[Chewbacca]

Hi Garnet, long-time no chat, eh!

Considering Jung's theory of the Archtypes of the collective unconscious in relation to shaman practices of trance to access ones inner-selves it is potentially concievable for an individuals inner guides to take the "form" or "personea" of something that is strongly relevant to that person's individual psyche and social conditioning. A long time d&d player's unconsious may be drawn toward the mythic and symbolic imagery that is afforded by the fantasy setting.

Also I believe the consciuos finding of meaning in "imaginary dieties" to be no different in finding meaning in dietic archtypes typical to the egyptian, greek, norse, celtic, and other "real" mythos that are prevalent to modern shamanic/pagan practices. One may find for themselves, as an individual, a connection to the divine, and I say let them.

anyway just one way of looking at such an interesting topic. As a long time d&d player and trance practioner, I have yet to have any d&d god visions, besides abstract dreams. But I do identify with my characters on many levels and have learned alot about myself by playing the different roles d&d affords. Most of all I learned that the imagination is well worth proliferating! [img]smile.gif[/img]