Daily Devotional - A Small Rite

I don't usually light a candle when performing my morning and evening daily devotionals. I occasionally burn incense, though more frequently at night to remove any stray gunk that I have accumulated throughout the day.

I have a confession to make: I missed one of my devotionals yesterday. I felt like I needed a big gesture to get started back up again. It wasn't a requirement from Deity; it was my way of apologizing to God and Goddess for my lapse and returning to the process with renewed vigor. Now complete, I can easily say it was a good decision and that I'm glad I followed through with it.

I added the representations of the Elements this time around since I am beginning to approach them in Anni's Season of the Seeker program. A river rock for Earth, incense for Air, a tealight candle for Fire, and a container of Water - it needn't be more complicated than that. As a result of my adding these bits, the rite felt more complete and what I had previously viewed as a shrine had become a full-fledged altar.

Is it me or does my Lugh statuary seem extra happy today? He is holding a point of natural citrine and tumbled sunstone.

Even Danu seemed interested in the festivities this morning, as I could feel her presence. Here is Danu's statue, which many of you have likely seen on this blog before. Her offering bowl has a clear quartz point and a piece of tumbled moonstone.

If you're interested in starting a daily devotional practice, the easiest way to begin is to go before your altar and speak to Them. Heck, do it from your bed after you first wake up in the morning and prior to falling asleep - where doesn't matter so long as you get something out of the process (not material items but hopefully some form of spiritual growth).

Simple Rituals Are Just As Powerful

I took fifteen minutes out of my morning routine to burn my incense mixtures in honor of Danu and Lugh. Some might say that is an impossible amount of time for in the morning; others would be able to fit it in with no problem. Certainly the rising sun is a good time to honor Lugh, the Irish God of Light, but if you only had time at night available you would find that deity wouldn't look down upon you for it.

It was a simple ceremony where I burned the incense as an offering to them, as a way to honor all they are and all they have done for me. It was a way for me to commune with them aside from the morning and evening devotionals I have been doing for the past week.

I can't say that life is that much different; I don't have ravens greeting me at my windowsill every morning and there aren't any seagulls pecking at my front door asking for admittance. But I can tell you I feel more connected, and that is what all of this is about after all. The personal experience, the connection with something more than ourselves.

At least that's how I see it. So I encourage you to do something similar - any incense will do for any deity; it's the thought that counts.