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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2012 16:25:52 GMT -1
How do you know if the Gods have heard your prayers or accepted your offerings?
I'm never really sure what I should expect. Is one suppose to just 'know' or is there some sort of sign or something I should be expecting, lol?
Thank you!
Corey
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Post by potia on Oct 23, 2012 18:08:38 GMT -1
Hi Corey, There's no definitive answer to that one. A lot of the time you just have to take it on faith that you have been heard. Sometimes you get signs, sometimes if it's something you have been asking for your prayers are answered. Sometimes all you get is a vague feeling of a presence that has recognised your efforts. In some ways it's a bit like putting posts on a board like this. It's only when you get a reply that you know for certain someone has read what you write. The rest of the time you have to take it on faith
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Post by Heron on Oct 24, 2012 9:32:06 GMT -1
Hi Corey
In addition to what Potia says you might like to consider how, and to whom, you are addressing your prayers and offerings. It's all about relationship, and as with any relationship it is usually necessary to start off tentatively and see what develops. If, for instance, you ask for specific things it may be that you are not sufficiently clear who you are asking and whether you have a sufficiently developed relationship to make that request appropriate. But if we are talking, rather, about acknowledging the presence of the gods and making offerings, then the question of developing a relationship is 'chicken and egg': which comes first? Presumably something has attracted you to the gods, a desire to know them or make them a part of your life. Which gods? How are your feelings about them shaped? How you approach them and how they approach you are two sides of the same coin.
For me the degree of relationship varies with different gods from a two-way interaction, through a recognition of something felt but not fully realised, to a simple acknowledgement of a god I perceive intellectually but do not (or cannot?) fully know. If this seems elusive, consider that the initiatory traditions of the mystery religions are really about setting individuals on the right path to see for themselves rather than be told about the gods. There is no other way. Though it's often presented as beings about 'secrets' it's fundamentally about the need to 'discover' rather than to be instructed.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2012 16:09:44 GMT -1
Okay, thank you both. I've yet to really establish any relationships with the gods to be honest. I'm really unsure how to begin on this path, beyond reading anyway, and beginning with getting to know the Brythonic gods feels right to me, I'm just unsure of how to start on that front as well. But considering the lack of relationship at the moment, I suppose it's probably a bit early to be asking something off them. But I thought it was worth of shot (I've applied for an extension of my visa and face being torn away from my partner and forced to go back to America if it's unsuccessful D:). Anyway, about initiating those relationships, I read elsewhere on the web that one of the best ways to begin making connections with the gods is through offerings. What are your thoughts on that? Or, do you feel that it is more of a personal thing, different strokes for different folks type of thing? I suppose everyone approaches the gods differently, however I do quite like the idea of offerings. That's part of the reason I was curious about knowing whether or not they're effective I suppose. When am I talking to the gods or when am I just talking aloud to myself. For some reason I expect there should be more to it than just addressing the gods. I suppose just because I address Rigantona there's no reason to assume she jumps to attention, right? I suppose I'm probably a bit over concerned with 'doing things right'. Also, out of curiosity, how do offerings work, in your opinions? If I leave some food out for the gods, it's not very likely that Taranis is going to walk on by and grab it, right? Is it just all in the intent, so that even if my offerings are never touched, physically, the intent is still there? Thank you.
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Post by potia on Oct 25, 2012 16:01:50 GMT -1
Mmm. Not sure myself that offerings are the best way to make new connections. The deities I have the strongest relationships with did not start with offerings. In fact one of them began when I did ask Her for something when I barely knew Her. In that case I think something about what I asked for got her attention and she granted my request but I had brought myself to her attention and she's been a presence ever since. While I value that relationship greatly it is not an easy one at times but I brought that on myself in many ways I think offerings are mostly in the intent but it's also possible that energy of some kind is exchanged when an offering is made that is partially made of the energies of the offering itself. I think that is why some beings seem to prefer particular offerings.
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Post by Heron on Oct 25, 2012 18:52:11 GMT -1
I suppose just because I address Rigantona there's no reason to assume she jumps to attention, right? Right! I have left small amounts of food for the wights after woodland picnics, but generally don't offer food formally. For Rigantona I mostly put roses on her altar, or rose water or dried rose petals when fresh flowers aren't available. I'm not sure if I quite think of these as offerings in the way food might be offered, more like dedicatory adornments for her altar (they used to put roses in stables for Epona, so this is a well attested practice). This isn't usually done because I want something, but just part of my regular dedicatory practice. While I might let the gods know that I'd like something to happen, I rarely ask them specifically for help. Even if I do, it's more getting them on board to help me help myself. *** Good luck with your visa extension application. It's not nice to be torn away from someone close to you.
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Post by dreamguardian on Oct 28, 2012 14:24:57 GMT -1
I on occassion have made offerings to particular deities (my perception of them) as acknowledgements rather than requests.
It depends on what matters or is happening at that particular moment. Such as; Good times, trouble times or confusing times. If the Gods wish to intervene or give clarity then they will. Of course the opposite is true. I acknowledge them nonetheless rather than try to be specific in what think I need or require.
Good luck in your application and future
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