How do I know which deity I’m talking to, or if it’s just my own inner voice?
Silas’s guide to Deity Communication 101:
Okay, so the absolute first step is to get to know yourself. You need to be able to identify what it feels like to be alone in your head/body, in order to identify when something else is there with you. So step away from your altar, don’t call upon any deities, and just spend a few days alone. Things to pay attention to:
what does your inner voice sound like? does it change or is it always the same?
do you think in a monologue, or have conversations with yourself? do you play different voices?
have some imaginary conversations, with your mom or best friend or a celebrity even. what does that feel like, sound like, etc?
how often do you hear your own voice? are you monologuing constantly? do you have to convert your thoughts into words?
is it usually quiet in your head, or pretty loud with lots happening? what do each feel like to you?
how often do you visualize? what does that look like? do you pick what you’re seeing or does it pop up randomly?
Talk to yourself out loud. does your inner voice respond?
Talk to someone else out loud. what happens in your head during that conversation?
Really pay attention to these things and getting a solid grasp on how your own brain works and responds to all sorts of situations.
Ready to move on? Now you can start learning to identify your deities. Depending on how your brain works and how your relationship with each specific deity works, communication could look any number of ways. Be open to learning what that is, rather than trying to force a certain communication style!
Start out by just trying to get time with your deity:
pray or talk to them, out loud or in your head!
spend time at your altar, gather things that remind you of them or that are associated with them.
meditate while focusing on them & your connection to them
Hold crystals you associate with them, light them a candle, so a spell for them with herbs they like, etc
give an offering, invite them to join you for a meal
read their stories and myths, get to know them, learn how their worshipers usually get in touch with them
go out in nature, find a spot that reminds you of them. Could be a tree, a body of water, a clearing in the woods, a patch of wildflowers or mushrooms, a big rock, etc. Make that your place, meditate there and invite them to join you.
use tarot, a pendulum, etc. (pay attention to the energy you feel, if the same cards come up frequently, etc.)
Look for art, music, etc that reminds you of them. or make some!
Now WHILE you are doing all of the above, pay very close attention: does it ever feel different than when you’re alone? what does it feel like? Pay attention to all your senses!
How does it sound in your head? is it louder or quieter? does your inner voice respond the same as usual? does it take on a different tone or pace sometimes? do you hear a different voice altogether?
do certain things pop into your head, like you don’t hear a voice but knowledge or answers are just kinda… air-dropped to your brain?
How do you feel emotionally? is there a sense of calm/peace? is there a rush of excitement? does your energy feel different?
what do you see visually? is anything different about your visualizations? do you picture certain animals, imagery of your deity or things associated with them (plants, the sun/moon, water, etc)?
do you taste or smell anything specific?
do you have any bodily sensations, like butterflies in your stomach, a tingle down your spine, hair standing on end, goosebumps, a warm feeling in your chest, a sudden burst of energy, or a suddenly so calm you’re almost sleepy?
does music play in your head?
do you recognize an energy or “vibe” when you’re interacting with them? what does it feel like?
Be patient with yourself, it may take time to really tune into these things and feel the connection. But eventually you might see a pattern of how you feel when you interact with your deity. I recommend trying to start with just one, and really master how it feels when you’re together.
Once you know what they sounds like or feel like to you, it will be easier to tell when they’re around or communicating with you. You’ll learn to recognize them even when you’re not at your “spot” or specifically praying to them.
