatever you have near you), the local flora and fauna, etc. Try to find a favorite spot where you can go regularly and be alone to commune with nature. When you're there, spend some of your time calling out to deity (this needn't be a verbal thing, just let yourself feel the desire as intensely as you may).

You can also supplement that kind of activity with readings. Look into anything that attracts, but keep an open mind; commit to not making up your mind about it for as long as possible. From there things will unfold as they will.

[The-Noisy-Jester]

Even before I knew I was going to have a faith, I had always been drawn to Egyptian Gods and Goddess, especially Anubis. When I had found paganism, I meditated and found Anubis Easily. He is now my patron god, but I still need others depending on the Ritual holiday ect. For that I do research online or in books. But If you are interested in finding patrons, I would recommend research meditation and some good ole deep thought.

[CO Noche]

Thanks every one for your replies and believe me I me I've done loads of research on mythology since 7th grade, mainly Egyptian and Greek and since some of you describe being drawn to certain deities I have always felt a connection with the god Eros and the goddess Nyx from the very moment I read their names:uhhuhuh:

[madmermaid]

Don't worry too much about it. I think the most you try to pressure yourself into figuring it out, the easier it is to get lost. Your mileage may vary, though.

You mention that there are some pantheons and myths you feel very drawn to, and even mention Eros and Nyx. That's a great start. Read a lot about deities you feel very drawn to, and even about different beliefs and deities. Before you "commit", you could try doing something that is related to deities you like but isn't necessarily religious, for example, you could try weaving if you feel drawn to Athena. Maybe this would help you feel closer to them and decide if you want to worship them. If you're into Greek Mythology, though, I'd suggest avoiding choosing one or two deities to worship and forgetting the others, I think it might be better to acknowledge all of them even if you feel closer to a few. Being curious about specific deities is a good starting point, though.

Otherwise, meditate, if you'd like, and do a lot of research. Pay attention to the world around you, get in touch with your spiritual side. You don't have to hurry in finding deities to worship, and I think when one really wants to get your attention, you'll know. Looking for signs and patterns might also help - symbols, animals, activities, places that are very important or frequent in your life, and are related to a certain deity, could mean something. Once again, your mileage may vary.

Basically, don't rush into things, notice the details, and I think often you'll just know or see hints. I hope I helped.

[MonSno_LeeDra]

People will tell you its fine to worship who ever you like but I thank that is hocum actually. While it feels good at the onset I find that for everyone I have known over the years (i'm 52 so its been a lot of people) who followed that path finds it becomes like taking a job then discovering that you actually despise it and stick with it (or them) because you didn't take the time to seek and listen for the answer. In some ways that path is like walking into a club and looking around and saying "That person is going to be my best friend!" but its all surface and apperance only with no depth, and most times no possiblitliy of it manifestating as initially desired.

Listen to your heart but also listen and look for the gods / goddesses give you signs and guideposts all alone the way. Sometimes though you have to realize that a god / goddess may give a sign but it is not for thier worship but to help you move along to the one or ones that actually are calling you. Other times you may cast your admiration and love upon a god and slap you hard and say they do not want nor desire you, other's may do the same but not quite so unemotional and detached.

For instance Hekate / Hecate will tell you in no uncertain terms you are her's, however, she'll also tell you just as strongly that she has no use for you nor desire to take you as one of her own. Artemis can be warm and open as she walks to you and claims you, yet she can equally be cold and look upon you then simply turn and walk away without hardly even acknowleding you were ever there.

But the biggest thing I have discovered is that many create fantasy relationships to the divine that is based upon anything but that divinity actually recognizing you even exist much less claiming you. Yet don't despair for when you recognize them and they claim or call you to them you'll know it. That and sometimes you'll never be given their name for it doesn't matter, all that matters is you recognize them and know they are there. For myself there is one such god that has employed that method all my adult life who I simply know as the Huntsman. Every time I have tried to find out his name he tells me it doesn't matter for he knows who I am and I know the persona he wants me to know and address him by.

[StarlitNox]

The way I found who I should be working with was by trying. I picked a goddess, showed interest, and waited. Didn't get any signs from her, but from another. Putting yourself out there instead of waiting around seems to let them know you're serious... even if you don't pick the 'right' God/dess the first time. I first tried with Nyx, wound up with Hera. Funny how it works :P

Edit:
If you're into the Greek pantheon, then try just generally worshiping the Twelve Olympians as a whole. In the rain, I say hello to Zeus and Poseidon, for example. That sort of thing. :D