Intimidation

[Raganhildis]

I was curious to see if anyone else ever felt intimidated to do a ritual for their gods/spirits/whatever, or otherwise call attention to yourself from such beings? How did you get over or around this?

Maybe it's just my upbringing, or the things I've read, but I've always felt intimidated, even during in my Wicca stage. I was always afraid of messing something up, that I'd end up pissing someone off with why a dork like me was bothering them. >.< I always felt that contacting them, especially gods, was Serious Business and not something to be taken lightly.

Unfortunately, this kind of thinking only makes me nervous and more likely to screw up a speech. xD Any advice on this matter would be much appreciated!

[Nyktipolos]

 
I can't give you much advice beyond: "Keep doing it. It gets easier."

I have this same issue, but it's pretty much with everything to do with interacting with people. Although I'll revert if I don't keep in contact, I find it much easier to talk to people when I'm talking with them on a regular or semi-regular basis.

I think the same theory can apply to gods, spirits, fairies, etc., although I don't think a certain amount of respect and awe can go amiss.

[Etheric1]

I was curious to see if anyone else ever felt intimidated to do a ritual for their gods/spirits/whatever, or otherwise call attention to yourself from such beings? How did you get over or around this?

Maybe it's just my upbringing, or the things I've read, but I've always felt intimidated, even during in my Wicca stage. I was always afraid of messing something up, that I'd end up pissing someone off with why a dork like me was bothering them. >.< I always felt that contacting them, especially gods, was Serious Business and not something to be taken lightly.

Unfortunately, this kind of thinking only makes me nervous and more likely to screw up a speech. xD Any advice on this matter would be much appreciated!

 
Oh yes.  It took me a LONG time to get okay with doing ritual.  I eventually did when I just had a really strong urge to do one.  Even then I wanted to make sure I did things right.  I still am this way and it does get easier the more you do it.  

I like to think the gods understand where we are at in working with them and know it will take time for us to get things right.  And really, how many times does some do any new thing perfectly correct the first time?  I have found that if I focus too much on "not screwing up" that can take away from what I'm doing.  So try not to be too hard on yourself, and just do things.  Realize you are going to screw things up, and that is okay so long as you try to be respectful and be willing to improve on things.

[Liadine (dragonflyeyes)]

Unfortunately, this kind of thinking only makes me nervous and more likely to screw up a speech. xD Any advice on this matter would be much appreciated!

 
I know this is taking things a little literally, but maybe don't make a speech? *g* I mean that, though - I used to find rituals difficult for similar reasons, and I found things went a lot more smoothly when I cut out the 'speaking out loud' portion. It wasn't (and shouldn't be, at least for me) a permanent solution, but doing the rituals silently gave me room to gain familiarity with the rituals without stressing me out/keeping me from doing anything at all.

Eventually I just spontaneously started talking during rituals again Sometimes it's still difficult, but not half as difficult as it used to be. While speech is an important part of things, it doesn't have to be, and silent rituals have their own uses and functions.

Good luck!

[Nomad of Nowhere]

Unfortunately, this kind of thinking only makes me nervous and more likely to screw up a speech. xD Any advice on this matter would be much appreciated!

I've had this problem. When I'm in the thick of a ritual, I often am not quite sure what to do or say. My best, most satisfying rituals thus far have been ones where I obsessed before hand, and went over it again and again. In my experience, rehearsal works very well- you can just mime out the motions and mutter under your breath. Just don't let anyone see you. As for being concerned that what you're doing isn't quite correct, my main recommendation: would be to find a practice that doesn't seem half-baked to you. For instance, I often refrain from fire rituals because friction fire is so hard to produce. Because of this, I ended up centering my August 1 ritual around an oak tree, which I felt was equally valid. This kept me from having to "cheat" by using a lighter, which wouldn't have felt right.

[Livia Indica]

I know this is taking things a little literally, but maybe don't make a speech? *g* I mean that, though - I used to find rituals difficult for similar reasons, and I found things went a lot more smoothly when I cut out the 'speaking out loud' portion. It wasn't (and shouldn't be, at least for me) a permanent solution, but doing the rituals silently gave me room to gain familiarity with the rituals without stressing me out/keeping me from doing anything at all.

Eventually I just spontaneously started talking during rituals again Sometimes it's still difficult, but not half as difficult as it used to be. While speech is an important part of things, it doesn't have to be, and silent rituals have their own uses and functions.

Good luck!

 
I can relate to this subject. When I first started doing magic I felt like I had to do a lot of talking, more than came naturally to me anyway and it was something of a stumbling block. Then for a while I didn't talk at all and didn't quite like that either.  Now I've become almost entirely wordless but I still chant out loud to raise energy and state my intent.  Experimentation helps in this way.  

And I've always felt, as far as doing something wrong goes, that if you put some time and thought into it, and you have good intentions that you'd have to do something really outrageous to piss off a deity. To them, we are children and they know our limitations.

[Raganhildis]

snip

 
Thanks guys, your words have helped a lot. I thought I was alone in feeling like this.

I'm a bit short on time to reply to everybody individually at the moment, but I'll take each of your suggestions to heart.

[Annan]

I was curious to see if anyone else ever felt intimidated to do a ritual for their gods/spirits/whatever, or otherwise call attention to yourself from such beings? How did you get over or around this?

Maybe it's just my upbringing, or the things I've read, but I've always felt intimidated, even during in my Wicca stage. I was always afraid of messing something up, that I'd end up pissing someone off with why a dork like me was bothering them. >.< I always felt that contacting them, especially gods, was Serious Business and not something to be taken lightly.

To me the most important element is trust.  One of my friends doesn't understand why I don't bother to white light or protect myself during ritual or mediumship.  My shield is my trust that all is and will be as it should be or how I intend it to be.  

As an Atheist, I am often asked what exactly it is that I have trust in.  I guess I have trust in the laws of the universe or how it all works.  

When I attempt to take on the attributes of a particular god, I am not taking on the god himself/herself, but rather the aspects of the god's supposed personality and or characteristics that I wish to employ.  I am not possessed by said god.  I am always in control because I deem it so.  I never hand myself over to the control of anyone or anything.  

As an Atheist, I see the gods as beings created by belief and sustained by worship.  I simply, at times, borrow that belief for as own and employ it for my own gain.

I hope this makes sense.

As you obviously believe in gods of some sort, I would think to petition the gods for guidance and direction in doing ritual on their behalf.  I can only imagine that anything done from the heart and in reverence and awe would find favor in their eyes.  

Without us to believe in them, would the gods even exist?

[Vella Malachite]

I've had this problem. When I'm in the thick of a ritual, I often am not quite sure what to do or say. My best, most satisfying rituals thus far have been ones where I obsessed before hand, and went over it again and again.

 
I have much the same problem; I'm afraid of doing something wrong.  But, being someone very used to working with words, my main fear is of using the wrong symbols or getting things in the wrong order.  I tend to find that, until I get more comfortable with what I believe and how to go about it, freeform prayer can easily take the place of ritual.  F'ex, if I'm outside and it's a stormy day (for Manannan, but I also just feel more inspired by storms and cloudy, rainy weather than by sunny weather), I'll just start talking.  Whispering if there's other people, out loud if there's not.

If you're not confident with words, why not try taking words out of it.  Do things with intention, rather than with explanation.  If you offer something, feel the intention rather than saying it.  Have a look at actions you can take and dedicate to your deity.  If you're not comfortable with a certain aspect of worship, of course, practise so you can improve, but also work within your comfort zone so that ritual doesn't become scary or a chore.

[AthenaiiseSofia]

I was curious to see if anyone else ever felt intimidated to do a ritual for their gods/spirits/whatever, or otherwise call attention to yourself from such beings? How did you get over or around this?
Any advice on this matter would be much appreciated!

 
When I was taking my first baby steps into Wicca, I never called upon any dieties. I was just so afraid. I was just afraid of everything about Wicca- like if I made the tiniest mistake then I'd end up as a pile of ashes from where the gods struck me by lightning. =/ But, I overcame this with research. Sounds silly yes, but after reading up on mythology and lore, the gods' personalities became more real to me. I realized that yes, these are the Ancient Ones, the All-Powerful, but there is love, there too. And if I respect and honor them the best I can, they always understand.

I'm sure everyone's rituals and such are a little bit imperfect. Everyone has their own way of doing things. Hell, I still always find myself saying something like, "I'm not here to interfere with the Divine Plan, and I hope I do not offend you, because that is not my intent." I believe you will grow more comfortable with your dieties, and things will run alot smoother. Perhaps meditate on them, and ask them about themselves. Read up on mythology, and really think about who they are. Although they are gods, they are not cold and lifeless. They have personalities, likes and dislikes, and most of them have a wonderful sense of humor. =) Just have faith.

[PurpleMuskrat]

I was curious to see if anyone else ever felt intimidated to do a ritual for their gods/spirits/whatever, or otherwise call attention to yourself from such beings? How did you get over or around this?

 
I've absolutely felt that way! When I was starting to incorporate deities into my practice, I was so nervous about doing something wrong. The same when I first began casting circles and calling the quarters.

The first step for me is getting familiar with who/what you're calling on. The more I developed a relationship with my deities, the more I realized that they're very tolerant of variation and, most importantly, care more about the intent than the way you express it.

Personally, I feel intent is the biggest thing. Memorizing rhymes or speeches doesn't always feel right to me. Instead, I get a general idea of what I want to say beforehand and then just say what's in my heart. I think as long as you're respectful in your words and clear in your intent (especially when part of your intent is worship) then you're fine.