What’s the Deal with Offerings?
Offerings are a heartfelt way for us to express our gratitude and deep connection with the goddesses and gods we resonate with. They bless us with valuable insight and guidance – sometimes on a daily basis – so by making offerings we honour them and can thank them for their support. It’s a way of nurturing the relationship and showing respect.
Offerings can come in many forms, ranging from physical things like herbs, incense, food, and flowers, to intangible gestures like acts of service or making positive changes in our behaviour and lifestyle. The choice is yours to make it personal and meaningful.
While there are no rules when it comes to offerings, here are some helpful tips to consider:
- Research your guide and learn about the offerings they’ve been partial to traditionally. This will also help you align even more so with their energy and customs.
- Offerings can be kept on your altar for however long feels right to you – three days is often a good place to start – then respectfully returned to the earth (but no salt or glass, please!). Also, altars are not totally necessary for making offerings; you can leave them anywhere that feels right to you.
- When presenting your offering, clearly state its purpose and express that it is a dedicated offering to your chosen deity. This intention adds a powerful layer to your practice.
- Some witches feel that calling upon a deity without an intention to give something back in return can result in angering the divine being. Others believe that if you don’t have an offering, the goddess (or god) will simply choose to spend their energy elsewhere.
Whichever your experience, offerings are always a way to foster a stronger connection with your guides, and they’re a symbol of your dedication.