Aspecting

[Ivy Artemisia]

For those of you who use aspecting in your practice, I would love to know... what do you do to open yourself up to the Gods? I have "opening" issues- I can't really energetically open up... unless I've had a few drinks. And I'd rather not spiritually open up while intoxicated- even though Im not drunk, perse, I'd rather build my "skill set" up so that I don't have to drink to feel "open."

I don't know if I have control issues, deep seated fears of what would happen if I was too open, or what? I used to be very empathic, and psychic, but now I've kinda closed that off, somehow. Anyway, aspecting is something I really struggle with, and if you have any opening/relaxing tips that you'd be willing to share, I'd be extremely appreciative.

[Anubis RainHawk]

I haven't learned to aspect, but I had really intense experiences witnessing a priest and priest aspect at Witchcamp a month ago. From what I understood, the priest said that what he did was basically push his consciousness down so that the Goddess could come in through his crown and basically take over.

You may be interested in reading this Aspecting and Anchoring: An RQ Section Theme (http://www.reclaimingquarterly.org/86/rq-86-aspect-intro.html)

[Jenett]

Some thoughts that might help:

1) It is a challenging experience: there's some good reasons for reservations. The first thing I look at is "Why do I want to do this aspecting work?" My experience is that when it's truly something I feel called to do, it's far easier for me than it is if I'm doing it for experience, or if it's a deity I don't strongly connect with. My take is that there are many other - safer, easier to manage - ways for me to interact with deity for my own needs: aspecting is something I consider a service to a community or group or something else beyond myself.

2) A witch of my acquaintance describes it as something you should only do with those deities who love you beyond reason - this implies a significant pre-existing relationship and set of interactions. I've found that some ongoing research/reading plus some ongoing daily devotional work (such as a small shrine or something like singing a song to them every day) helps a lot, especially done for about a month before I intend to do the aspecting work.

3) This is not entirely a safe process. Just like any other challenging act, it's good and appropriate to have backup. This helps a lot in making me feel more secure, too - it's easier to loosen control if you know there are specific people you've talked to in the same space who will help keep you safe and help bring you back if you need it. (It is important, though, to talk frankly about whatever your own personal limits and needs are.)

4) It is possible to do exercises to work up to it: for example, first working on a close connectionw ith a deity, then moving closer to them, then them moving into you: this can help break down concerns about control.

5) A glass of wine can be a useful tool - so can various herbal options, depending on your own allergies/preferences/etc. For example, both mullein and mugwort are considered to help open you up psychically in some ways, lavender can help relax you, etc.

I'd suggest considering scented oils or salves and working to build a deliberate scent trigger over time instead of imbibing something because they're easier to remove when you're *done* (i.e. you can take a cloth with a particular oil away from your nose, wash salve or scented oil off your skin).

[Windsmith]

Set boundaries beforehand. Opening yourself is easier when you are absolutely certain - and certain that whoever or whatever you're aspecting understands - that you call the shots. It's your body; you're in charge - even if you're aspecting a deity.

As Jenett wisely points out, be clear that you will only accept a deity or spirit who loves you beyond reason. Someone who will have no interest in doing you harm.

Set a time limit. Lay some physical parameters, like, "We will not go outside," or "We will not operate kitchen appliances or power tools" (you never know when these things will be important).

Be as open as you want, but be aware that there's such a thing as too open. You can welcome a deity into your body, but you need to retain ultimate control of your body. I believe that knowing how to unaspect - how to kick the spirit out of your body if they overstay their welcome or try to do anything that would harm you - is more important than knowing how to open yourself to aspecting in the first place. And I believe that once you're secure in your knowledge of how to give somebody the boot, you'll be much more comfortable and able to open to them.

[Ivy Artemisia]

Thank you for all of your great responses. I am really enjoying this new forum, too- I felt very comfortable posting this here, knowing that I'd get some insight from those who have experience with this.

Anubis RainHawk- thanks for the link. I've already read at least one of those articles before, but I'm going to go ahead and read the rest of them. I've done so much research on aspecting, ie: cautionary tales and tips, degrees of aspecting, etc. I guess more couldn't hurt. :) The example of pushing consciousness down, and the use of the crown chakra really gives me a visual starting point. I really appreciate that.

Jenett- thanks for sharing your thoughts/tips. I have experimented with herbal mixtures while learning about herbcraft, and made a crazy mixture of mugwort, damiana, and kava kava. I don't remember if it was a salve, oil, or tincture- maybe an ointment?, but it was the first time I'd used herbs that altered my perception at all. I had heard those were good for relaxing and opening up... all 3 at once- well, it wasn't psychadelic, but it was very interesting (I was an herbal skeptic- I didn't really believe that they could affect you physically). When you said this:
aspecting is something I consider a service to a community or group or something else beyond myself. - I totally agree. I lead a small group, and this is something I've been wanting to master (or at least experience) for years. I feel that I'm a good priestess, however, aspecting is something a priestess should be able to do for her group, and so I feel as though I really should be able to do this.

Windsmith- thanks for your advice- setting physical parameters is something that didn't occur to me, though it makes perfect sense. Thanks so much.

-------------------

After reading the great ideas and the help you've given me, I have a few more questions, if you don't mind...

In regards to aspecting a deity that loves you, and that you've honored, etc... does this mean its a good idea for one to aspect their patron/ess only? Or can you simply choose a god/dess (with good reason, of course), focus on honoring them and then aspect them?

DDTM is probably the most widely known aspecting ritual- and (depending on the version/trad) usually one invoke the Goddess of the full moon. Now, how do you feel about invoking/aspecting a 'generic (I can't think of a better term)' Goddess, rather than a specific Goddess. I'm sure this will differ in regards to one's beliefs- hard vs. soft polytheists.

Have you heard any stories/had any experiences where one has had a very unexpected experience while aspecting? I'd be very interested to hear them.

Physically, how does one feel while aspecting?

Thank you so much for all of your help. :)

[David19]

I haven't learned to aspect, but I had really intense experiences witnessing a priest and priest aspect at Witchcamp a month ago. From what I understood, the priest said that what he did was basically push his consciousness down so that the Goddess could come in through his crown and basically take over.

You may be interested in reading this Aspecting and Anchoring: An RQ Section Theme (http://www.reclaimingquarterly.org/86/rq-86-aspect-intro.html)

Thanks for that interesting link :).

[David19]

Set boundaries beforehand. Opening yourself is easier when you are absolutely certain - and certain that whoever or whatever you're aspecting understands - that you call the shots. It's your body; you're in charge - even if you're aspecting a deity.

As Jenett wisely points out, be clear that you will only accept a deity or spirit who loves you beyond reason. Someone who will have no interest in doing you harm.

Set a time limit. Lay some physical parameters, like, "We will not go outside," or "We will not operate kitchen appliances or power tools" (you never know when these things will be important).

Be as open as you want, but be aware that there's such a thing as too open. You can welcome a deity into your body, but you need to retain ultimate control of your body. I believe that knowing how to unaspect - how to kick the spirit out of your body if they overstay their welcome or try to do anything that would harm you - is more important than knowing how to open yourself to aspecting in the first place. And I believe that once you're secure in your knowledge of how to give somebody the boot, you'll be much more comfortable and able to open to them.

Very good advice, and good points :).

[Teresa]

Good Advice All ! :thumbsup:

I an going to check out that link too !

[Rowan Darkmoon]

For those of you who use aspecting in your practice, I would love to know... what do you do to open yourself up to the Gods? I have "opening" issues- I can't really energetically open up... unless I've had a few drinks. And I'd rather not spiritually open up while intoxicated- even though Im not drunk, perse, I'd rather build my "skill set" up so that I don't have to drink to feel "open."

I don't know if I have control issues, deep seated fears of what would happen if I was too open, or what? I used to be very empathic, and psychic, but now I've kinda closed that off, somehow. Anyway, aspecting is something I really struggle with, and if you have any opening/relaxing tips that you'd be willing to share, I'd be extremely appreciative.

I guess, from another viewpoint, why do you feel like you want to aspect? Maybe, explore that first before you go any further. Do you feel like you "need" to aspect to prove something to yourself or others? I've felt like that at times in my own practice.

Maybe exploring a different set of relaxation techiques could help to relax you, and assist with some of your fears. Here is a link to some relaxation techniques, they are good for all around relaxation, not just in ritual.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/relaxation-technique/SR00007

[~Elise~]

Rule of thumb--DO NOT aspect anyone/thing that you have not worked with for a LONG time.

Another Rule of thumb - Do NOT aspect without someone to act as a handler for you. Someone experienced enough to kick out Deity if things get out of hand.

And THERE is a difference between aspecting and possession. And it sounds like you're talking about possession. See above Rules of Thumb.

[David19]

Rule of thumb--DO NOT aspect anyone/thing that you have not worked with for a LONG time.

Another Rule of thumb - Do NOT aspect without someone to act as a handler for you. Someone experienced enough to kick out Deity if things get out of hand.

And THERE is a difference between aspecting and possession. And it sounds like you're talking about possession. See above Rules of Thumb.

Good advice, although, if you don't mind me asking, what is the difference between Aspecting and Possession?.

[Ivy Artemisia]

Good advice, although, if you don't mind me asking, what is the difference between Aspecting and Possession?.

The terminology I've been using is based upon this article that I read. It describes aspecting as anything from sense enhancement to full trance posession.

http://www.reclaimingquarterly.org/86/rq-86-aspectingdeity.html


I guess, from another viewpoint, why do you feel like you want to aspect? Maybe, explore that first before you go any further. Do you feel like you "need" to aspect to prove something to yourself or others? I've felt like that at times in my own practice.

There are many factors driving my seeking. Truth be told, one reason is that I feel that I should be able to do it, but that's a minor reason that I think has just popped up as a result of my frustration. I've been interested in this for years, and I feel that lately I've been feeling something pushing me along toward it. So, in addition to an internal feeling of wanting to be able to do this for my group, I feel that there is definitely an external force guiding me to it.

I know I have a lot of personal and devotional work to do prior to sucessfully aspecting, and I really appreciate all the advice and tips given by all of y'all. My former HPS didn't train me in how to do this, and most of my books state: read this passage, or take deep breaths, or have a priest invite Her into your body. I know that it ain't that easy. :-D So, thank you all for your help. :fpraise:

Not trying to be greedy... I'd really enjoy any answers to the other questions I posted... (I'm retyping them here, so no need to scroll up :)

How do you feel about invoking/aspecting a 'generic (I can't think of a better term)' Goddess (like DDTM with the Goddess of the Moon), rather than a specific Goddess?

Have you heard any stories (or have one yourself) where one has had an unexpected experience while aspecting?

Physically, how does one feel while aspecting?

:broomride:broomride:broomride

[Jenett]

Jenett- thanks for sharing your thoughts/tips. I have experimented with herbal mixtures while learning about herbcraft, and made a crazy mixture of mugwort, damiana, and kava kava. [/quote]

I'd definitely suggest not experimenting with everything at once. Break it down - spend some time developing a trigger for yourself (could be scent, could be a herbal salve, could be a particular piece of jewelry, could be the use of a scarf or something else you wear) that helps you trigger a relaxed, open, not-tightly-in-control mindset. It's useful for other stuff than aspecting, but I found that it helps with aspecting work a great deal.


When you said this: - I totally agree. I lead a small group, and this is something I've been wanting to master (or at least experience) for years. I feel that I'm a good priestess, however, aspecting is something a priestess should be able to do for her group, and so I feel as though I really should be able to do this.

I think it's a useful skill - but I've also seen enough people beat themselves up over it that I think it *isn't* a skill everyone needs to have.

Do you have a relationship with another priestess or elder in your community who can help you learn it? This is one of those things that's *much* easier (and I think, safer) to learn with one-on-one guidance.

Do you have a sufficient support network? If you are priestess of a group which is otherwise made up of people with much less experience - well, your subconscious may be quite reasonable not wanting to give up control.

My opinion is that safe aspecting work generally requires a team of 3 or 4: one person to aspect, one person to directly support that, and at least one person to keep the rest of the circle stable, focused, and not doing anything that might disrupt the aspecting work (suddenly touching, for example) and to deal with anything (like an invocation 'jumping' into someone else) that might come up. Ideally, you have two people for that.

You don't need these two people if the rest of the circle are all comfortable and familiar with aspecting, and know how to behave and how to solidly manage their own energy and focus - but if those things aren't true, you really do need them. It also significantly helps with the control issues for me: I can then more safely aspect knowing it's not my job to worry about the circle right then.

Windsmith has excellent comments about parameters: other ones worth noting are drinking of alchol (which a number of deities like, but which may not have great reactions for their hosts!). One basic one along those lines I like is "You will leave this body in as good or better shape than when we started." which covers a lot of ground.


In regards to aspecting a deity that loves you, and that you've honored, etc... does this mean its a good idea for one to aspect their patron/ess only? Or can you simply choose a god/dess (with good reason, of course), focus on honoring them and then aspect them?

I don't think it has to be a patron deity only - but I think that it does need to be one that you're willing to have some ongoing interaction with, and willing to consider life changes from.


Now, how do you feel about invoking/aspecting a 'generic (I can't think of a better term)' Goddess, rather than a specific Goddess.

I'm a hard polytheist, so I'm not inclined to the general version anyway - but honestly, I think it's riskier. There's a *lot* of various entities out there. I like my brain and personality and body too much to just open up and say "Hi, come on in!" I want to know specifically who I'm working with, have an ongoing relationship, and have some reliable ways to distinguish that deity from others.

Now, this doesn't have to be a name - M'Lady, the one who is primarily my patron - has not given me anything other than a usename, and I'd be fine aspecting her if need be. But I have lots of other things - epithets, descriptions, phrases, energy signatures, etc. that I can use as a reliable 'call'.

It's also about preparing properly: what one deity wants is not going to be what another wants. If I'm aspecting, I'd prefer to make sure that there are things pleasing to a particular deity present (and to avoid things that I know they dislike.) This is obviously much simpler if you're working with a specific individual, just the same way it's easier to invite your best friend over for dinner (and feed them food they'll like) than it is a random stranger.


Have you heard any stories/had any experiences where one has had a very unexpected experience while aspecting?I'd be very interested to hear them.

Most of mine involve other people's privacy: I do have one story, but am about to run out to a party, will post it sometime in the next day or so. Also your last question, about how it feels.

[David19]

The terminology I've been using is based upon this article that I read. It describes aspecting as anything from sense enhancement to full trance posession.

http://www.reclaimingquarterly.org/86/rq-86-aspectingdeity.html



There are many factors driving my seeking. Truth be told, one reason is that I feel that I should be able to do it, but that's a minor reason that I think has just popped up as a result of my frustration. I've been interested in this for years, and I feel that lately I've been feeling something pushing me along toward it. So, in addition to an internal feeling of wanting to be able to do this for my group, I feel that there is definitely an external force guiding me to it.

I know I have a lot of personal and devotional work to do prior to sucessfully aspecting, and I really appreciate all the advice and tips given by all of y'all. My former HPS didn't train me in how to do this, and most of my books state: read this passage, or take deep breaths, or have a priest invite Her into your body. I know that it ain't that easy. :-D So, thank you all for your help. :fpraise:

Not trying to be greedy... I'd really enjoy any answers to the other questions I posted... (I'm retyping them here, so no need to scroll up :)

How do you feel about invoking/aspecting a 'generic (I can't think of a better term)' Goddess (like DDTM with the Goddess of the Moon), rather than a specific Goddess?

Have you heard any stories (or have one yourself) where one has had an unexpected experience while aspecting?

Physically, how does one feel while aspecting?

:broomride:broomride:broomride

Thanks for the info, and link, it explained a few things :).

[~Elise~]

I've seen good results and I've also seen bad results.

Good possession work takes someone who KNOWS themself really well, knows their shadow side, as well. Someone who is stable mentally (okay--not totally necessary but it limits the bad results mentioned above)

During rituals, I've drawn a Goddess down into my students who were prepared beforehand. It was a way to do that and control the results. I didn't have anyone that I felt was strong enough to be my backup/handler until Rick. by then, it'd been awhile since I'd done that work and was hard to let go of control totally for the ritual involved.

Most who are possessed don't know or remember what happens. I'm one of the weird ones, that I'm right there along with the possessor. I have total recall of what happens and is said.

and just because you don't do that service for the group does NOT make you a bad priestess. It makes you stronger in that you KNOW your limit and you don't go over it until YOU'RE ready. don't rush it, it'll be better because of it.

Elise

[David19]

I've seen good results and I've also seen bad results.

Good possession work takes someone who KNOWS themself really well, knows their shadow side, as well. Someone who is stable mentally (okay--not totally necessary but it limits the bad results mentioned above)

During rituals, I've drawn a Goddess down into my students who were prepared beforehand. It was a way to do that and control the results. I didn't have anyone that I felt was strong enough to be my backup/handler until Rick. by then, it'd been awhile since I'd done that work and was hard to let go of control totally for the ritual involved.

Most who are possessed don't know or remember what happens. I'm one of the weird ones, that I'm right there along with the possessor. I have total recall of what happens and is said.

and just because you don't do that service for the group does NOT make you a bad priestess. It makes you stronger in that you KNOW your limit and you don't go over it until YOU'RE ready. don't rush it, it'll be better because of it.

Elise

That's really good advice, and, also, I've heard, the signs of a true possession is that the person, being possessed, won't remember much, or anything, of the experience, and, that the entity won't refer to the host, or pay much attention to them (like, it won't refer to the person they're riding), I'm not sure if that's true, or not, though.

[Teresa]

You have received excellent information , I would second you seeing if there is an experienced person in your area that would be willing to attempt to teach this to you for safety reasons. Good Luck in your endeavors!

[Jenett]

Most of mine involve other people's privacy: I do have one story, but am about to run out to a party, will post it sometime in the next day or so. Also your last question, about how it feels.

Ok, back with story.

A couple of years ago, I did a ritual which involved Drawing Down Artemis - one of the things that I found fascinating was that she and I had very different ideas of the length of my arms and legs. The ritual did involve shooting a bow and arrow (something I have sufficient experience with, and that we'd set up carefully to make sure it was safe for everyone, even if something went wrong.)

However, as part of this ritual, we'd also set up a sacrificial grass figure, which my co-conspirator in this ritual had stuffed with flash powder, with the idea he'd go into a bonfire as part of the ritual. She was, erm, expansive with the flash powder.

(For those who don't know, flash powder is designed to put out a very large very fast flash of fire when it ignites: it's commonly used in stage magic acts and similar things. Flash paper is similar but in paper form, and great for using when burning intentions or things you want to get rid of.)

The figure gets put in the fire, and Artemis starts talking, with my body about 2-3 feet away from the bonfire. She gets 2 phrases in, and says "I am the flame", when the entire figure goes up in a large burst of flame.

I was totally fine, but there was an amused comment in my head of "Who's in charge here?" before she went on talking to the people in the ritual.

It was, apparently, quite impressive from the outside, and still a ritual we talk about a lot. However, there's also a number of places things could have gone So Not Well, and I'm more and more aware of that the more experience I get.


That's really good advice, and, also, I've heard, the signs of a true possession is that the person, being possessed, won't remember much, or anything, of the experience, and, that the entity won't refer to the host, or pay much attention to them (like, it won't refer to the person they're riding), I'm not sure if that's true, or not, though.

Yes and no.

First, I think any of the "The sign of a true possession is..." commentary is, honestly, sometimes very dangerous in and of itself. I've seen it used a few times as a bludgeon in communities to put people down or diminish legitimate meaningful experiences, and I think that's so not the point.

My take on it is "The best method is the one that serves the Gods involved, and that is appropriate to the setting." Sometimes that's a very light overlay, where the deity is present, but the priestess/priest is still there, choosing their own words, etc. Sometimes it's a situation where the deity is more present. And sometimes it's most appropriate where the deity takes over.

(The example above: I don't for the life of me remember what Artemis *said* outside about 3 short phrases. I do remember everything else, though, and it was a side-by-side presence: she was very firmly in my body, but I didn't go 'away' as much as 'to the side' where I was still observing.)

Now, the question of "Is this being used abusively" is another question entirely. The way I handle this goes like this:

1) Who benefits? David's quite right that comments where the priest/priestess is praised or comments seem designed to increase their power/influence/etc. are questionable. That said, I've seen deities express brief concern for those hosting them, or commenting briefly about someone's relationship with their host, in otherwise very appropriate ways.

2) Anything I'm told via aspecting gets cross-checked by other means (logic, divination, talking it through with a friend) before I trust it. Otherwise, I treat it as a "This is one way to look at this situation" but nothing more solid.

3) I also put "Needlessly cryptic with hints of Dire Bad Things happening" in the 'approach with caution' category: I've had a few experiences where from my perspective, these were used to increase someone's power/status, and I'm not at all convinced they came from the deity in question.

4) This is part of the reason for working with specific deities, rather than generics: if a deity starts behaving in a way that's significantly counter to the way they'd normally behave (or doesn't have commonly associated behavior/language/etc.) that's a good time to look really closely at who benefits from their comments or actions.

Deeper aspecting does, in my experience, tends to involve significant changes in mannerism, body language, language choices, and other things that get progressively harder to fake reliably, especially if combined with a particular energy signature (again, helps if others are familiar with the deity.)

[Windsmith]

How do you feel about invoking/aspecting a 'generic (I can't think of a better term)' Goddess (like DDTM with the Goddess of the Moon), rather than a specific Goddess?That seems dependent on personal practice. If I were a strict duotheist, recognizing only one goddess and one god, then it would make perfect sense to invoke "The Goddess." But if I followed a particular pantheon, or an eclectic cross-cultural pantheon, or even just believed generally in a large array of goddesses, I would feel pretty uncomfortable just saying "Goddess." What goddess am I getting? Freya's going to be a very different experience from Hera and very different again from Kali. If I don't specify which goddess I'm opening myself to, I'm opening myself to just about anyone.


Have you heard any stories (or have one yourself) where one has had an unexpected experience while aspecting?Hoo boy. The last night of my first Witchcamp, we had a 5-hour ritual that was pretty solemn. One camper kept saying there wasn't enough delight in the ritual. At one point she had to leave the room for a minute, and when she came back, she was Delight. Literally, the emotion of Delight had taken her over, and she had become its physical manifestation.

We assigned 2 campers as her helpers, and they spent the rest of the night chasing her around, because it turns out that the physical manifestation of Delight is very similar to a 4-year-old. She was just so happy with the world, and she didn't give 2 shakes for safety and propriety. Take off your underwear and throw it across the room? Sure! Run outside barefoot and bare-armed into a Minnesota February? Why not? Her helpers were exhausted by the end of the ritual, and so was she. All of a sudden she said, "You guys are no fun," laid down on the floor, and fell asleep. When she woke up, she was just herself again.


Physically, how does one feel while aspecting?There's a feeling of duality, or maybe even more-ality. You're looking at the world, and you're seeing it through your own eyes, and someone else's, and you have the sensation of being aware of what this Other self is seeing. And for me, I always have the sense not that someone has entered me from outside, but that some other part of me has risen up. Which, I know, some people would argue is not aspecting, but it's what I've experienced.

[David19]

Ok, back with story.

A couple of years ago, I did a ritual which involved Drawing Down Artemis - one of the things that I found fascinating was that she and I had very different ideas of the length of my arms and legs. The ritual did involve shooting a bow and arrow (something I have sufficient experience with, and that we'd set up carefully to make sure it was safe for everyone, even if something went wrong.)

However, as part of this ritual, we'd also set up a sacrificial grass figure, which my co-conspirator in this ritual had stuffed with flash powder, with the idea he'd go into a bonfire as part of the ritual. She was, erm, expansive with the flash powder.

(For those who don't know, flash powder is designed to put out a very large very fast flash of fire when it ignites: it's commonly used in stage magic acts and similar things. Flash paper is similar but in paper form, and great for using when burning intentions or things you want to get rid of.)

The figure gets put in the fire, and Artemis starts talking, with my body about 2-3 feet away from the bonfire. She gets 2 phrases in, and says "I am the flame", when the entire figure goes up in a large burst of flame.

I was totally fine, but there was an amused comment in my head of "Who's in charge here?" before she went on talking to the people in the ritual.

It was, apparently, quite impressive from the outside, and still a ritual we talk about a lot. However, there's also a number of places things could have gone So Not Well, and I'm more and more aware of that the more experience I get.



Yes and no.

First, I think any of the "The sign of a true possession is..." commentary is, honestly, sometimes very dangerous in and of itself. I've seen it used a few times as a bludgeon in communities to put people down or diminish legitimate meaningful experiences, and I think that's so not the point.

My take on it is "The best method is the one that serves the Gods involved, and that is appropriate to the setting." Sometimes that's a very light overlay, where the deity is present, but the priestess/priest is still there, choosing their own words, etc. Sometimes it's a situation where the deity is more present. And sometimes it's most appropriate where the deity takes over.

(The example above: I don't for the life of me remember what Artemis *said* outside about 3 short phrases. I do remember everything else, though, and it was a side-by-side presence: she was very firmly in my body, but I didn't go 'away' as much as 'to the side' where I was still observing.)

Now, the question of "Is this being used abusively" is another question entirely. The way I handle this goes like this:

1) Who benefits? David's quite right that comments where the priest/priestess is praised or comments seem designed to increase their power/influence/etc. are questionable. That said, I've seen deities express brief concern for those hosting them, or commenting briefly about someone's relationship with their host, in otherwise very appropriate ways.

2) Anything I'm told via aspecting gets cross-checked by other means (logic, divination, talking it through with a friend) before I trust it. Otherwise, I treat it as a "This is one way to look at this situation" but nothing more solid.

3) I also put "Needlessly cryptic with hints of Dire Bad Things happening" in the 'approach with caution' category: I've had a few experiences where from my perspective, these were used to increase someone's power/status, and I'm not at all convinced they came from the deity in question.

4) This is part of the reason for working with specific deities, rather than generics: if a deity starts behaving in a way that's significantly counter to the way they'd normally behave (or doesn't have commonly associated behavior/language/etc.) that's a good time to look really closely at who benefits from their comments or actions.

Deeper aspecting does, in my experience, tends to involve significant changes in mannerism, body language, language choices, and other things that get progressively harder to fake reliably, especially if combined with a particular energy signature (again, helps if others are familiar with the deity.)

Thanks for that great info :).