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Discussion
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how to give offerings
updated 1 year, 5 months ago
2 Members
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Personally, I always turn on my LED candles and thank Bastet for watching over me, my dad and my cats whenever giving her an offering, as well as wishing her a happy Ostara/Litha/etc depending on the sabbat/holiday if I give the offering on a sabbat/holiday. It varies practice to practice and may also vary depending on who or what you work with, so I don’t think there’s any hard rules to how you give offerings. I say, just do what feels right to you.
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I maintain a spirit pot on a daily basis. I offer a cup of coffee, a certain amount of I drip into the pot and cannabis which I smoke and blow into the pot as well. I offer these things because they are my vices and I do this before I partake myself. During ritual I will light candles. Some prayer candles I light over and over while other candles must burn out. Just how I do.
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At the end of the day, this will be entirely up to you, your practice, and who you are leaving offerings to. You may want to come up with something elaborate and poetic to say, or it could be a simple, casual “this offering is for ___, please enjoy” kind of thing. If you have an altar, you can leave the offering there for a few hours, overnight, or longer. If it is food and drink vs an herbal mix, for example, I would dispose of it sooner rather than later so it doesn’t mold. To dispose of it, I typically recommend putting it back into the earth (pour the wine into the ground outside and as long as it is friendly for animals and the environment, leave the food or herbs or crystal out there too). Again, I’m just using examples. If you wish to light a candle, you absolutely can. It could be for as short as five minutes if that’s all you have, or until it burns all the way down. You don’t have to make it an everyday thing or a set schedule, unless that is something you feel drawn to do. If you are ever unsure of what offerings to leave, ask the spirit or deity. If you have more questions about it, please let me know 😊
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for me it really just depends on the scenario. sometimes it’s formally towards a specific deity and offering, others it’s random leftovers I can’t finish, a tumbled Stone left on a ledge, leftover animal pellets and seeds spread in the yard. sometimes I get a couple extra bucks on my paycheck so I’ll donate to my favorite small streamer or offer the gas attendant a snack. sometimes it’s as simple as taking a few minutes to breathe and thank the universe in the appreciation of a positive outcome or a beautiful moment. recognize the Divinity in all things and constantly randomly celebrate moments of all kinds. sorry I know that’s not much of a traditional or specific answer, that’s just how I do it.
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There is the method some in the occult use. Its a biy between invocation and evocation.
Connecting with the spirit youre offering it to and offerring the experience. Since they cant actually consume food and beverages. It also prevents waste.
In a way you can think of enjoying it with them. As you enjoy whatever it is. Feel that connection and project your experience. Even “imagine” them enjoy it.
And the more you like whatever is the stronger the experience you give them
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I just give a respectful little presentation, like a bow or outspread hands, place whatever food I made on the table for them (they seemed to really like from-scratch blueberry muffins) and I say, “Please, have it. It’s for you. Thank you for being so good to me.” If it molds over or goes bad quickly (like in 4 days or so), I take it as them not caring for the gift and I should make something else. So far I’ve found my deities really enjoy green tea, blueberry muffins, wine, and peach tea. They also love when you “make” them a candle. Like, carve one or dress one.. or paint one! And tell them it’s theirs, and when you light it you’re doing so to pay respects or pray or invite them in.
