Tao

Basic features of major world belief systems prior to 600 C.E. and where each belief system applied by 600 C.E. Polytheism Belief in many gods/goddesses Early peoples ? in awe of nature ? blessing/curse Relationship with land/weather Totemism ? identification of self with various animal symbols shamanism ? identification with unseen spirit worlds ?dreamtime? ? Aboriginals Shinto ? Japan Animism ? belief that gods and goddesses inhabited natural features Africa, islands of Polynesia Worship of ancestors and fertility Fertility ? soil/women Class of people emerged to oversee rituals/guide people priests/shamans held important positions Space dedicated for early rituals ? temples first buildings Some regional, some transplanted Nomadic as well as early river civilizations