How do spirits take offerings?

[Oresial]

I often read of people giving offerings to spirits, physical offerings.
In some cases those offerings are placed outside, do spirits actually manifest themselves physically to get them when no one is looking? or do they command someone to get them for them? Or perhaps the offerings are in turn given to homeless people that seek their help?

[Lady_Eva]

@Oresial

In some cases those offerings are placed outside, do spirits actually manifest themselves physically to get them when no one is looking?

Not usually, the energy/prana/chi of the offering is taken by the spirit, this is why you don’t consume it yourself afterwards.

Dispose of it in nature to permit the earthly part of it to be dispersed naturally, or in fire, I described some methods here:

Disposal of offerings

If the spirit has an elemental connection (earth, fire, etc.) you could dispose of the offering into that element, by burying it, or pouring it onto the earth or into a watercourse, burning it, or for air, pouring it into your hand then casting it through the air (like farmers do with seeds). Obviously that might not always be appropriate but it’s one to consider, with the final statement of “I commit this offering to your element, (Spirit’s name), of air/fire/water/earth.” Do some divination …

Food offered to gods and meant to be consumed afterwards to receive the blessing is a different system.