Speaking to The Gods

Lawrence Lerner • March 9, 2018

What to say when you are not ready to pray

Setting the Tone

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

Many Pagan traditions have ceremonies and rituals where a priest/ess (I’ll use priest for the rest of this article indicating every sex and gender) 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. Invocation is consensual possession and is considered one of the highest forms of worship. Although consensual possession between humans 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 form of worship. Practice mindfulness when meeting a god. Would you seek an audience with a very senior official just to say, “Good morning"

Some practical advice. Prepare, prepare, prepare.

Approaching the god form

You’re approaching a deity that has taken temporary residence in a mortal vessel. Approach the god and mortal vessel 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. For example, 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 infrequent at best, and you may not know always recognize a meeting until sometime later. Approach everyone with respect.

You should approach meeting any other living being 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 are known for their sensuality, is not wise. Consent first.

Consider your state of mind. Be prepared mentally and emotionally for a visit. For example, 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; likewise, petitioning Set while drunk is a terrible idea.

With deities known for their sensuality, don’t be surprised at some level of touching. Hestia would not be unexpected 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

Knowing the gods’ personalities, likes, and dislikes is essential to productive shrine time. Odin is not the serious but kindly grandfather of the Marvel movies. However, 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 particular circumstances dictate. Practical is better. Every offering given with love and respect is appreciated. Offering an artifact such as a cup, knife, or art will likely make its way to the deity’s temple or shrine. The priest will probably be given a consumable such as mead or cakes. Don’t expect the return of an offering or an in-kind blessing.

Offer the deity a $10 bottle of wine. You are earning just as much favor as long as you do it with honor and respect. Bringing Aphrodite flowers or yet another hand mirror will achieve squeals of delight. Make it clear that it’s an offering.

Alternatively, if you ask 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 and dislikes and a better way to approach them. Don’t ask them how to curry favor or get gods to do something.

Be careful what you wish for

Know why you are visiting a shrine. If you are there to pay respect, do so and depart. Brevity and respect earn blessings just like a lengthy ritual.

Know the proper way to approach the deity; if you’re there to ask for guidance, healing, etc. 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. But, again, 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 complicated the lessons are or how your ex dumped you. Empowerment makes 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 genuinely 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. First, 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 steps must I take to become a better parent?”
“Guide me on this dangerous journey; bless me with your keen eye and strength.”

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 to them? Your meeting was not a Disney experience; it’s not over when you leave the shrine.

You 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, no matter if it is a service to yourself (“I want you to take ten minutes a day to enjoy your garden”) or others.

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

Invocation is a deep and unique 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, the priest may be able to help interpret what you 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 afterward.

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.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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