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Author Topic: Can't find the right one!  (Read 4709 times)

Ariadne

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Can't find the right one!
« on: December 26, 2012, 10:03:33 am »
I wasn't really sure if this would fit better in the 'Gods/Goddesses' section, but since I'm a beginner to this, I chose to post it here. Please move the thread if necessary.
So, as the title says, I can't find the 'right' deity. Actually, I can't contact any deity at all.
I'm all new to this, and I have no one to ask but you (people on this forum). That being said, I hope that someone more experienced can help me. I'm having a hard time over here.

I was really interested in Greek mythology, because from an early age I loved to read about these deities and their myths. Plus, I'm Greek with a passion for anything ancient (and from that period), so it seemed right.
But, I don't know where to start from! I mean, I feel that some deities appeal to me more than others, but is this enough? For example, I have a strong feeling for Dionysus. Is it because my name's Ariadne? Is it because my favourite musician was compared to Him? I don't know. But there's also Aphrodite, and I feel drawn to Her as well. As a matter of fact, I tried to build a relationship with Her. I made a shrine for Her, put seashells on it, a pink-redish candle to represent Her and I make daily offers to Her. I also gave Her a little gift, a pair of pearl earrings.
The bad news, though, is that I don't know if all these are being recognised. She didn't give me any signs, didn't contact me in any way. Does that mean that I should be patient and wait, or that she just doesn't like me and I should move on?

Also, what kind of contact should I expect from a deity? Like, seeing them in my dreams talking to me? Seeing them while meditating? And what kind of signs? But what if I only see signs because I want to see them but they're not really there?
I'm so jealous (in a good way) of you who have a strong relationship with your deities. :o
I'm sorry if this is too big or I have spelling mistakes (I'm still learning the language), but I'd really appreciate your help.
I'm kind of lost and I don't know how to find the 'right' deity for me, nor how to build a proper relationship with them.
Thanks for reading, have a nice day!
ἅ, γιὰ νὰ γεννηθεῖς ἐσὺ
κι ἐγὼ γιὰ νὰ σὲ συναντήσω
γὶ αὐτὸ ἔγινε ὁ κόσμος

SkySamuelle

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #1 on: December 26, 2012, 11:33:59 am »
Quote from: Ariadne;86817
I wasn't really sure if this would fit better in the 'Gods/Goddesses' section, but since I'm a beginner to this, I chose to post it here. Please move the thread if necessary.
So, as the title says, I can't find the 'right' deity. Actually, I can't contact any deity at all.
I'm all new to this, and I have no one to ask but you (people on this forum). That being said, I hope that someone more experienced can help me. I'm having a hard time over here.

I was really interested in Greek mythology, because from an early age I loved to read about these deities and their myths. Plus, I'm Greek with a passion for anything ancient (and from that period), so it seemed right.
But, I don't know where to start from! I mean, I feel that some deities appeal to me more than others, but is this enough? For example, I have a strong feeling for Dionysus. Is it because my name's Ariadne? Is it because my favourite musician was compared to Him? I don't know. But there's also Aphrodite, and I feel drawn to Her as well. As a matter of fact, I tried to build a relationship with Her. I made a shrine for Her, put seashells on it, a pink-redish candle to represent Her and I make daily offers to Her. I also gave Her a little gift, a pair of pearl earrings.
The bad news, though, is that I don't know if all these are being recognised. She didn't give me any signs, didn't contact me in any way. Does that mean that I should be patient and wait, or that she just doesn't like me and I should move on?

Also, what kind of contact should I expect from a deity? Like, seeing them in my dreams talking to me? Seeing them while meditating? And what kind of signs? But what if I only see signs because I want to see them but they're not really there?
I'm so jealous (in a good way) of you who have a strong relationship with your deities. :o
I'm sorry if this is too big or I have spelling mistakes (I'm still learning the language), but I'd really appreciate your help.
I'm kind of lost and I don't know how to find the 'right' deity for me, nor how to build a proper relationship with them.
Thanks for reading, have a nice day!

 
Deity contact can come in the ways you mentioned, but I think the most common one is probably seeing said deity nane or symbols around more frequently. Some times response also comes in ways that depend in the deity areas of interest... Hermes attentino for example tends to come in a blur of fortune's pranks. I wont give up on Aphrodite just yet... It's pretty normal if the first 'notice' takes a bit to come... Daily prayer is generally agood way of getting attention, especially if accompanied with little offerings. Eventually it will get easier. I would consider Ariadne, since  is your namesake and retains a portion of Aphrodite's sphere o. Plus, That is certainly a goddess that understands wanting more than the ordinary. And Dionysus, Why not? Start small,be patient and dont stress yourself if you dont notice immediate signs. Often they come when you arenot looking.:)
“Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.” ― Neil Gaiman *
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Ariadne

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #2 on: December 26, 2012, 11:45:48 am »
Quote from: SkySamuelle;86826
Deity contact can come in the ways you mentioned, but I think the most common one is probably seeing said deity nane or symbols around more frequently. Some times response also comes in ways that depend in the deity areas of interest... Hermes attentino for example tends to come in a blur of fortune's pranks. I wont give up on Aphrodite just yet... It's pretty normal if the first 'notice' takes a bit to come... Daily prayer is generally agood way of getting attention, especially if accompanied with little offerings. Eventually it will get easier. I would consider Ariadne, since  is your namesake and retains a portion of Aphrodite's sphere o. Plus, That is certainly a goddess that understands wanting more than the ordinary. And Dionysus, Why not? Start small,be patient and dont stress yourself if you dont notice immediate signs. Often they come when you arenot looking.:)

 
Thank you for your advice! You're right, I shouldn't give up on Aphrodite yet. Patience is the key. As for the prayers, is it okay if I make them myself?
Otherwise I could find some hymns on the internet.
Thanks!
ἅ, γιὰ νὰ γεννηθεῖς ἐσὺ
κι ἐγὼ γιὰ νὰ σὲ συναντήσω
γὶ αὐτὸ ἔγινε ὁ κόσμος

Juniper

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #3 on: December 26, 2012, 02:54:22 pm »
Quote from: Ariadne;86817

I mean, I feel that some deities appeal to me more than others, but is this enough?


For now, yes, I'd say that's enough. Just go where you feel yourself drawn to.

Quote from: Ariadne;86817

The bad news, though, is that I don't know if all these are being recognised. She didn't give me any signs, didn't contact me in any way. Does that mean that I should be patient and wait, or that she just doesn't like me and I should move on?


Patience is good, and so is being respectful. It sounds like you are showing respect through your offerings and that your attitude is graceful rather than insistent, which is good. I feel that patience is often rewarded...however not always in the way that you expect it to be. Sometimes you end up being shown a path that you didn't even realise you were looking for.

Quote from: Ariadne;86817

I'm sorry if this is too big or I have spelling mistakes (I'm still learning the language), but I'd really appreciate your help.


Wow, considering English isn't your first language I'd say you're doing a great job! (Puts me to shame that I only speak the one language...)
"I\'ve seen fake gods, and bad gods, and demigods and would-be gods; out of all that, out of that whole pantheon,
 if I believe in one thing... just one thing... I believe in her."

~David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor

Ariadne

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #4 on: December 26, 2012, 03:20:55 pm »
Quote from: Juniper;86864
For now, yes, I'd say that's enough. Just go where you feel yourself drawn to.



Patience is good, and so is being respectful. It sounds like you are showing respect through your offerings and that your attitude is graceful rather than insistent, which is good. I feel that patience is often rewarded...however not always in the way that you expect it to be. Sometimes you end up being shown a path that you didn't even realise you were looking for.



Wow, considering English isn't your first language I'd say you're doing a great job! (Puts me to shame that I only speak the one language...)

 
Thank you for your advice and for your compliment :p
I don't really mind going on a different path, if it's better for me/suits me better.
ἅ, γιὰ νὰ γεννηθεῖς ἐσὺ
κι ἐγὼ γιὰ νὰ σὲ συναντήσω
γὶ αὐτὸ ἔγινε ὁ κόσμος

Shine

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #5 on: December 26, 2012, 03:39:19 pm »
Quote from: Ariadne;86817

So, as the title says, I can't find the 'right' deity. Actually, I can't contact any deity at all.
I'm all new to this, and I have no one to ask but you (people on this forum). That being said, I hope that someone more experienced can help me. I'm having a hard time over here.


First of all, take a deep breath. Relax. You're new. You don't need to find one or more deities, construct a practice, and learn everything all in a couple of months. This is a journey. Feel free to take it slow, smell the roses, look around.

If you get too worried, stressed, anxious, or whatever about it, then you may find it harder to get in touch with deity. So relax and have faith that you'll get in contact at some point.

Quote

But, I don't know where to start from! I mean, I feel that some deities appeal to me more than others, but is this enough? For example, I have a strong feeling for Dionysus. Is it because my name's Ariadne? Is it because my favourite musician was compared to Him? I don't know. But there's also Aphrodite, and I feel drawn to Her as well. As a matter of fact, I tried to build a relationship with Her. I made a shrine for Her, put seashells on it, a pink-redish candle to represent Her and I make daily offers to Her. I also gave Her a little gift, a pair of pearl earrings.


A "strong feeling for" a deity is a good place to start, but realize a couple of things.

First, that "strong feeling" may not be reciprocated. You may not "belong" to Dionysus, Aphrodite, or whoever.

Second, building a relationship takes time. Don't get me wrong. Sometimes you just click with a deity and things work out right away. Usually it takes some time.

Quote
The bad news, though, is that I don't know if all these are being recognised. She didn't give me any signs, didn't contact me in any way. Does that mean that I should be patient and wait, or that she just doesn't like me and I should move on?


I guess it would depend on how long you've been trying. If we're talking one or two offerings, then keep trying. If we're talking about many offerings over an extended period of time, that may be a hint to look elsewhere.
 
Quote
Also, what kind of contact should I expect from a deity? Like, seeing them in my dreams talking to me? Seeing them while meditating? And what kind of signs? But what if I only see signs because I want to see them but they're not really there?


Contact runs the gamut. Dreams, meditations, the like.

As for signs, it depends. I really think that reading signs is an art you have to learn. You have to become sensitive to the world around you. You have to learn how to tell the difference between your imagination and something that might have meaning. That can only come with experience. Asking us folks on the Cauldron once in a while is probably okay, too. ;)

In general, if you think you see a sign, come up with a mundane explanation for it first. For example, my neighbor's cat, Fiona, likes to come up to me every morning when I'm leaving for work, school, or errands. Is this a sign Bast is trying to tell me something? Possibly, but more likely it's Fiona looking for some love.

Personally, I tend to put more stock in signs that I'm not expecting or looking for, and signs that appear repeatedly. For example, when Athena was trying to get in touch with me, I saw owls everywhere in places I didn't expect. I saw a commercial for Minerva magazine (and never saw it again).

But again, it comes from experience. For example, Odin was trying to tell me to stop bothering him (well, that's to simplify it!) about two years back. I would feel horrible every time I approached his shrine. Today I would take that as a sign to go away, or that I've otherwise caused offense. But back then, I waved it off as nerves because I didn't have the experience to say, "okay, yeah, someone's trying to tell me something."

Others times you'll get what you think is a sign, but it's questionable. So you remember what you've seen, heard, etc., and wait to see if you get another sign.

Quote

I'm sorry if this is too big or I have spelling mistakes (I'm still learning the language), but I'd really appreciate your help.


Your English is quite good. :)

Quote
I'm kind of lost and I don't know how to find the 'right' deity for me, nor how to build a proper relationship with them.

 
Read up on different mythologies. Since you're interested in Greek deities, start there and start expanding.

I'm still pretty new to all of this myself. Only two years in. Just a baby. :) But I've had good luck by giving regular offerings, devotions, and just spending time with my gods.

Be patient and keep trying. You'll find out where you belong before you know it.
Leave your darkness with me, and I will make you shine.

Ariadne

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #6 on: December 26, 2012, 03:53:24 pm »
Quote from: Shine;86874
First of all..  
..Be patient and keep trying. You'll find out where you belong before you know it.

 
Thank you! You guys give me great motivation to be patient and keep trying.
The bad thing about me is that I get over-excited about something, I want it and I want it now and I need tangible proofs (is this a right term?) to continue.
I think I'll learn how to stop doing this eventually.
But really, thanks! You're helping a lot
ἅ, γιὰ νὰ γεννηθεῖς ἐσὺ
κι ἐγὼ γιὰ νὰ σὲ συναντήσω
γὶ αὐτὸ ἔγινε ὁ κόσμος

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #7 on: December 26, 2012, 03:55:29 pm »
Quote from: Ariadne;86830
Thank you for your advice! You're right, I shouldn't give up on Aphrodite yet. Patience is the key.


*nods* Furthermore, different people have differing sensitivity of "deity feedback". While some hear them whisper, others need a downright proverbial smack on the head to notice them. :whis:

Some experience a presence, hear a voice or see - as a vision or in a dream - a deity. However, one may, for example, experience an otherwise unexplainable need to create art  - paintings, poems, music, whatever - with a specific theme (says she who's been drawing and painting a certain kind of owl since Friday...), get an urge to obtain certain kinds of objects, or perhaps have their attention caught by words or things connected with a given deity. These things differ from person to person.

Quote
As for the prayers, is it okay if I make them myself?
Otherwise I could find some hymns on the internet.


Writing them yourself is fine, as is hitting books (or websites) on Greek mythology.

As you are in Greece, you have also the possibility of actually visiting old sites of worship and taking small offerings there. You might want to go to museums and have a feel around images and statues.

Ariadne

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #8 on: December 26, 2012, 04:03:22 pm »
Quote from: Fausta;86877
*nods* Furthermore..

.. As you are in Greece, you have also the possibility of actually visiting old sites of worship and taking small offerings there. You might want to go to museums and have a feel around images and statues.

 
I see. Thank you for taking the time to answer to my questions!
And yes, you are so right! I've visited many ancient ruins and sights but it was a few years ago, and I didn't pay the needed attention. I'm really looking forward to visit such places again and this time I know what I'm going to do. :)
ἅ, γιὰ νὰ γεννηθεῖς ἐσὺ
κι ἐγὼ γιὰ νὰ σὲ συναντήσω
γὶ αὐτὸ ἔγινε ὁ κόσμος

Juniper

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #9 on: December 26, 2012, 04:08:11 pm »
Quote from: Ariadne;86879

 I've visited many ancient ruins and sights but it was a few years ago, and I didn't pay the needed attention. I'm really looking forward to visit such places again and this time I know what I'm going to do. :)


Gosh i am rather jealous that you have that on your doorstep! Sounds wonderful.
"I\'ve seen fake gods, and bad gods, and demigods and would-be gods; out of all that, out of that whole pantheon,
 if I believe in one thing... just one thing... I believe in her."

~David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor

Ariadne

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #10 on: December 26, 2012, 04:16:00 pm »
Quote from: Juniper;86881
Gosh i am rather jealous that you have that on your doorstep! Sounds wonderful.

 
Not really on my doorstep, but at least in the same country (which is a rather small one, thus making it more approachable)!
ἅ, γιὰ νὰ γεννηθεῖς ἐσὺ
κι ἐγὼ γιὰ νὰ σὲ συναντήσω
γὶ αὐτὸ ἔγινε ὁ κόσμος

Maps

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #11 on: December 26, 2012, 04:36:40 pm »
Quote from: Ariadne;86817




The advice here is good, but I just wanted to mention that having a "personal" relationship with a deity isn't necessary for a meaningful pagan practice. Many people aren't god-bothered, or otherwise have two-way communication with their gods. There are many different types of relationships that a deity and practitioner/worshiper/devotee can have. And none of those relationships are any less meaningful or important or fulfilling than another.

Ariadne

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #12 on: December 26, 2012, 05:01:46 pm »
Quote from: Maps;86886
The advice here is good, but I just wanted to mention that having a "personal" relationship with a deity isn't necessary for a meaningful pagan practice. Many people aren't god-bothered, or otherwise have two-way communication with their gods. There are many different types of relationships that a deity and practitioner/worshiper/devotee can have. And none of those relationships are any less meaningful or important or fulfilling than another.

 
I agree with this and thank you for your answer. What's the difference between a practioner/worshiper/devotee? :o
ἅ, γιὰ νὰ γεννηθεῖς ἐσὺ
κι ἐγὼ γιὰ νὰ σὲ συναντήσω
γὶ αὐτὸ ἔγινε ὁ κόσμος

SkySamuelle

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #13 on: December 26, 2012, 05:34:27 pm »
Quote from: Ariadne;86830
Thank you for your advice! You're right, I shouldn't give up on Aphrodite yet. Patience is the key. As for the prayers, is it okay if I make them myself?
Otherwise I could find some hymns on the internet.
Thanks!

 
No problem! I personslly find that writing my own prayers works a little as a bonding experience, especially if you are trying to familiarize yourself with all ephitheths of a deity and with what they mean.
“Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.” ― Neil Gaiman *
Currently blogging at: http://seastruckbythecrossroads.wordpress.com/
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SkySamuelle

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Re: Can't find the right one!
« Reply #14 on: December 26, 2012, 05:47:59 pm »
Quote from: Ariadne;86892
I agree with this and thank you for your answer. What's the difference between a practioner/worshiper/devotee? :o

 
As a worshiper, you may honor many/few gods simply because you respect Them, without expecting consistent feedback (unless you are petioning them for  specific favour) and possibly without giving preference to any of them - you give litterally worship in prayer/offering/ritual simply you want to and in absence of a particular obligation . As a devotee, you may or may not have a personal/working relationship with one or more deity/ies but for reasons that may vary you give a closer dedication to that god (or those gods).

For example - I worship the Hellenic family every month collectively during the Noumenia, but I am only a devotee to few of Them.;)
“Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.” ― Neil Gaiman *
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