If you’ve ever thought about working with a deity, you’ve probably run into a lot of advice—some of it helpful, some of it a little overwhelming. People will tell you what you need—altars decked out with rare items, complex rituals, hours of research—and it can make the whole thing feel a bit out of reach. But here’s the thing: you really don’t need all that.
Deity work is personal and accessible, and it’s about the connection you build, not the stuff you accumulate or the rituals you perfect. So, if you’re feeling like you’re not ready because you don’t have the ‘right’ setup, this post is for you.
Let’s break down six common myths about what you absolutely don’t need to work with a deity, and hopefully, it’ll ease some of that pressure and help you dive into deity work with confidence.
And if you’re looking for more ways to get started, don’t forget to grab my free 10 Ways to Work with Deities guide—it’s packed with ideas you can try right now!
6. A Fancy Altar
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you need an Instagram-worthy altar to connect with a deity. While having a sacred space can help focus your energy, it’s not a requirement. Deities aren’t looking for a perfect setup; they care about your intent.
You can connect with a deity anywhere—whether it’s in your living room, backyard, or even in your car. Don’t let a lack of altar space stop you from working with a deity.
5. Expensive Offerings
Some might tell you that expensive offerings, like rare crystals or imported herbs, are necessary to honor a deity. Not true. What matters most, if you choose to do offerings, is the sincerity behind the offering. Simple things like a cup of water, a candle, or flowers from your yard are just as meaningful. It’s all about the connection you’re building, not how much money you spend.
And to be honest, offerings aren’t even necessary. That’s one way to work with deities, and I personally use offerings quite a bit (especially for simple requests), but it’s certainly not the only way. Some of my most intense rituals, like invocations, evocations, or prayers, have been without offerings.
4. To Know Everything About Their Lore
You don’t need to be a walking encyclopedia about a deity to work with them. Sure, learning about their mythology and history can be helpful, but it’s not required. Deity work is about the relationship you build through personal experience. Start with what you know and let your connection grow organically. The learning can come later.
Personally, I learn a bit about the lore then do a bit of practical connection, then repeat. I find this helps me stay grounded in the factual knowledge but also connect with the energy of the deity. Lore without energy is just words.
And if you want to dive deeper into different deities, their histories, and how to work with them in modern magic, the Tea & Rosemary Member’s Corner has a full library dedicated to deity work and so much more. Our “deity of the week library” is basically dedicated to in-depth knowledge behind each deity, including symbols, lore, practical magic, gnosis, hymns, subliminals, and more.
3. A Formal Initiation or Priesthood
Contrary to what some may believe, you don’t need a formal initiation, membership in a coven, or priesthood status to start working with a deity. Your personal connection is what matters most. There’s no need for a middleman—just you and the deity. If initiation or deeper training calls to you down the road, great! But it’s not a starting requirement.
I actually recommend doing simple rituals with a deity before you get into in-depth initiations. Get a taste for the deity’s energy and see if it’s right for you first.
2. The “Right” Ritual
There’s no such thing as a perfect ritual, and waiting until you can do everything “right” is just an excuse to procrastinate. Working with a deity doesn’t require flawless ritual execution. Start where you are, even if it’s just lighting a candle and having a simple conversation. Deities understand human imperfection—they’re more interested in your genuine effort than ritual perfection.
There is no one ritual that can connect you to a deity. Some rituals are better than others, but at the end of the day, it’s just about putting the time and energy into it, and allowing yourself to actually receive energy back.
1. Constant Offerings
You don’t need to offer something every time you connect with a deity. While regular offerings can be part of the practice, it’s not a rule. Some deities may prefer acts of devotion or service instead of physical items. Offer your time, your energy, or your dedication to learning—these are just as valuable as any tangible gift.
You can also do rituals to understand the archetype of the deity without any offering at all. In my experience, most deities are perfectly happy to work without offerings, as long as you’re truly interested in what they can teach you.
The truth is, working with a deity is a deeply personal experience, and what’s necessary for one person might be completely irrelevant to someone else. Forget the checklist of material items or perfect knowledge. Focus on genuine connection, intent, and respect, and you’ll be well on your way to building a meaningful relationship with the deities you want to work with.
Ready to dive deeper into your deity work? Check out my free guide covering 10 Ways to Work with Deities, and if you want access to a full library of spells, deity profiles, and rituals, consider joining the Tea & Rosemary Member’s Corner—it’s the perfect place to expand your practice!