Rise of the new PANTHEIST

New sanghas of believers in ancient polytheist traditions, are growing across the globe in their contemporary polytheistic traditions with their multiple, diverse, and accommodating approaches to spiritual life, says Rishi Rathod

- Rishi Rathod

Pluralistic philosophies appeal to many eco-activists, who also see Nature as sacred and recognise the Great Goddess as Mother Nature. The image of the witch was taken up by feminists as a role model of the independent powerful woman, and the single Great Goddess, as the archetype of women’s inner strength and dignity. Not only that, across the continent, young Europeans are reclaiming their tribal identities. There is a huge revival of native interest in Norse, Celtic, Prussian, and other ancient traditions. Many of them are making a strong comeback.

—Rakesh Krishnan Simha, columnist and author for IndiaFacts.org

Charles Shahar, 63, a writer and Vedantin, says, “I always had an adverse reaction to organised religion and dogma. The whole point of this life was to become free, not to get bound and fettered with yet more concepts and strictures.” Charles was raised a Jew but now identifies with Advaita Vedanta, which he believes is neither monotheistic nor polytheistic. He says, “In my original faith, the duality between Self and God was a given. I never accepted that. What attracted me about Advaita Vedanta was that there is no duality between you and God and that Self alone is everywhere. These truths represented the highest philosophy or vision I have yet to encounter.”