As a prefix to a word pan- means “all, every, whole, inclusive” (1), so when we put pan- before polytheism, I’m speaking of an inclusive polytheism. An inclusive polytheism is one of choice. As a scholarly church, the Aikyam Society sees the choice of deity/deities (or choosing none of them) to be a personal choice. There is wisdom in many traditions, and it is from this well of global wisdom each individual needs to draw that which speaks to and works within their worldview. No one has all the answers, and each of us in our relationship to divinity, no matter how that may manifest to us, must cultivate that relationship for ourselves and within ourselves so that we may follow the path we’re given.
There’s another meaning to the pan- before polytheism and that is a recognition of pantheism, which is the belief that there is no distinction between divinity, nature, everything within the cosmos, and ourselves. We see this in the saying that we are the “universe trying to make sense of itself”, something that’s been said by many individuals in various ways. In my personal practice deities are manifestations of aspects of the universe, and it is through these deities that we seek to find understanding and knowledge.
However it is the word “relationship” which is doing the heavy lifting here. We are not servants to the gods anymore than they are servants to us. We cannot expect that when we light incense, sit in meditation, or create ritual that they will immediately grant our demands. Instead, it’s a relationship, one in which both parties need to participate. This is why our choice of deities with which to work is a personal one. For example I have always been connected to horses and Epona is one of my personal deities. You may not have this connection and so you may be drawn in another direction, perhaps Hephestus or Demeter because of your interests and abilities.
The choices you make are your own. They are the choices you must be responsible for, and the ones for which you will have to answer. They are also the ones which will enrich your life, deepen your appreciation for your spiritual practice, and perhaps buoy you through the rough waters of life. Let us walk this path, each in our own way, together.
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