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So you’re wondering which Irish deity you should work with? This is a question I get asked a lot, and it’s not as straightforward as one might think. There are many factors to consider, and it’s crucial to approach this with the right mindset.
✨ Post by Lora O’Brien, MA in Irish History
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Understanding the Context of Irish Deity
When people ask me which Irish deity they should work with, my first response is always to ask them why they feel drawn to this path. What is it that’s calling you?
Is it a sense of connection to your heritage, a fascination with the stories and myths, or something deeper and more personal? Your personal answers to these questions are really important in deciding which Irish deity to work with.
First things first though, it’s essential to understand that Irish deities are not something you pick and choose on a whim. Our Gods and Goddesses are deeply rooted in the landscape, culture, and history of Ireland. Still.
Learn all you can about the Irish Deity you are interested in, but I cannot stress enough how important it is to educate yourself with source material from within the native culture, past and present. Please stop believing the appropriated and misunderstood wanderings of those who do not have a solid foundation in the culture and people from which these deities were born and reared.
These deities are part of our actual living traditions here in Ireland, and should be approached with respect and a genuine desire to connect. Le do thoil.
The Importance of Relationship with Irish Deity
Working with a deity is about building a relationship. This is not a casual endeavour; it requires time, effort, and a willingness to listen and learn.
Whichever God or Goddess you want to work with, please remember that there MUST be appropriate give and take. Far to many NeoPagans are coming in with the idea that they can ‘use’ a deity for a ritual or a spell, and expecting the Gods to just drop fucking everything and do the beck and call thing.
I dunno who that’s working for, but it certainly doesn’t work with our lot.
Yes, they may help out in an emergency, but in my experience, you sort of owe them one afterwards. So do take that into account.
Whether it’s out of basic decency and respect, a desire to not be just another of THOSE entitled fools raised in coloniser culture, or just a wish to actually be effective and get true results from your spiritual growth or magical practices… just don’t do that, ok?
Get to know the God you want to work with, just as you would in any other type of relationship. Bring a gift or two when you first show up. Check in regularly, just because. Figure out what they like, what they don’t like, and what sort of relationship is expected or wanted – by both parties. (Coz you do get a say too!)
And do all of that, probably for a good while, before you start demanding stuff for your own benefit, yeah? Our deities are not here to serve us. Instead, we should aim to serve them, honour them, and learn from them.
Learn More about Right Relationship Here.
Think about any relationship in your life. It takes time to get to know someone, to understand their likes and dislikes, and to build trust. The same goes for working with a deity.
It’s about mutual respect and a genuine connection.
Steps to Finding the Right Irish Deity for You
Here are some steps to help you find the Irish deity that might be right for you:
- Research and Learn: Start by learning about the different Irish deities. Read the myths and stories associated with them. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to make a connection. Look into sources like the Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of Invasions) and the Cath Maige Tuired (The Battle of Mag Tuired). Explore the tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the ancient gods and goddesses of Ireland.
- Reflect on Your Own Life: Consider what aspects of your life you’re seeking guidance or support in. Each deity has unique attributes and domains. For example, if you’re looking for inspiration and creativity, you might feel drawn to Brigid, the goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft. If you need strength and protection, the Morrigan, a formidable goddess of war and sovereignty, might call to you. Do understand however, these deities are complex – there is no simple answer to “who is the Irish God of XYZ?”
- Observe the Signs: Pay attention to the signs around you. Our deities often communicate through subtle hints and symbols. This might come in the form of dreams, repetitive symbols, or a strong pull towards a particular story or figure. Keep an open mind and heart.
- Keep a Record – I journal everything, because our often frail human brains are designed to lead us astray and drop the ball in certain ways (cognitive bias, heuristics, social conditioning, and memory functionality, for a start). Write shit down so you have an accurate picture of what’s happening to you, and you can tell if a god or goddess is actually showing up for you on the regular.
- Visit Sacred Sites: If you have the opportunity, visit the sacred sites associated with the deities. Standing on the Hill of Tara, exploring the ancient site of Newgrange, descending into the Mórrígan’s Cave in Roscommon, or visiting Brigid’s well in Kildare, can provide a profound sense of connection and understanding.
- Make Offerings and Prayers: Start small. Light a candle, leave an offering, or simply speak your intentions aloud. Building a relationship with a deity is much like nurturing a friendship – it grows with consistent, heartfelt effort.
🔗 Online Class – Making Offerings to Pagan Gods & Goddesses
My Personal Experience with Irish Deity
It’s important to understand, in all this, that you don’t have to work with any God or Goddess to be a practicing Pagan, or to follow native Irish spiritual traditions.
In fact, you’re probably closer to any Irish ancestral connections that are there by just having a general ‘something bigger than me exists but I’m not sure what’ worldview, given that the people of this island have been colonised by Christianity for a solid 1500 years or so.
When I started my journey, I didn’t set out to work with a specific deity. Instead, I immersed myself in the stories, the landscapes, and the culture.
Over time, certain deities began to stand out, and I felt a strong pull towards them. For me, the Morrigan was one such deity. Her fierce, protective nature resonated with my own life experiences and challenges.
🐦⬛ Learn More for Yourself at the Morrigan Academy
I didn’t rush the process. I spent time learning about her, making offerings, and listening to what she had to teach me. It’s been a rewarding and deeply transformative experience.
Embracing the Journey
Working with an Irish deity is a journey of discovery, not just of the divine but of yourself. It requires patience, respect, and an open heart. Don’t rush the process. Let the connection develop naturally, and be prepared for the unexpected.
In case I haven’t made it clear enough yet, you need to understand that in Ireland, we don’t really have specific Gods of this and that.
Yes, there are attributes that are associated with Irish deities, but they are not the be all and end all of what that God or Goddess is about.
For example, the Mórrígan – as mentioned above – is often called a Goddess of War. Technically, she (or they, if we’re including her sisters/ aspects) does be around a lot of battles, and does seem to be concerned with fighting, according to her native lore mythology… as well as many people’s experience of her.
However, she is more rightly and roundedly concerned with poetic prophecy, her tribe or people, Otherworldly animals, transformation and change, and magic.
Her ‘War Goddess’ role is a part of what she is, for sure. But it’s not the whole picture, and it’s doing both you and them a disservice to reduce them to a soundbite.
Our Irish Gods and Goddesses are known for their depth and complexity, and they can guide you in ways you never imagined.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from the community. Join discussions, take courses, and immerse yourself in the wealth of knowledge available.
✨➡️ All of Our Online Courses on Irish Gods 👀
We offer numerous resources to help you on your path, from blog posts to in-depth online courses on specific deities and practices.
Working with Irish Deity
Choosing to work with an Irish deity is a significant step on your spiritual journey. Approach it with humility, respect, and a genuine desire to learn and grow.
Our Gods and Goddesses have much to teach us, but it’s up to each one of us to drop any perceived entitlement to their time, attention, or care – and make the genuine effort to listen and connect authentically.
So, which Irish deity should you work with?
The answer (as ever) lies within you, in the whispers of your heart and the signs around you. Take your time, do your research, and trust in the journey.
Slán go fóill (goodbye for now), and may your path be blessed with wisdom and wonder.
Your journey into the world of Irish deities may be just beginning, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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