Talking to the Gods

[Ariadne]

I have a silly question here. Can I randomly talk to the Gods or does it have to be a part of a ritual? I mean, when I was a Christian, I used to just sit and "talk" to God like he was there, next to me. Or more like he was a psychologist. I could stop whatever I was doing and start talking to Him, about my problems (or anything, really), at any time.
Can I do this to the Pagan Gods/Goddesses as well, or I should light a candle first and then make this talking thing part of a ritual/worship?
:confused:

[veggiewolf]

I have a silly question here. Can I randomly talk to the Gods or does it have to be a part of a ritual? I mean, when I was a Christian, I used to just sit and "talk" to God like he was there, next to me. Or more like he was a psychologist. I could stop whatever I was doing and start talking to Him, about my problems (or anything, really), at any time.
Can I do this to the Pagan Gods/Goddesses as well, or I should light a candle first and then make this talking thing part of a ritual/worship?
:confused:

 
Sure, you can just speak with the gods.  Not everything has to be formalized.

[dionysiandame]

I have a silly question here. Can I randomly talk to the Gods or does it have to be a part of a ritual? I mean, when I was a Christian, I used to just sit and "talk" to God like he was there, next to me. Or more like he was a psychologist. I could stop whatever I was doing and start talking to Him, about my problems (or anything, really), at any time.
Can I do this to the Pagan Gods/Goddesses as well, or I should light a candle first and then make this talking thing part of a ritual/worship?
:confused:

I would think so. I know I have.

[Ariadne]

Sure, you can just speak with the gods.  Not everything has to be formalized.

 

I would think so. I know I have.

 
Thank you both for your answers!

[DashesAgainst]

I have a silly question here. Can I randomly talk to the Gods or does it have to be a part of a ritual? I mean, when I was a Christian, I used to just sit and "talk" to God like he was there, next to me. Or more like he was a psychologist. I could stop whatever I was doing and start talking to Him, about my problems (or anything, really), at any time.
Can I do this to the Pagan Gods/Goddesses as well, or I should light a candle first and then make this talking thing part of a ritual/worship?
:confused:

I do - and they don't seem to have a problem with it.

[Jack]

Can I do this to the Pagan Gods/Goddesses as well, or I should light a candle first and then make this talking thing part of a ritual/worship?

 
Just chiming in as one more person who does it all the time. I think of "just talking" as being like texting or calling a friend - you don't know what they're doing, whether you're getting their full attention right then, but sometimes it's nice just to chat. Other times, you have time scheduled to hang out together, that's more like formal ritual.

Does that make sense?

[Ariadne]

I do - and they don't seem to have a problem with it.

 

Just chiming in as one more person who does it all the time. I think of "just talking" as being like texting or calling a friend - you don't know what they're doing, whether you're getting their full attention right then, but sometimes it's nice just to chat. Other times, you have time scheduled to hang out together, that's more like formal ritual.

Does that make sense?

 
Thank you! I feel like doing it all the time, but I don't want to tire them with my silly things. And yes, it does make sense.

[DashesAgainst]

Thank you! I feel like doing it all the time, but I don't want to tire them with my silly things. And yes, it does make sense.

I do it a lot.  Especially during nightly prayers and even during ritual I'll sometimes talk frankly (but respectfully.)  

I've felt my gods' presence during my more casual prayer sessions on several occasions - sometimes it's very faint and distant, other times more intense.  So I don't think they mind lending an ear outside of a formal setting.

That said, I don't expect them to drop everything and come running to my side to hear every ramble, either.  Heck, I'm just a mere mortal and not that important!   But it's pretty much understood and acceptable (to me) that I could just be talking to myself at times.  Their attention is a privilege. And for all I know, they could be listening from afar, anyway. :

[Ariadne]

:

 
Yeah, I know what you mean. For me it's like talking to my pets; I know they're there listening to me, but I don't expect them to do anything. It helps a lot, though. :p

[Cabal]

I have a silly question here. Can I randomly talk to the Gods or does it have to be a part of a ritual? I mean, when I was a Christian, I used to just sit and "talk" to God like he was there, next to me. Or more like he was a psychologist. I could stop whatever I was doing and start talking to Him, about my problems (or anything, really), at any time.
Can I do this to the Pagan Gods/Goddesses as well, or I should light a candle first and then make this talking thing part of a ritual/worship?
:confused:

I talk to mine all the time. I just strike up a conversation. I also do it in a formal manner as well with ritual. But I think you can talk to them casual as well.

[Shine]

I have a silly question here. Can I randomly talk to the Gods or does it have to be a part of a ritual? I mean, when I was a Christian, I used to just sit and "talk" to God like he was there, next to me. Or more like he was a psychologist. I could stop whatever I was doing and start talking to Him, about my problems (or anything, really), at any time.
Can I do this to the Pagan Gods/Goddesses as well, or I should light a candle first and then make this talking thing part of a ritual/worship?
:confused:

 
Yes, although for me personally it depends on the deity. I tend to be somewhat formal with deities until I get to know them better. But with deities I know better, like Bast, I'll talk about virtually anything (though there are some things that I consider personal problems and don't mention to her).

I imagine there are some deities out there who'd be annoyed with informal chat, but I haven't met any yet.

[Maulus]

I have a silly question here. Can I randomly talk to the Gods or does it have to be a part of a ritual? I mean, when I was a Christian, I used to just sit and "talk" to God like he was there, next to me. Or more like he was a psychologist. I could stop whatever I was doing and start talking to Him, about my problems (or anything, really), at any time.
Can I do this to the Pagan Gods/Goddesses as well, or I should light a candle first and then make this talking thing part of a ritual/worship?
:confused:

 
I just talk to mine all the time. Sometimes i get the impression they get bored of the formality. It is also easier to just unload and get their opinions sometimes too.

[Zaphaux]

I have a silly question here. Can I randomly talk to the Gods or does it have to be a part of a ritual? I mean, when I was a Christian, I used to just sit and "talk" to God like he was there, next to me. Or more like he was a psychologist. I could stop whatever I was doing and start talking to Him, about my problems (or anything, really), at any time.
Can I do this to the Pagan Gods/Goddesses as well, or I should light a candle first and then make this talking thing part of a ritual/worship?
:confused:

When I want to talk with my gods, most of them answer if I simply talk calling their name. Not with all gods, though. It depends of their will to answer you too.

[Oíche]

I have a silly question here. Can I randomly talk to the Gods or does it have to be a part of a ritual? I mean, when I was a Christian, I used to just sit and "talk" to God like he was there, next to me. Or more like he was a psychologist. I could stop whatever I was doing and start talking to Him, about my problems (or anything, really), at any time.
Can I do this to the Pagan Gods/Goddesses as well, or I should light a candle first and then make this talking thing part of a ritual/worship?
:confused:

 
I often talk to mine outside of ritual
Lighting a candle I find helps me get into a mindset but that's just a personal preference.
Usually when I tend to my shrine and altar in the evening I might talk away to the gods about anything that might be on my mind or just something I'd like to thank them for

[Nyktelios]

I have a silly question here. Can I randomly talk to the Gods or does it have to be a part of a ritual? I mean, when I was a Christian, I used to just sit and "talk" to God like he was there, next to me. Or more like he was a psychologist. I could stop whatever I was doing and start talking to Him, about my problems (or anything, really), at any time.
Can I do this to the Pagan Gods/Goddesses as well, or I should light a candle first and then make this talking thing part of a ritual/worship?
:confused:

 
Rituals can be very simple, such as pouring a bit of your drink as a libation, or lighting some incense while you pray. Ancient polytheistic cultures usually accompanied prayer with some sort of offering, such as food, drink, or light (candles/oil lamps) and incense. That said, no one can say you can't talk to your gods informally, but I think talking to a deity like an imaginary friend in one's head is a very Christian practice. I myself do often pray without giving an offering when I'm on a walk or as I'm lying in bed, but I try to make sure I still honour the gods regularly at my shrine so I maintain that reciprocal relationship.