#saint is busy attuning btw

[sashkapi]

AU where this is the reason Pebbles wanted to off himself

[toverijenspokerij]

On why working with saints can be..... awkward? Until it is not.

I’ve got a few asks about this; ‘How to start working with saints’, ‘what are things to keep in mind when working with saints?’. And I thought it would be a good idea to kill all the proverbial birds with one stone. Well the first thing that comes to mind is awkwardness. Awkward (what a weird English word that is btw) in the sense of: if there is one saint in your life, or asking your attention, more saints will likely follow after you’ve opened up. Either quickly, or they will take their sweet time, or your saintly court will grow in time. Or at least it was awkward for me, since I left Catholicism quite early in my life. With me, it was a flood-gate that opened. Mary came trough (or never really left, actually) and then in came one saint, then another, then an archangel followed (because of reasons, via a friend), and then THERE WERE A LOT OF SAINTS that came through. Some are culturally important, others more magically, some both, and... yeh.. I’m glad I come from a really, really large family. So in practice, tending to my relations to my saints, isn’t all that different than the bi-monthly family get-together. Busy, loud and there is a lot to talk about/to catch up on. And food.  But back to the awkwardness! So within 2 to 3 months mother Mary had ‘summoned’ quite a number of saint statues around her. I was faced with the spiritual and energetic attention of various saints. And to be honest, I was out of my depth. Talking to them? Erhm... Sure? Kinda? Praying to them? Uh-oh, nope. Dreams, impressions, finding prayers, they were all very helpful, and it took some time but eventually I learned ways of fine-tuning our communication. And thus grew more.  The best I can compare it with is a friendly stranger showing up in your house, and tells you that they are there to stay, since they are family. And you kind-of know they are right. But still. But with other saints- once I got my bearings -things went smoother, easier. It helps a lot that- in my experience -the saints usually are eager to assist you.  And then, before you’ll know it, you have been lighting candles and giving them water and prayers for over a year! They whisper their messages to you, and your practice is enriched. Your workings are aided with insights that prove to be useful and maximize the effectiveness of them. But besides their magical usefulness, Mary and the saints aren’t tools nor are they quick fixes. They are entities that deserve respect. Because, when tended to properly with love and respect, family they be.  So. As with most things, keep it simple. This is minimize the getting-to-know awkwardness, but also to allow a clearer focus on what you are doing. There is always time for more candles, and paraphernalia. So stick with prayer and meditation, it will work itself out. And clean the place (where you have your saint(s)) frequently. Even if it is just a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth on a Sunday. Say a prayer, light a candle and give them a glass of fresh water. And pray, and be silent. You can talk all throughout the week to them, and even after this. But right after you’ve cleaned, said your prayers; be. silent & listen. Observe. I still like to keep my eyes shut for this. The silence, your silence, helps you to listen if the saint(s) have anything to say to you. And if not, the saint shrine is a point of stillness, a place for you and them where worlds meet it is never a bad thing to attune yourself to that. How to build a relationship with a saint starts with that. How to maintain it, is something you have to figure out yourself ;)  Anyway, that was me, killing those birds. Hope you are well. And if you want to read/know more, check out my #working with saints tag.  Take care,  Toverij & Spokerij