Working with Deities

Hi guys
Can I ask how do you work with deities?
I feel that my sacred deity is Hel, I felt an immediate conection to her and feel that she's been tapping my shoulder through out my life in very subtle ways.
I find that when ever I try to work with anything I try and meditate on it and get a small snap shot and then lose it. And I sometimes think I've made things up in my head because "it's too good to be true" as I had a conversation with Freya and one with Hel in my minds eye I could see and hear them.
I imagine Hel is a very busy woman (sorry if saying that is disrespectful but I tend to think of spirits, gods ect like people) so she may not have the time to talk with me much.
Also how do you give blood to things when you dedicate them and such because I tried to and just couldn't get much blood and when I pricked my finger I felt it go through but it didn't bleed at all (curse my calloused fingers) I didn't want to cut any deeper than a shallow slash though I case I hit something. (sorry if that's a bit gross btw)
Thanks for reading
Blessings

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Working with Deity is often a matter of trial and error. Good news is, you aren't the first to try it so you can learn from the errors of others! I would do some research on the Deity you wish to work with. Hel has many followers as does Freya (though some confuse aspects of her with Frigg). I meditate on the Deity and see what I can learn from them.

If you view Hel as a busy woman, and I would think she would be, that is wonderful. It is your personal connection to her.

As for the blood to use, a drop or two should suffice. I have no trouble getting blood from my fingers, so I don't know how to help here. Possibly pick another place where you are less calloused. Try your elbow or the heel of your hand. Perhaps even a toe.

I hope this helps in some way.

Yes thank you, to me Hel's work is never done as people die all the time.
Meditation is a bit hit and miss for me and I can never remember the dreams I have.
Yeah I tried the inner part of my arm and my leg didn't bleed much at all so I'm not sure what to do.

You know one of the biggest things you can give a deity is devotion. The simple act of seeking help here to better yourself is a gift in itself to Hel. You do her a great respect by simply trying to honor her. Deeds like that have their weight in gold.

As for moments of conversations those for some are a true rarity and should be cherished. I've had only a few and have worked with some deity for nearly a decade daily. Some are blessed more with visions of their deities. If you don't have vivid experiences that doesn't mean that Hel is not in your life and watching out for you.

As for blood, Hel is a deity that usually gets such an offering. I suggest getting a lancet that diabetes patients use. If not that, ask Hel if she truly wants blood or if a substitution would be acceptable. Many times mead can be a substitute for blood.

If you have further questions feel free to send them to me. I am happy to help.

Ah thank you but how do you try to honour her?

Honoring Hel can be as simple as acknowledging her during the day, saying a short prayer or invocation, doing something in her name, leaving her an offering, including her in your work, etc. There's a variety of ways to honor the Gods.

The others gave good advice regarding the blood. A drop or two works. Sometimes, in my personal experience, I tend to use more. For this, I always make sure that first I am healthy by going to the doctor for a check up. Always make sure to have properly cleaned tools. I sometimes cut the tips of my fingers to get more to flow. I have cut further up my arms before, but I don't recommend it without someone with you. I also like to use blood from animals I've killed while hunting, or have taken from animals I've raised. You could always look into Ordeal work.

Best of luck.

Since there's quite a bit of information already, I'll just add a few things.

Red wine can be used in place of blood. If your a female, of child-bearing age, menstrual blood is quite powerful. Straight from the flow, not the dried blood from pads and tampons.

Finding a internet page, awhile back, I made a set of prayer beads that I use while working with Hel .

http://www.northernpaganism.org/shrines/hela/rituals/hela-prayer-beads.html

I hope I helped.