Hard vs Soft Polytheism and How We Honour the Gods (with Tarot Spread)

Many problems in the world today stem from people trying to control how others relate to deity. So before we dive into today’s topic of ‘Hard vs Soft Polytheism,’ I need to make it very clear that I do not believe there is a right or wrong answer. Nor is there a right or wrong way to relate to the deities we believe in. Essentially, religion is about humanity trying to make intellectual sense of a mystery far greater than the human intellect. And, in the end, what matters is if we live our lives in a way that has a healing effect on the world around us. That said, let’s dive in!

Before entering into any kind of deity work and beginning to connect with different gods, it’s good to understand the meaning of hard vs soft polytheism. The distinction between hard polytheism and soft polytheism lies in how individuals view the nature and identity of the gods in polytheistic belief systems:

Hard vs Soft Polytheism

In hard polytheism, the gods are seen as distinct and separate entities with their own unique personalities, powers, and areas of influence. Each deity is autonomous and independent of the others, with a specific, individual existence.

For example, a hard polytheist might believe that Zeus (Greek) and Thor (Norse) are entirely separate beings, with no overlap in their identity or nature.

2. Soft Polytheism

Soft polytheism sees the gods as different aspects or manifestations of a greater divine source or as archetypal expressions of a universal divine principle. The gods might be viewed as different facets of a singular divine reality, rather than entirely separate beings.

A soft polytheist might interpret Zeus and Thor as different cultural expressions or personifications of the same divine energy or cosmic force, rather than two distinct and independent gods.

Can you be both a hard and soft polytheist?

It is possible to incorporate both perspectives, though it may involve a more nuanced or flexible approach. Some polytheists may see the gods as distinct (hard polytheism) but also recognise an underlying unity or shared divine essence (soft polytheism). This can happen when someone practices henotheism, where they honour one deity as supreme but acknowledge the existence of other gods, possibly seeing them as aspects of that supreme deity.

In short, a person could primarily believe in distinct gods while also acknowledging the connections of those gods to a greater divine force, seeing them as aspects or manifestations of that force.

Worship, Veneration and ‘Working With’ the Gods

The concepts of worship, veneration, and ‘working with’ the gods represent different ways of relating to and engaging with deities in spiritual practices. Here’s how they differ from the POV of both hard and softy polytheism:

1. Worship

In Hard Polytheism:

Worship involves devotion to distinct gods, each with their own unique identity and powers. The worshipper acknowledges the god’s individuality and might dedicate offerings, prayers, and rituals specific to that deity. Each god is seen as a sovereign being with their own will, and worship may be directed toward earning favour, protection, or blessings from that specific god.

For example, a hard polytheist might worship Odin as a distinct, powerful god of wisdom and war, offering sacrifices to gain his favor and wisdom.

In Soft Polytheism:

Worship might still involve devotion to individual gods, but these gods are seen as manifestations of a larger divine force. The gods represent aspects of a unified spiritual source, and worship can focus on the broader divine principle while acknowledging its individual expressions through different gods.

For example, a soft polytheist might worship Aphrodite. They recognise her as a specific manifestation of love, beauty, and fertility, but with an underlying sense that she is one expression of a universal love energy shared across many deities.

2. Veneration

In Hard Polytheism:

Veneration in hard polytheism involves showing respect and acknowledgment to individual gods as distinct, separate beings. This may involve acts of respect like making offerings or prayers, but without the intense submission found in worship. Each deity is honoured for their unique qualities and contributions to the cosmos.

 For example, a hard polytheist might venerate Freyja, acknowledging her role as a goddess of love, fertility, and war. They may lack deep devotion, but honour her out of respect for her influence and authority in those domains.

In Soft Polytheism:

Veneration here can be seen as honouring the many faces of the divine. Here we recognise that while gods might appear different, they are interconnected or part of a unified whole. We show respect to the individual deity, but there’s often a more implicit acknowledgment that this deity is part of a larger divine fabric.

For instance, a soft polytheist might venerate multiple goddesses of love from different pantheons (Aphrodite, Hathor, Venus), seeing them as reflections of the same divine love principle, expressed through different cultural lenses.

3. Working with the Gods

In Hard Polytheism:

Working with the gods in hard polytheism involves collaborating with specific, distinct deities. They have individual powers and realms of influence. The practitioner may call upon the gods for specific help or guidance. In exchange, they offer offerings or acts of devotion. There’s a sense of interacting with unique entities with their own will and personalities.

For example, a hard polytheist might work with Hermes for matters of communication and travel, recognising him as a distinct and independent god with unique powers in these areas.

In Soft Polytheism:

In soft polytheism, working with the gods might involve tapping into the varied expressions of a unified divine energy. Each god is seen as a facet or aspect of this greater force, and the practitioner seeks to align with the energies or qualities the gods represent. The interaction is more about engaging with a particular energy (e.g., creativity, protection) that the god embodies.

A soft polytheist might work with Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom and writing, seeing him as a specific manifestation of the universal principle of knowledge, but not necessarily as a wholly distinct being from other wisdom deities.

Summary of Differences in Terms of Hard vs. Soft Polytheism:

Worship:

Hard Polytheism: Devotion to distinct, autonomous gods.

Soft Polytheism: Worship of gods as expressions of a unified divine source.

Veneration:

Hard Polytheism: Respect and honour given to specific deities with unique roles.

Soft Polytheism: Respect shown to gods as representations of broader divine principles.

Working with the Gods:

Hard Polytheism: A reciprocal relationship with distinct deities who have their own wills and powers.

Soft Polytheism: Engaging with different aspects or energies of the same divine source, reflected in various gods.

In both approaches, the core activities of worship, veneration, and working with the gods can look quite similar outwardly but with very different understandings of the gods’ nature underpinning the approach.

How My Soul Honours Deity Tarot Spread

This Tarot can help you explore and understand how your soul connects with and honours deity, whether through hard polytheism, soft polytheism, or a combination of both. The spread consists of seven cards, each reflecting different aspects of your spiritual connection and practice. You can choose whether to work with a full 78-card Tarot deck, Majors only or an oracle deck for this reading.

Interpretation Guide:

1. The Core Belief:
   • This card shows the foundational belief your soul holds about the nature of deity. Are the gods distinct individuals (hard polytheism) or different manifestations of a singular divine source (soft polytheism)?
2. Worship Style:
   • This card reflects how you practice worship. Do you focus on devotion to individual gods, or do you see them as expressions of a broader divine principle?
3. Veneration Practice:
   • This card reveals how you show respect to the gods. Is it through recognizing their unique roles and contributions or by honouring them as various facets of the same divine energy?
4. Working with the Deities:
   • This card indicates how you work with deities in your spiritual practice. Do you seek specific deities for their individual powers and guidance, or do you engage with the divine energies they represent?
5. Hard Polytheism Perspective:
   • This card provides insight into your views on hard polytheism. How do you perceive and relate to gods as distinct, autonomous beings?
6. Soft Polytheism Perspective:
   • This card offers understanding of your views on soft polytheism. How do you see gods as different aspects of a unified divine source?
7. Synthesis:
   • This card reveals how you integrate both perspectives of hard and soft polytheism in your spiritual practice. Do you acknowledge an underlying unity while also believing in distinct deities, or do you lean more towards one perspective?

Sample ‘How My Soul Honours Deity’ Tarot Reading

Use this spread to explore the depths of your spiritual relationships and how your soul honours the divine, providing insight into your unique blend of beliefs and practices.

1. The Core Belief: 6 of Wands

The 6 of Wands suggests that your soul holds a strong, confident belief in your understanding of divinity. You likely feel victorious in your spiritual journey and assured in how you perceive the gods. This could indicate that you feel in alignment with your divine path. There is a possible leaning toward hard polytheism, where each god plays a significant and distinct role in your life. You recognise the importance of their individuality, but you might also acknowledge their influence and seek personal achievement through connection with them.

2. Worship Style: 3 of Pentacles

The 3 of Pentacles in this position indicates that your worship style is collaborative and communal. You likely see worship as a cooperative practice, involving dedication to individual gods while also recognising the importance of working together with them towards common spiritual goals. This hints at a balance between hard and soft polytheism, integrating individual devotion with a sense of interconnected purpose.

3. Veneration Practice: 8 of Cups

Your veneration practice, as indicated by the 8 of Cups, involves seeking deeper spiritual truths and moving beyond superficial engagements. This suggests a practice that honours the gods while also recognising a journey towards a greater understanding of the divine. You may see individual deities as gateways towards a broader spiritual enlightenment.

Perhaps you recognise the limitations of outward rituals and superficial acts of veneration. Instead, you seek a more profound, personal connection to the divine. There may be detachment from traditional ways of honouring the gods. You desire to find a deeper spiritual truth. This is what motivates you to explore individual deities as well as larger cosmic principles.

4. Working with the Deities: The Star

The Star signifies hope, inspiration, and a connection to the divine. When working with deities, you align yourself with their divine energies to bring inspiration and guidance into your life. This card suggests a soft polytheism approach, where you see deities as sources of divine light and inspiration, intertwined with a larger cosmic energy.

Your practice is rooted in optimism and the idea that the gods (or divine energies) are here to guide you to your highest potential. This card leans toward a more universal approach, working with the divine for inspiration and hope, rather than focusing solely on individual deities.

5. Hard Polytheism Perspective: 2 of Wands

The 2 of Wands shows a perspective that involves planning and deciding between distinct paths. From a hard polytheism perspective, this indicates that you are open to exploring different gods as distinct, independent beings. You may feel drawn to understanding their unique attributes, but you are still in a state of contemplation or discovery about whether or not to fully embrace the idea of autonomous gods. This could mean that you are in the process of deciding how much you want to engage with each god individually, balancing between seeing them as separate and potentially connected.

6. Soft Polytheism Perspective: The High Priestess

The High Priestess represents intuition, mystery, and the deeper subconscious. This card in the context of soft polytheism suggests that you recognise the gods as different aspects of a greater, mysterious divine source. You see each deity embodying aspects of hidden knowledge and spiritual depth.

You are attuned to the mystical, unseen forces behind the gods. Your intuition and inner knowing guide you toward an understanding of the divine as a unified whole, with the gods serving as portals to greater spiritual knowledge.

7. Synthesis: King of Pentacles

The King of Pentacles embodies stability, abundance, and practical wisdom. The synthesis of hard and soft polytheism in your practice is rooted in a balanced and practical approach. You are capable of honouring both the distinct qualities of individual gods and the unified divine energy they represent. You may see the divine as a source of practical wisdom and stability in your life, integrating aspects of both perspectives to enrich your spiritual practice.

Summary: This reading suggests that while you have a strong foundation in your belief in the gods’ individuality (6 of Wands), you also acknowledge the deeper, universal principles that connect them (The High Priestess). Your worship is collaborative, focusing on working closely with deities as distinct beings (3 of Pentacles), but when it comes to veneration, you seek a more personal, introspective connection (8 of Cups). Working with the gods is a hopeful and expansive process for you (The Star), with room to explore both hard polytheism (2 of Wands) and soft polytheism (The High Priestess). Ultimately, you bring these two perspectives together in a balanced and grounded way (King of Pentacles), integrating both approaches into a practical and successful spiritual practice.

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