Polytheistic Monotheism
| The belief system of the ancient Celts was resoundingly polytheistic and animistic, at least at first glance. With a look at the Four Pillars of Druidry (Multiple Lifetimes, Multiple Worlds, Spirit in All Things, Reverence for Ancestors), we see that there is a belief in an afterlife, in Other Worlds, in myriad deities and other entities residing in those other worlds, and in spirit in-dwelling in all things (animism). What does this mean for the monotheist; for those raised with a pervading Christian viewpoint? Let us take all of it together: the belief in Other Worlds, the myriad deities and other beings, the belief in spirit in-dwelling in all things, the afterlife. At first, this may seem a difficult way to come to an understanding. But not when taken with the understanding that accompanies all of the above: behind all of this and running through all things, there is understood to be an overriding Force, which penetrates all things and binds all things together. This may be understood as the Ultimate Truth or entity which Druids actually "worship." Therefore, what we actually have in Druidry is polytheistic monotheism--all Gods as one God. This is similar in many ways with the Hindu concept of all gods as ultimately Brahman (not surprising since the Celts share an Indo-European heritage with the people of India), or with the Christian concept of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as all being aspects of a superior Godhead. The Deities, when taken with this in mind, become in many ways archetypes for us, making it easier for us to work with the energies of the Godhead. This does not make them any less real, or any less worthwhile as individual beings. Instead, like the saints of the Catholic system, they become signposts and guardians for us, with whom we relate one-on-one in an effort to understand and work with the overriding Force. We are polytheists, yes. We are animists. But at our depth, beneath it all, we worship, sacrifice to, and work with a Force which penetrates, weaves together, and yet overrides all other identities and entities. And so, in the end, we are monotheists. As a Druid, in many ways,we ride all fences. |
Copyright 2001, CiHela
 | Back |
| Home |
| Next |