As pagans and polytheists, creating and maintaining relationships with the Gods is the most important thing we can do. However, it is not always easy to create a strong relationship with a deity. Perhaps we don't know enough about them, or haven't taken the time to fully understand their roles in our lives. Below, I've listed fifteen simple ways to get to know deities, and fifteen ways to honor them, with the intent of strengthening your relationship.
Ways To Get To Know Them
Researching their mythology and lore, as well as the greater pantheon they're a part of
Reading about the history of their culture or country
Researching their worship, both historical and modern
Researching common rituals, prayer, hymns, and offerings within their tradition (ex: blót or libations)
Researching their areas of influence
Reading about their epithets
Making them a playlist
Telling them "good morning" when you wake up, and telling them "good night" before you go to sleep, and talking to them throughout your day
Creating an outfit using their color associations, symbols, and imagery
Writing them letters
Doing divination readings to communicate with them
Meditating to communicate with them
Spending time in places that remind you of them (ex: the ocean for Njord)
If you practice witchcraft or another occult practice, you can involve them in your practice (ex: asking for their help with spells)
Cooking or eating meals that include their sacred herbs or foods (ex: pork for Hestia)
Ways To Honor Them
Donating to charities or causes that they have jurisdiction over (ex: women's shelters for Artemis, hospitals for Sekhmet)
Setting aside time to regularly pray
Making art or writing poetry for them
Making crafts for them
Singing or playing an instrument for them
Giving offerings of things you personally think they would like
Being aware of offerings they don't like (ex: pigs for Aphrodite)
Giving traditional offerings
Dedicating a piece of jewelry to them
Learning a skill that relates to their areas of influence (ex: archery for Apollo or horseback riding for Epona)
Building a shrine for them
Lighting a candle for them
Carrying or using crystals you associate with them
Taking time to take care of yourself in their name
Writing about them or spreading information on them
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