The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum

I'm new to paganism, so I'm not sure if I'm at the right stage to do this, but I really want to find/connect with my patron god(s)/goddess(es). I feel really drawn to Athena and Loki, but I haven't gotten any recognizable signs from either of them. Could you give me any suggestions to help?

I'm new to paganism, so I'm not sure if I'm at the right stage to do this, but I really want to find/connect with my patron god(s)/goddess(es). I feel really drawn to Athena and Loki, but I haven't gotten any recognizable signs from either of them. Could you give me any suggestions to help?

 
Well, I'm newish as well, but had an interesting introduction. I went to a shaman (and it took awhile to find one that was the real thing) for help with blocks in my life. Along with the work this one does, she also imparts past-life information and details about a connection with a particular deity (Pan). In some ways it fits; I love animals and nature, and work in the veterinary field. In some ways not; wild, I ain't. It was interesting though, when she started her work I began seeing deer all over the place. An entire deer family was standing across the road one morning on my usual route to work, with a stag that had the most magnificent antlers I've ever seen. Deer started showing up in the yard, munching on the plants. Now, I knew there were deer in the general area (suburbs of Atlanta) but had never seen them to this extent.

I'm still in the process of discovering what all this might mean and where it's leading. A shaman might be a good way to start for you, or if not, perhaps praying and then looking for signs (like I certainly had) might be it. I'm still looking for people in my area who might have the same deity, to learn more.

Hope that helps.

Qathe

I'm new to paganism, so I'm not sure if I'm at the right stage to do this, but I really want to find/connect with my patron god(s)/goddess(es). I feel really drawn to Athena and Loki, but I haven't gotten any recognizable signs from either of them. Could you give me any suggestions to help?

 
Like AnaFae said, you can still work with those deities even if they aren't trying to get your attention to start out with. Getting hit over the head with a deity's attention happens sometimes, but other time it's about cultivating a relationship with them, which is just as valid a way to approach them and can result in a relationship that's just as strong and fulfilling as any other. (Or you could discover that they are not the right deities for you to work with, which is also valid and important information.)

I'm just speaking for myself here, but if I'm interested in approaching a deity with the hope of developing a relationship, I usually start out by dedicating a small shrine to them (doesn't have to be much: sometimes mine are just a candle, a bowl, and something that reminds me of them). I make a small offering, say a prayer to introduce myself, and go from there.