Piety

Since I opened my new Morrigan Oracle Cards and began using them at least every other day, I've gotten the "Piety" card no less than 5 times. It'll fly out while I'm shuffling or slide to the floor when I spread the cards, very rarely do I pull it myself, it makes itself known even before I can steady my hands. The funny thing is I didn't even know what to make of the image or the word. It's one of those words that never quite made it into my personal vocabulary (which I've always thought was a pretty extensive one). I've heard the word used in the religious context in Christianity but never felt compelled to examine the meaning. I went to the deck minutes ago to ask Spirit what I should blog about today and there it was again. Like the two card characters’ darkened eye sockets, I stared through the card, past the images, thinking, "Of course I'd get this damn card!"

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word "piety" is defined as "the quality or state of being pious, such as a) fidelity to natural obligations (as to parents) or b) dutifulness in religion". In this oracle deck it refers to a practice, devotion, and showing reverence to a deity. Being that this is a deck based on the Irish goddess(es), the Morrigan, it speaks to developing and strengthening connection through daily prayer, meditation, or practice of devotion to this goddess. I'll be honest, I don't even yet know what that commitment looks like for me as I begin to honor this particular deity but in a general sense I will say that I've been seeing signs that I'm not as connected to Spirit as I could be. I'll blame it on the season; I'm going through my own personal Winter and between full time work, study, and writing, my acts of devotion include a quick "Hey Spirit team, it's me Kendra, what's good? Thanks for the parking spot today, it made my life hella easy. Oh and yeah, I'm grateful for everything else too!" The candles on my altars have sat without a flame for days, meditation sessions are limited to when I'm able to get quiet time, and journaling...let's just say I have good intentions, the notes are in my head!

Usually when I'm pushed to reconnect I'll see more than just one sign.This morning I had a dream that forced me to acknowledge the lack of offerings on my Mother Earth altar. 2 days before that I had a dream in which I was shopping for candles, salt and a fountain at an expo featuring, wait for it -- metaphysical and religious/spiritual altar supply vendors. The appearance of this card yet again, has me thinking more about how we honor the unseen who work on our behalf. Our ancestors, deities, angels, etc. are sending us messages every day and while we may not always receive or understand every message, we have an obligation to at least be on the look out for them and remain grateful for the little miracles that show up throughout our day. "Through prayer, we talk to the gods. Through meditation, we listen to them. Through devotional reading and listening, we learn about them. Through offerings and sacrifices, we support a virtuous circle of giving and receiving. Doing these things occasionally is helpful, but forming and maintaining a deep connection requires diligent, dedicated practice. It requires daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal observances." (https://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/2013/08/how-much-piety-do-we-need.html)

I received today’s message loud and clear. I fully understand that everything in this world and the next requires a commitment. I'm human though and sometimes I fall off the wagon and don’t follow through on things I intended to. Now I know, like myself, you may think "commitment" feels like a big word but it doesn't have to equate to unfulfilling obligations and work that you don't want to do, it simply means that you are putting effort and energy towards a goal in good faith. Connecting with Spirit, building a practice and nurturing that relationship involves consistency and devotion. This shouldn't feel restrictive, binding, or fear-based. Devotion isn't slavery. We are sovereign beings with free will but as with any relationship, there's a shared responsibility and mutual benefit, it takes daily communication, service, acknowledgment, and appreciation. The type of activities you engage in and the amount of time you set aside to honor your team is completely up to you, the most important part of this is that you simply to do it with a pure heart and the highest intent!

Where to start? I could give you a list but considering I'm just digging into all of this myself, you tell me? How do you honor, connect with, and commit to those on your spirit team? What does piety mean to you based on your own belief system?

​Let's discuss in the comments, teach me something new!

K. McMurray