Divine Speed Dating

Although I’ve written about it several times in the past, I haven’t actually dedicated a specific time to say what it is in detail. I’ve used what I call Devine Speed Dating (DSP) as a way of verified personal gnosis, and I want you to know more about it.

What is it about?

It goes without saying I don’t have time. None. I’ve spent entire days doing nothing but errands and taking care of my responsibilities, with minimal time for rest and leisure. However, my beliefs are important to me, I want to know more, and thought about that form of dating for busy people.

I would just do the same with the Gods.

For those unfamiliar with it, speed dating consists of dates that take as little time as possible. All the participants meet as many people as possible in a short time, and then decide who they want to see again.

Far from being respectful, I thought the following: wouldn’t the Gods prefer me to have at least a little contact with them instead of having none? Think about it as friends. When you’re busy, really busy, and are running all around, you’ll write a quick message or stay in touch with those who are important to you. I didn’t see any problem in applying this to the Gods.

While I would always prefer something more meaningful, more lasting, that gives you more information and builds a relationship with the Gods and you, this seemed like a good option. I did it once, twice, again, and again, and again, until it became a favorite.

How does it work?

I try to avoid information about the deity I want to meet with as much as possible so I don’t have any preconceived ideas. While it’s true that I need some basic understanding, I don’t dwell too much into the details. Where to draw the line? That’s up to whoever’s doing this. Personally, I’m okay with name, region, and two-three attributes, maybe one symbol as well.

Since it will be something quick, I usually plan for 5 to 10 minutes. I select some music, use some incense or essential oil if I want to, make myself comfortable, and close my eyes as I focus on my breathing. Ideally, I use some instrumental music, something with no lyrics.

While at it, I just focus on the name and ask the deity in question to show me whatever I need to see. I don’t usually ask for protection during this, but it’s okay to do it if you want to. After that, I just open myself to whatever I feel, see, think, anything I might receive.

When I’m done, I take my notes and research as soon as possible, if right away then even better. I don’t expect all my ideas to be accurate, but I do want to verify there’s a connection between what’s recorded and what I got. Far from dismissing what I couldn’t verify, I just keep that for the future, but my main focus then is what made sense.

Then what?

All that is a good starting point, but not a solid base for a regular practice. I do meditate when I can and pray to those Gods, learn about them and remain respectful while I can. However, I do more, more meditation, more research, more talking with others, more rest, and keep doing it until I’m satisfied with the result; this takes a while, that’s for sure.

When is it enough information and you have a solid relationship with a deity? You’re the only one who knows. For example, I discovered I had a closer relationship to Al-’Uzza than to Manat and/or Al-Lat when I got a vision and received a gift from Her, but I wouldn’t say I have a close relationship (yet). Some people would say they need less, some not, so it’s up to each one of us.

For me, Divine Speed Dating is an alternative for these hectic times when there are not enough hours, minutes, seconds. It’s a form of keeping my practice alive, even if it’s just a little. I do want more, I do aim for more, and think everyone should always aim for higher and better, but a bit is preferable to nothing.