Navigating Spiritual Practices: Understanding and Working with Deities

As an experienced practitioner in the realm of spiritual practices, I often encounter questions about the distinction between working with deities and what some refer to as 'trickster spirits.' In this article, I will provide guidance for beginners and experienced practitioners alike on how to differentiate between the two and establish a productive relationship with a deity.

Understanding the Concept of Trickster Spirits

The doctrine of 'trickster spirits' is one of the more insidious ideas to permeate the modern Pagan sphere. According to some, these spirits can impersonate deities, leading to the belief that every spirit encountered must be tested and potentially bound. While it is possible that some may attempt to impersonate deities, it is important to understand that this concept is a product of cultural and religious influences, not a genuine risk in most spiritual practices.

Identifying Deities

Firstly, it is crucial to recognize that lesser spirits cannot convincingly impersonate deities due to their distinct 'vibration.' Deities are said to fill a space and make the air ring or buzz with their presence. They are easily identifiable and unmistakable. A lesser spirit attempting to impersonate a deity would be as convincing as a fake Twitter account impersonating a celebrity.

Historical Context

Secondly, there is no precedent for 'trickster spirits' in ancient Pagan religions. The idea of spirits impersonating deities would have been absurd to ancient practitioners. These religions typically do not come with warnings that the spirits you encounter might not be the true deities.

Approaching Theurgy

Finally, the belief in 'trickster spirits' can create an unhealthy approach to theurgy, which is the practice of working with and communicating with deities. The goal of theurgy should be to form loving and trusting reciprocal relationships with deities, but this is difficult to achieve when you approach each encounter with mistrust. Trust is a fundamental aspect of any meaningful relationship, and bringing a lie-detector test to a first date is not a productive start.

Tackling Latent Christianity

The belief in deceptive spirits often stems from latent Christianity, where spirits are mistrusted and the need to test and bind them is strongly rooted in doctrine. The Bible, for example, mentions in 1 John 4 that spirits should be tested and in 2 Corinthians, it mentions the Devil appearing as an angel of light, suggesting that people may promote terrible things in the name of God. These verses are often used to mistrust all spirits, but they should not be taken out of context.

Setting Expectations

It is important to approach deities with the right expectations. Deities are powerful, benevolent spirits of nature or the astral world, and their purpose is to support and guide you. Like attracts like, so if you expect spirits to lie and manipulate you, you will attract manipulative spirits. If you approach the work with a trustful mindset, you are more likely to communicate with positive and benevolent entities.

Perceiving and Evaluating Spirits

Another key aspect is to be aware of a spirit's 'energy' or 'vibe.' Each spirit has a unique energetic 'signature' that can help you identify them. For example, a deity might 'feel' like an uplifting buzzing, while an ill-intentioned spirit might feel discordant or off. If you are truly concerned, you can also set up a ward that only allows well-meaning entities to enter. A Wiccan circle casting is one example, and the Golden Dawn LBRP is another.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is a strong possibility that you are not working with 'trickster spirits.' 'Trickster spirits' are not an actual danger of working with deities; rather, they are a concept influenced by Christian ideas about spirits and their role in the world. Ancient Pagan cultures did not have to worry about 'trickster spirits,' and neither do you. Trust, understanding, and awareness are key to forming a productive and meaningful relationship with a deity.