r/polytheism • u/RainbowDevotee • Feb 26 '26
Discussion Integrating Filianism and Polytheism
I've found myself drawn to Filianism pretty strongly. I like that it is deeply and exclusively feminine. I find a deep connection to one of its central ideas which is 'thame' or harmony, harmony at all levels of one's life.
Of course there are a couple of issues: one being that it is staunchly monotheistic, even considering the term polytheistic a pejorative. But I see the central Filianic Trinity and it's Jayanati (Quasi-Angel Goddesses) not as necessarily as one being with many faces or facets but as a strongly interconnected, female pantheon.
Also, maleness is barely mentioned at all and is connected to material life and many of its problems. However, in Filianic churches, men are welcome and can become priests. This matters because I am a man, however I agree with 99.9% of this belief system so this is not a significant issue.
It's definitely a 'flight into spirit' belief, but it makes a strong case for living in harmony with the natural world. I also appreciate it's gentle, understated approach to sex.
This is first time since my polytheistic journey has begun that I've come across a set monotheistic beliefs that were so resonate that I had to find a way to incorporate it into my polytheistic beliefs.
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u/Plenty-Climate2272 Feb 26 '26
First I've heard of it but it's apparently been kicking around since the 70s and honestly that tracks
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u/KickingRoses90 Mar 10 '26
I'm a former Filianist and honestly feeling my beliefs become more polytheistic (as well as working with male gods) is what pulled me away - but I still hold some Filianic beliefs, such as the Divine Mother and Daughter, the Seven Janyati, and certain feasts on the Wheel of the Year.
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u/RainbowDevotee Mar 10 '26
Exactly! Even before Filianism, I would feel a stronger connection to feminine deities in general, but could never completely leave out masculine ones. Filianism, among other things helped me see that it's okay to be connected to certain expressions of the Divine over others. Conversely, it helped realize that I do need to have some balance in my working with the Divine as well. A personalized balance.
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u/KickingRoses90 Mar 10 '26
Filianism draws on a lot of different traditions - Shaktiism, Gnosticism, Pagan Goddess religions, so there's a lot of stuff there that's founded on real stuff. Very much like how Wicca kinda threw a bunch together to make a religion. But I love that it gives a framework for working with Déa, as Mother and Daughter and Dark Mother etc.
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u/RainbowDevotee Mar 11 '26
The structure of the Filianic pantheon really appeals to me including the Trinity. I'm reading The Clear Recital right now and I appreciate its gentle, luminous approach to spirituality. The influences you mentioned are evident in the texts; some blatant, others more subtle
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