...

I think this path started to click once I got comfortable in my priesthood with Hekate... and it's like monasticism brought the second half of the apple together with the first.

I think it makes a lot of sense to me that my deep devotional relationships with the gods who I serve publicly and outwardly also have a very profound internal experience for my private practice.

I think that all I do with the gods warrants and is compatible with priesthood. My work with Bast as a Vessel requires a lot of mystical, contemplative, ritualistic aspects in order to do it, which is where I begin to consider more of the other side.

Having the gods as key parts of my daily living and the currently vague (but slowly developing) Rule of Life makes sense. Having a Rule in the first place makes sense. To see my values and devotion given structure.

This deep inquiry with the gods is very special to me and I feel lends itself to a monastic lifestyle.

I think as well, despite how much I may be connected to people online and may lead a social life otherwise, still engaging with family, with a relationship, with friends, I do spend a lot of my time alone, and I resonate with the idea of blending devotional routines with that.

It feels good for my devotion and magic to be tied with my... existence. It's a soul level feeling of settlement and rightness to call myself a votary of Bast. To be devoted to her in this profound way.

Until next time, my beloved,

Iryibbast