A Ritual to Honor Veterans, Pagan or Not and How to Help Those Who Serve

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know I have strong links to, and strong feelings for, our men and women in uniform.  Today, on Veteran's Day, we honor those who have served.  We acknowledge the sacrifices and struggles that those who have and those who still do serve our country (and I'd like to add a thank you to their families, who serve and sacrifice right along side).  I'd also ask that everyone put away the comments and thought today on your feelings toward the current conflict in the Middle East - this day is not to honor or disparage the government or the choices that they make or have made in the past.  Honor those who serve and have served, and take time to ask that those in places of conflict all over the world come home safely to their loved ones.

A simple ritual of thanks honoring those who have served would be very appropriate for the day.  If you have a friend or loved one who is serving overseas, a ritual of protection might be added in.  There are more than a few deities who look over soldiers, airmen and sailors, and you'll find a list of them at the end of this post.

Here is a simple candle ceremony created just for today.  All it takes is one candle and a minute of your time.   A white candle would be perfect for the occasion, though by all means light what feels right to you: one white candle,  three candles in red, white and blue,  or a candle that holds all three colors. I personally have a large candle that was hand made for me several years ago that has layers of red, white and blue.  I light it briefly on days that represent our country and those who have built it, defended it, or died in service: the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, September 11th.


Find a quiet space.  Light a candle that represents the day to you. 

I light this candle to honor the veterans of the United States.

To those past, let this candle be a symbol of your bravery and loyalty.  

To those who still serve, let this candle honor your service.  

To those who are currently in harm's way, let this candle serve as a beacon to light your way home safely.

I thank you all for keeping us safe, for your sacrifices and for the struggles that you endure for all those who live in this country.

Sit for a minute and reflect on those who serve.  Snuff out the candle, or let it burn down.


Deities and saints corresponding to military servicemen and servicewomen*:

• Fortuna Redux: "She Who Brings Back" - in charge of bringing back soldiers safely from war
• Foruna Resitutrix: "She Who Restores" - concerned with the health and safety of soldiers
• St. Maurice: Patron saint of infantry soldiers
• Bishamom: Patron of soldiers and warriors
• Matsu (Mazu):  Patron of seafarers
• St. George: "The Dragon Slayer" - Patron saint of cavalry
• Anat: Fierce warrior Goddess
• St. Barbara: Patron saint of artillery
• The Valkyries: Battle spirits who take the spirits of fallen soldiers to Valhalla
• Bellona: "Lady of War" - patron of soldiers
• St. Michael: Patron saint of paratroopers and commandos
• Brigid: Patron of navigators and sailors 
• St. Joan of Arc: Patron of servicewomen
• Aeronwen: Goddess of fate who determines the outcome of battles
• St. Leonard: Patron saint of prisoners of war
• Mars: God of war
• St Martin of Tours: Patron saint of soldiers
• Xochipilli: Protects the souls of warriors and returns them to earth in the form of hummingbirds
• St. Columba: Patron saint of sailors and warriors
• Oya: Warrior goddess who protects women, Goddess of change
• The Morrigan: Irish triple goddess of war and fate
• Badbh: "Battle Crow" - Assists her warrior followers by confusing and terrifying their enemies in battle

If you would like to help those serving our country of the holiday season (or any time):

1. Learn about the Circle Sanctuary Circle of Military Support
2. Learn about the Red Cross "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program
3. Support Give 2 The Troops
4. Support Any Soldier
5. Donate phone cards to soldiers through AAFES
6. Donate a post exchange gift card or gift certificate to a soldier through AAFES

*As always, before working with any deity, make sure you do your research before petitioning them. Know what and who you are working with.

*Sources for deity list:
Encyclopedia of Spirits by Judika Illes
Mythology: A Visual Encyclopedia by Jo Forty
Saints: A Visual Guide by Edward Mornin