Definition: Most contemporary Pagan religions are polytheistic by nature. The word comes from the Greek poly, meaning multiple, and theos, to mean gods. A polytheistic religion is one that honors multiple gods. Some examples of polytheistic belief systems include the religions of the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians, as well as modern paths like Wicca, Asatru, and some of the reconstructionist faiths.
You may occasionally hear the terms "soft polytheist" and "hard polytheist". In general a soft polytheist is someone who acknowledges that there are many gods, but they are all part of a single entity - it's the "all gods are one" theory. A hard polytheist typically believes that the gods are separate individuals who do not overlap and who are very distinctly NOT one and the same.
You may occasionally hear the terms "soft polytheist" and "hard polytheist". In general a soft polytheist is someone who acknowledges that there are many gods, but they are all part of a single entity - it's the "all gods are one" theory. A hard polytheist typically believes that the gods are separate individuals who do not overlap and who are very distinctly NOT one and the same.
Examples:
Willow honors several different gods and goddesses, because hers is a polytheistic religion.
