Sky and Air- more than an Element to me!

In Lithuanian mythology our pantheon of Deities can be classified as:
- Celestial,
- Sky/atmospheric,
- Terrestrial/earthly
 and sub terrestrial/Underworld.
Theses four realms of existence are representative of the, "World Tree", which is a big part of the Baltic worldview, among many other indigenous Europeans. 

The roots of the tree which reach down deep in the earth and represents the world of the deceased ancestors and the past, the trunk of the tree springs up from the earth and represents the realm of the living on earth,the branches that reach up into the sky represent the realm of the sky or atmosphere and the heavens above the tree represent the celestial realm where celestial goddesses like Saule the Sun, give the Tree its' energy to grow taller and stronger. In this article, I will focus on two of atmospheric deities and how they are reflected in my life as an Australian Romuvis.

If I was to explain the worldview of the ancient Lithuanians, I must start at the top with the supreme God and ruler of time and fate. Praamzius is his name and his name suggests that he existed before eternity, during eternity and beyond eternity. Praamzius rules the sky and waters and his children assist him. In Lithuanian folk mythology, the supreme God Praamzius had a wife who is known as the primordial mother, the Goddess Lada and the mother to all deities. Together they had many children and one of their children is the god of the shining sky called Dievas. 

Dievas is an atmospheric deity who has never been regarded as a supreme God although his name is still being used today by Lithuanians to refer to the Christian God. I think it's funny in a way but I feel that the energy of the original sky God still lives on in the use of the name, Dievas.

Pensive Christ sculpture is a common figure in most Lithuanian homes.
This sculpture depicts a Christian God watching over mankind, often with sorrow.
Many sculptures of thinking men and women have been found even since the Neolithic period.

Dievas, the sky God, watches over humankind. The Sun and the Moon are often referred to as the eyes of God in Lithuanian songs and tales. The God Dievas, is constantly watching over us through the day and night. His role in everyday life was considered sedentary but according to Lithuanian mythology, if Dievas saw humans acting immorally, he would tell his brother the mighty thunderer, Perkunas who right the unjust by punishing them by throwing his lightning axe at them and burning down their house.+(Which also can relate figuratively in the way your life can be represented as a house with many rooms.) 

The role of these deities of air and sky exist# for me to act as my own conscience to ensure that I conduct myself in a just and moralistic way in my dealings with my fellow humans and all life which live on this earth. Sky and air is not just high up there but everywhere. Sky and air envelops me and fills my lungs with it's life giving force. Sky and air is not just an important element for me but a personal God to whom I am thankful for the beauty of my life and the guidance that I receive when connecting with the mighty Perkunas in thunderstorms.

Foot notes

* Morality can be understood differently in different cultures and does not simply refer to the Christian view of morality. My personal understanding of morality in my own life and how I live in this modern day can be outlined in my own simple 10 commandments. Some of the commandments are founded in my understanding of Pagan morals and ethics and then some commandments are simple guidelines to facilitate a more harmonious existence with the ancestors, my deities,my community and within myself: Some commandments are both, you can decide for yourself: These commandments will probably change and expand over time but then that is the good thing about not having a sacred text dictating outdated and irrelevant views on morals. Anyway here is my own personal ten commandments:

1. Waste not the gifts of the Earth lest you go hungry.

Every crumb is a sacred gift.

 Every scrap of food can be either composted or fed to the birds and other animals.

2. Do not kill. All life is sacred.

Trees,animals,human, Rock,Waters and Earth.

The earth's nature and it's creatures is sacred,

it is from where we began and where we shall end.

3. Honour the Ancestors and deceased loved ones.

They gave their everything for you to be here today with so many liberties and blessings.

4. Honour the Elders,their wisdom is beyond value.

They hold the memory of times and values gone by.

5. In all things, nurture nature as the seasons turn. Grow an edible garden,plant trees and flowering plants for the Bees 

6. Recycle,Re use,Reduce! and do not litter!

 The Earth's resources are limited. 

7. Honour the Gods and Goddess of nature and Earth. With their blessings,you may increase your share.

Celebrate the passing seasons and their Deities of time and space.

8. Visit the sacred places at special times for direct contact, guidance and solace from the Gods,Guides and Totems.

9. Create community where ever you are. Hive of humanity can learn from lessons of the past and our ancestors.We will find a new way forward through the strife on Earth at present.

10. Watch for signs and wonders and just let the Universe and ancestors, guide you and you won't go astray. 

Trust,let go,let the Gods. 

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 + The role of Perkunas is seen in the Lithuanian tale of ,"Jurate and Kestytis", when Dievas sends Perkunas to smite the mermaid Goddess Jurate, for falling in love with Kestytis, being a mortal, and also for taking him away from his bereaved wife. It's a nice tale and well worth a read.

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# There are many other atmospheric deities from the little Goddesses called Fairies to the different winds,(north wind, South wind,etc), whom I relate to in different ways so I will only write about Dievas and Perkunas in this article.