BlackLili
June 9th, 2008, 04:51 PM
Assignment 1a.
1) What do you believe a deity is?
2) How do you see them, i.e. human personification, archetypes, etc.?
3) How does your view of deities correspond within your spirituality? For example, if you see your deities as archetypes, how does it effect your rituals, prayers, etc.?
Please post your answers in your thread and notebook.
1. To me, a deity is both a mental construct - an archetype utilized by the brain to connect with energy already in existence within one's self - as well as a separate sentient entity. I have a rather "quantum theory" outlook to magic and religion, and the old adage "As above, so below; as within, so without," is a perfect reflection of that.
2. In spite of recognizing that there is an internal dialogue going on with myself in the form of archetype -vs- consciousness, there is still a strong belief I hold that there is something "out there" listening to me. Maybe not always paying attention until I wave my arms and cluck like a chicken, but it exists, separate and apart from myself - and yet, can connect with that "spark of the divine" that we all have within ourselves to facilitate communication via signs, omens, etc.
3. Sometimes I am left feeling that my offerings go unnoticed and I'm just making up signs to find, but they are so constant and sometimes so vivid that I am only left to conclude that there is something sentient (with a dark sense of humor, no less) noticing if not me specifically, then the methods I use to communicate. This is something that I bear in mind as I make dinners for offerings, or just nod at the sky. As with any good Manager, the people who report to them benefit from just the littlest bit of attention - and I think that applies to deities as well. We give them attention and respect, and they notice us in small ways (and other times large ones.)
1) What do you believe a deity is?
2) How do you see them, i.e. human personification, archetypes, etc.?
3) How does your view of deities correspond within your spirituality? For example, if you see your deities as archetypes, how does it effect your rituals, prayers, etc.?
Please post your answers in your thread and notebook.
1. To me, a deity is both a mental construct - an archetype utilized by the brain to connect with energy already in existence within one's self - as well as a separate sentient entity. I have a rather "quantum theory" outlook to magic and religion, and the old adage "As above, so below; as within, so without," is a perfect reflection of that.
2. In spite of recognizing that there is an internal dialogue going on with myself in the form of archetype -vs- consciousness, there is still a strong belief I hold that there is something "out there" listening to me. Maybe not always paying attention until I wave my arms and cluck like a chicken, but it exists, separate and apart from myself - and yet, can connect with that "spark of the divine" that we all have within ourselves to facilitate communication via signs, omens, etc.
3. Sometimes I am left feeling that my offerings go unnoticed and I'm just making up signs to find, but they are so constant and sometimes so vivid that I am only left to conclude that there is something sentient (with a dark sense of humor, no less) noticing if not me specifically, then the methods I use to communicate. This is something that I bear in mind as I make dinners for offerings, or just nod at the sky. As with any good Manager, the people who report to them benefit from just the littlest bit of attention - and I think that applies to deities as well. We give them attention and respect, and they notice us in small ways (and other times large ones.)