Giving and receiving is part of a cycle, when we receive something we must give something back. In the basic rituals we've shared with you this process is shown that we give the saints and spirits water or candles, or a space in our homes but there is more to it than just this. It is important to show gratitude to the Saint and Spirits because by doing this we complete the cycle and allow it to begin again. Often this can be seen in quite public forums, for example in many countries people will put advertisments in news papers or on the internet thanking a particular saint. In Europe and South America often along the roads one can find small purpose built mini-shrines thanking a particular saint, often the Virgin Mary. Some believe that this public testament increases the Saint's power as an intercessor.
Whenever we give thanks we open the ways for more things to come in. When you ask the Saints and Spirits to help you with something you can often as part of the "bargain" offer to tell others of what the saint have done for you. This working relationship becomes ever fruitful so long as it is based in respect and love, part of that respect is showing gratitude.
I am reminded of a story of a lady I know, she asked the saints and her spirits for help and they often gave her what she wished for. One day this stopped, she had been asking for money and money had been coming in, in the form of unclaimed 'lotto scratch-cards' she had about 6 or 7 wins and hadn't claimed them. She was unable to see why 'her luck ran out' and didn't see that by not claiming what she'd won, she wasn't being grateful for what the Saints had provided. At the same time, she wasn't showing she valued what the Saints were providing and so they stopped providing help. The moment she realised what was going on, claimed her winnings and thanked the saints the next day she got a check in the mail from an Aunt who felt she just wanted to spoil her niece.
May All Your Works Be Crowned With Success,
Atlantean Heart