Models of Divinity

Most discussions of Wiccan Deity and belief begin by assuming that there are only two basic starting foundations: Either one believes in Deity literally, or one does not; one is either a Deist or a non-Deist. This, however, is a hyper-simplification of the role of Theism in religion, as well as the myriad of Theistic viewpoints and worldviews. In order to better serve as Priests of our community, we must do better (and develop better models of) understanding how these play out in and interact with core Wiccan beliefs and ethics.

In that regard, arguably one of the best explanations is the Tri-Color Triangular Model of Divinity… In other words: There are three colors of divine modularity affected by these views, which create a triangular gradient that combine to create a variety spectrum of theistic outlooks and opinions that may be held by Pagans.

Red is the orthodox deist standpoint that the Gods are personal, named, individual entities with whom one can communicate (hard polytheism). They may not be human, or exist on the material plane, but their existence is objective.

Blue is the idea that Deity exists, but that its existence is the ultimate mystery to us as Humans (Agnosticism). This may also include the idea that Deity is so great, subtle, and all encompassing, that we as humans cannot hope to comprehend it at all- let alone communicate with more than a tiny fraction of it. Thus we relate best to things which are human-like, and so ‘Gods’ are mere human masks and metaphors which we place on a faceless ultimate in order to briefly perceive and interact with it.

And Yellow is the view that the ‘Gods’ exist- but only as archetypes within the human mind and imagination. They are truths in that they are valid ways of making sense of the human experience. But they are nothing more than personifications of abstracts that may otherwise be too difficult for the Human mind to fully contend with (Jungian Archetypism).

It's easy to slip into the belief that all covenmates believe exactly as we do. But the reality is that most people's beliefs- Wiccan or not- don't align neatly with one endpoint of this simplistic triangular graph / model (let alone always with the side that our own does). Instead, most fall somewhere along one of the edges, or in the vast middle space that exists somewhere between these beliefs.

None of these, however, are a difference in the fundamental experience of Deity. Neither is it purely a difference of personality types. Three different Witches might have very similar encounters with deity, but interpret them differently according to the color of their beliefs- but the same individual may also move from one belief to another over time and change the interpretations of their experiences; if there is any consistent distinguishing factor, perhaps it is a difference in individual needs for Truth, Faith, Belonging, or Understanding.