Magickal Tools in Wicca and Choosing a patron God and Goddess

The following is an response I wrote for questions about which tools to use and how to select a patron God and Goddess. The question was initially posted on wiccantogether.com. I hope you enjoy.

Well, the wonderful thing about Wicca and Paganism is that there are as many ways to practice our religion as there are people who are involved. The double edged sword to this is that it gives many the freedom they have been looking for to build a more personal relationship with a higher power (Gods and Goddesses, Elemental Spirit, Etc.) while at the same time leaving a lot of partial or incomplete information out there. This has been more and more the case as time goes on and our community is favoring online research and moving away from covens with strong histories. The good news is the information is more readily available for those who seek it than ever before.

In answer to your first question about tools, all of the tools we need are contained within us. We have the Element of Air in every breath. We have the Element of Fire that is our life force. We have the Element of Water that makes up over 70% of our bodies. We have the Element of Earth in our bodies as well. The Element of Spirit permeates it all. The purpose of any external tool is to help us get in touch with the internal equivalent. An external alter helps us in developing our internal alter. An Athame helps us learn to focus energy and becomes an extension of us. All the tools are to assist us in developing ourselves as a magical person. Often upon meditation you will gain a feel for which ones are appropriate to use at any given time for you in your work.

As far as a patron God or Goddess is concerned, this again differs greatly when you speak with people who practice Wicca. My suggestion is to begin with calling to the God and Goddess in the masculine and feminine qualities you seek to align with. You will know the presence of these Dieties when they join you. As you develop further, you will find that they often "introduce" themselves to you. This can occur when you are reading a book and suddenly realize the God or Goddess being described is the one you have been working with. It can come as a vision in meditation or a dream while sleeping. It could be that you are speaking with someone and they tell you the God or Goddess name of the Diety who has been with you.

One of the most important things to learn on this journey is to trust your own inner voice. That is often the voice connected directly to the Element of Spirit. Spirit will always be a more important guide than any one person. Though Spirit may also put those people on your path.

I hope this information is helpful to you on your journey.

The Spirit in me recognizes the Spirit in you.
Center of the Elemental Spirit
Blessed Be,
Marty Couch

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