Types of Offerings
So the other day I was thinking about the types of offerings we make to the gods and spirits – not the specific things themselves, but more the general categories, and why we select what we do. Here are the themes I came up with – I figure it’s kind of a handy reference when one is trying to come up with an appropriate offering, and I’d also like to hear if anyone has additions. These are not discrete categories – an offering might easily overlap several of these.
TANGIBLE OFFERINGS (actual, physical items)
- something you love and want, and don’t want to let go of (given not only because of the preciousness of the item, but because the loss to yourself is significant)
- something that is expensive or difficult to procure (given because of the effort involved)
- things They like in general or are traditionally held to be sacred to Them (roses for Aphrodite, wine for almost any Greek deity, etc.)
- things that have significance between you and Them specifically (i.e., due to personal UPG and experience, not necessarily applicable to any other worshipper)
- things They request specially on a certain occasion (via divination, oracle, omen or other communication)
- things that have inherent power, at least within your tradition (blood, water, fire)
- a piece of whatever you have (sharing your meal, tithing a portion of your income)
- something you make or create just for Them (a poem, a cake, a painting)
INTANGIBLE OFFERINGS (actions, energy, etc.)
- something you do because it’s Their area of interest (performing magic with Hermes, forging a tool with Hephaistos, caring for animals for Artemis)
- something you do to help Their other devotees (either collectively, such as putting up an online resource to share information, or individually, such as counseling a fellow devotee in need)
- something you do because it’s difficult (fasting, elaborate ritual, certain taboos)
- something you do to learn more about Them (reading, research, learning more about Their field of interest)
- something you do because it keeps Them in your mind (wearing devotional jewelry, saying prayers at certain times, etc.)
