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Author Topic: How low do you go?  (Read 7537 times)

Sefiru

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How low do you go?
« on: December 11, 2013, 07:31:07 pm »
I'm curious: In a great many cultures and religions, it's a sign of respect or reverence to lower your head or body in some way. How about your practice? Do you stand? bow? kneel? prostrate yourself? Do you have a particular reason for the gestures you use?

As for myself, I kneel during prayers and ritual, and not just because my shrine is on a low table. I also complete a ritual by bowing my head to the floor. For me, this is an expression of the awe and reverence I have for Neb.y. (I have a vague notion that there's some resemblance to historical Kemetic practice, but no references to hand.)

How low do you go?
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Re: How low do you go?
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2013, 09:26:24 pm »
Quote from: Sefiru;132311
I'm curious: In a great many cultures and religions, it's a sign of respect or reverence to lower your head or body in some way. How about your practice? Do you stand? bow? kneel? prostrate yourself? Do you have a particular reason for the gestures you use?

As for myself, I kneel during prayers and ritual, and not just because my shrine is on a low table. I also complete a ritual by bowing my head to the floor. For me, this is an expression of the awe and reverence I have for Neb.y. (I have a vague notion that there's some resemblance to historical Kemetic practice, but no references to hand.)

How low do you go?
I prefer to stand in front of my alter before my Gods. I believe that is the best way to honor them, is to stand in their presence. To me that is a sign of great respect.
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Aett of Cups

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Re: How low do you go?
« Reply #2 on: December 11, 2013, 10:28:01 pm »
Quote from: Sefiru;132311
I'm curious: In a great many cultures and religions, it's a sign of respect or reverence to lower your head or body in some way. How about your practice? Do you stand? bow? kneel? prostrate yourself? Do you have a particular reason for the gestures you use?

As for myself, I kneel during prayers and ritual, and not just because my shrine is on a low table. I also complete a ritual by bowing my head to the floor. For me, this is an expression of the awe and reverence I have for Neb.y. (I have a vague notion that there's some resemblance to historical Kemetic practice, but no references to hand.)

How low do you go?

 
I am part of an egalitarian path and feel that I am the equal of the gods, though we are very different and must take first-among-equals roles in balance in order to achieve this at times.  I don't prostrate or humble myself (or show any sign thereof) with my gods.  I honor them as friends and family and work with them as such.
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Re: How low do you go?
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2013, 12:44:41 am »
Quote from: Sefiru;132311
I'm curious: In a great many cultures and religions, it's a sign of respect or reverence to lower your head or body in some way. How about your practice? Do you stand? bow? kneel? prostrate yourself? Do you have a particular reason for the gestures you use?

 
I don't bow, lower my head, or perform any other gestures that are necessary for what I do.

I kneel, sit, lie down, stand, walk, etc... while I do what I do, but it depends on what I am doing and when. I understand the syntax makes it sound like a cryptic practice, but it's not. If I'm working with energies while cooking in the kitchen, I am naturally standing. If I am sending out a thought during a commercial break, I am naturally sitting. But there's no hard and fast rules regarding positioning in my path. :)

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How low do you go?
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2013, 02:36:27 am »
Quote from: Sefiru;132311
I'm curious: In a great many cultures and religions, it's a sign of respect or reverence to lower your head or body in some way. How about your practice? Do you stand? bow? kneel? prostrate yourself? Do you have a particular reason for the gestures you use?

As for myself, I kneel during prayers and ritual, and not just because my shrine is on a low table. I also complete a ritual by bowing my head to the floor. For me, this is an expression of the awe and reverence I have for Neb.y. (I have a vague notion that there's some resemblance to historical Kemetic practice, but no references to hand.)

How low do you go?

I'm disabled, and have to sit when praying, just like I have to sit when I'm doing anything. (The exception is journeying, which I tend to do lying down.) I make most of my ritual gestures with my hands - I don't plan to, but it happens naturally. I also cover my head, bow my head, and do things like lighting certain candles when I name certain deities or spirits.
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rocquelaire

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How low do you go?
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2013, 03:32:46 am »
Quote from: Sefiru;132311
I'm curious: In a great many cultures and religions, it's a sign of respect or reverence to lower your head or body in some way. How about your practice? Do you stand? bow? kneel? prostrate yourself? Do you have a particular reason for the gestures you use?

As for myself, I kneel during prayers and ritual, and not just because my shrine is on a low table. I also complete a ritual by bowing my head to the floor. For me, this is an expression of the awe and reverence I have for Neb.y. (I have a vague notion that there's some resemblance to historical Kemetic practice, but no references to hand.)

How low do you go?

Interesting question! I am usually sitting or standing during devotions although I sometimes speak to Brighid while lying in bed.

During the meditation in which Brighid claimed me, I prostrated myself before Her and She told me to get up and stand tall. This seems to tie in with the UPG of others in relation to the Celtic gods. My understanding is that the Celts were a proud, boastful people who came to gods sure of their worth.

I also try to pray unobtrusively at times. For example at meals. At home, we do not all practice one religion but my husband and children support me in whatever I do. My in-laws are Catholic and do not know my religion. Therefore on the occasions that I feel the need to pray in their house I prefer to do so without any visible sign of what I'm doing.

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Re: How low do you go?
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2013, 01:26:14 pm »
Quote from: Sefiru;132311
I'm curious: In a great many cultures and religions, it's a sign of respect or reverence to lower your head or body in some way. How about your practice? Do you stand? bow? kneel? prostrate yourself? Do you have a particular reason for the gestures you use?

As for myself, I kneel during prayers and ritual, and not just because my shrine is on a low table. I also complete a ritual by bowing my head to the floor. For me, this is an expression of the awe and reverence I have for Neb.y. (I have a vague notion that there's some resemblance to historical Kemetic practice, but no references to hand.)

How low do you go?

 
If I'm at Anpu and Ausir's shrine, I stand (their shrine is on the top shelf of a bookcase).  If I'm at Anupet's shrine I sit down, but her shrine is on a low table by my bed; I'd feel awkward standing.  

I bow at the end of prayer/ritual, as a signal both to the Netjer and to myself that I'm done.

Rayne

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How low do you go?
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2013, 04:12:52 pm »
Quote from: rocquelaire;132356

During the meditation in which Brighid claimed me, I prostrated myself before Her and She told me to get up and stand tall. This seems to tie in with the UPG of others in relation to the Celtic gods. My understanding is that the Celts were a proud, boastful people who came to gods sure of their worth.


I share your view here.

I will speak with deity in all sorts of places and ways. In the car, in bed....but I stand to honor them. I will bow my head slightly as my ritual ends as a sign of respect and deference though.
For All That I Am..For All That I See
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Sefiru

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Re: How low do you go?
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2013, 07:35:30 pm »
Quote from: rocquelaire;132356
Interesting question! I am usually sitting or standing during devotions although I sometimes speak to Brighid while lying in bed.



Interesting responses, too. I didn't expect how many people would mention practicality as a reason for choosing a position for practice ... it seems obvious now that I think about it.

Clearly the preferences of individual gods are also a factor, like in your experience with Brighid. I imagine there's a wide range.

Quote
My understanding is that the Celts were a proud, boastful people who came to gods sure of their worth.

 
Now this brings up an interesting point. Do people view bowing down in terms of reducing the worth of the one who bows, or in terms of elevating the worth of the one who is bowed to?

I personally tend towards the second, but I know many people see it more like the first, and in North America at least, bowing can be seen as a little bit degrading. I've met one or two people who had trouble even with bows between equals, as is usual in martial arts. Thoughts?
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Sobekemiti

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Re: How low do you go?
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2013, 07:45:13 pm »
Quote from: Sefiru;132311
I'm curious: In a great many cultures and religions, it's a sign of respect or reverence to lower your head or body in some way. How about your practice? Do you stand? bow? kneel? prostrate yourself? Do you have a particular reason for the gestures you use?

As for myself, I kneel during prayers and ritual, and not just because my shrine is on a low table. I also complete a ritual by bowing my head to the floor. For me, this is an expression of the awe and reverence I have for Neb.y. (I have a vague notion that there's some resemblance to historical Kemetic practice, but no references to hand.)

How low do you go?

 
I stand at Sobek and Heru's shrine, and yes, I do bow to the waist when finishing my daily devotions to Them both. It's a way to close the rite, and offer respect to Them and the shrine. I have done prostrations and other Kemetic henu gestures in the past, but I'm not currently doing those.

I sit at Hekate's shrine, because it's lower to the ground. I don't have a habit of bowing during my rites to Her, though. I would kneel actually, if my knees weren't so terrible, so I sit instead. Hekate likes being close to the ground, so I feel I ought to be close to the ground when honouring Her.
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Re: How low do you go?
« Reply #10 on: December 14, 2013, 10:50:46 pm »
Quote from: Sefiru;132311
I'm curious: In a great many cultures and religions, it's a sign of respect or reverence to lower your head or body in some way. How about your practice? Do you stand? bow? kneel? prostrate yourself? Do you have a particular reason for the gestures you use?

As for myself, I kneel during prayers and ritual, and not just because my shrine is on a low table. I also complete a ritual by bowing my head to the floor. For me, this is an expression of the awe and reverence I have for Neb.y. (I have a vague notion that there's some resemblance to historical Kemetic practice, but no references to hand.)

How low do you go?

 
My knees can't handle kneeling anymore so I sit before Isis

Foxface

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Re: How low do you go?
« Reply #11 on: December 15, 2013, 07:50:49 pm »
Quote from: Sefiru;132311
I'm curious: In a great many cultures and religions, it's a sign of respect or reverence to lower your head or body in some way. How about your practice? Do you stand? bow? kneel? prostrate yourself? Do you have a particular reason for the gestures you use?

As for myself, I kneel during prayers and ritual, and not just because my shrine is on a low table. I also complete a ritual by bowing my head to the floor. For me, this is an expression of the awe and reverence I have for Neb.y. (I have a vague notion that there's some resemblance to historical Kemetic practice, but no references to hand.)

How low do you go?

 
I usually sit or kneel in front of my alter while reciting hymms about Hera to Hera. I need to find some new material for her soon, I think she's getting bored with what I have.

Sefiru

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Re: How low do you go?
« Reply #12 on: December 15, 2013, 09:17:16 pm »
Quote from: Foxface;132572
My knees can't handle kneeling anymore so I sit before Isis

Foxface

 
Quote from: candlemagic;132633
I usually sit or kneel in front of my alter while reciting hymms about Hera to Hera. I need to find some new material for her soon, I think she's getting bored with what I have.

 
When you do (or did) kneel, did it have any ritual significance vs. sitting? Or is it just the general respect thing?
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rocquelaire

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How low do you go?
« Reply #13 on: December 16, 2013, 03:34:05 am »
Quote from: Sefiru;132410
Interesting responses, too. I didn't expect how many people would mention practicality as a reason for choosing a position for practice ... it seems obvious now that I think about it.

Clearly the preferences of individual gods are also a factor, like in your experience with Brighid. I imagine there's a wide range.


 
Now this brings up an interesting point. Do people view bowing down in terms of reducing the worth of the one who bows, or in terms of elevating the worth of the one who is bowed to?

I personally tend towards the second, but I know many people see it more like the first, and in North America at least, bowing can be seen as a little bit degrading. I've met one or two people who had trouble even with bows between equals, as is usual in martial arts. Thoughts?

I've been thinking about this since you posted and I'm having trouble organising my thoughts. Having practiced martial arts when I was younger, I've certainly experienced bowing between equals. And bowing out of respect for someone's superior skills.

I think that for some, bowing can be tied into a social class issue which could make it more difficult to address. I know that the idea of placing another person's worth above mine is a complicated issue for me. It's different with the gods of course. Brighid is worth more that me, obviously, and I have no reservations about bowing to Her other than the fact that she doesn't look for that from me. It's entirely possible that at some point in the future I'll form a relationship with a deity where bowing does seem appropriate.

I guess all I'm trying to say is that it's complicated lol.

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Re: How low do you go?
« Reply #14 on: December 16, 2013, 08:06:52 pm »
Quote from: rocquelaire;132649
I know that the idea of placing another person's worth above mine is a complicated issue for me.


For me as well. Which is part of why I started this thread, I guess, to unpack some of that.

I also find that for me there's a big difference between choosing to show someone a gesture of respect, versus being required to do so ("Kneel before Zod!"). I suspect this is partly cultural and partly personal, too.
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