The Gods

 When it comes to the subject of the divine existence of the Gods, many questions arise as to their true nature. The Deities within ADF are also known as the Shining One's, though there is some overlap of resemblance between the Gods and of those who reside within the most powerful realms of Sídhe. Indeed, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two, as our firsthand experience of both is limited, resulting in strict definitions being blurred.
  The Deities however, embody vaster, eternally cyclic and mythologically associated Personalities, which exist within a metaphorical "higher state" than that of other spiritual emanations.
  The Gods have an unlimited overview of all natural systems, the implications which even the smallest changes can evince worldwide and they can, through ritual, become connected to our own role within the evolution of that structural arrangement.
  I cannot help but feel that a diversification of Gods, each one distinct in their attributes and associations, is a more highly "evolved" theology, than is minimalistic monotheism. Polytheism- the belief in many gods, and animism- the belief that divinity inhabits all parts of the Earth is a truer reflection of the world in which we live; filled with multiform-ity and endless variance. It is in diversity that our planet maintains its' health and well-being. Embracing this as a spiritual observance within our own lives is, as I see it, of eminently greater benefit for ourselves and society, than is the "one God fit's all" template. At a personal level, I feel that monotheism is truly dis-empowering of our own connectedness and strength.
  Yet, the world has seen this very thing come to pass, with the memory of the old Gods brought nearly to oblivion. We were spared at the last moment, it seems; the old Gods, the Ancient Ones are coming back, and we for them.
  In looking for the Gods, we must first open our minds to the very possibility of their existence and our hearts to the embracing of that perception. Anyone who has directly experienced the presence of the divine ones, will tell you they have no more need of faith- the Gods are real. They have a living spirit and force about them, far above any that an "archetypal" model would suggest.
It is up to each individual to seek out the Divine form with which they have the most affinity. In some cases, it will be during a time of suffering, a "dark night of the soul" as St. John of the Cross expressed, when we will make the emotional and spiritual breakthrough into understanding of the Gods presence in our lives. Making that connection may well be the most profoundly life-altering moment of our existence.
  I see the gods as primordial in nature, yet evolving along with all else; not as static, atavistic beings. As we grow in understanding, so they also will grow in their concern for our potential.