Offering

A respectful relationship is about giving freely in a caring manner. This part of the ritual shows the divine that we don’t want to take without first giving. The reciprocal nature of this free exchange, made with the consent of all concerned and without any coercion, is the key to establishing mutual trust between us and the deities we’re asking for advice, assistance, or companionship. This is one of the ways we weave ourselves more deeply into the world around us so we can live fuller, more meaningful lives. Remember, the gods aren’t cosmic vending machines. When we treat them like we would any honored guest or cherished elder, they show us an equal measure of generosity and respect.

First state the purpose of the ritual:

We have come here today to [CELEBRATE, ASK FOR HELP, GIVE THANKS, ETC.].

Make the offering:

Today we offer [OFFERING ITEM] to [DEITY].

For each offering item, retrieve it from the side table, dedicate it to the deity, then set it on the altar or pour the libation. Empty containers go back on the side table once you’ve given the offering. If there’s more than one offering item, dedicate each one and set it on the altar or pour it out, then allow the officiant who’s embodying the deity to respond before dedicating the next one. If it’s appropriate to the focus of the ritual, the participants may sing or chant as each offering is made.

The officiant who embodies each deity should respond to their offering immediately after it’s made:

I have received your offering, and I thank you for it.

People who embody the Mothers, including Ourania, may choose to say:

My children, I have received your offering, and I thank you for it.

You may choose to sing the Offering Chant while you’re making the offering or as soon as you’re finished:

We give, we share, we return to you
From all that we have received
We offer our bounty in thankfulness
In joy we shall proceed

Once the offerings have been made, it is time to continue.