Now, this question has been with me for a while; what do the Gods consider offerings??? What do I do with them afterwards? Do not panic! All is perfectly well, you are safe. The Gods will not smite you because you have not offered them lavish riches or a tasty treat; they love you far too much.
What Do The Gods Consider Offerings
A number of things! You can give them food, you can burn incense, you can play music for them if you worship a God of music, put fresh water for those who preside over water, a beautiful and lovely scented candle, practically anything. EXCEPT FLESH! DO NOT SACRIFICE! DO NOT OFFER ANYTHING WITH FLESH AND A SOUL AS AN OFFERING! I understand that it was believed - and possibly true - that it happened in the past, but think about the Bible. The standings of their God is old and part of the past, and those that follow their God have done everything in their power to stick to his word by the letter. They have not evolved from tradition and created a new tradition. The great thing about our Gods and the people who worship them is that we can flow with the times, and that means that the Gods will understand that offerings of the flesh - unless you give yourself to them in a spiritual-sexual manner - cannot be done anymore.
Mainly, think about what your God/Goddess represents. Hathor is a Goddess of beauty and music. For her, I sing! I may not be very good and in the spiritual realm she may shun from my horrible voice, but at least she knows that I love her enough to show her that she means so much to me. Anubis? Decorate your altar with skulls - at least that's to what my thinking is. Poseidon? Lay a bowl of water on your altar, some sunglasses, starfish, beach stuff! Always remember that whatever offerings you lay down, make sure that the God/Goddess you are offering to KNOWS about it. Just laying on your altar will have small significance and will only make it look pretty or cluttered.
How To Get Rid of Offerings
Now, if you want to put offerings of food on your altar, that's kind of a different story. You can! You most certainly can! Remember to think about the culture your God/Goddess comes from and think about them personally as to what they like. Hathor may like sweet things, being a Goddess of love. Poseidon must love fish! Of course there's the whole grapes, cheese, and crackers that you can put down when in doubt! The Gods will surely feel pampered.
Now, getting rid of your food offerings? What ever shall you do?
It all depends on your type of worship. For Hellenic polytheism, food can be eaten afterwards or burnt for the Ouranic deities. For Khthonic deities, it's usually traditional to bury these, do not eat them. Kemeticism allows for the food to be eaten so not to waste anything. It also goes that you are sharing a meal with the Gods as if they were family.
P.S. For those who are poor, do not fret! Like I said, you can keep it simple! Incense, things of symbolism, etc.
I hope that this has helped, it did with me. Also, I am always looking forward to questions, and if I do not have the answers, I will move mountains to ensure you of good information that will help you in your time of need!
Blessed be!
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