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Speaking to The Gods: What to Say When You’re Not Ready to Pray

Bella Dionne • Jan 08, 2019

So, you want to talk to the gods? As a religion of clergy, pagans have a direct connection to deity. We are free and able to do so as we wish. Pilgrims often seek out pagan priests who train with and work more closely with a particular deity. That training gives them more profound and deeper connections with those deities. From time to time, non-pagans may also wish to interact with deities. Conversing via an invoked priest provides you the opportunity to be fully present while interacting with said deity.

Setting the Tone

Many pagan traditions have ceremonies and rituals where a priest/ess (I’ll use priest for the rest of this article indicating all sexes) invokes a deity into their body. This ritual is known by many names including aspecting, drawing down the moon, and invocation. For purposes of this article, I’ll use invoke. It is a powerful ritual where the priest takes a divine spirit within them. I’ll publish a separate series of articles (someday to become a book) on the practices. It requires training and experience, it is not something to be done casually.

The priest has established a powerful connection with a deity, (e.g., Hathor, Hekate, Cerridwen, Loki) bringing divine essence into their body. It is not role playing or pretending. This is consensual possession and considered one of the highest forms of worship. Consensual possession between a mortal and other spirits is possible, the focus of this article is on deities.

The meeting between mortal and deity is a joyous opportunity and its own form of worship. It should be done thoughtfully on the part of the mortal. Would you seek audience with a very senior official just to say, “Good morning?”

Some practical advice. Prepare, prepare, prepare.

Priest invoked as Pan at Spring Mysteries Festival

Approaching the God Form

You’re approaching a deity that has taken temporary residence in a mortal vessel. Approach with respect. They may look like someone you’ve met but they are not. Priests may take on some of the aspects or characteristics of the deity. It’s not necessary to call out to the priest of Tyr that he is suddenly missing a hand.

It’s different than a deity that has taken mortal form. Such encounters are very rare, and you may not always recognize it for one until sometime later. Another reason to approach everyone with respect.

As with meeting any other living being you should approach with respect and consent. Know the deity’s preferences as best as you can. Some deities prefer you kneel or that they are on a raised platform such that they are taller than the pilgrims who approach. Be respectful. Honorifics such as Great Lord, Great Lady or Lady so-and-so are entirely appropriate. Casual greetings are not a good idea. Familiar touching without permission even with Bast or other deities known for their sensuality is not a good idea. Consent first.

Consider your own state of mind. Be prepared mentally and emotionally for the visit. If you are grieving some loss be mindful of what you say or do. In such times we often gravitate towards those we believe can help us without considering future consequences.

Visiting Dionysus while drunk is a bad idea. Visiting Set while drunk is a very bad idea.

With deities that are known for their sensuality don’t be surprised at some level of touching. It would not be unexpected for Hestia to greet you with food and a hug. Other deities may be much more familiar depending on their mood and circumstance. Which is a good reason why you should…

Do Your Homework

It’s a very good idea to do some homework or research on the deity. Studying their attributes, likes, and dislikes is key to productive shrine time. Odin is not the serious but kindly grandfather of the Marvel movies. He is a trickster in his own right and not to be trifled with or taken lightly.

Offerings are always appreciated but not required unless special circumstances dictate. Practical is better. Every offering given with love and respect is appreciated. An offering of an artifact such as a cup, knife, or drawing will likely make its way to the deity’s temple or shrine. A consumable such as mead or cakes will likely be given to the priest. Don’t expect the return of an offering or an in-kind blessing. A $10 bottle of wine suffices as well as a $100 as long as it is given with honor and respect. Bringing Aphrodite flowers or yet another hand mirror will earn squeals of delight. Make it clear that it’s an offering. Alternatively, if you are asking a question about an object be clear that you are not simply handing it over.

If Hestia offers you a cookie and you are gluten intolerant (it’s less likely she would but…), take it. Break off a piece and demonstrate respect. However, don’t eat it just because she gave it to you.

Ask a Priest/ess

During shrine time, there is the invoked priest and usually an attendant. The attendant is there as much for you as to serve the god. If you are curious or uncertain, ask them about the deity’s likes, dislikes, and better way to approach them. Don’t ask them how to curry favor or get deities to do something.

"The Great Mother Demeter is here to nurture your dreams to grow! At Spring Mysteries , the trees all glow green in Her presence. Any flowers in the ground bow to Her."

Be careful what you wish for…

Know why you are visiting a shrine. If you are there to pay respect, do so and depart. Your brevity and respect earn you favor too.

If you’re there to ask for guidance, healing etc. know the proper way to approach the deity. Your wishes may be silent or spoken aloud. Since you are in the presence of a deity in a mortal vessel, speaking aloud allows for interaction. Be direct and be as specific as possible.

Ask the gods to empower you. Don’t beg or bribe. Pagan gods react poorly to whining about how unfair your life is, how difficult the lessons are, or how your ex dumped you. Empowerment may take the form of a flash of insight, advice, or tasks to build your internal strength. Setting an intention and taking steps yourself goes a long way. You may not think things can get worse; they can...

Do you really and truly want what you’re asking?

  • “Strike down my foes with wrath and vengeance”

  • “Give my ex a horrible disease”

  • “Make him love me forever”

  • “Teach me chaos magick and I’ll dedicate myself to you forever!”

There is the three-fold rule to consider. Do you want that energy coming back to you?

I also strongly suggest you read “ The Monkey’s Paw ” every time you think about making a wish. By the way, the gods are not coin-operated wish granting machines. There is a price and a consensual energy exchange. You made a promise, remember?

Try

  • “Great lord, teach me to heal my broken heart”

  • “What are the steps must I take to become a better parent?”

  • “Guide me on this dangerous journey, bless me with your keen eye and strength”

"Hi-ho, It's Apollo! At Spring Mysteries Festival this year, the Grecian Sun God will provide light to your dark corners. Visit him in person, and he will bless your dreams."

Aftercare

Hopefully you had a fulfilling encounter. Your experience may not have been your fondest wish or a happy interaction. That is life. You likely received advice or guidance that serves your higher good. The truth, however, is not always easy to face.

Did you make a promise or take a vow? Did you dedicate? This is not a Disney experience. It’s not over when you leave the shrine. You’ve made a pact with a deity who will not forgive or forget broken promises. Don’t disappoint them or yourself. There may be some action or service you are required to perform. Do it. Even if it is service to yourself, “I want you to take ten minutes a day to enjoy your garden”.

Please also apply common sense. If the deity requires you to do something that is not for your higher good, such as, “Give up all your wealth to my temple”, or “Meet my priest/ess late tonight and bring wine” for example, this may not be an authentic encounter.

Invocation is a deep and special form of worship where the priest is not fully present. Should you meet the priest after shrine time, they are unlikely to know what you’ve discussed with the deity. They may not remember you at all. However, they may be able to help interpret what was discussed. Discuss it with the shrine attendant before approaching the invoked priest again. Invocation is taxing, and the priest may require space, food and rest afterwards.

Say thank you and know when to say goodbye. Overstaying your welcome or asking for one more thing does not help your request.

May this writing help you have a better shrine experience.


This is one of many lessons, that a priest has learned. What lessons have you learned from Gods as pilgrim or priest? We’d love to have you share as much of your personal journey as you care to.

Have a lesson or other story to share? Write to us at editor@atcwicca.org

Blessed be,

Silent Moon Dog


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