What is the point in giving offerings to the gods and ancestors? The tradition of giving offerings dates back to prehistoric times. We see this practice in the Bible and ancient holy texts, as well as through evidence in archaeology, cave paintings, and tombs. Our ancestors thought giving offerings to gods and goddesses would gain their favor and keep misfortune at bay. Today, people give offerings in a variety of places where religious rites are performed.
As a pagan, you might wonder whether you should give offerings to gods and ancestors. This should actually be a part of your tradition on a regular basis. To give an offering to a god or ancestor is like making an exchange or a deal. “I’m giving you this in exchange for that.” On the contrast, you can also give an offering to thank the god or ancestor for their support. Think of it like this, if someone you loved gave you a thoughtful gift just to say thank you, how would you feel? Wouldn’t you be grateful and more wont to bestow gifts upon that person, too? It’s the same thing with offerings to gods and ancestors – think of them as gifts.
I think of my relationships with my gods as friendships, partnerships and sometimes even familial or romantic. YES, I said it. So when we think about how we treat the ones closest to us, we should apply that process to our connection with deity. Even using the 5 Love Languages will help you understand how to treat a close spirit. Through services, words of affirmation, gifts, quality time, and physical touch.
Many people get confused on what offerings to give their gods, goddesses, and ancestors. This isn’t difficult and should be a fun part of your pagan practice. The key to giving good offerings to gods is to simply be mindful of what you are offering. Some gods and goddesses have preferred offerings. Look up your god or goddess online + offerings and I’m sure you’ll find some great suggestions.
As you can see, there is no limit to what you can offer your god or goddess. First research what your god or goddess would prefer before giving an offering. But, if you don’t have a special kind of incense or you can’t afford that particular offering, give what you can. The gods aren’t jerks (mostly) and will understand if you give an offering with a pure heart. Keep in mind, don’t give offerings to gods that you wouldn’t enjoy receiving as a gift yourself!
After months of study and connection with Berchta, I had enough information to write a long article on her. Following my post, I realized something – this article all about her true nature and beauty was more of an honor to her than any physical offering. Why? Because it put her name out to the masses and taught those who might be searching for her about her origins, folklore, history, associations, and qualities. Things people might not find anywhere else on the web. Things that only come through a personal relationship with the Divine.
When I found my goddess, or rather when she found me, there wasn’t a lot of information about her on the web or in books. Berchta was one of those obscure, nearly forgotten German goddesses from the past whose name mostly survives in nightmarish, European winter folklore. A few people had written their thoughts and experiences about Berchta on their websites, but it wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to know everything about her.
After months of study and connection with Berchta, I had enough information to write a long article on her. Following my post, I realized something – this article all about her true nature and beauty was more of an honor to her than any physical offering. Why? Because it put her name out to the masses and taught those who might be searching for her about her origins, folklore, history, associations, and qualities. Things people might not find anywhere else on the web. Things that only come through a personal relationship with the Divine.
For my artwork offering, dedicated to Berchta, I was inspired by her sacred symbols. Berchta carries a ring with keys on her belt – the keys to the cycles of life and to the other realms. I drew a ring with keys and then turned the ring into a spinning wheel, because Berchta is a spinner of fate (similar to the Norns and Fates). Runes sacred to Berchta make up the keys, which are decorated in sacred evergreen foliage. You can create a sacred symbol for your deities and ancestors, as well.
Aphrodite | Osiris | Brigid | Cernunnos | Odin | Cliodhna | Berchta | Ancestors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Roses | Cedar | Red clover | Acorns | Wine | Mead | Fish | Flowers |
Perfume | Dates | Poetry | Coins | Mead | Hagstones | Bread | Tobacco |
Myrtle | Myrh | Candles | Evergreens | Pork | Song | Porridge | Family Recipes |
Ancestors are a bit different from the gods and goddesses as far as the types of offerings. Our ancestors make up our bloodline, so therefore we should put extra thought into the offerings to ancestors. If you have an ancestor altar or shrine of some kind, it’s best to leave their offerings on their altar. But always do what feels most appropriate to you.
If you are giving an offering to an ancestor that you knew in life, think about what that person liked while they were alive. For example, maybe it was your grandfather and you know that he smoked cigars. You can offer a cigar or a bit of tobacco. Or maybe it was your great aunt and she loved tulips, a vase of tulips is perfect for her. Maybe your great grandmother loved caramel candies, leave a few of these on the altar for her.
The options are endless and it is really about being mindful and thoughtful of what you are leaving as offerings. Artistic offerings are always appreciated by the ancestors: poetry, song, paintings, sketches, etc. I also believe when we put time and effort into our family tree, this is a form of offering as it brings your ancestors’ memories to life. Telling stories about your ancestors and keeping their memory alive is the highest form of flattery.
If you didn’t know your ancestor while they were alive, and let’s say you are giving an offering to your ancient ancestors, think about their heritage. Think about where they lived and what was common as far as foods back then. Perhaps a bowl of milk or slice of bread might be appropriate for those who lived in Europe in Medieval times. Or maybe leaving a bit of dried plant matter or herbs that were common in those times. For example, red clover for Irish ancestors, Elder berries for English ancestors, etc. Learn more about ancient ancestors and how to connect with them here.
Many people want to know what they’re supposed to do with the offerings to gods and ancestors once sufficient time has passed. This is an easy enough question to answer. Do what you feel is best. However, it seems somewhat disrespectful to throw away certain things.
Here’s some tips on how to dispose of offerings in appropriate ways:
You might find that as the seasons pass you will get the urge to change your altar decorations. This can also include seasonal offerings to the gods and ancestors. For instance, if the summer solstice is on its way, you might want to take down your Spring décor (eggs, rabbits, etc) to make room for summer décor. This can include switching out plants, flowers, bowls of dried herbs and stones all dedicated to the gods and ancestors.
Often when I clean and reorganize my altar, I am thinking of what the gods associated with the coming season would enjoy. This typically includes different stones, dried flower petals and herbs, and even boughs or branches of evergreen trees. Depending on what gods you work with or what branch of paganism you follow, this will influence how you set up your altar and whether or not you change your offerings and altar décor with the seasons.
The choice is ultimately up to you what you want to offer to your gods and ancestors. The key to giving the best offerings is to simply be mindful and intentional of what you are giving. You wouldn’t invite an honored guest over for dinner and throw out a bowl of two-day-old leftovers, would you? So treat your gods and ancestors with just as much respect, if not more. Think about what you are giving them and whether or not they would really enjoy it if they were sitting across from you at your dinner table. While I’m sure most of the gods and ancestors are just happy to be recognized after years of being ignored, we still want to be respectful, polite, and thoughtful.
Fire burns and protects. The fire element is one of the fiercest and yet required …
September 16, 2023Maiden of Life. Bringer of Death. Goddess of the Underworld. These labels evoke strong visuals …
September 4, 2023
Ren | 10th Dec 22
offering process (for me):
1. pick something for them
2. give it out in any manner deemed fit for the circumstances (that’s the fanciest way I’ve ever written “give it to them”)
3. leave it out for a few minutes, 1 hour, a day, or something akin to that. if it’s a food or drink, you can eat/drink it yourself (you’ll be connected to them). if it’s an item, feel free to leave it there or put it in another place (I either a, leave it as is, or b. put it into a jar). if it’s a disposable non-edible, then you can bury/burn/throw it away.
Odin: 9 Ways to Work With the Norse Germanic AllFather | 8th Jan 21
[…] addition to keeping space for him, giving offerings is another great way to honor the All Father, as with any deity. All of these are merely […]
Hecate: 13 Ways to Work With the Goddess of Witchcraft | 26th Dec 20
[…] addition to keeping space for her, giving offerings is another great way to work with her. Nearly every god or goddess we work with in our practice […]
Kitchen Witch: Magical Spices in Your Kitchen Cabinet | 10th Nov 20
[…] these herbs/spices as offerings to your ancestors or […]
Rhiannon Goddess: 14 Ways to Work With the Goddess of Horses | 6th Aug 20
[…] addition to keeping space for her, giving offerings is another great way to work with her, as with any deity. I’ve already mentioned music but […]
How to Find Your God and Goddess - Otherworldly Oracle | 27th Jul 20
[…] The Basics on Offerings to the Gods […]
Hailey Davis | 25th Mar 20
I move a lot because of school! also seasonal offerings sometimes. What do you do with the stuff after you take it off or have to move it? I dont wanna piss anyone off and I wanna be respectful I’m just not sure how yet!!
admin | 26th Mar 20
Offerings of food or beverage can be trashed or poured out onto the ground outside. Incense ashes can be saved in a jar and used to make black witches’ salt.
Alaska | 17th Aug 20
Is it okay to cover food offerings? And about how long should a food offering be left for them?
admin | 17th Aug 20
Food offerings should be left open to the air. I leave food offerings over night.
Robbie Richardson | 19th Nov 21
I’m norse pagan and we are a feasting community that shares their spoils so I’ll put my offering out and when they gods are ready they share it with us… so yeah like some of the drinks and food that don’t spoil (loki loves candy) they’ll share their offerings with us… and yes they share because we’ll get an overwhelming sense of you gotta eat/drink this now
Essential Oil Magical Properties Chart and Magical Uses | 9th Feb 20
[…] calling on spirits, offerings to gods, protection, […]
Tea Offerings: How to Craft Teas for Gods & Goddesses | 11th Jul 19
[…] Offerings to Gods and Ancestors: The Basics […]
Eostre: Goddess of Spring and Ostara - Otherworldly Oracle | 12th Mar 19
[…] The Basics on Offerings to the Gods […]
For the Beginner Pagan, Wiccan, & Witch: Tips & Resources to Get Started | 6th Mar 19
[…] offerings to your new god or […]
Kasyoka | 21st Feb 19
good advice
How to Be a Sea Witch in 6 Essential Steps - Otherworldly Oracle | 11th Dec 18
[…] create a relationship with your local bodies of water, give offerings. These should be biodegradable and eco-friendly. Creating a mandala on the beach using seashells, […]
Homemade Divination: How to Make Rune Cards for Spreads, Castings, & Study | 15th Aug 18
[…] name, symbolism, associated god, associated letter, and magical […]
Modern Sun Worship: Solar Deities, Sun Worship Rituals, Sun Magic and More! | 22nd Jul 18
[…] worship the sun? Yes! There is such a thing as modern sun worship and it is pretty common. Many neo-pagans worship the sun by incorporating sun worship rituals, sun magic, and solar deities into their […]
Bear Goddesses and Gods Across Cultures - Otherworldly Oracle | 21st Jul 18
[…] Gods and goddesses of the ancient world held a connection with certain animals. This is because our ancestors’ beliefs were animistic – they believed everything on earth had consciousness and a soul. Wildlife was sacred in ancient times. The bear is one of the most powerful and most feared of the animal kingdom. Dating back thousands of years, the people of Europe left their marks on cave walls—some of these drawings were of bears. Shamans have revered the bear for its power, but also for its motherhood qualities and healing abilities. Bear medicine is strong medicine, according to Native Americans. Its no wonder ancient gods and goddesses were connected to the bear. Learn of the bear goddesses and bear god here. […]
How to Cast a Circle for Pagan Rituals - Otherworldly Oracle | 26th Jun 18
[…] the metaphysical and pagan communities, we are told it is crucial to cast a circle before rituals and sabbats. But why do we […]
Berchta: Alpine Goddess of Women, Children, and the Perchten | 11th Jun 18
[…] a name that’s changed often over the centuries. A once widespread and greatly loved Germanic goddess, she still survives in German, Swiss, and Austrian folklore but under a different, more hideous […]