Difference between revisions of "Estianism"
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Worship of Estiana doesn't really demand that one should pray daily or anything like that. It is up to each person how they try to reach enlightenment. Still, some choose to do certain things on a regular basis. | Worship of Estiana doesn't really demand that one should pray daily or anything like that. It is up to each person how they try to reach enlightenment. Still, some choose to do certain things on a regular basis. | ||
| − | * Dancing is one way to try and reach an enlightened state and to worship Estiana. Often such dances are done in a small group, but it can be done alone. Often the place for such dances is a place of natural beauty, because nature is close to Estiana. The dancers are usually scantly dressed or naked so they can better feel the wind and other signs from Estiana on their skin. | + | * '''Dancing''' is one way to try and reach an enlightened state and to worship Estiana. Often such dances are done in a small group, but it can be done alone. Often the place for such dances is a place of natural beauty, because nature is close to Estiana. The dancers are usually scantly dressed or naked so they can better feel the wind and other signs from Estiana on their skin. |
| − | * Prayer is a way to become closer with Estiana and to try and reach enlightenment. Burning incense at the altar and kneeling for prayer are customary things to do. A prayer can last for hours or mere minutes, depending on how devoted the follower feels at that time. | + | * '''Prayer''' is a way to become closer with Estiana and to try and reach enlightenment. Burning incense at the altar and kneeling for prayer are customary things to do. A prayer can last for hours or mere minutes, depending on how devoted the follower feels at that time. |
| − | * Meditation is often used to try and reach enlightenment. Those who meditate often seek out places of natural beauty for it, but there is no reason why it couldn't be done insides ones own home. The important thing is that one can be relaxed, at ease and reflect upon one self without interruption. | + | * '''Meditation''' is often used to try and reach enlightenment. Those who meditate often seek out places of natural beauty for it, but there is no reason why it couldn't be done insides ones own home. The important thing is that one can be relaxed, at ease and reflect upon one self without interruption. |
Revision as of 13:59, 14 January 2007
Contents
Estianism is not an officially founded religion. It might become one someday, but as of now, Sleanra and her housekeeper are the only ones following this faith.
Estiana
Described as a woman dressed in a green toga. She has long brown hair, tanned skin and green eyes. In her presence there is an overwhelming aura of love and care. She is the caretaker of nature, bringer of life and death, the one and only Goddess.
Core beliefs
- All natural beings deserve the same love and respect for they are all purposeful parts in a complicated and fragile network of life.
- One does not choose love, love chooses you, thus it is pointless to argue against the love two people feel for each other. Accept the love people show towards each other for what it is – a blessing from Estiana.
- Strive for balance -- be it through love or war -- as imbalance will only lead to premature loss of life and prolong the immortal souls journey to enlightenment.
- Harmony with nature will bring you closer to enlightenment.
- Unnatural beings -- such as monsters and undead -- must be eradicated quickly and efficiently for they bring imbalance and seek to destroy all natural beings.
- Life is a cycle and death is but a single stop in ones journey for enlightenment. Life is never lost for upon death the immortal soul of beings will only be reborn in a different shape.
- Once one reaches enlightenment and the soul is deemed worthy by Estiana, it will be allowed to depart from the cycle of life and enter the Holy Garden for rest.
- There is no hell -- though one could argue that life itself is hell -- as the soul will keep being reborn into a living being until it can enter the Holy Garden.
Places of importance
The Holy Garden
The Holy Garden is the ultimate goal for everyone who believes in Estiana. It is a place where the tired soul can rest and be at peace among others who have finished their journey. It is a green and lush forest where Estiana herself walks among the souls and talks to them. It is, in short, paradise or heaven.
Places of Natural Beauty
Places of natural beauty, such as meadows or forest clearings, are revered and the followers of Estiana often seek out such places to meditate and conduct worship ceremonies in honor of Estiana.
Temples
Though there currently are no temples dedicated to Estiana, every follower can have a small shrine in their own home. Such shrines usually contain an icon depicting Estiana and some plants that are tended to daily. During prayer it is common practice to burn some incense.
Customs and habits
- Smoking of herbal mixes is encouraged for it allows the spirit of Estiana to enter ones body and cleanse it.
- Jewelry made from wood and stones is preferred for they are closer to nature than processed metals.
- Growing and taking care of plants, flowers and trees is seen as a pleasant duty and is encouraged for it will help one understand nature.
- Craftsmanship(jewelry making, boat building, carpentry and so on) is revered for it is seen as a tribute to the life the material lived.
Worship
Worship of Estiana doesn't really demand that one should pray daily or anything like that. It is up to each person how they try to reach enlightenment. Still, some choose to do certain things on a regular basis.
- Dancing is one way to try and reach an enlightened state and to worship Estiana. Often such dances are done in a small group, but it can be done alone. Often the place for such dances is a place of natural beauty, because nature is close to Estiana. The dancers are usually scantly dressed or naked so they can better feel the wind and other signs from Estiana on their skin.
- Prayer is a way to become closer with Estiana and to try and reach enlightenment. Burning incense at the altar and kneeling for prayer are customary things to do. A prayer can last for hours or mere minutes, depending on how devoted the follower feels at that time.
- Meditation is often used to try and reach enlightenment. Those who meditate often seek out places of natural beauty for it, but there is no reason why it couldn't be done insides ones own home. The important thing is that one can be relaxed, at ease and reflect upon one self without interruption.
