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Since various notable people have been discussing starting colonies on Mars, while others tell of discovering life in outer space, I decided to ponder the metaphysics of cosmotheology. As a Polytheist, I wonder how Outer Space and Extraterrestrials (ETs) will affect Polytheism, in general. Can the various cosmologies of Polytheism accommodate ETs or colonies on the Moon? How do rituals and traditions respond to realities beyond cultural beliefs? What is Polytheism’s place in the cosmotheological landscape?
I think that Polytheism will adapt and embrace the new realities. The many cosmologies of Polytheism already include multi-universes, non-physical realms, and orders of existence. For Polytheists, the universe is rich in spiritual meaning. All life exists in a web or reciprocity within a vast interconnected universe.
A reflection of what Polytheism is was written by the monks of the Saiva Siddhanta Yoga Order (Note 1) in their pamphlet “Gods and Gods of Hinduism.” They stated, “It must be clearly understood that God and the Gods are not a psychological product of the Hindu religious mind. They are far older than the Universe…They are loving overseers and custodians of the cosmos, earth and mankind. The Hindu cosmological terrain envelops all of humanity. It is not exclusive.”
The statements of the Hindu monks encompass Polytheistic thought. Polytheists do see the Cosmos as an interconnected web of relationships. As a part of that, the Gods move beyond the known Universe. The monks further state that the “Gods are the fountainheads of its (Universe) galactic energies, shining stars and sunlit planets.” Adding ETs to the Web of Life would not be so disruptive.
Meanwhile, how does a Polytheist approach to residing off the Earth? For example, how does living in a colony on the Moon, affect the worship and veneration of Luna or Nanna-Suen or any other God of the Moon? What form would that devotion take? Living on the Moon changes the relationship between the devotee and the God. What about colonies on Mars, where the Moon is not seen? That would mean a new relationship would develop.
In Sumerian Polytheism, Nanna-Suen measures time. As He waxes and wanes, Nanna-Suen delivers gifts from his Barge until He returns to the Underworld. During the Dark Moon, He is a Judge there. Could the Moon be His Barge, with the colonists his people? Could time be measured with a period of the “Dark of the Moon” and “Full of the Moon?” I believe that Nanna-Suen will whisper to his devotees in their dreams, what He wants. Rituals will take a new form, since the colony is on the Moon. As for Mars, Nanna-Suen may have the two Moons be his agents, or the Gods of the Moons of Mars will make Themselves known.
I believe that Polytheism will adapt to the new circumstances. New Gods will emerge, and old Gods will take on new attributes. The Gods will reveal new ways of venerating Them. Divination is always available for asking what They want. Reading the original myths and cosmologies will uncover new ways for devotion for life off the Earth.
Notes:
Note 1. The monks reside on Kauai, Hawai’i.
Suggested Reading:
Davis, Andrew, “Metaphysics of Exo-Life.” Grasmere (ID): SacraSage Press. 2003.
Meade, Shannon, “Faith in the Cosmos.” Machiasport (ME): Shannon Meade. 2024.
O’Meara, Thomas, “Vast Universe.” Collegeville (MN): Liturgical Press. 2012.
Weintraub, David, “Religions and Extraterrestrial Life.” London: Springer Book. 2014.
