Religious Respect

[paganmama999]

     I believe in "Outsiders."  These are gods, landspirits, etc., of other faiths that can hang around the perimeters of our homes, even our outdoor alters.  Most of the time I think they leave an area when they sense someone of a different faith has moved in and will not call on them to actively participate in rituals or ceremonies.  But still, they could be close by and curious.   The valley where I live has seen Native American encampments, Revolutionary War encampments, there was even a pretty big battle across the river.  It is because of the Native American influence around here that I start each ritual with an offering to them.  Nothing big, just a plate of food, some incence, or whatever, and respectful words to let them know they are not forgotten.  I usually take the offering out and away from the alter to one of the property lines or down by the creek.  Then I hail Odin or Brid or whoever at the alter and pay respects to my own ancestors there.  I don't know if the "others" appreciate it or not, but I've never had any knid of "trouble" in the house or on the land I live.  My ancestory is Celtic and Anglo-Saxon with a bit of Danish in there as well so the pantheons I've always felt close to are the ones I think my ancestors a long time ago would've known.  But I don't feel any close connection with the Native American pantheons (the Shawnee, specifically) except to pay my respects to them for living here first.  My pagan friends who, regrettably, don't live around here anymore, used to think it was strange that I did this.  Then they started doing it, too!  But where do we draw the line? Do we include all deities of all religions, just to be on the safe side? I'm not changing how I do things, but I know some who actually make a smaller, more general, offering for anyone else who happens to be there.  Well, to each his own.  If it makes them more comfortable.  Sort of like inviting your whole class to your birthday party even if you're not friends with them all!  But I have it clear in my head when I am at altar who I owe my alliegance to, and I make it clear that my altar is for these specific gods and my beloved dead only.  And I hope the others respect this.  My friends finally understand that I'm not against what they're doing, I just don't feel comfortable doing it myself.  I get better results working with a certain set of deities alone than a bunch mish mashed together, but that's just me!  :) 

[Momma_Halo]

Aug. 14, 2008 at 5:05 AM

Well I personally believe that all gods are one being but come out with different aspects for different cultures. They are all the same but different around the world. I do the mix and match due to this belief but also like a presidential election I also pick the aspects that fit my personal belief. Just never put two war like goddess's in the same spell.. that didn't turn out too pretty. Cat fight and all.

[paganmama999]

Aug. 14, 2008 at 12:17 PM

See, I believe individual gods all have their own deal.  I think it might be a reconstructionist thing?  But each god sorta looks after anyone who individually calls on them.  Yeah, I found out the hard way Odin does not play well with others!  What was I thinking?

(Original Poster)

[Momma_Halo]

Aug. 14, 2008 at 2:03 PM

I kind of take on a Buhdist perspective into my practice. They make sense to me but the problem is I don't agree with their Gender rules and political views.

[paganmama999]

Aug. 14, 2008 at 3:20 PM

Yeah. I know what you mean. I studied Buhddism for awhile when I was in college.

(Original Poster)