One issue that comes up often for people learning about pagan and wiccan spirituality is the concept of appropriate worship. There tends to be some question about what, exactly, is the right offering to make to the gods or goddesses of one's tradition -- and how we should honor them when making those offerings.
Let's imagine that you have two friends. First, we have Jill. She likes French cuisine, Meg Ryan movies, soft music and expensive wine. She's someone who lets you cry on her shoulder when you're feeling blue, and she offers some wise and thoughtful insight when you can't solve a problem on your own. One of her best qualities is her ability to listen.
You also have a friend named Steve. He's a lot of fun, and sometimes shows up at your house at midnight toting a six-pack. Steve likes watching movies with lots of explosions, took you to your first Metallica concert, and can rebuild a Harley with his eyes closed. He eats mostly bratwurst and Funyuns, enjoys picking up strippers at bars, and is the guy you call when you want to have a good time.
When Jill comes over, are you going to have a nice quiet dinner with a glass of wine and Josh Groban playing in the background, or are you going to hand her a cheeseburger and a beer, pull out the Wii for a round of God of War, and stay up until 3 am seeing who can burp and fart the loudest?
Likewise, if Steve shows up, are you going to do things that he enjoys, or are you going to say, "Hey, Steve, let's watch Steel Magnolias and talk about our feelings?
Much like our friends Jill and Steve, the gods have certain things they like and value, and certain things they don't. To offer one of them something better suited to another is not only disrespectful, it shows that you really don't know them at all and worse yet, haven't even taken the time to learn about them. What do you think Steve is going to say when you offer him a vegetarian soup and turn on some chick flick? He's going to bail, that's what he's going to do. Because not only did you present him with something he dislikes, but you’re showing a fundamental lack of knowledge of someone you claim is your friend.
Sure, you love Jill and Steve equally, but they're not the same person, and they don't have the same likes and dislikes. The gods are the same way -- you may honor both Aphrodite and Mars, but that doesn’t mean Mars wants to you to leave him a bouquet of flowers and a glass of milk while you sing him Kumbaya. You can also be sure that Aphrodite probably isn't interested in offerings of blood and raw meat, or warrior chants.
When you honor the gods, take the time to put some thought into it. Ask yourself what it is you hope to obtain by making the offering -- are you trying to gain something, or merely show your appreciation and gratitude to the Divine? Learn about the types of deities you're about to honor, and study the specific gods and goddesses of your tradition, so that when you do make an offering or present a ritual in their name, you can do so in a way that truly does them honor.
Books You Might Enjoy:
Martin Boord - The Cult Of The Deity Vajrakila
Vovim Baghie - The Grand Satanic Ritual
Max Heindel - The Message Of The Stars
Dion Fortune - The Machinery Of The Mind
Prentiss Tucker - In The Land Of The Living Dead
