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. A simple ritual of thanks honoring those who have served would be very appropriate for today or any day. If you have a friend or loved one who is serving overseas, a ritual of protection might be added in.

Patron saints and deities of soldiers:

• 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

A simple candle ritual to honor veterans
Find a quiet space. Light a candle or candles that represents the day to you: 1 white or red, white and blue, or 3 candles, one in each color. Repeat these or similar words:

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.

If you would like to help those serving our country of the holiday season (or any time):
Learn about the Circle Sanctuary Circle of Military Support
Learn about the Red Cross "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program
Support Give 2 The Troops
Support Any Soldier
Donate phone cards to soldiers through AAFES
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