Patrons of Soldiers

[AthenaiiseSofia]

Hello, out there! It's been awhile since I've been on here, but I'm glad to be back!

I'll admit, I am a bit nervous to even post this question. I'm not trying to start a huge debate over ethics or anything. So please, I ask you not to turn this into a battleground! But then again, I've always found overwhelming acceptance and support here on eCauldron, so I'll take that risk and post, because I would really love some help.

My Path has taken me in many strange places, that I'd never expected to come across. I've been pleased with it all so far, and I still am. However, I find myself in a position where I am going completely out of my comfort zone in many ways. I need love, support, and guidance more than ever.

I have enlisted in the Army, and I go to Basic Training soon. VERY SOON. My husband also deploys soon. I've been stressed, but also- I truly feel that this is what I'm meant to do. As a skinny, 20-year-old girl, this is not what I expected. But I want this. This feels more right than any other option.

So my final question is, now that you have some background, do you have any suggestions as to Deities I could turn to? I have a limited list, and it can be difficult to find what I'm really looking for online. (FTR- I'm a "learn first, then pray" kind of gal. I won't blindly turn to a deity without a little info. I'm strange) I don't have the best support system from family and friends, and I need strength and inspiration.

I thank you in advance. I know ya'll won't let me down. =)

[Snowdrop]

Hello, out there! It's been awhile since I've been on here, but I'm glad to be back!

I'll admit, I am a bit nervous to even post this question. I'm not trying to start a huge debate over ethics or anything. So please, I ask you not to turn this into a battleground! But then again, I've always found overwhelming acceptance and support here on eCauldron, so I'll take that risk and post, because I would really love some help.

My Path has taken me in many strange places, that I'd never expected to come across. I've been pleased with it all so far, and I still am. However, I find myself in a position where I am going completely out of my comfort zone in many ways. I need love, support, and guidance more than ever.

I have enlisted in the Army, and I go to Basic Training soon. VERY SOON. My husband also deploys soon. I've been stressed, but also- I truly feel that this is what I'm meant to do. As a skinny, 20-year-old girl, this is not what I expected. But I want this. This feels more right than any other option.

So my final question is, now that you have some background, do you have any suggestions as to Deities I could turn to? I have a limited list, and it can be difficult to find what I'm really looking for online. (FTR- I'm a "learn first, then pray" kind of gal. I won't blindly turn to a deity without a little info. I'm strange) I don't have the best support system from family and friends, and I need strength and inspiration.

I thank you in advance. I know ya'll won't let me down. =)

 
Inanna/Ishtar/Astarte is one you could consider.  Aside from being associated with battle, She is also a patron of women in particular.  Part of a Babylonian hymn to Her reads, "Be it slave, unattached girl, or mother, she preserves (her).  One calls on her; among women one names her name."

[AthenaiiseSofia]

Inanna/Ishtar/Astarte is one you could consider.  Aside from being associated with battle, She is also a patron of women in particular.  Part of a Babylonian hymn to Her reads, "Be it slave, unattached girl, or mother, she preserves (her).  One calls on her; among women one names her name."

 
Thank you! I will certainly check her out.

[SatAset]

So my final question is, now that you have some background, do you have any suggestions as to Deities I could turn to? I have a limited list, and it can be difficult to find what I'm really looking for online. (FTR- I'm a "learn first, then pray" kind of gal. I won't blindly turn to a deity without a little info. I'm strange) I don't have the best support system from family and friends, and I need strength and inspiration.

I thank you in advance. I know ya'll won't let me down. =)

Athena comes to mind.  She's the goddess of war, strategy and women in predominantly male fields.  

What cultures are you most drawn to?  Or what is your ancestry?  You may want to learn about their war gods and goddesses and see which one seems like She/He is the best fit for you.  

I also thought of the Morrigan and Sekhmet as some other war goddesses you could research.

[Sage]

Thank you! I will certainly check her out.

 
Freya. Kickass shapeshifting battle queen (as well as a patron of love, sex, beauty, fertility, magic, and a host of other things). Athena too seems like She'd be a good one to learn more about and possible start a relationship with.

[SkySamuelle]

Hello, out there! It's been awhile since I've been on here, but I'm glad to be back!

I'll admit, I am a bit nervous to even post this question. I'm not trying to start a huge debate over ethics or anything. So please, I ask you not to turn this into a battleground! But then again, I've always found overwhelming acceptance and support here on eCauldron, so I'll take that risk and post, because I would really love some help.

My Path has taken me in many strange places, that I'd never expected to come across. I've been pleased with it all so far, and I still am. However, I find myself in a position where I am going completely out of my comfort zone in many ways. I need love, support, and guidance more than ever.

I have enlisted in the Army, and I go to Basic Training soon. VERY SOON. My husband also deploys soon. I've been stressed, but also- I truly feel that this is what I'm meant to do. As a skinny, 20-year-old girl, this is not what I expected. But I want this. This feels more right than any other option.

So my final question is, now that you have some background, do you have any suggestions as to Deities I could turn to? I have a limited list, and it can be difficult to find what I'm really looking for online. (FTR- I'm a "learn first, then pray" kind of gal. I won't blindly turn to a deity without a little info. I'm strange) I don't have the best support system from family and friends, and I need strength and inspiration.

I thank you in advance. I know ya'll won't let me down. =)

 
Ares is much known as a patron of soldiers and despite his rather bloody reputation, I hear from His devoted that He is much a defender of justice and inspirer of bravery, supportive of His folk.
The Morrigan is also a really good choice as She is much about waking up your warrior spirit in all things.

Good luck with everything!

[RandallS]

Ares is much known as a patron of soldiers and despite his rather bloody reputation, I hear from His devoted that He is much a defender of justice and inspirer of bravery, supportive of His folk.

Mars could be another choice. Mars is the Roman "equivalent" of Ares, but has a different (less destructive) focus.

[Castus]

Mars could be another choice. Mars is the Roman "equivalent" of Ares, but has a different (less destructive) focus.

 
I would recommend Mars Pater. Protector of the Roman legions for centuries in addition to his duties protecting the homeland; as long as he is approached with respect I doubt he would turn down any soldier.

[AthenaiiseSofia]

Thank you! I will certainly check her out.

 
Thank you all for your replies. I now have a wonderful list to choose from, some I wasn't even aware of!

As far as my ancestry and pantheon preferences....

I have a huge chunk of Scottish ancestry, so I think I'll research into some Pictish lore.
And with pantheons... I've come to a point in my Path where I'm still learning about different ones and not really sticking with one. So far, I've only felt truly connected with Hekate. I am connected to the God in a general sense, as that's how he revealed himself to me. He requested I call him AllFather or "The Man Who Catches the Rain." (It's a long story, lol.) I am feeling a pull towards the Norse pantheon, but the results are as of yet inconclusive lol.