"Sectarianism and Conjunction" ((Inuyoko Mass #29))
Hello, everyone. My name is Inuyoko T’Alveni. I am a Priestess of this Shrine, and a member of its clergy since deoch 53. Last double-moon, we had a quick gathering to celebrate the end of the Octave’s cycle, and express my appreciation for all of you and the inspiration you give me every sun. Today, I’d like to talk a bit about sectarianism, using an old work written by Aphrodite D’Ourvean called “Sects of Temuairian Faith” as a jumping-off point.
In this work, Aphrodite, a Luathan Cleric herself, outlines sects that she has made note of, for each trinity. For example, within our trinity, she brings up five total. Seven if you count Glioca and Sgrios alone. There is Deoch viewed alone, represented by creativity. A raw, chaotic force. There is Deoch viewed in Glioca, represented by Passion. Aphrodite’s characterization of this sect is one of “[...]primality at its greatest, the rush of great emotions. Love, hatred, can all stem from passion, as these feelings burn deeply within our beings.” Then there is Deoch viewed in Sgrios, represented by Rebirth. I use this term a lot, as while I consider my faith to be a more unitarian one, this would be the closest to my own faith. To me it is a true celebration of the cycle. Not shying away from, but embracing endings like the one we are within now, and welcoming in the new beginnings that arise from it.
Then we have the shared sects of our allies. Glioca, viewed in Deoch, which Aphrodite represents as The Maiden, or Motherhood. One line in particular I like from this section of the work is where she says, “[...]those who follow the Maiden of Compassion tend to make decisions for the good of all, instead of ones that would benefit only a few.” Certainly a sentiment that I can stand behind. Compassion for the individual is an important fundament, but as with love, law, wealth, and many other things, it is at its best when in service to all. And finally, we have Sgrios, viewed in Deoch. This is an interesting one that I feel is less prevalent these days than it perhaps once was. This is described as Destruction. “[...]perhaps the most dangerous” of all worshippers, according to this work. Malevolence, violence, a full embrace of necromancy for personal gain. These are things that I would perhaps ascribe to the Chadulites of the old days, but I am glad to not see as many folks like this today as perhaps there once was.
But! Like I always say when speaking about conjunction, these are simply some ways that Aislings have manifested their faith and relationship to Deoch throughout our time. Even through the same combinations of faith, say Sgrios, viewed in Deoch, there can easily be other conceptions. Faith is dynamic, after all, and deeply personal. I mentioned earlier, as I often do, my sort of unitarianism. Combine that with how I feel about Deoch in general as perhaps the most universal god of our lives in spirit. Arriving last to this Octave, and solidifying Danaan’s influence at the heart of it, Deoch, by tempering us within this dreamscape through the spark, touches all of us, and permeates our lives.
So we might ask ourselves: What might worship of Deoch, viewed in Gramail, look like? Maybe we might call it Transformation. Or Partners in Time. I’ve spoken many moons ago about how Gramail’s providence over time shares some overlap in my view with Deoch’s power. And also about how time by itself is an enfeebled force without others acting upon it or within it. Wind or water can erode stone when paired with time, but it is not a conscious act. Perhaps a worshipper of Deoch, viewed in Gramail, would hold in reverence the awesome, world-transforming power of the Spark as a conscious, discerning force when paired with time?
Please don’t misunderstand my intention here. I do not think it is necessary to force our faith and philosophy into neat little boxes. It is almost certain that each of us would take parts of many different theological perspectives as we form our own. I am not suggesting taking up the mantle of Sectarianism. Rather, Aphrodite’s work was and continues to be a small piece of inspiration in my continued efforts to speak on conjunction, and encourage us all to reflect on it more. Each of the gods has their own identity, their own domain, and can be viewed separately. But since the formation of the Octave and the birth of we Aislings, I think it is insufficient to not recognize the tapestry that has been formed, and all the connections which drift within it.
So, to wrap up, I’d like to hear a bit from you all. Consider your own faith. Your own trinity, whether it is the one we share or another entirely. How would you describe it, in sectarian or conjunctive terms? Have you experienced a sectarian theology like the ones I described, or perhaps one with the same gods, but viewed differently? If anyone would like to share, feel free.
Comments
Post a Comment