In the visible world they are the male and female powers and energies of the universe and it is this external aspect of them as gods of the Sun, Fire, Air, Waters, Earth, Ether, the conscious-forces ever present in material being which gives us the external or psycho-physical side of the Aryan worship. The antique view of the world as a psycho-physical and not merely a material reality is at the root of the ancient ideas about the efficacy of the mantra and the relation of the gods to the external life of man; hence the force of prayer, worship, sacrifice for material ends; hence the use of them for worldly life and in so-called magic rites which comes out prominently in the Atharva Veda and is behind much of the symbolism of the Brahmanas. But in man 🙍‍♂️himself the gods are conscious psychological powers [conti]

“Will-powers, they do the works of will; they are the thinkings in our hearts; they are the lords of delight who take delight; they travel in all the directions of the thought.” Without them the soul of man cannot distinguish its right nor its left, what is in front of it nor what is behind, the things of foolishness or the things of wisdom; only if led by them can it reach and enjoy “the fearless Light”. [16]Could you please explain this?

The gods and goddesses are cosmic beings and powers that govern the physical as well as psychological aspects of existence. Agni, the force of fire burns, purifies uplifts all things in the physical world. As the flame of aspiration, Agni does the same thing, that is burns away the impurities, refines, purifies, uplifts all things. So too Vayu expands and carries all things far and wide in the physical world. In the human body it helps circulate energy all over as the prana vayu. In the psychological world it gives impulsion to thought to go far and wide. Whether we recognize the gods and goddesses or not, they continue to work. Without their active help man will be like a block of stone, inert and powerless or an animal who cannot see anything beyond its food nor progress and move further and reach the abode of the Divine. 

Affectionately,

Alok Da