Praise the Gods

For a long time I struggled to connect with pagan gods. Part of the problem for me was reconciling the difference between ancient times and modern times. How could I relate to an agriculture god when I’m not a farmer? Why would I give thanks to an Earth Mother for her abundance of food, when as an American, I have never known hunger? How could I offer a blood sacrifice to a deity when this might be illegal or my care for animals might cause me significant distress even if I attempted it? How do I connect to a war god when I have never been through military training or engaged in combat?

In modern times, perhaps I can offer thanks for the abundance of foods available to me. Maybe I could donate my blood or plasma at a local bank rather than attempting to slaughter animals in my apartment. If I wanted to offer water to some deity, it might be more meaningful to collect it from a local creek or lake rather than getting water from my faucet in my kitchen. Maybe I could take the time to make and bake bread as an offering rather than buying it at the store.

I’m sure you understand my point. To me it’s not about the offering as much as the intention. What am I willing to go through to get it and then receive no benefit from it? The more it costs me in time and effort, the more meaningful to me.

-Raysdottir