Baetyl

A baetyl (also spelled betyl, bethel, or betyle) is a sacred stone believed to be inhabited by a deity or to represent a deity. These stones were often of meteoric origin or of unusual shape and were venerated in various ancient cultures, particularly in the Levant and other parts of the Mediterranean region.

Baetyls were not merely symbolic representations; they were considered to be the actual dwelling place or manifestation of the god. Rituals and offerings were often made to the baetyl, with the belief that the deity within could influence events or grant favors.

Historically, baetyls have been associated with various deities and mythologies. Some are linked to astral worship, while others are connected to fertility cults or ancestor veneration. The term "bethel" in Hebrew means "house of God," and certain biblical accounts suggest the presence and importance of baetyls in early Israelite religious practices.

The veneration of baetyls eventually declined with the rise of monotheistic religions and the increasing emphasis on anthropomorphic representations of deities. However, the concept of sacred stones and natural objects imbued with divine power has persisted in various forms throughout history and across different cultures.