Aštra’el
Aštara, Blade of Aštoreth
Tell me about your Deities
The deities of my pantheon can be experienced and embraced by theists or atheists alike; what is most important is to understand their archetype within one's pantheon, their most prominent attributes, and how those attributes embodied by these deities can affect one's life in ways that help one fulfill one's goals and ambitions.
The inspiration and motivation of a goddess of war and wisdom will naturally accelerate one's ability to grow in these things, by acting as a driving force behind one's training in athletics and strategy, and desire to understand human Nature. This driving force will encourage one to push one's limits, rise when one has been defeated, begin again when one has given up, consider more strategic options rather than relying on the most direct approach during a conflict, and to do what is required for one to achieve what one Wills to achieve. (These things reflect my experiences with the most prominent goddess in my life.)
At the beginning of the Iliad, when Paris was told to choose between Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite, and chose Aphrodite... he was prioritizing something involving love, erotic passion and beauty over prowess in battle, strategy, and wisdom. He was prioritizing something involving love, erotic passion and beauty over political prowess and wealth. One in his position today might be sacrificing athletic or military opportunities (Athena) and political or financial opportunities (Hera) to pursue opportunities involving love, erotic passion, etc. (Aphrodite). As such, this story can be relatable whether one is theistic or atheistic... these gods can potentially be understood and experienced in various ways whether one is theistic or atheistic.
I have evolved and at times syncretized deities and deific archetypes in ways that are relevant to my life and Weltanschauung in today's world. My pantheon however draws more from the deities of ancient Mesopotamia and Abrahamic lore, rather than Hellenic mythology. These mythologies were born in the desert, as I was, and thrived in the desert, as I have; as such they tend to be more useful and meaningful.
Last edited by a moderator: