Poseidon, My Patron Deity
How I came to worship the God of the Seas
The story of how I became a pagan isn’t a very long one. When I was a teenager I had a good friend who was Wiccan, and she often spoke to me of her faith. Naturally, it left me curious. While I held a deep interest in paganism, I was young and nervous, too much so to enact any steady practice.
As an adult I became more confident in following my own path. Struggling with chronic illness left me more spiritual than before, but I was still unsure where to aim my newfound spirituality. I began my search for a path and was once again brought back to paganism.
Wicca was never a path that felt the best for me, so I began to explore other faiths underneath the pagan umbrella. I came across Hellenism and Heathenry. I read about the Gods and how different people interact with them. It was a bit overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure where to begin or how to connect. I read about how others experienced Gods reaching out to them through signs, dreams, and situations. That left me even more unsure: Where do I begin? Do I wait for signs?
Luckily I didn’t have to stay in limbo long. I began to notice oceanic imagery appearing in my life, especially turtles. I wondered why and began my research. While I was scrolling social media I came across a picture of Poseidon clutching a turtle. That’s when everything clicked in my head!
Forming a relationship with Poseidon felt right in a way I can’t fully articulate. Deciding to worship a deity can often be instinctual and this was one of those instances. I felt Poseidon had much to teach me, a reason for reaching out to me with imagery and symbolism. Finding out why is how I started to practice.
I began by doing tarot card readings and setting up an altar. My altar was not very involved at first, and only contained a jar of seashells and a candle. I eventually added a statue. Over time I’ve continued to add things related to his domain: shells, lighthouse pins, ship knick-knacks, and oceanic imagery.
One of the best ways to begin a new relationship with a deity is to read about them: their myths, their domains, their families. I did this for several weeks before setting up any sort of altar or tarot card session. It helped settle some of the intimidation associated with approaching a new faith after leaving an old one or not having one at all.
I began this relationship with Poseidon five years ago. In this time I have come to consider him my patron deity. Throughout times of stress and comfort alike I have turned to him for guidance.
Poseidon is not mentioned as often as other deities worshiped in pagan paths. When I began my search for information, there was little about others worshiping him or considering him a patron deity. I hope to help fill this gap by providing my experiences and thoughts regarding worshiping him.
Poseidon is not the only God I worship. I give respect to all the Gods. However, I find that he is always “in my corner” so to speak, a guiding hand and fatherly figure. Even when I form relationships with other deities, he will always be there. I feel this is true for all the Gods. However, as myself and many other practicing pagans have found, there is always a deity (or deities) that are more prevalent in our lives than others. Why is for us to figure out through spiritual practice.