If you were a god...

In many Pagan and occult traditions, we invoke gods (or other spirits) in order to deepen those relationships or enhance our knowledge or certain understandings - and in some cases we do this to improve or strengthen parts of ourselves by focusing on aspects of those gods that exemplify the kinds of things we want to cultivate or manifest in ourselves.

With that in mind, I don't think it's too irreverent to ask or contemplate the following question.

If you were a god (any pantheon, any era), which god would you be and why?

A Lightning God, like Raiden in Mortal Kombat.

Well my answer is going to seem like a cop out. I know next to nothing about Pagan religions and the various Gods. I know a little about Greek gods and some about Norse gods. That knowledge is, however, negligible.

To that end, I would be Thor (or some God like him). I'd want to be a warrior God or a protector of some sort, and possessing a mighty mystical weapon is just too cool to pass up. Also I like what little I know of the ideas of Valhalla. It'd be cool to have an afterlife idea that's all about great battles all day then giant feasts all night.

And remember, if someone asks you if your a God, say yes!

Desolous wrote: A Lightning God, like Raiden in Mortal Kombat.

Interesting. I'd often wondered if Raiden was based on an actual god. Seems he's a Japanese/Shinto god/Kami.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raijin

Did you watch Big Trouble in Little China as a kid?

Odin is my homeboy. Simultaneously a war god and a god of knowledge, a god of magic and a god of writing, Odin has the kind of portfolio I'd probably want.

Goken wrote: Well my answer is going to seem like a cop out. I know next to nothing about Pagan religions and the various Gods. I know a little about Greek gods and some about Norse gods. That knowledge is, however, negligible.

That's not a cop out, Goken. Good answer. I didn't mean the question to be limited to what might be considered Pagan gods.

Lightning gods are popular so far.

Goken wrote: And remember, if someone asks you if your a God, say yes!

Haven't seen that movie in forever! It will be interesting to see what they do with the upcoming reboot.

A goddess of diplomacy- one that not only intercedes on behalf of corporeal beings, but noncorporeal as well, and between between the all in any circumstance.

In all of the world, there is only one. But truly- I am my own person. I don't need to be one of the goddesses or gods- I would become a new one.

That said- the first person to name me a goddess of Jediism is going to be haunted for eternity :laugh: :laugh:

Arcade wrote: Did you watch Big Trouble in Little China as a kid?

Also, there are tons of really, really, really cool kami.

I would be Aset/Isis..

She was mistress of everything really and she used to be quite a inspiration to me.

steamboat28 wrote: Odin is my homeboy. Simultaneously a war god and a god of knowledge, a god of magic and a god of writing, Odin has the kind of portfolio I'd probably want.

The Allfather does seem to have it all. Though, I once overheard two Heathens talking about wearing the valknut (that some associate with Odin and death, as they did), and one of them said, "I don't know. I just can't wear it. As much as I respect Odin, it always feels like a target on my chest."

I suspect you like the darker aspects of Odin as well, however.

Have you seen the TV series, The Almighty Johnsons ? If not, you might enjoy it. It's an offbeat comedy about the Norse gods living in contemporary New Zealand.

Arcade wrote: I once overheard two Heathens talking about wearing the valknut...

Wearing the valknut is a mark of bravery. Getting it tattooed is a mark of insanity. Guess which I've got planned?

Arcade wrote: I suspect you like the darker aspects of Odin as well, however.

Oh, definitely. The man rides an eight-legged horse. The symbolism isn't exactly subtle. :laugh:

My first answer would be Loki, although there is some debate about whether or not he should even be considered a god. He's got the obvious reputation as a trickster, but I admire the way he's always willing to spout off at Thor even though it usually ends with a hammer upside his head. Some smart asses never learn... :evil:

steamboat28 wrote: Wearing the valknut is a mark of bravery. Getting it tattooed is a mark of insanity. Guess which I've got planned?

I'd always assumed insanity was your ultimate destination. :laugh:

Senan wrote: My first answer would be Loki, although there is some debate about whether or not he should even be considered a god. He's got the obvious reputation as a trickster, but I admire the way he's always willing to spout off at Thor even though it usually ends with a hammer upside his head. Some smart asses never learn... :evil:

I'm a Loki fan as well. Which has, in some cases, put me at odds with people who practice Norse/Germanic paganism.

But I'm also a child of Thor, so I can appreciate both sides of the ever-present conflict that you mentioned.

I am already a God.

Edan asked which god I would choose, and I had to think about my answer for a while, but I think I'd wish to be a bard/poet type god (Taliesin? Bragi? Apollo?). I love language and music, value creativity and insight, and appreciate those who are subtle sources of inspiration.

Lol I'm reminded of ghostbusters..... If you are asked if you are a god.... You say yes!

Sorry, I'm in a silly mood....

Obviously...

Love that depiction of Hades!

I can't say I've every really though much about it. First thought was Isis...maybe Bastet or Inari.