I once read a Facebook post that said “Tonight we’re doing a ritual for protection. What god should we use?” This made me cringe a little, as the gods are not there to be “used”. This practitioner and others with them were planning to call on a random deity for assistance. Yes, there are deities that have protective qualities, but they are not meant to be evoked arbitrarily. Wouldn’t you rather be surrounded by those who have a genuine interest in you, instead of those you only hear from when they need something? I’m sure the deities feel the same way. Now, I know some folks have different ideas about who or what the deities are. Some just view them as archetypes, energies or thoughtforms. I happen to consider them as living, spiritual beings. I acknowledge numerous deities from the Celtic pantheon, primarily the Welsh Goddess Cerridwen. She is a Goddess of inspiration, creativity and transformation. She has a triple aspect as Witch, Goddess and Mother. I have been a devotee of Cerridwen for many years. We have a relationship. A devotee is someone who “devotes” themselves in service to another. Throughout the year, I also honor other Celtic deities in order to strengthen my relationships with them as well. They are not merely aquaintances or strangers I call upon only when I want something. We have an established connection. I have been to many rituals where a practitioner evoked a deity they only learned about hours earlier, and then expected that deity to be present and lend it’s energies to the ceremony. I can guarantee that did not happen. Eclectics might disagree, as this seems to be a common practice, however, I am not eclectic. Buffet style paganism isn’t for me, and I have always questioned it’s authenticity.
So what does it mean to be a devotee to a deity? It means spending time with that deity on a regular basis. Not just to ask for something, but get to know them, as you would learn about someone you just met. Introduce yourself, talk to them, tell them the things you admire about them. Study their lore and stories, which will give clues to their likes, dislikes and things they will respond to. Light candles for them, sing to them and burn incense as an offering. Do rituals that simply honor who they are and the things they represent. Place a statue or photo of them on your altar. When your deities see that you take them seriously, then they will do the same for you. Offerings are important. Offer to them the things they enjoy, but also offer your time and skills in service to them. Learn more about them from other devotees. For example, Cerridwen’s story is full of hidden wisdom, but I have learned a great deal more about her from other devotees who have written books about their own experiences. All of this helps to draw me closer to her. Draw close to your deities, and they will draw close to you. A relationship is a two-way street. Once that has been established then you can start asking for things.
Ideally, they should be things that deity can provide. Cerridwen is a goddess of creativity and inspiration, so I ask for those things to help in my own life situations. Other deities such as Cernunnos and the Morrigan, will assist in other areas as long as I continue my connection with them. That is how it works. If you never do anything for them, how can you expect them to do things for you? Set aside time for devotionals to your deities. Some do them every day, others will do them a few times a week, but make your devotionals a regular practice. Make time for them and they will make time for you. If you don’t have an altar, now is the time to create one. This will be your sacred space to interact with your gods and guides. They are waiting to meet you there. So please, don’t call on random deities for assistance. Develop a relationship with them first, and then they will be there for you.
Old Ways Witchery 