I am polytheistic and firmly believe in a range of deities. Not as simple reflections of my own subconscious but most certainly as entities who exist outside of me. Some Deities I have a close relationship with, others of whom I just acknowledge and we go our separate ways for now. But it has very long journey getting to this point.
I believe that you can have brief encounters with Deity for singular encounters or magic working, you can have life long relationships with some Deities and others you work with them for a specified time and for a specified purpose. This makes it sound as though I am advocating having a smorgasbord of Deities at your beck and call and this is not true at all. Some of these encounters may be initiated by you, the Deities themselves or by taking part in group or coven work where others in the group are in a relationship with Deities and make an introduction. By far and away the most rewarding experiences in my interactions with Deities have been those which were part of a life-long relationship, in the way that long term romantic relationships are usually more rewarding than one-night stands.
All of these ways of interactions have their benefits (and sometimes challenges and trials) and can be important experience on any path. I would suggest being open to opportunities to take part in these. You will find out which Deities you have a connection with and which you do not. As long as you are respectful this is unlikely to be problematic.
I have carefully avoided using words like "worship" in this post for two reasons; for many people (especially pagans) the word has bad connotations, reminding them of a time they perhaps felt trapped by a monotheistic religion. Secondly because this is never how I have experienced my Deity relationships. Powerful, mind blowing, complex, yes - demanding of worship, not really. My relationships have been as sage mentors, ancient friends, challenging teachers, inspirational leaders, and sometimes even parental. They always involved an exchange of energy and definitely respect; but worship, in the usual sense of the word, has never been on the table. They have not demanded it and I have not felt moved to it - what I do give in such relationships is far more complicated than simple worship.
I will be coming back to the subject of Deities and relationships with them again and again I am sure, but for now please post with your comments and views - this is such personal ground and everyone experiences it differently.
This post is brought to you by sunshine and temperatures of 24 degrees C - not usual for April round here.
I believe that you can have brief encounters with Deity for singular encounters or magic working, you can have life long relationships with some Deities and others you work with them for a specified time and for a specified purpose. This makes it sound as though I am advocating having a smorgasbord of Deities at your beck and call and this is not true at all. Some of these encounters may be initiated by you, the Deities themselves or by taking part in group or coven work where others in the group are in a relationship with Deities and make an introduction. By far and away the most rewarding experiences in my interactions with Deities have been those which were part of a life-long relationship, in the way that long term romantic relationships are usually more rewarding than one-night stands.
All of these ways of interactions have their benefits (and sometimes challenges and trials) and can be important experience on any path. I would suggest being open to opportunities to take part in these. You will find out which Deities you have a connection with and which you do not. As long as you are respectful this is unlikely to be problematic.
I have carefully avoided using words like "worship" in this post for two reasons; for many people (especially pagans) the word has bad connotations, reminding them of a time they perhaps felt trapped by a monotheistic religion. Secondly because this is never how I have experienced my Deity relationships. Powerful, mind blowing, complex, yes - demanding of worship, not really. My relationships have been as sage mentors, ancient friends, challenging teachers, inspirational leaders, and sometimes even parental. They always involved an exchange of energy and definitely respect; but worship, in the usual sense of the word, has never been on the table. They have not demanded it and I have not felt moved to it - what I do give in such relationships is far more complicated than simple worship.
I will be coming back to the subject of Deities and relationships with them again and again I am sure, but for now please post with your comments and views - this is such personal ground and everyone experiences it differently.
This post is brought to you by sunshine and temperatures of 24 degrees C - not usual for April round here.
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