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The following is a brief description of the main pantheons worked with by Pagans. Although opinions vary with respect to working with different pantheons, my own personal view is that it's never a good idea to mix the pantheons you work with. I'd also suggest bearing in mind the history of each race associated with the pantheons. For example, given the nature of the history of Roman treatment of the Celts, do you really feel it's a good idea to mix the two pantheons into the one rite?!
Another problem I often encounter is that of people selecting a pantheon (or indeed a God/dess) to work with purely because they seem to be the "in" thing of the time. It really is essential to put your ego aside when making your choice, and opt for the pantheon and/or Deity that speaks to you... not the one everyone else seems to be going for. Personally, I work with Celtic Deities because that's the path I was called to at a very young age, and also the path I have been on throughout nigh on every lifetime I've had. But if you opt for a pantheon which isn't really appropriate for you, I can guarantee your work is going to be infinitely less effective than if you had selected the one which truly speaks to you. Take a look at my section on the Celtic pantheon to understand why I particularly make mention of taking care in selecting this pantheon to work with.
So how do you know which pantheon to choose? Well, with most of them you will probably have unwittingly felt an affinity with them since childhood. Alternatively, you may realize that you have unconsciously decorated your home, or selected artwork, in the style of the Country (Greek, Roman, etc). I also explain for each pantheon the type of person it most commonly appeals to and works well with. For Celtic, though, you need stronger signs than these, and will most likely find that you have been approached by one of the Deities in a dream or vision. There may be a series of synchronous events leading you to the path of that Deity, or pantheon. Be watchful for these signs, and make your decision accordingly. From there, ensure that you read and learn as much as possible about your pantheon; the better you know it, the easier you will find it to work with. But, in the case of the Celtic pantheon at least, never force yourself upon a pantheon that is not totally open to receiving you. That way will at best lead to nothing, and that's a waste of time and energy for both yourself and the Gods.
If there is a pantheon you feel ought to be included on this list, or further information you feel should be added, please click on the image below to drop me a line.
Celtic
The Celtic pantheon tends to appeal to those
who are, by nature, ruled by their feelings and emotions. However,
unlike the other pantheons, the Celtic Deities tend to choose you, rather
than you choosing them. If you sincerely wish to work with the Celtic
pantheon, my best suggestion is to study as much as you can, but never
push if it's not meant to be. If you are interested in working with
this pantheon, I would strongly suggest you also ready my separate section
on the Celtic pantheon.
Egyptian
Egyptian Deities tend to work well with those
who are ruled by their intuition, and to highly spiritual people who may
need to keep the feet on the ground a little more. They are also,
in my experience, one of the gentler pantheons to work with, and well suited
to those who are new to the faith.
Greek
Greek Deities are generally best approached
by those who are ruled by their intellect. The 'thinkers' of this
world tend to turn either to the Greek or Roman pantheons, with great success.
Native
American
Although I have refrained from including the
Native American Deities within my lists of Pagan Gods and Goddesses, this
pantheon is one I feel is too often overlooked. So many times an
American begins speaking to me about various pantheons as they try to select
the most appropriate one for them, and don't even think to consider the
pantheon native to their homeland! A very approachable pantheon,
in my experience.
Norse
Practical, down to earth people are generally
best off starting with the Norse pantheon. I've also found that this
tends to appeal to men, who seem to appreciate the grounded nature of this
pantheon, whilst endeavouring to elevate themselves to a more spiritual
level.
Roman
Like the Greek pantheon, this one seems to
appeal most to intellectual, thinking types. Often with lists of
Deities, you will find both the Greek and Roman counterparts listed alongside
each other, as of all the pantheons, these two are the most interchangeable
with each other.
İCaitlin, 2000