Communionism/Ceremonies

Ceremonies of Communionism

Communion is less a religion of ritual and more of guidance. Nevertheless, there exist several ceremonies, mostly copied from pre-existant traditions among the population.

Communion

Communion itself is, or can be, ritualized. It consists, at the very basest, of a Guide (usually a Priest) who ingests ikrif and interprets the resultant visions - these visions may (or may not) include communication with spirits of the dead. The Guide is not always the intended recipient of any messages, of course, and acts as a medium between followers and the Communion.

"The common man need not Commune, for the dead are known to use as Messengers those who do."

Communion need not be held at any specific location.

Initiation Rite

Initiation into the new religion is covered with a simple ritual undertaken at the Temple. The Priest gathers the new convert(s) to the temple, begins a fire, smokes ikrif and asks for help in guiding the initiate(s). This sets the stage for the Priest's future relationship as medium and Guide/Messenger.

Burial Ceremony

The dead, in Communionism, are not buried but instead cremated. The service is provided as a funeral, memorializing the dead. It is held at night-time, lasts until dawn, and involves relatives and friends speaking their knowledge of the dead, followed by drinking and festivities to celebrate the continuation of both life and existence.

Dead-Honouring Ceremony

This general ceremony is held once every season of the year to commemorate and respect the dead. It involves lighting Spirit Lanterns, candles and bonfires, around which the Priests of Communion gather and speak the names of those who have died since the last ceremony. No ikrif is smoked nor Communion held. This ceremony is perhaps one of the most general, open to the common public and much celebrated (especially amongst the young), and is sometimes known as a Fire Ceremony.