Finding the right deity/deities

[Aster Breo]

Sorry to be unclear. I was asking the second question more in general. How do you learn about the deities you are interested in (mine being Celtic) to make a start.

Many people, myself included, start by reading -- about the culture, history, myths, art, etc. -- of the people who live(d) in the area of interest.  That's how I learned about Brighid. I started with an interest in Celtic art. Reading about that, and expanding my reading to other aspects of the culture, introduced me to Brighid. Then I followed the citations to more specific resources. As I developed my own relationship with Her, I started to gather my own impressions.

There are tons of books and other resources about Celtic deities and cultures. Check out the reading list that's posted on the Hazel & Oak Cill for a great starting point.

[Jainarayan]

Many people, myself included, start by reading -- about the culture, history, myths, art, etc. -- of the people who live(d) in the area of interest.

Unfortunately I did not take that approach with Hinduism. I jumped right into it, only because I already believed in the existence of the deities, and was fond of all things Indian. I came to find that was not enough to make a go of it.

I began reading only after I had invested and committed myself to worshiping the deities. I did not do my homework, and it has caused me much grief and conflict. When I learned what it is to be Hindu when I did start reading I realized it is not my horn of mead.

It still causes me conflict, because while I believe in the deities and wish to work with them, the Hindu way of worship and belief is diametrically opposite the Heathen way, which is much closer to my heart and speaks to me.

So my point is that I wholeheartedly agree with, and urge doing the homework... lots of it... for any path being considered.