The Nature of God

I've often stated that I like the way the ancient Egyptians called their deities, Neters. From Neter we have derived the word "nature". Another words, a particular deity would be the "nature" of an aspect of the infinite one. As an example, Hathor would represent the abundance, prosperity, and love aspect of the infinite one, just like the Devi Lakshmi in Hinduism. Astrologically, Hathor and Lakshmi would be the archetypal planetary Venus. In essence, she is a certain aspect, a particular "nature" of the infinite one. 

In Hinduism, there is a particular Sanskrit term that is often portrayed with Goddess energy, Prakriti.  Prakriti means "nature" and is also where the English term "practical" has its roots in the Indo-European languages. To act as "practical" is to act as the way one normally would, to act "naturally". 

Therefore, to put God into practical terms, we are basically using permission slips (deities) to tap into certain aspects of the infinite one. For the infinite one, it is "natural" to be abundant, prosperous, and loving within the unlimited vast expanse. Hence, in using these archetypes, we are essentially attempting to return to the "natural" way of thinking and doing. We attempt to embody the creative aspects of Brahma, the proper management of creation through Vishnu, and the ability to transcend our creation (illusion/delusion) with Shiva, and obtain knowledge through such experience with Shiva's ​consort Kali (Mahavidya; Wisdom Goddesses) who cleans us of our delusions.  

In Vedic philosophy, one is self-illuminated by the Atman, or the Spirit (Self). To take a step further, the ultimate reality is Brahman for which each sentient being seeks. The difference between Atman and  Brahman is the difference between the air inside of a jar and the air surrounding the jar. Hence, in understanding the Self and each deity mainly as a permeation of the Self, the deities of our pantheons become the inner psyche for which we attempt to embody, to act in a "practical" way that would be "natural" for the infinite one.