One question I see over and over again is, “How do I find my patron deity?” For some Pagans this is super easy and for others it’s quite a process. Many Pagans will say that their patron deity choose them instead of the other way around. What are you to do though if you’re having trouble finding your patron?
First of all, don’t over think things. Where most Pagans have trouble is that they are making the process far more complicated than it needs to be. Many fret over their choice but it’s really not something to fret over. If you make a choice and want to change your mind later you can do that. Once you choose a patron doesn’t mean that it has to be for life. While some Pagans may have the same patron for life there are many that change patrons over the course of their life. It is perfectly okay to change patrons as you change if that is what works for you.
Begin your search by doing a little research. What pantheon or pantheons appeal to you? Start looking at the various gods contained therein. Which ones interest you? Do you connect better with masculine for feminine energy? Once you choose a couple that catch your attention do some more in-depth research on them. Learn all that you can about them. By this point you’ll probably be leaning to one or two more than the others.
Now it’s time to sit down and meditate. Set aside at least one session per deity you’re considering. One session may be enough to make your decision or you may need to do a couple of sessions. Take some time and introduce yourself to the prospective deities. Feel their energy. How does it meld with your energy? Ask them questions if you have any.
After the meditations you should have a pretty good idea who you want to work with. If you’re still unsure just go with you first gut instinct. Like I said earlier it is always possible to change later down the road if you feel moved to do so.
While altars are not necessary it can be helpful to set one up to your patron deity when you’re starting your journey with them. It helps you connect to your chosen deity and work with them directly. The altar doesn’t have to be anything fancy or elaborate. Just a space with some representations of your chosen deity. Set aside some time at least once a week to spend time at this sacred space connecting with your deity.