What can I do to serve the Gods & Goddesses?

[blackroseivy]

In plain language, what can I do every day to serve the High Ones? :fpraise:

[AlAskendir]

In plain language, what can I do every day to serve the High Ones? :fpraise:


1) wake up 3 - 4 hours before you need to be any place;
2) ground, center, clear, shower (or etc, ritual cleansing), pray, put your focus on them and on your own spirit, get dressed appropriately, take a walk to the nearest park with trees....
3) as you walk, focus each breath on something like:
. . . . . Inhale = I LOVE the Goddess; Exhale = I THANK the Goddess; (3 times),
. . . . . Inhale = I LOVE the God; Exhale = I THANK the God; (3 times),
. . . . . Inhale = I LOVE life; Exhale = I THANK life; (3 times),
. . . . . Inhale = I LOVE being open to the Goddess;
. . . . . . . Exhale = I THANK the Goddess for talking to me; (3 times),
. . . . . Inhale = I LOVE being open to the God;
. . . . . . . Exhale = I THANK the God for talking to me; (3 times),

etc

4) get to the vicinity of a big tree, and sing to yourself:
. . . . . . . . "I am opening up in sweet surrendur to the luminous love-light of the One!
. . . . . . . . "I am opening up in sweet surrendur to the luminous love-light of the One!
. . . . . . . . "I am opening up in sweet surrendur to the luminous love-light of the One!
. . . . . . . . . ."I am ooooo-pening! I am ooooo-pening! I am ooooo-pening!
................"I am ooooo-pening!" (repeat a few times)

5) standing, hug the tree, lean into it, and focus on what you feel, what the tree feels, feel the tree, feel thru the tree and feel the tree's connections to the Goddess and God, feel Goddess and God; Breathe deeply;

6) sit with your back against the tree, and ask them if they need anything from you today, or what you can do to enhance the harmony of their dance with your life; if you don't seem to get an answer the first time thru the thirtieth time:

. . . . . . . . . . . .7) after at least half an hour, arise, return to your home, and get ready
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .for your day;

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8) go on with our day as normal.

7) when you get an answer, pay attention...particuarly if it seems crazy! (if they need someone to do something sane, they probably wouldn't have to go to such lengths to start making it happen) Write it down, consider it, find a way to do it, live, stay free, and stay relatively comfortable.....

[Pure Ahimsa]

Be happy.

[Morgandria]

AlAskendir...that's interesting, but perhaps you should have checked with Danubhe to see if she is a hard polytheist first. This being the Druid forum, it's possible she doesn't believe that "All Gods are One God".

[Ladyvi]

well. how do you serve the high ones on a daily basis?

good question.

find out who you are and what your purpose is. and do that. live your life with the belief you have. make the high ones a part of your lifestyle.

i dont know if you practice magick but a good book that makes daily life with magick. the magical household by scott cunningham. from cooking your meals to cleaning your house taking care of your pet kind words to a neighbor. biting your words at someone who is annoying. finding peace within y ourself in the midst of turmoil. finding the divine in everything and everyone. even those you perceive as evil or bad. they simply may be there to be tests and trials of your soul.

its in the simple things that you will find the high ones.

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

I do several things to honor them. For example every morning and evening I make sure I wash at a minimum my face, hands, and feet to insure that I am presenting myself to them in a clean state. I would never approach them in a state of uncleanliness. It is disrespectful to them and myself. I have daily devotions and prayers that I do every day. As the gods are our ancestors, I make sure that I leave them offerings at my ancestral alter, particularly that god from which my clan is said to be directly descended. I am part of a group, Reul Iuil Brighde (which you can find out more about in the gods and goddesses forum, it's a sticky at the top of the board) which honors the goddess Brighde by keeping her sacred fire burning in our homes, each of us tending it a different day. And perhaps most importantly, I do my very best to live a virtuous life by living the ethics they taught/gave to us. Without that, all of the other stuff would be a waste.

[mothwench]

hmmm... i don't do any washing rituals, maybe something to think about.
i walk in the woods often, and seem to connect there alot. and then i leave offerings at specific times of the year for those deities who i think have inspired me or connected to me in the past, those i know. apart from that, i'm pretty ritual free, although that's something i'm thinking about changing. i'm wondering now if it might be wrong not to honor them daily. i've been on my path long enough, i reckon five minutes of my time every day can't hurt...
what about everyone else, how often do you honor them? :huh:

[blackroseivy]

Wow, thanx, I like to have everyone's take! Yeah, I was thinking of subbing the God & Goddess' names in there that I commune with the most. I just wish I knew more things like actual Druidic prayers (ancient or modern, whichever, though "ancient" *does* appeal!).

[Ladyvi]

having a personal atunement to diety is important. im on first name basis so to speak. speak to them like old friends. some of them like i would a parent. express my feelings and at times needs but respectfully. its what i expect from my own kids and have told them this. its fine to have feelings but not ok if you disrespect me. so i give the gods the same courtesy. thus its a mutual thing.

my 'prayers' are not what one would call prayers. more like a round table discussion type thing. but then D'anu expects that from me. we speak mother to mother.

[blackroseivy]

I hear you exactly, Lady Vi! :D

[MoonDragn]

Welcome to Machumans, can I take your order? ;)

[blackroseivy]

You are SOOOOO funny... (not) ;)

[Mouse]

You honnor them in the way you conduct yourself and the way you treat other beings (inc, plants, animals and anoying people).

Aside from that, find out what your pourpose is (as someone has already said) and work towards it.

*hugs* and best of luck

[blackroseivy]

Yep, that pretty much sounds like what I've been doing all along - you know what they say about looking in your own backyard 1st!! Thanx!!!!!

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

Wow, thanx, I like to have everyone's take! Yeah, I was thinking of subbing the God & Goddess' names in there that I commune with the most. I just wish I knew more things like actual Druidic prayers (ancient or modern, whichever, though "ancient" *does* appeal!).

If you're looking for traditional prayers, devotions and invocations then I would suggest you pick up a copy of the Carmina Gadelica. It is a collection of the above that were gathered across the Highlands and the Hebrides of Scotland by Alexander Carmichael at the turn of the century. Many of them are practices that we know have been done for 100 of years such as smooring, saining, the greeting of the sun, prayers that were said at the new moon, and much more. The edition I have unfortunately only gives them in English, however I believe you can get editions in Gaidhlig as well. The translations are readily available however.

[blackroseivy]

Say, I 've heard about this a lot, but I'd love a copy... Wonder if I can find it at Amazon? Thanx!

[domiobrien]

If you're looking for traditional prayers, devotions and invocations then I would suggest you pick up a copy of the Carmina Gadelica. It is a collection of the above that were gathered across the Highlands and the Hebrides of Scotland by Alexander Carmichael at the turn of the century. Many of them are practices that we know have been done for 100 of years such as smooring, saining, the greeting of the sun, prayers that were said at the new moon, and much more. The edition I have unfortunately only gives them in English, however I believe you can get editions in Gaidhlig as well. The translations are readily available however.
Most of my Grove members own this; we use some sections of it in ritual (the New Moon hymns as wonderful; we recite or chant them, or sing them in the flat sean-nos style).
Domi

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

Say, I 've heard about this a lot, but I'd love a copy... Wonder if I can find it at Amazon? Thanx!

Yes you can, that's where I got my copy.

[Dave the Druid]

AlAskendir...that's interesting, but perhaps you should have checked with Danubhe to see if she is a hard polytheist first. This being the Druid forum, it's possible she doesn't believe that "All Gods are One God".

Hard polytheist?

[Ladyvi]

dave you know

the polytheist with the hard cider :D

im sure she meant montheist. sometimes two thoughts over run each other and get mixed up.. lolol

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

What Morgandria was referring to was to check whether the person is a hard or soft polytheist before giving the type of advice that AlAskendir gave. Hard meaning a belief that all deities are seperate and complete unto the themselves and soft meaning that they might believe Diana is Artemis is Arduinna and Donn is Pluto is Hades, etc. Not quite the same thing as monotheism LadyVi.

[Dave the Druid]

Thanks Cousin,

mono, poly; hard, soft does it matter? We all tread the same earth, all see the same sky. Shakestoor once said 'what's in a name?' Is Suli the same as my home river? Related perhaps but that is all.

I had to bite this one a while back about accepting all. If it comes to me as mono than it can be changed, mono a mono or poly to poly (where's that damn bird?) or poly to mono and back again. Listen and learn incorporate and discard.

[skilly-nilly]

mono, poly; hard, soft does it matter?

While I can accept that everyones' beliefs will not be the same as mine, what I believe is that the Gods and Goddesses are individuated.

Sure, I will have respect for your belief system, but at the same time you have to respect mine.

The fact that you believe in the One Big Bowl of God-Soup and I accept that cannot then be used to invalidate my belief in the Many Small Dipping-Sauces of Deities with the Great Big Ball-of-Rice Unknowable God.

Acceptance, like the double-headed ax, cuts both ways.

:spinner: , skilly-nilly

[blackroseivy]

Wow, looks like I started something up! Yeah, I have the "gods & goddesses are individuated"-type belief; I believe that seperate cultures sorta "grow" their own. I've believed that for some time now.

[Dave the Druid]

While I can accept that everyones' beliefs will not be the same as mine, what I believe is that the Gods and Goddesses are individuated.

Sure, I will have respect for your belief system, but at the same time you have to respect mine.

The fact that you believe in the One Big Bowl of God-Soup and I accept that cannot then be used to invalidate my belief in the Many Small Dipping-Sauces of Deities with the Great Big Ball-of-Rice Unknowable God.

Acceptance, like the double-headed ax, cuts both ways.

:spinner: , skilly-nilly

I don't think I ever said anything about "not respecting" anyone. My personal first tenet is: Respect to all, allegiance to none. If i ruffled your feathers sorry. That was not in any way my intention.

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

Well think about it this way Dave. You stated that it didn't matter, I *think* what skilly was getting at was that you also need to be aware that to some people it does matter very much.

I personally can't even begin to fathom the idea of all gods being the same god, and all that. It sounds utterly perposterous to me, expecially considering my interaction with the Shining Ones tells me otherwise. However, I realize that others don't agree with me and do my best to not make definite statments about the gods or say things like it doesn't matter how one perceives them, because I think it clearly does matter as the belief deeply effects one's relationship with their gods. So when one says it doesn't matter it sounds, to me, that said person is disregarding, and through their disregard disrespecting those to whom it does in fact matter very much.

[Ladyvi]

well so much for my little funny. stick to my day job i guess. ~ pouts ~

you can smear rancid butter all over your body and dance naked in the moonlight paying homage to a head of cabbage. as long as its not hurting anyone else. you find comfort and security and thats what helps you get by. might get a few raised eyebrows. other than that .. rock on.

[Dave the Druid]

ad hominem statements bother me.

one of the points behind this forum is that ideas are discussed. Ideas. I agree with you about 'what I think matters to me,' however it is also that 'this is what I believe(is first, best, whatever)' that is part of the secularism that divides Druidry and Pagandism as a whole. Now i'm not saying that this is the case here, but it is starting to sound like it.

I will say it again, I did not mean to offend anyone and if I did I am truly sorry.

I have put a great deal of time into learning about cultures and religions. Perhaps it is time for me to move on.

ps Vi your funny was good.

[blackroseivy]

I gotta stop leaving these posts...

[Ron]

My personal first tenet is: Respect to all, allegiance to none. Regardless of that other arguement that was going on... lol I do not like your "personal first tenet" Dave. lol Allegiance to none? With all due respect I think that could easily be interpreted differently than you may have intended. It is equivocal. Perhaps it was as such your intention, I know not.

The problem with using something equivocal, as such, regardless of whether or not it is intended for only yourself or for the masses, is that it can be taken and used to mean several things. We see this with most "divine scriptures" : the Qu'ran, the Torah, the Catholic Gospels, even the Gnostic Gospels. Furthermore, I shall stress that _implied meaning_ or _meaning inscripted over several passages_ (indirectly stated) is highly dangerous.

Consider for a moment that after your passing the Cult of Dave the Druid rises. Your tenets become members of every household of your "followers". Your followers, just as the members of any cult, take your every word far too seriously and litterally - blindly. Reading the words and not interpreting them, but simply following them. I will quote in the Catholic Gospel of Luke 6:29 "and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also." : if that was your writing, your followers would give anyone who breaks into their house and steals their garments, also their coats. Perhaps some of the wiser ones would give their shoes to him who takes their socks. And the wisest would happily give all their worth to any that robbed them. Clearly, this was not the intention of C.G. Luke 6:29.

To decree this problem, one simply must completely explain his ideas and hidden meanings of such a phrase. Elsewise, the tenet stands lame.

Forgive me, brother. It was not my intention to insult you, or imply that your ways were impotent, but rather to mention something with struck me. I suppose this issue is a rather personal one to me, since I once had personal tenets : until they were misrecieved by someone who is not the philosopher and scholar that you are.

Grace comes to he that goes in sole faith. :vanish:

[skilly-nilly]

ad hominem statements bother me.

one of the points behind this forum is that ideas are discussed. Ideas. I agree with you about 'what I think matters to me,' however it is also that 'this is what I believe(is first, best, whatever)' that is part of the secularism that divides Druidry and Pagandism as a whole. Now i'm not saying that this is the case here, but it is starting to sound like it.

I will say it again, I did not mean to offend anyone and if I did I am truly sorry.

I have put a great deal of time into learning about cultures and religions. Perhaps it is time for me to move on.

ps Vi your funny was good.

My point is not 'I am offended by people referring to the Gods as the One God'. If your belief is in the God-Soup, that's fine. When I post, I try to be aware that the reader of my post may, indeed, be a God-Soup Believer. So I present my hard polytheism as 'my beliefs'. The ideas I present are my ideas, not the universal truth.

Your earlier post "mono, poly; hard, soft does it matter? We all tread the same earth, all see the same sky. Shakestoor once said 'what's in a name?' Is Suli the same as my home river? Related perhaps but that is all.

I had to bite this one a while back about accepting all. If it comes to me as mono than it can be changed, mono a mono or poly to poly (where's that damn bird?) or poly to mono and back again. Listen and learn incorporate and discard."
seems to be making a statement about your access to universal truth.

As a hard polytheist, I can be mistaken about the nature of the Gods, but it still matters. I believe that humanity cannot actually comprehend the nature of the Gods, and that we are probably both equally wrong/delusional/uncomprehending. But being dismissive of my beliefs isn't the same as giving all beliefs respect.

ad hominem??
I had to look it up:
ad hominem
adj : appealing to personal considerations (rather than to fact or reason); "ad hominem arguments"

Did you possibly think that the point of my post was 'I am offended and demand an apology, thereby winning'?

If so, you were mistaken. What I was expressing was the opinion that making blanket statements about the nature of God and the Universe and Everything when a clearly oppositional belief also exists does not further the discussion of ideas. If you followed what I said, I did not want or expect that you should merely drop off an 'I'm sorry' and go right on being dismissive, I am trying (not for the first time) to explain that posting beliefs requires posting some disclaimer that your beliefs are personal and not universal as well. I completely accept your statement "I did not mean to offend anyone and if I did I am truly sorry."

It's not necessary--what would be nice (although still not necessary) would be you understanding what rankles in your posting style and adjusting it to reflect the comprehension that beliefs differ.

If, indeed, you "have put a great deal of time into learning about cultures and religions." hard polytheism cannot be new to you.


ON THE OTHER HAND

well so much for my little funny. stick to my day job i guess. ~ pouts ~

you can smear rancid butter all over your body and dance naked in the moonlight paying homage to a head of cabbage. as long as its not hurting anyone else. you find comfort and security and thats what helps you get by. might get a few raised eyebrows. other than that .. rock on. :imout:

This I actually do find offensive. Equating hard polytheism with stinking and worshiping cabbage just reeks (to me) of 'those primitive savages'. I know you mean to lighten things up with humor, but it doesn't work for me.

I sincerely wish that both of you could see your way to posting complete comprehensible sentences including belief-disclaimers and without the perception that the statement 'I believe differently' is the same as 'No, you're wrong' and getting all flouncy-out about disagreement, but of course you must do as you see fit.

[Nantonos]

Hard polytheist?

(Assuming you know what that means, and are just questioning the relevance here)

Yes, I would say its relevant. I was fairly surprised to see some duotheistic liturgy posted as a response. It's one option, sure, but not the only option.

[KellyP]

I gotta stop leaving these posts... See, I go away to do some work and come back to find another fine druidic debate erupting.

Danubhe, you posted an excellent question and one that deserves thoughtful, measured responses. With such a diverse learned group as you will find in this particular subforum, almost any topic of significance will eventually lead to some level of confrontation. Nothing to shy away from, as you follow a path of druidry being able to consider challenging ideas and evaluate them against your personal beliefs becomes critical.

Now, back to hearing from others about ways to serve our Gods and Goddesses ...

[KellyP]

In plain language, what can I do every day to serve the High Ones? An absolutely wonderful question, one I am still trying to answer in my personal practice of druidry. However, I am willing to share what I believe at this time in hopes that you may gain from my post. Please understand that these are views gathered from my personal spiritual practice and may not apply to any other person or group.

Study: Since I am interested in the Germanic pagan faiths that existed before the Christianization of Europe, I am dependent on the writings of scholars in several specialized fields for information. Reading the Icelandic sagas, the Eddas, journals, etc. is something I do nearly every day. I feel it is in line with the work paleo-Druids must have done to memorize all the laws, history, family trees, and religion of their people. I believe the Gods and Goddesses will see my dedication to study as a dedication to better understanding and better practice on my part.

Reflection: Meditation, debate, memorization, and writing may also be considered part of my work to serve the Gods and Goddesses. In all of these tasks, I do my best to reflect on the material discovered during study. Often, I find that meditation on specific items from my studies will lead me to consider new interpretations or allow me to synthesize a topic down to its essence.

Purpose: This falls in line with reflection. However, I believe it is important to the Gods and Goddesses that we live with purpose. I don't mean 'the purpose of your life' but smaller ideas. As examples, before I study, I generally spend just a minute or two quieting my thoughts and focusing on the purpose of my study (e.g. I am here to read Egil's Saga because it carries important lessons of Scandinavian life). Often, before I begin eating, I reflect on the many foodstuffs in the meal and how much effort of animal or man was taken in producing my meal. Perhaps even reflecting on how Thor's storms provided rain, Sunni's chariot pulled the sun, etc. Not a full blown prayer, just a moment to recognize the value of what I am about to eat.

Observation: Open yourself to seeing the world around you. We tread this realm with spirits of many sorts. Make special note of the beautiful songbird, the abrasive jay, or the watchful hawk. Marvel at the green in the grass, the blue in the sky, the gray in the shadow. Accept these as incredible characteristcs of what you are and the world you move through. It is difficult to do this constantly as we move through our business and family appointments. For that reason, when we do observe and recognize the handiwork of the divine, it is special.

Discuss: I know that some folks are 'in the closet' about their paganism. I am fortunate that my coworkers are a curious and accepting bunch. They ask if I have special plans for the equinox and listen when I explain my rituals or beliefs. In a small way I see my openness to them as a part of serving the Gods and Goddesses.

Whew, that seems like a huge post! Unfortunately, there are no specific guidelines or rituals for me to share. Too much of that would involve my personal practice and may not apply to your beliefs. If you have any specific questions or just want to talk do not hesitate to send a PM my way.

[Ladyvi]

skilly. you want to find offense in a silly statement. go right ahead. you want to analyze something from that silly statement. go right ahead. that is your perogative and right.

as is anyone that does actually believe the way i expressed in my silly little statement. my point in my attempt at humor was everyone has a right to believe in whatever they need and or want to.

you can get offended and be bent out of shape. its your energy but frankly i wasted expenditure on a silly statement.

i will go my way and say nothing further to this. i hope you get some much needed caffeine and a bit of 'icecream'

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

And yet again, you missed the point LadyVi. To you it may have just been a silly statement. But that "silly statement" compared skilly's beliefs, and the beliefs of other hard polytheists, to people smearing themselves with rancid butter worshipping a cabbage. Making fun of someone's beliefs, which is exactly what it appears you were doing is way more than a silly statement. For one thing, it's completely disrespectful and for another it was completely uncalled for. It's not a nice thing to have someone make fun of your beliefs, whether that person was just trying to be humorous or was making a serious effort to be rude. I'm not personally offended, but I can certainly understand why some people would be. I don't like having my beliefs turned it a joke, as I'm sure you wouldn't. There is nothing wrong with trying to have a little fun, but it's also important to choose your words wisely, and I think your attempt at humor missed the mark in this case. The beliefs of a hard polytheist are no more deserving of being made fun of than yours are, whatever they might be.

[skilly-nilly]

In plain language, what can I do every day to serve the High Ones? :fpraise:

In my practice, I have found that communication with Nature and stewardship of the Earth are daily points of contact with the Gods. What I do hinges on my circumstances, but whatever your particular circumstances are there will be Something you will be given to do or can undertake.

So, what I do ends up agreeing with AlAskendir, but is far less spiritually directed to start---I believe that incorporating Spirituality into the fabric of everyday life works better than having set-apart-time. You must see what works for you.

What I do:
I have a house with a yard. So I have, just last Summer, achieved 'organic' status which in my area is 6 years without yard-poison. I have always wondered 'why 6 years?' and found that it really is a marker in Nature as well as in legislation--the increase in butterflies, insects, et al was phenominal. I am also in the process of 'reclaiming' my yard from normal suburban to wildlife friendly (very little sterile monoculture grass left). This endeavor gives me a 'holy place' of my very own to commune in. It is not only organic, but also magical, since I have included (small) standing stones and a magical year-circle in the gardens. Every day I interact with the yard, even though I live in a climate which is Winter for about 7 months of the year. I sit in the garden or look fixedly through the big window and Listen.

My undertaking is to feed the birds, squirrels, rabbits, and crows on a year-round basis. In the Summer, I also provide a safe and welcoming place to raise young (Rabbit has nursed her bunnies not 10 feet from me, imo a clear 'Thank You' from SpiritRabbit).

I also take strays and cripples sent to me into my house. In a directed way, I rescue crippled cats. In an involuntary aside, some God of Practical Joking has seen to it that I am given lost turtles--I now have 3, 2 of which were sent by the God. I have a smallish pond in my living room with a good-sized red-eared slider (and goldfish) and an aquarium environment with a small unknown tortoise, both found wandering in inappropriate places. So everyday I check on the other inhabitants of the house, and try to remain mindfull that my house, like my world, is shared.

I am very fond of the Zen koan:

Before Enlightenment; chop wood, haul water.
After Enlightenment; chop wood, haul water.

I also Talk to animals and Nature. I address both the individual trees I encounter and their Spirit-selves in the Otherworld and Listen to the messages from Spirit they send (since I see you read Ogham, as I do, I know you can follow this). Crows are important to me, so when I see a crow who responds to me (which is almost always) I say, "And also to you". In the same vein, I say "A Free Life, Cousins" to migrating Canada geese (I used to say "A Free Life, Sisters" but my son called me out on exclusionary grounds) and have for a good 30 years. I find that automatic response is a fine way of bringing Spirit into your daily life. If you Speak to Crow, Crow will send crows to speak to you----you have only to find your personal touch-points. For example, I had a friend who stood on her porch everyday and fed chickadees sunflower seeds from her hand.

I am mildly crippled and so commune by sitting, but I know several people who commune by Dancing. Anything that takes you out of your ordinary self.....

[Nantonos]

i will go my way and say nothing further to this.

Which is fine, except you then ended with

i hope you get some much needed caffeine and a bit of 'icecream'

was the parting insult really necessary? :confused:

[Nantonos]

Please understand that these are views gathered from my personal spiritual practice and may not apply to any other person or group.
A useful disclaimer

Study: Since I am interested in the Germanic pagan faiths that existed before the Christianization of Europe, I am dependent on the writings of scholars in several specialized fields for information. Reading the Icelandic sagas, the Eddas, journals, etc. is something I do nearly every day. I feel it is in line with the work paleo-Druids must have done to memorize all the laws, history, family trees, and religion of their people. I believe the Gods and Goddesses will see my dedication to study as a dedication to better understanding and better practice on my part.

That was very well put. I liked it because I do similar things, but had only hazily seen them as 'daily observance' rather than as a long term study plan. But yes, to me its a way of aligning myself closer to the deities that I work with, so it also serves a spiritual purpose. Thanks for helping me to recognize something in myself.

[Dave the Druid]

(Assuming you know what that means, and are just questioning the relevance here)

Yes, i would say its relevant. I was fairly surprised to see some duotheistic liturgy posted as a response. Its one option, sure, but not the only option.

Yes I knew and you are very correct, not the only option nor is it mine by any strech.

[Ladyvi]

ahhh.. i see ..

then i shall not waste anymore of anyones time here.

blessings.

[blackroseivy]

An absolutely wonderful question, one I am still trying to answer in my personal practice of druidry. However, I am willing to share what I believe at this time in hopes that you may gain from my post. Please understand that these are views gathered from my personal spiritual practice and may not apply to any other person or group.

Study: Since I am interested in the Germanic pagan faiths that existed before the Christianization of Europe, I am dependent on the writings of scholars in several specialized fields for information. Reading the Icelandic sagas, the Eddas, journals, etc. is something I do nearly every day. I feel it is in line with the work paleo-Druids must have done to memorize all the laws, history, family trees, and religion of their people. I believe the Gods and Goddesses will see my dedication to study as a dedication to better understanding and better practice on my part.

Reflection: Meditation, debate, memorization, and writing may also be considered part of my work to serve the Gods and Goddesses. In all of these tasks, I do my best to reflect on the material discovered during study. Often, I find that meditation on specific items from my studies will lead me to consider new interpretations or allow me to synthesize a topic down to its essence.

Purpose: This falls in line with reflection. However, I believe it is important to the Gods and Goddesses that we live with purpose. I don't mean 'the purpose of your life' but smaller ideas. As examples, before I study, I generally spend just a minute or two quieting my thoughts and focusing on the purpose of my study (e.g. I am here to read Egil's Saga because it carries important lessons of Scandinavian life). Often, before I begin eating, I reflect on the many foodstuffs in the meal and how much effort of animal or man was taken in producing my meal. Perhaps even reflecting on how Thor's storms provided rain, Sunni's chariot pulled the sun, etc. Not a full blown prayer, just a moment to recognize the value of what I am about to eat.

Observation: Open yourself to seeing the world around you. We tread this realm with spirits of many sorts. Make special note of the beautiful songbird, the abrasive jay, or the watchful hawk. Marvel at the green in the grass, the blue in the sky, the gray in the shadow. Accept these as incredible characteristcs of what you are and the world you move through. It is difficult to do this constantly as we move through our business and family appointments. For that reason, when we do observe and recognize the handiwork of the divine, it is special.

Discuss: I know that some folks are 'in the closet' about their paganism. I am fortunate that my coworkers are a curious and accepting bunch. They ask if I have special plans for the equinox and listen when I explain my rituals or beliefs. In a small way I see my openness to them as a part of serving the Gods and Goddesses.

Whew, that seems like a huge post! Unfortunately, there are no specific guidelines or rituals for me to share. Too much of that would involve my personal practice and may not apply to your beliefs. If you have any specific questions or just want to talk do not hesitate to send a PM my way.

I'm sure glad to have my question answered, as opposed to people coming along looking for any excuse to argue....! :G