How nice to find this thread. :) I have something to contribute to it too and I hope you don't mind me reviving an older discussion. After my father died I accepted it very well, but I still felt somewhat out of balance and I missed the feeling of having a patron, the role of which was played by Dad till his physical departure. So I called out to any guide that would be willing to take me under his guidance, trusting that the closest to my being would respond. Well, it was Loki. :) No surprise, frankly, I've always had the nature of a trickster...and now I'm one even more. :) He's been a powerful, firm and fun patron and I value his acceptance very much, although I've had comments from some people that he's not "light" enough for a spiritual path. Well, sue me. I'm not here for light, I'm here for being alive.