This is an oldie but a goodie! Re-releasing this one for your reading pleasure. <3
Whether you had a dream about a deity, or their name keeps popping up, or when you think about them, every single hair on your body points to the stratosphere.
Is it possible that a deity called you? Maybe!
Only you can know for sure! But let’s say you believe you’ve been contacted by a deity and want to explore a relationship with them. Now what???
Many Witches who are either new to the path or new to deity work ask me how they might get started. Particularly the deity in question stokes a bit of fear for many…what do they do, first?
First of all, no one has to let a deity in to their lives. If someone asks you on a date, do you have to go? Of course not! When someone knocks on your door selling roofs, vacuum cleaners, or (cough cough) religion, do you have to buy in? Absolutely not! Just because an offer is made does not mean you are required to accept it.
But what if a deity is reaching out to you and you do want them in your life…what next?
Here are three methods of connecting with the new deity:
1.) Perform a simple, regular ritual
Don’t promise the deity an intense ritual schedule that will be impossible to keep. Even with your best intentions, modern humans are busy. If you promise to do a two-hour ritual daily, something will come up and you won’t get around to it. Before you know it, weeks have gone by without you doing your daily ritual. Now you have a deity who’s upset that you didn’t keep your promise. Pagan deities are not flippantly punitive…but mythology (and current practitioners!) will tell you that breaking a promise to a deity is the quickest way to get them to c shake up your life.
Instead of a two-hour daily ritual with chanting and circle-casting and lamentations, offer a ten-minute ritual on weekdays. That ritual might include simply lighting a candle and saying a prayer. If that proves to be easy enough, consider increasing it to six days a week or twenty minutes at a time. With deities, it’s best to under-promise and over-deliver.
Now, in doing this, see what changes the deity brings to your life. Are they good ones? Then maybe you want to keep the relationship going!
2.) Build a simple, sacred space for them
If you have space and want to build an altar, great! I have typically constructed temporary altars for new-to-me deities with out of a folding table, a simple cloth, an effigy, and a few trinkets they might find pleasing.
If you already have an altar, you can create a “guest space” for them, and let the other deities know that they’re here for a visit for a time. If you don’t have an altar or don’t want to build one, making space on your dresser, nightstand, or even on a bookshelf for the deity is great. You don’t have to buy a statue. You can print out a picture of the deity from the internet or draw one yourself!
Consider adding a few things on it that typically signify them. For example, if you are making a space for Hekate, maybe add a couple of keys, a tiny dog figurine, and/or an image of a serpent. Remember, keep it simple and easy! If you have trinkets around the house that you think might be pleasing to the deity, go for it! It’s also just fine to pick up such items a thrift store. Don’t spend outside your means.
3.) Make regular, gentle offerings
Again, don’t put yourself via great expense to show the deities that you care. Placing a cup of tea or coffee on their altar or in their revered space is perfectly reasonable. If you happen to know that they are drawn to certain items (check their myths for reference), those are great to offer. If you’re not sure, imagine you are offering something to a friend who came by for a visit. Did you just make cookies? As you would offer one to a friend who stopped by, offer one to the deity, too!
The goal of starting with a deity is to see how they would fit into your life.
The first step in the journey should NOT be making a life-long commitment. Nor does the appearance of a deity mean you need to found a Coven or join a tradition in their name (although that might be the path for some folx…it’s not necessary for everyone). Take note of the changes that happen in your life over the next few months. Do the changes feel good, even if they’re difficult up front? Then maybe continue the relationship and see where it goes!
Good luck!