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The Gods in Traditional WitchcraftIntroduction to the Gods and Spiritual Orientation ![]() Most Traditional Crafters, or witches, are a spiritually minded folk with a wide spectrum of beliefs. However most believe in either pantheism or panentheism along with polytheism. Pantheism & PanentheismUnderlying most Trad Witchcraft spirituality is the concept of pantheism or panentheism. They are similar but different.
We also believe that nature encompasses the physical world as well as the Spirit World (heaven), and that nature and the Spirit World are part of God. To the pantheist and panentheist, the divine is not a remote monotheistic "Almighty God" male figure kept busy judging and punishing us. Instead, the divine is an intimate God that surrounds us in this world, and that is very much part of everything in our lives, but more, that we are part of God. But for many it is nature that evokes a religious feeling of awe and belonging, and it is nature that we especially honour as sacred. While pantheism or panentheism is a worldview most share in the Traditional Craft, traditionally Crafters also subscribe to polytheism in a complimentary belief system. This dual approach is held by the vast majority of Crafters. It is in fact one belief system with two aspects. Nevertheless, a few think differently. Some maintain pantheistic or panentheistic beliefs alone and do not include a polytheistic aspect. While usually not objecting to the observance of polytheistic religion, these "hard" pantheists and panentheists believe the concept of God should remain abstract, without personifications or human representations. This is very much a minority view that is neither traditional nor popular. For most, pantheism or panentheism along with polytheism form a complete worldview. Polytheism
Note that religious ceremonies are not technically part of the Traditional Craft in this Trad, they are complimentary but separate. The observance of a pantheon or of specific gods is a dichotomy, their ritual observance is held separately and in the proper form of the god's culture. In other words, we keep the god's old observances as close to the original manner as possible, of course without animal sacrifice. Magic and religious observances are held side by side, in a complimentary manner, at times in harmony with each other, but not together. Thus, we honour and observe the gods in their true manner. Another important point is that the gods of different cultures are never mixed with each other. So beginner witchcraft seekers that do not have a tradition or Trad to guide them, should wait before selecting which gods to honour until this issue can be properly researched and the seeker can have time to search within themselves before making any decision and commitment. We have explained the religious beliefs of the vast majority of Crafters. However, it should be kept in mind that this is to a degree variable. Two Cases In Point:
Universal ToleranceWe may strongly disagree with the three monotheistic religions, especially with their intolerance but we are always courteous to other people. Most Crafters have a disinterested attitude towards the three monotheistic religions but always treat individual Christians, Jews, and Mohammedans with due respect. Next, The Spirits & The Spirit World. ![]() |
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