Many of us worship or devote to or work with gods, spirits, divine entities- all sorts of energies. For some monotheists that I know, the idea of all these names and concepts is threatening and downright ridiculous- but I like to think of it in terms of nature: variation and plenty are the very basis of life. While this may be one planet, there is so much diversity, so many different energies that I find it hard to NOT stop and notice and appreciate the individuality that exists therein.
Every aspect of my life is interconnected with the lives of those around me, the life that exists in nature and the inevitable cycle of endings and rebirth that we are all of us bound to. It’s not a conscious effort on my part, it’s as natural to be as breathing and completely justified in my own mind. I don’t think I’m right, I don’t believe in any one right answer- but I only get ONE life (in this form at least) and I should live it the way best befitting my own happiness.
We all express our faith differently. For example, I have my central deities: which include The Morrighan (whom I work as priestess for in my trad), Brighid the Healer, Aligena Pandemos and Cernnunos and my central pantheon which include Belenus, Rosmerta, Airmid, Nodons, Lugh, the Daghda, Belisama, Nemetona, Flidais, Cailleach, Nantosuelta and spider woman to name a few. Some are household deities who are worshiped as spirits of my kitchen, home and land (Airmid, Rosmerta, Nantosuelta), some are seasonal deities usually honored during the festivals of the equinoxes and solstices (Corn Mother, Bee Queen, Elk Woman, Lord of the Wild Hunt), some are cultural spirits I was raised with as an urban skin (meaning non-rez Native) like salmon, spider woman, raven.
They aren’t just names, they are ideas, concepts, representatives of nature and certain functions of this planet that are honored and celebrated because of their personal importance in my life- not because I liked their pretty names lol. Being Native has had a lot to do with what I believe in, strange as it seems. I spent my childhood completely immersed in being a mixed-raced skin- living with my Indian family, eating our food, attending our schools, going through our rites of passage (canoe journey)- you’d think I would have wound up just walking the red road like most of that side of my family… but I am what I am and I can’t help it… and don’t want to lol.
We are who we are, and I don’t believe the gods discriminate.
I think it’s easier for me than some to have so many personal relationships with deities because my life isn’t so very distracted. Some people have a relationship with their gods that occurs only on special occasions, and that’s perfectly fine. Not everyone seeks out strong personal relationships but still carry the faith, and that works for them. I dedicate so deeply to what I do because it’s the path that my life took, and I find no fault in that. If what you believe in brings you joy and violates no other person, than what could be wrong with that?
Some pagans are “laypagans”, some are devoted, some are clergy- all of us have faith of varying degrees and that’s all good (though admittedly I have a more critical stance towards witchcraft, not paganism). For the pagans who are also witches (like myself), the faith coincides with the practice and becomes something strong and special. But of course, not every pagan is a witch, or a polytheist for that matter- but those of us walking that pagan, polytheistic path find ourselves drawn to the old gods for every kind of reason; I find it hard to believe in a singular divinity and I believed these great spirits are as much a part of this world as the material world. Some found their faith in the old gods for other reasons; pure connection, childhood interest, even a lash out against their upbringing. Whatever way it came about, I’m proud to see the gods resurrect.
I hope one day the polytheist culture begins an upswing into understanding and general acceptance. I hope we keep the gods alive in our hearts.
I think it’s easier for me than some to have so many personal relationships with deities because my life isn’t so very distracted. Some people have a relationship with their gods that occurs only on special occasions, and that’s perfectly fine. Not everyone seeks out strong personal relationships but still carry the faith, and that works for them. I dedicate so deeply to what I do because it’s the path that my life took, and I find no fault in that. If what you believe in brings you joy and violates no other person, than what could be wrong with that?
Some pagans are “laypagans”, some are devoted, some are clergy- all of us have faith of varying degrees and that’s all good (though admittedly I have a more critical stance towards witchcraft, not paganism). For the pagans who are also witches (like myself), the faith coincides with the practice and becomes something strong and special. But of course, not every pagan is a witch, or a polytheist for that matter- but those of us walking that pagan, polytheistic path find ourselves drawn to the old gods for every kind of reason; I find it hard to believe in a singular divinity and I believed these great spirits are as much a part of this world as the material world. Some found their faith in the old gods for other reasons; pure connection, childhood interest, even a lash out against their upbringing. Whatever way it came about, I’m proud to see the gods resurrect.
I hope one day the polytheist culture begins an upswing into understanding and general acceptance. I hope we keep the gods alive in our hearts.
What makes you a polytheist and who’s in your pantheon?
