How does one worship Dionysus?

[justdefygravity]

I have been trying very hard to find my personal deity, and I have always had a fascination with Dionysus. I am not sure he is mine exactly, but I would love to honor him and begin worship to see if I was meant to. How would you suggest I do this? Also any ideas for tips on how to incorporate herbs/crystals&gems into deity worshiping (whether specific to Dionysus or just in general). Thank you and bless you for you help and insight I'm new to Wicca haha so please be patient with me.

[AdastraJunction]

Like most gods, there are two sides to Dionysus -- the light god and the dark god. The light god brought joy, pleasure, and ecstatic experience, of which wine was symbolic, also associated with fertility, dance could also lead to ecstacy. But the dark side of the wine (and the god) wine is to turn people violent and erratic, when too much is consumed know as "divine madness" Also a god of Drama. He was a god of growth, particularly grove and vineyards.

As for incorporating herbs and gems. Find which gems best fit the "personality" of the god, a good plant to use would be grapes and grape vines.

[Siona]

I don't have any personal experience with Dionysos, but there's a devotional anthology called Written in Wine that you might find helpful. It's a collection of poems, essays, etc, written by modern devotees of Dionysos.

[Nightwatcher]

Booze. Lots of it. 8D XD

But in all seriousness, while I don't know that much about Dionysus, I do know revelry, wine, the harvest, drunkenness and ecstasy fall under him.

[justdefygravity]

Thank you for all for your insight!! It's very much appreciated.

[Lillady]

Another good resourse for him, along with other Deities is http://www.greek-gods.info/greek-gods/dionysus/

[SnowCat]

You might host a wine tasting party and dedicate it to Dionysus, either privately or publicly, depending on your situation.

Snow

[random417]

Booze. Lots of it. 8D XD

But in all seriousness, while I don't know that much about Dionysus, I do know revelry, wine, the harvest, drunkenness and ecstasy fall under him.

Also acting, btw. In any case, I like to explore all the aspects of a deity. I'm this case, I would take some acting classes, probably explore wine (making and drinking). On a more spiritual side, expanding wine and ecstasy, I come up with Him helping with different altered states. I already do quite a bit of gardening, but that might help.

Engaging in things a god "rules over" is a good way to get to know them.

[Shub Niggurath]

Dionysus is a god of nature (especially trees) and extasy, and a synthesis of both. He's stereotypically associated with wine and getting drunk but that's just one aspect. Dionysus is one of the most interesting but at the same time contemporarily misunderstood gods. Any kinds of trance states, extatic states - especially the wild, natural, inborn states which wield the power of showing us the core of who we really are - those are the states associated with Dionysus. Gnosis through extasy.
As for a crystal associated with Dionysus - it's Amethyst. People used to drink wine from chalices made of Amethyst to gain Dionysus' blessing and thus not getting intoxicated so fast

[Queen of the Dead]

You could probably make/decorate a theater mask and charge it, then put it on your altar, along with some red wine. Maybe light some red and purple candles and dance! Feathers would be a nice touch to the mask, since he is also symbolic of freedom. c:

[Echo_of_shadows]

I suggest studying some of the mythology of Dionysus. Learn at least enough to see in your mind, what sort of places He would visit and what things He likes. With these in mind, take a meditative trip to that place and make an offering to Him. Take notice of how He reacts to you. Is it positive or negative? If it's positive, get the ball rolling. Ask Him questions. Treat Him as you would any stranger you wish to befriend. Maybe you can ask Him to recommend a good wine, or a hopping party spot, or perhaps if He's seen the latest drama on your favorite network. When you're comfortable and He seems receptive to you, go ahead and ask if you are meant to work with Him. If He say you are, ask Him how He would like you to worship Him. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to stop the meditation. You can thank Dionysus for His time and just leave. He won't be offended.