How does one find their patron?

[Sage Rainsong]

How does one find their patron god/dess? I am having such trouble and I am doing a lot of prying and research. It might be Pan. Every time I invoke him I feel a strong presence. That doesn't mean that he is my patron. or does it? I guess I analize too much.

[TornadoAli]

I think they tend to find you. Get to know a variety of gods and goddesses, and when you've discovered the right one, you will know..

[Pure Ahimsa]

Wait...the first Goddess I felt a connection with, that I admired, was Athena? Does that mean she is my Patron?

[Cu Morrigan]

Wait...the first Goddess I felt a connection with, that I admired, was Athena? Does that mean she is my Patron?
Not necessarily when I first became a agan I selected Athena and Lugh, Which worked fine for a while but eventually Athena directed me to Morrigan since she worked better with My personallity and She deals with Me in a way that works best for me.
Like was said earlier, Usually they find you, and sometimes it takes a while to for your patron to decide to let you know they want you.

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

I think people make too big a deal out of the patron issue. The phenomenon that every pagan must have a patron deity is relatively new. There are in fact many, many pagans who never dedicate themselves to a patron deity. Doing so requires a massive commitment both time wise and spiritually, it isn't just something you can do because you think you need one. I've been a pagan for seven years and don't have a patron, nor do I feel the need to have one. If and when a deity wants that kind of commitment out of you, they will let you know. Otherwise, just relax. Take your time to get to know different gods and different pantheons. I find that it's easier if you focus on one pantheon at a time. That doesn't mean that over time your personal pantheon won't include deities from various cultures (though I myself work with only one), because it is very common in the neo-pagan community to mix it up. What it does mean is that you have the time to really know the deities you are working with and have some idea of what makes them tick (while we can't really understand a deity's motives, that doesn't mean we can't come to some sort of understanding) and how those that historically worshipped them viewed them. That is far more important than finding a patron.

[Ahautenites]

If and when a deity wants that kind of commitment out of you, they will let you know.

**nods wearily** Oh, do They ever.

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

Nef, why do you think I don't want a patron. I don't have that kind of time. :hehehehe:

[Ahautenites]

**grins** I didn't want the Egyptian gods and goddesses in my life at all. Struggled against Them for about six months before I finally had to cave in. I might have been a fluffy eclectic Wiccan, but at least I was ignorant and mostly blissful.

[Mithrea]

When my matron first appeared to me, I ran into the bathroom and hid out of fear :p . I think she had a little more faith in me than was warranted. Over the next few months, she gradually approached me through more subtle means until I was ready.

Things always find you when you stop looking for them so hard. Take Mòrag Elasaid MacDhòmhnaill's advice and I'll bet one will find you :)

[Lunamoth]

I don't know if I'd call my goddess my "patron"... I'm not sure I understand the idea around that. I do know there are certain aspects of Deity that I choose to honor and invoke more often than others.

<offtopic>And Holly, I'm giggling over your present "Location". That had to be the best TV Funhouse cartoon to date! </offtopic>

[Mithrea]

<offtopic>And Holly, I'm giggling over your present "Location". That had to be the best TV Funhouse cartoon to date! </offtopic>

Yes it was! _twohorns_ I'm still laughing about it!

[KellyP]

The phenomenon that every pagan must have a patron deity is relatively new. There are in fact many, many pagans who never dedicate themselves to a patron deity. Doing so requires a massive commitment both time wise and spiritually, it isn't just something you can do because you think you need one.
I personally, do not have a patron, or patroness (I got dinged for using matron once as the female version of patron one time and got my nose rubbed in the dictionary. matron is NOT a female patron). I also agree that it seems to be a relatively new addition to the vernacular among pagans. Many pagans may be confusing patron with the concept of a hearth deity which is probably similar but different. :spinner:

If and when a deity wants that kind of commitment out of you, they will let you know. Also be prepared for very rough times. While I hate to draw on analogies from other religions, consider the ways in which Yeshua treated some of those he called upon: Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jonah. When a deity decides you are the person to pursue his/her/its interests in this realm, you can count on a life full of excitement: not always the good kind.

Otherwise, just relax. Take your time to get to know different gods and different pantheons. I find that it's easier if you focus on one pantheon at a time. That doesn't mean that over time your personal pantheon won't include deities from various cultures (though I myself work with only one), because it is very common in the neo-pagan community to mix it up. What it does mean is that you have the time to really know the deities you are working with and have some idea of what makes them tick (while we can't really understand a deity's motives, that doesn't mean we can't come to some sort of understanding) and how those that historically worshipped them viewed them. That is far more important than finding a patron.
This is all excellent advice. From my viewpoint, historically, those people chosen as patrons would have lived their entire lives in a culture where the deity was known. In the current times, we certainly have the potential to learn a great deal about the nature of the deities because we have such a wealth of resources and are not limited to a few spiritual leaders relaying stories to us around a fire. However, sagas, tales, legends, etc. can only relay the views of the writers. Take time to "wear" a diety and consider how a lifetime of service to him/her/it might become heavy with the years before you welcome a commitment.

Historically, the direct touch of a god was as feared by some as it was welcomed by others. We would be well advised to remember that today.

Kelly
happy to be patron-free (touch wood)