Alright. As a witch do you worship any god/gods?
I hope you don't mind if I answer this as well. Similar to awitch, I don't use the word worship but I would say "recognize and hold in high esteem" my concept of deity which I believe in something that awitch I already mentioned: the concept of a male and female deity that has many manifestations, though those manifestations are semi-independent. Does that make sense?
Though I do periodically invoke the names of specific irish/welsh celtic gods and goddesses in rituals. In no specific order of importance: Cernunnos, Brigid, Epona, Cerridwen, Lugh, and Rihannon.
Sometimes I reference only the Horned God and Triple Goddess as an abstraction and my understanding of deity. This is not meant as slight to specific deities but simply a different way to venerate them.
I have also studied the
Western Hermetic Tradition and its occultism quite a bit which has brought me closer to Greek and Roman gods/goddesses as well as Christian and Jewish esoteric angels and demons, in particular. Though I do not venerate any of them. I am initiated into a fraternity, which in a way is a Greek Mystery Religious tradition but most people don't see it that way, just figured I'd mention for interest. Furthermore I am a member of a now defunct esoteric order that was mostly a gathering of folks interested in Western magick.
Alright, cool. From what I know of the Romans they wanted the people they conquered to pay tribute to their Gods, although they were fine with them continuing worshiping their own Gods (with the exception being the Jews). So it seems to imply at least they thought the Gods were somewhat different.
Do you think people's ancestry matters when it comes to them feeling a good vibe from a particular pantheon? Do most Europeans stick to European pantheon deities, most Arabs to Arabic deities, most Africans to African deities.. etc.. any people mix pantheons with each other?
This was common in many empires. Interestingly enough, the Mongols, during the reign of Ghengis Khan absorbed many faiths in their conquests. The Mongol hordes identified with the Tengrii religion and did not usually require vassals to convert but they did order people to pray to their specific Gods as a sort of cosmic insurance policy. Muslims, Christians and pagans alike could keep their gods but they had to pray for the safety and strength of the mongols.
As for me, it also applies; I recognize that all deities and spirits of the world's many faiths. That even includes Christianity, although it does not reciprocate. For example, in IT I work with many Indian nationals who are openly Hindu. I could pray to their gods, if I felt so inclined but my lack of understanding and lack of cultural connection are sort of psychological barriers to me connecting with them, if that makes a lot of sense. I recognize their existence but do not particularly worship them.
Some branches of Nordic and Germanic heathenry and Slavic paganism are strict about ethnic origins but frankly, I would stay away from these types as they're often very nationalist which is something that makes me personally uncomfortable.
Many others don't necessarily mix pantheons but have been known to reach out to gods from around the world if felt inclined. I know someone who feels a particular connection to the Egyptian goddess Hathor, and has a small altar dedicated to her. Nothing fancy but its nice for him.
