How to start following one god in particular

[Colloquielle]

I've been given some good links and resources for general worship of the Greek gods, which I appreciate. As a runner, I would like to follow Hermes in particular, but there's not a lot of information about seeking out single gods out of a pantheon if they haven't given you some sort of sign first. How do I ask for Hermes to be my patron?



Also, I know that most people have an altar inside, but I mentioned Hermes because I live within running distance of three large crossroads. Since two are public property and the other is on a residential street, I can't exactly put a personal altar or statue there, but would putting stones in a pile be all right?

[Nachtigall]

I've been given some good links and resources for general worship of the Greek gods, which I appreciate. As a runner, I would like to follow Hermes in particular, but there's not a lot of information about seeking out single gods out of a pantheon if they haven't given you some sort of sign first. How do I ask for Hermes to be my patron?

Also, I know that most people have an altar inside, but I mentioned Hermes because I live within running distance of three large crossroads. Since two are public property and the other is on a residential street, I can't exactly put a personal altar or statue there, but would putting stones in a pile be all right?

So... what is your occupation? Do you travel a lot? Do you have some sort of connection with commerce or languages? If so, Hermes may be your patron already.

There are several followers of Hermes on this board who may offer you more detailed advice: I'd just speak a bit about relationships with Greek deities in general. There are some arguments whether the concept of more personal relationships with deities was actually prominent in Ancient Greece. If you do want to seek out such a relationship, I'd suggest starting with the traditional practice first - i.e. offering libations, hymns and other appropriate offerings to the deity of your choice, alongside with researching the deity, Their nature, attributes etc. as much as possible. In such, you would at least get to know Them - and you would want to do that, before making any major commitments.

Regarding stones on the crossroads: what you are suggesting is similar to Herma, so I guess it would be alright.

[Rhyshadow]

I've been given some good links and resources for general worship of the Greek gods, which I appreciate. As a runner, I would like to follow Hermes in particular, but there's not a lot of information about seeking out single gods out of a pantheon if they haven't given you some sort of sign first. How do I ask for Hermes to be my patron?

Also, I know that most people have an altar inside, but I mentioned Hermes because I live within running distance of three large crossroads. Since two are public property and the other is on a residential street, I can't exactly put a personal altar or statue there, but would putting stones in a pile be all right?

Directly asking a particular Deity to be your patron normally isn't advisable. Sometimes they're finicky. What I would do is start recognizing Him in personal observances, dedicate meditation time or even offering to Him specifically. Start the relationship from your end, but don't pin all your hopes on Him accepting. If He decides that you are indeed someone He'd like to personally watch over, then He'll let you know.

Also, while while leaving something at a cross-roads like that is something to show your interest in Him, sometimes you can't put something obvious, even in a public place. I'd suggest something smaller, a token that can be buried perhaps, and be unobtrusive. He and you would know it's there, but it wouldn't be disturbed or even removed by someone else, like a maintenance crew perhaps.

[Colloquielle]

Nachtigan: Thank you for the advice.

I'm completing a college degree in English with a minor in Business. Out of college, I hope to make a career as a writer--but, since business is a bit more lucrative and I like it well enough, I will probably start out as some sort of administrative assistant in an office somewhere. Finances providing, I will regularly travel due to a long-distance relationship. Actual running is more of a hobby, due to tendon problems, but I enjoy it a lot and try to keep it up six days a week.

Also, while while leaving something at a cross-roads like that is something to show your interest in Him, sometimes you can't put something obvious, even in a public place. I'd suggest something smaller, a token that can be buried perhaps, and be unobtrusive. He and you would know it's there, but it wouldn't be disturbed or even removed by someone else, like a maintenance crew perhaps.

Thank you, too. I'll be cautious.

On that note, I have a pair of running shoes that are on their last legs, mostly made of cotton. I could cut the shoelaces into pieces and bury a few at each crossroads. Would that work?

[NibbleKat]

I've been given some good links and resources for general worship of the Greek gods, which I appreciate. As a runner, I would like to follow Hermes in particular, but there's not a lot of information about seeking out single gods out of a pantheon if they haven't given you some sort of sign first. How do I ask for Hermes to be my patron?

Also, I know that most people have an altar inside, but I mentioned Hermes because I live within running distance of three large crossroads. Since two are public property and the other is on a residential street, I can't exactly put a personal altar or statue there, but would putting stones in a pile be all right?

You could also put something by your front door. He's the god of boundaries/doorways. Lots of folks in Ancient Greece used to have little mini-herms/shrines at their door for protection.

And since he is also a deity of communication? It can't hurt to ask him if he'd like you to follow him. It's not the same thing as saying, "Hey. Will you be my patron?" Similar, but with him, especially, wording is everything.

And as mentioned in another post, you might have already caught his attention. Do you notice a lot of coincidences happening around you? Things clicking together that don't seem like they'd normally do otherwise? He... can be subtle sometimes, but when he's around and you've opened your eyes to him, you know it.

PS.. http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/HermesGod.html

[NibbleKat]

Nachtigan: Thank you for the advice.

I'm completing a college degree in English with a minor in Business. Out of college, I hope to make a career as a writer--but, since business is a bit more lucrative and I like it well enough, I will probably start out as some sort of administrative assistant in an office somewhere. Finances providing, I will regularly travel due to a long-distance relationship. Actual running is more of a hobby, due to tendon problems, but I enjoy it a lot and try to keep it up six days a week.



Thank you, too. I'll be cautious.

On that note, I have a pair of running shoes that are on their last legs, mostly made of cotton. I could cut the shoelaces into pieces and bury a few at each crossroads. Would that work?

Oh.

He's been mentioned before as liking strawberries and violets, if my memory serves me right.

[wadjet]

Directly asking a particular Deity to be your patron normally isn't advisable. Sometimes they're finicky. What I would do is start recognizing Him in personal observances, dedicate meditation time or even offering to Him specifically. Start the relationship from your end, but don't pin all your hopes on Him accepting. If He decides that you are indeed someone He'd like to personally watch over, then He'll let you know.

I want to second this advice, and add some additional opinion. I personally think it's important to examine why you want to dedicate yourself to only one God.

(Preemptive apology: I hope this doesn't sound harsh, because I'm speaking more about myself than you or other people...I don't want to sound judgmental, because I'm the one doing it!)

I've found that many people (myself included) who are early on their Polytheistic path have the desire for a patron deity, and I feel that this common behavior is rooted in our Christian Monotheistic worldview. We understand a God and Saints, maybe, but there still needs to be one god we go to. The harsh way to say it is I think that seeking patron deities is usually seeking replacement Christianity, because we're still trying to stay in our comfort zone. You'll only end up disappointed if you stay in your comfort zone! We're polytheistic for a reason.

There are also some individuals who seek patron gods for "selfish" or less than honorable purposes, for power, because they want to feel "special" or "chosen", etc. I've personally dealt with all these emotions and always make sure to assess myself when I approach something.

Of course, if you are working with a Greek pantheon, and some other types of cultures that features "cults" or frequent single-deity dedication, obviously having a patron deity isn't a problem. But it still might be good to make sure you know your reasons for seeking it.

(Did I come across okay?)

[Nachtigall]

Of course, if you are working with a Greek pantheon, and some other types of cultures that features "cults" or frequent single-deity dedication, obviously having a patron deity isn't a problem. But it still might be good to make sure you know your reasons for seeking it.

(Did I come across okay?)

That is actually a debatable topic in modern Hellenic Polytheism. There's a distinction between having a deity as a patron and being devoted to a deity. The latter is usually considered normal, as different deities appeal the most to different people, and it isn't a problem to be more devoted to one deity than to others (assuming the others are not excluded, though; at least if one wants to follow a more Recon based approach).

Besides, there are also patrons of cities and occupations - a resident of Athens would give special honor to Athena, and there's no reason why Colloquielle, as a businessman, wouldn't want to develop a good relationship with Hermes, God of Commerce.

Now, having a patron deity, as most pagans mean this, would imply a reciprocal relationship - i.e., not just the devotee decides to dedicate themselves to a deity, but the also the deity explicitly decides to take special interest in this particular person. Which may or may not happen - I won't be the one to tell what the Gods can or cannot do - but this cannot be forced, and this is most certainly not necessary for a spiritually fulfilling practice.

[Colloquielle]

You could also put something by your front door. He's the god of boundaries/doorways. Lots of folks in Ancient Greece used to have little mini-herms/shrines at their door for protection.

And since he is also a deity of communication? It can't hurt to ask him if he'd like you to follow him. It's not the same thing as saying, "Hey. Will you be my patron?" Similar, but with him, especially, wording is everything.

And as mentioned in another post, you might have already caught his attention. Do you notice a lot of coincidences happening around you? Things clicking together that don't seem like they'd normally do otherwise? He... can be subtle sometimes, but when he's around and you've opened your eyes to him, you know it.

PS.. http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/HermesGod.html

Thank you for both responses. I didn't realize that there was such a substantial difference between "me following one god in particular" and "me asking one god to be a patron", so I'll just ask if Hermes doesn't mind me following him, no patronage. I'll definitely find something to put on my door.

As for coincidences which are Hermes-related, for the past few weeks I've been hunting around for violets to put in my window. I also have a few pounds of strawberries at any given time, but they're in season.

Also, I'm at a point where, if my plans go wrong or if I'm just unlucky, I'll be staying in my childhood town for at least another few years. It was pretty discouraging at first, but then I became more optimistic about it and realized that there are still a lot of places I haven't been to, even though I've lived here all my life. I'm even thinking about going into urban exploration because there are a few abandoned buildings and old railroad tracks.

Generally, I try to make the best of a bad situation, which would explain the optimism, but I'm also firmly straight-laced. Urban exploration is something I never particularly wanted to try before, since it is barely within the rules and would probably get my clothes dirty (or need tetanus shots afterwards). I can't really explain why I've loosened up this much.

Wadjet: I've sorted out the patronage thing and will simply be "following Hermes in particular". Also, I was formerly a Buddhist. And a very lax Catholic before that. Your argument is sound, and I'm not offended. But I do have every intention of honoring the entire Greek pantheon, not playing at a monotheistic religion to remain within my comfort zone.

As for me bringing up following Hermes in particular: While I aspire to the creative career of a novelist and scriptwriter, I don't feel any particular desire to connect with any deity concerned with creative pursuits, which would be Apollo or one of the Muses. Because it's not logical (why would someone who stays inside scribbling on napkins want to follow Hermes?), I felt that it was a genuine spiritual connection of sorts.

[Nachtigall]

As for me bringing up following Hermes in particular: While I aspire to the creative career of a novelist and scriptwriter, I don't feel any particular desire to connect with any deity concerned with creative pursuits, which would be Apollo or one of the Muses. Because it's not logical (why would someone who stays inside scribbling on napkins want to follow Hermes?), I felt that it was a genuine spiritual connection of sorts.

Actually, although Apollo is associated with arts in general, Hermes has a special connection with languages and written word - so it would be very logical for a writer to follow Him.