A lot of working with deities, or even spirits, is the concept of an offering. It is often the basis of communicating with these beings.
If you haven’t read our first post on the basics of working the deities, you can check it out here.
In that post, I suggest just beginning. Picking a deity you feel drawn to, and beginning. Well – the easiest way to begin, is by giving an offering.
An offering can be done as a means to reach out and begin a relationship, to honor a deity or spirit, as an act of gratitude and thanks, to simply be nice and show you care, as an exchange for help in a ritual or spell working…the list goes on and on.
To give an offering, make sure you have a clean, private space to do so.
It must be somewhere where the rest of your roommates, family, or pets cannot get to and know not to touch. It can be on your altar, or a separate space all together. Just make sure you keep it clean and free of dust or dirt, and that you pay attention to when it’s time to remove offerings before they get moldy.
Some like to have a designated dish – whether it be a chalice, bowl, or plate that their offerings go in. I have a little shell I use for offerings to the fae or my spirit guides. Others like to borrow something they already have in the kitchen cabinets. Use whatever works best for you and your circumstances. You can always change something up later.
But what should you give as an offering?
Well, it depends on who you’re reaching out to.
Doing some research into what the deity would like to receive is a good start in the beginning of the relationship. As you get to know them, they may ask for something specific, or let you know more of their interests.
Very common offerings include the following:
Candles
Choose a candle to burn in their honor, picking a color or scent that they’re associated with or that you know they’ll enjoy. Give it a designated space on an altar or in a room. I like to pick a chime candle, so it burns quickly and can still be watched while I’m in the room.
Food
The fae like sweets, but I’ve never heard of any deity complaining about sweets. Leaving a home-baked good as an offering is a great place to start. But, it can be something you love too. If you never share your skittles with anybody, ever, leaving a few for the deity can show you’re willing to sacrifice and share with them.
Leave the offering out for a few days. Know that it will not disappear or look eaten, but rather the energy of the item is taken in another realm. I usually warn spirit guides or deities an hour or two before I clean up, thanking them again and reminding them the food is there for them.
Usually on the third day, I’ll take the item and dispose of it. There’s lots of debate on how you should, but I’ve never gotten a spiritual slap on the wrist for the garbage bin or compost. Just make sure you don’t eat it. It was there for them in the first place.
Money
Whether you use real or fake money, this one is probably well known and common.
Small Trinkets
After researching your deity, you may find they like a certain nut, or maybe one is the Goddess of sewing, so you leave a needle and thread for them. Maybe one is a God of fire, so you leave some ashes for them. As you grow your relationship with the deity, you’ll find that on your day-to-day you might see something and think your deity would enjoy it, and pick it up.
That’s how it goes, really. As you build your relationship with the deity or spirit, offerings will come easier and be more personalized.
If this was helpful, check out our Instagram, showing giving an offering for Mabon.
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