Find me a religion?

[desperesperation]

I’m having a horrible time divorcing, ex behaving awfully. I read about how prayer affects the brain recently and thought you know I’m actually ready to pray to god for help, but goddammit why are they all male? I can’t do it. I want no more men in my life, not even god. Can someone please point me to a womens religion?

Paganism - one of the oldest religions out there. Nature focused rather then men are all powerful etc.

Another vote for paganism.

Hindus have many deities, male and female.

Another yes to paganism. But you actually don’t need to find a religion. All the ones I can think of were started by and are run predominantly by men. You don’t need religion to talk to God, or Source or the Creator or whatever you want to call it.

Buddhism is the religion which afaik has particularly been shown to have beneficial effects on the brain. But it’s not a quick fix - it’s non-theistic, I think the changes come from years of meditation not divine intervention.

Jainism might interest you.

There are female Greek, Roman and Norse Goddesses. People would pick the one who was most appropriate for their problem and make a sacrifice or prayer. Wiccanism is quite popular www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/nov/29/ten-things-weve-learned-from-the-england-and-wales-census

From Google Gemini:
Praying to a Norse goddess about a bad divorce involves reaching out for protection, emotional healing, and strength to endure a major life transition. In the Norse tradition, goddesses like Frigg (matron of marriage and home), Eir (goddess of healing), or Sigyn (goddess of loyalty and endurance) can be petitioned for support.
Key Goddesses and Focus Areas

• Frigg: As the "All-Mother," she oversees the household and can help navigate the emotional and practical chaos.
• Eir: A healer goddess associated with mercy and protection, ideal for healing from emotional trauma.
• Sigyn: Known for loyalty and maintaining grace through suffering, she is a powerful ally for endurance.
• Freyja: Can be called upon for reclaiming self-worth, love, and passion in life after a breakup.
• Syn: Protects boundaries, which can be useful in contentious, hostile divorce proceedings.

How to Structure the Prayer Norse prayer, or boen, is direct and personal, often treated as a conversation rather than a scripted ritual.

• Invocatio: Formally call on the goddess by name (e.g., "All-Mother Frigg," "Eir of the healing mountain").
• The Argument: Briefly state the situation (e.g., "My heart is heavy with this divorce," "I need strength for my children").
• The Request: Be specific about what you need—healing, peace, or protection from a former partner.
• Action & Offering: Heathenry often focuses on reciprocity. An offering is not required but can be made.

Suggested Practices and Offerings

• Friday Rituals: Friday is "Frigg’s Day," making it a perfect time for prayer, meditation, or meditation focused on healing.
• Simple Offerings: Place items on an altar or in nature. Suitable offerings include food, candles, herbs, or flowers.
• Direct Communication: Prayers can be whispered, spoken aloud, or even written down in a journal

Positive affirmations and telling your brain what you want and what you have achieved already (directed focus) are just as helpful. Paced breathing helps with anxiety and emotional regulation - if that is what you are looking for. For mental wellbeing, they are equally beneficial.

Thank you all. I like the idea of having all these goddesses sitting with me in court, mentally.

Hinduism. It's the mother of all religions. All these goddesses originate from Hinduism. Chanting and yoga has proven scientific benefits. Also Ayurveda i

There are loads of female gods but it's all shite if you don't believe in it.

If you’re looking to understand and follow the teachings of Jesus then Unity is a wonderful movement that focuses on peace and love, and eschews the Old Testament.

sikhism -

Or alternatively go for something ethics based rather than religion like humanism. I find as an organisation it's very much embracing of gender equality.

Humanists UK – Think for yourself, act for everyone

Humanists believe in ethics for their own sake, not because of a deity.

The post above suggests Humanism, quoting "Think for yourself. Act for everybody". Which is pretty much Buddha's advice. Buddhism in ten words could be "Be happy. And kind. Cherish all biodiversity. Think for yourself".

Buddha also said "Do not worship me, or my words. Think for yourself" And "My thoughts arise in my time, and in my place, not yours. Think for yourself"

Arguably, anyone worshipping Buddha is not following Buddha's instructions. Nor is anyone 'religiously' studying his words, and his thoughts.

Perhaps anyone can inadvertently 'be Buddhist', while also being any other religion, or being Humanist, or having no religion. There are many overlaps. But having the first aim of "Be happy" is one rather startling to any of the mainstream religions:
Many are eager to put service (to men, church, house and children ) as the sole purpose of women's existence .

"Be kind" fits with any other religion, and is evidenced to be a part of being happy.

Humans everywhere and of all faiths and none, really should have paid much more attention to "cherishing all other life forms". We have made too many extinct. Britain is the most biodiversity -depleted country of all. Buddha and the Jains concentrate on that. Again, being a non-killer is in any case part of "being happy".