How to Introduce Yourself to a Deity
I talk a lot about introducing yourself to a deity, but have only really gone in-depth as to what I do once. S here is a longer post about it, which I hope will help you all out! ^_^
I like to go on a deity by deity basis, so this is the basic formula for introduction, but it can be changed as needed. If something feels like it would be better changed, go with it! :D
Alright so I like to come up with a good prayer/hymn ahead of time, perhaps choosing certain epithets. This will help you out when you go in to do it, since youâll be less nervous, and well-prepared. :)
If you follow your own little system of creating a prayer, you can use that, but I will be trying to give a lot guidance throughout this, so you can use that as well ^_^
Step One:
Cleanse yourself both physically and spiritually. If youâre the type of person to use incense or sage as a way to cleanse yourself, that would work. A traditional Hellenic method of cleansing, which involves the rinsing off of miasma, is khernips! :) Here is a link to a youtube video I find super helpful.
As for the physically cleansing thing, I find taking a relaxing herbal bath before you start this to be super relaxing and purifying. Especially if you use herbs that have those qualities.
Step One Part II:
Wear something comfortable, and a bit nicer than just a tee shirt if it is important to you. I like to put on certain clothes, usually a dress/formal attire of some sort, to begin communicating with my deities, but I believe if you feel restricted by things like that, then you shouldnât force it.
If youâre into wearing some cool Hellenic dress, check out this video! :D It is also by baringtheaegis!
So yeah, just feel all nice and separate yourself from one activity to another :)
Step Two:
Decide where you wish to introduce yourself. Depending on the deity you are looking to approach, you may want to go to different areas/places.
For example, Hades can be worshiped outside near the ground, Zeus can be worshiped standing up directed towards the sky, etc.
Do some research and learn which realm they are in. You may find that going to a place in which you feel them is super helpful!Â
I have a friend that worships Poseidon, so she introduced herself facing the ocean she was closest to :)She lives out here in the midwest like me, so even though she couldnât be directly facing an ocean and see it, it was still cool to have that idea of âHey I am facing the oceanâ so I liked it.
I associate Persephone with my garden, so I introduced myself to her there. But, I also associate her with a bookstore I frequent. Strange as it seems, that would have been a cool place for an intro! :)
Step Three:
Get everything you wish to use together. An offering, a written copy of a prayer if you feel like youâll need one, maybe incense if it feels appropriate. I like lighting candles, so thatâs something you may wish to have with you.
Basically, prepare yourself!
Step Four:
Light any candles or incense if you desire. Lay out your offerings to be poured, burned. etc.Â
If you like to put up wards for protection, or to ensure the only communication and offerings you give are received by the deity you are introducing yourself to, do so now.Â
Step Five:
Give up an offering, whether small or large, and call upon the deity. I like to say something like
âOh ______, god/goddess of ______, I call upon you to receive this offering and communicate with me, ______ if it pleases you.â
Fill in the blanks for an opener :). If you wish to use a specific hymn, you can totally do that to grab their attention ^_^ I suggest trying to draw them in through their epithets/name and praise, since I have had good experience in introducing myself in this way.
If you feel like they have noticed you and are curious about your offering, who you are, etc., expand upon yourself. Tell the deity who you are as a person, what your practice is, why you are calling upon them, why you would like to worship them, and anything else you feel like saying.
If you are a diviner, you may consider using your most accurate method to speak with them. I know this makes communication feel more natural for a lot of people. It also gives visual guides.
Once youâve done this, wait to see of they offer up any responses or statements. This may come in the energy you feel, a sign, or something like a soft noise directing your attention to something. If you are familiar with meditation, you can sit in that state and listen.
Step Six:
Politely and reverently ask if it would be alright to honor and worship them, and wait for another response. If you feel like they have accepted your offering and have given you their blessing to worship them, you can ask them anymore questions you think are important, and then leave in one way or another.
When I feel like the deity I am introducing myself to is finished, I praise them, and bid them farewell. A lot of the time, I come up with a closing hymn or prayer to use, and thatâs how I say goodbye.
If they ask you to remain in some way, there is usually a reason. It may be that they want to tell you something, or just give you reassurance. Youâll know when theyâve left and itâs time for you to go as well after their energy lessens :)
Step Seven:
Decide what you think happened, how it went, and if the deity had acknowledged you, or denied you or did/didnât feel right. Write it down if you wish, and then continue on through your worship! l:D
Also, hereâs a little note!
Not all gods want to be worshiped by you, and thatâs okay! Sometimes they donât vibe well, or arenât interested. Just keep looking and know that there is probably a deity out there for you!
