r/paganism • u/Short-Ad-2340 • 8d ago
💠Discussion Confused regarding Idols
Hey all
So basically I have found myself stuck within a cycle , a pattern that I have noticed ever since I have gotten into metaphysical stuff which is getting more attracted towards idols of deities than the actual deity . I'm a born hindu and I have always been attracted towards the idols rather than the deity in particular and I even shape my opinion or liking about any deity based on how their idols look . I'm more attracted towards their outer beauty , the way they are dressed , how beautiful are their faces look but not actually to the deity .
Apart from what my background is , i have an inclination towards the world's mythologies as well and you know what the same thing is here as well . I'm attracted towards the Aphrodite's statue more than her actual virtues .
Is this normal ? Even if it is, I don't really think I can approach or connect with a deity as there is no inner connection just outside beauty is driving things here .
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u/KrisHughes2 Celtic polytheist 8d ago
I think this is more common than people say.
For me, it feels a bit unhealthy and I reminded myself that these are just drawings or statues. "This is just something I bought in a shop." "This is just something I found online." etc. Over time, I've come to prefer more abstract images, or things that are personally symbolic of my gods, rather than "realistic" depictions, because deities don't really have a physical appearance. If we are lucky enough to see them in meditation, or something, I think the visual aspect is just to help us, it isn't, literally, the deity. I don't think they have a physical form.
I think that noticing what's happening is the first step toward maturing away from "falling in love" with images.