SpiritTalker wrote:It's my understanding that - as there is no over-seeing authoritative theological body amongst the Wiccan religion (and never will be) - that each person is free to believe as they perceive the gods to be, without interference. It's said that getting a concensus amongst witches is akin to herding cat's. It's recognized that each person is in a different level of belief that is right for where they need to be to manifest their intentions. And I speak only for myself' & not for Wicca as I am self-dedicated, solitary eclectic & not oath bound; and pffft - who cares?
That being said a fair few who have studied the magical practices of Hermetics might indeed tend toward the allegorical, as well as personifying & anthrophomophicizing as acts of consciousness; with the idea that if you put your mind into the belief of a thing then it will function through you. (Krikey, but those big words are a mouthful!)
You might be surprised that a good many practicing & devout Christians do
not perceive of god-as-an-individual (just the one's who shout loudly do so.) I was never taught that in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) for adults entering the Catholic faith & i went through the program twice. Again, that's of no interest here. Others will have varied experiences. The cat's are swarming ...

Meow... meow, prrrrrrrrrr, meow...
Honestly, I agree with SpiritTalker...
Everyone in this world has their own beliefs- and no one can really be told how to think or feel even if the "rules and regulations" are printed out- or carved in stone... lol...
In my Kitty-like-laymen's terms... Meow...

(You seriously can NOT herd us... those who have tried...

aren't with us any more...
As I personally "saw" it in the beginning- and Disney movies like Hercules- silly me- helped... The Gods and Goddesses are as they are- if you personally need an "Almighty Maker"- in my mind that is "IT"- neither he nor she... if there is one-
it is whatever YOU need it to be... What helps you sleep at night, what makes you feel SAFE & Sound? Personally- that is what "Religion" is to me- and my opinion is that the freedom in the world we live in- or at least here in the United States of America- with the freedom of religion... although there are still laws that prohibit some practises that some religions honor.

Which I believe that has to do with common sense, or lack there of by some... and the ones who take things to the extreme and make an otherwise mundane "thing" become something that is OMGOODNESS WRONG and makes everyone look bad even if they are lighting a birthday candle or planting tomatoes in the garden...
Meow... believe in what your heart, soul and every fiber of your being tells you too... Make it fit you... Make it make sense to you- ... Whatever helps you sleep at night and wake up every morning knowing you love yourself- the right way for you... Blessed be!!!
Lenaleanna

When the ground gives way and your world collapses, maybe you just need to have faith. And trust that you can survive this. Maybe you just need to hold on tight. And no matter what, don't let go.