Valanposi Spiritualism

Valanposi Spiritualism is a polytheistic religion practiced by the Valanposi people in Valanapon. The religion doesn’t believe in gods, instead believing in major spirits (which technically speaking do fill the role of deities) which are the ancestors of all life, as well as others whom helped make and control different aspects of the world. It is believed that selfless acts of goodwill tend to get favored with luck and prosperity from good-intentioned spirits as those who purposely inflict misdeeds tend to receive the same from the spirits of tricksters and monsters.
==History==
The history of the Valanposi isn’t well known, as it’s believed that although they do have a written language, they tended to not write down their history, usually passing it down via oral tradition, with the exception of some written poems and songs. It’s believed that they were a tribe which would settle the Eork Plains, with them not having originated from the region having come from other lands. They’d isolate themselves from the rest of the world for some time before some would introduce themselves to Rathnir, bringing their religion with them.
== Major Beliefs==
===Origin of the World===
The Valanposi people believe that the universe’s first spirits would make the world after being born from the void. Each would have different materials to work with and each had their own personalities, resulting in areas being more varied and unique. Afterwards, the first spirits of life would be born, with the spirits who created the world observing them. The descendants of these spirits are believed to be the life of world, all different and unique. During this process, the Valanposi people would be created, their purpose being to live off the lands and be respectful towards their world. It’s believed that the spirits who created the world are benevolent and well tempered, with their minor descendant spirits being the ones responsible for the weather, winds and other natural events.
===Spirits and reincarnation===
Aside from the first spirits, all spirits were once alive, being the souls of dead beings. Their behaviors can differ, depending on what they did before death. Spirits of beings who lived their lives being relatively good tend to be generous and kind, their presence bringing luck and good faith. Spirits of beings who lived committing misdeeds without remorse tend to differ. Some are tricksters, messing with the minds of the living, as others are violent, bringing rashness and violence in their wake. Reincarnation is believed the be offered to spirits after a certain amount of time, those who accept then become a part of the living world once more, memories and past actions cleared. For those who decline, they stay as spirits, wandering the world while helping guide or punish the living.
===Muourakaludu (morcle or moral cycle)===
Vekchzuat kaoumudune, suoudune, what comes, goes. It’s believed that actions in the living realm can attract the attention of spirits, good, bad and neutral depending on what is done. It’s believed that harm and disrespect is always returned at some point in a person’s life. Usually in the form of bad luck, tricks or ill advice, happening to those who do the same. After such things, good spirits offer to help guide said people, giving helpful advice as long as the person continues to improve. For those of goodwill, they tend to be greeted with good news and luck, being told on how to help guide others. People who are morally ambiguous tend to not be interacted as much as others, tending to get some luck, some misfortune and advice. All in all, Valanposi Spiritualism believes treating kin the way which you wish to be treated.
==The Suraduzuat Rauhludune and Atuhradu Fezuach==
The Suraduzuat Rauhludune (great rules) and Atuhradu Fezuach (true path) are a set of moral codes and rules to be followed by a follower of Valanposi Spiritualism.
===Suraduzuat Rauhludune===
A list of major taboos to not commit,
# To disrespect the spirits is disgraceful.
#To kill close family is to commit one of the greatest extents of betrayal.
#To steal or lie is to have let oneself stray from the virtues of life.
#To deny another being their life without just reason is to disregard it as a precious gift.
# To betray others for personal goals is to be selfish, undeserving of loyalty, respect as well as love.
===Atuhradu Fezuach===
The true path is a list of ways to live life and how to make the best of it,
# Life is a precious gift, not to be taken or given lightly.
#No living person is truly immortal and life is finite, thus do what you can with it.
# Strive to make good impressions on the world, as others will do same in time.
# Family is important and you should treat others so.
#To truly understand good and bad, you must acknowledge both in others and in yourself.
#You shouldn’t try to change a person, instead help them find their own path.
# There exists no shame in having flaws, nothing is perfect in life.
== Major Spirits==
===The Karaduzuatourane===
The Karaduzuatourane, or the Creators, are the spirits who were involved in the creation of Rathnir, being the first of the spirits. They are also some of the only who weren’t once mortal, they are regarded as differing greatly in personality and they all had different materials when building the Vekouralueh (World). It is said they all had different personalities, some not being nearly as benevolent and well-tempered as others. Due to this, some Valanposi tales do tell of moments of strife between the Karaduzuatourane, sometimes resulting in violence. However, the idea of one of them killing another is practically nonexistent, as due to them being spirits it’s believed it’s impossible for them to truly die. Aside from the belief they were responsible for creating the world, the Karaduzuatourane are said to have descendants, with them being involved in weather, winds and other events.
Neatdululuouneeyuhne (Stellosius); who represents night sky and stars, is the eldest of the spirits. Being the first of the spirits, Stellosius would find themselves in relatively boredom for ages. With little to do in the void, they’d use their powers, creating the stars and filling the once empty void around them. During this, they’d create what would become the base of the world out of boredom as well as create the spirit of the Moon for company. When they created the world however, it’d be barren at first with it being so until the other major spirits would be birthed from the void. Stellosius is described as respectful yet vengeful, bringing the power of the void when unleashing their wrath.
When Nightray would be injured, Stellosius would be distraught, helping to heal them. Afterwards, Stellosius would go on a search to find the perpetrator, eventually learning from some of the spirits of the wind. They’d be enraged, confronting Sunsky, they’d snap after the spirit of the Sun denied their actions. Having Sunsky be consumed by the void, they’d eventually release Sunsky, realizing the problems it caused for the living as well as Nightray convincing them to, seeing the situation it caused as problematic. With this, they’d come to terms over time.
Seneysuchatrazuey (Nightray); the spirit of the Moon, would be created by Stellosius. Nightray would get it’s name as the moon usually shows some light during the dark. It’s believed the moon cycle would exist as to act as a measurement of time for those who’d look at the sky. During new moons it is believed Nightray is resting after telling time for a whole cycle. Nightray is a relatively benevolent and watchful spirit, looking upon the lands of dark always, only resting after a complete lunar cycle.
When the Moon was shattered, it was believed that Sunsky had accidentally shot Nightray with an arrow. Nightray would eventually recover, with faith from the living as well as Stellosius helping to do so. After this, Stellosius would learn of who shot the arrow from a wind spirit. This news would enrage Stellosios, who’d plan to get back at Sunsky. Stellosius would then capture Sunsky, with Nightray eventually helping to convince them to release the spirit of the Sun.
Neuhsennecuey (Sunsky); spirit of the Sun and the daytime sky, they’d come after Stellosius and Nightray, accompanied by others. They’d light up part of world, with Nightray and Stellosius going to the other side of the world due to the blinding light which would radiate from them. The day and night cycle is believed to be Sunsky going to other parts of the world to make sure they also get light as Nightray and Stellosius would move to wherever they weren’t. Sunsky would be one of the more powerful of the spirits, with them serving as a relatively just and respectful figure. However they’d be arrogant at times as well as stubborn, although they’d learn their lesson after an incident with Stellosius.
One time when testing their bow, one of their arrows would strike Nightray, being the reason the Moon shattered. They wouldn’t be aware of Nightray’s injury until they learned of it from wind spirits, but they’d dismiss it, believing they couldn’t have made such an accident. However they’d refuse to admit it was them, and when Stellosius knew for sure it was Sunsky they’d have the void consume them, leading to Sun disappearing. Eventually Sunsky would apologize and admit to the accident, with Stellosius eventually releasing them, mostly due to the realization that the world was dying without them as well as some convincing from Nightray that they believed that their point had been made. So once more the Sun would rise, with it believed Stellosius and Sunsky would reconcile with one another, although both still not being particularly fond of the other.
Vekzuneduzu (Wasea); spirit of the waters and seas, they were one of the major spirits to come into existence alongside Sunsky. They’d find what was the barren base of the world along with Sunsky, choosing to make it home. They’d decide to create rivers, lakes, seas and oceans, filling much of the world. In their free time, they’d also create what would become the first aquatic animals, intently watching what was their new domain. When the other major spirits decided to begin molding the now water filled world, some would decide to change the formations of the waters, some adding islands, some creating cold icecaps and icebergs as well as other things. Wasea is deeply respected in Valanposi Spiritualism, in part due to the Valanposi’ love of seafaring. Wasea is usually described as respectful, but not kind, not helping those who fare carelessly, as well as sometimes lashing out in the form of great storms and floods.
Achdu Tehouuhra (The Four); spirits of the four seasons, they would come into existence when Sunsky and Wasea did. They’d play a major role in the creation of the current world, each making different types of environments. After the world’s creation, they’d continue to play a role in it’s constant change, with them fighting over who’d do what. Realizing this, Nightray would approach them, reaching a compromise. Within three cycles they’d transition one to the other. The order would start from youngest to oldest, being Neferaeysensu (Spring), Neuhmumudura (Summer), Tehzululu (Fall) and Vekeysenatdura (Winter). The Four each have differing personalities, with them also continuing to sometimes fight one another, one sometimes starting prematurely or continuing longer than three cycles. However, none of the four are described as having true spite towards the other, with it more so being playful jokes and goofing off amongst each other.
==Traditions==
=== Holidays and Celebrations ===
====Lunar Festivals ====
On the end of a full Lunar cycle, followers of Valanposi Spiritualism will tend to fast til sundown, usually making offerings to show thanks to the world. Depending on what they have, they might make generous offers or maybe none at all if said people lack the resources. It’s believed that not making an offering during a Lunar celebration is not an offense to the spirits so long as there was a reason for it. After offerings, it is common for the Valanposi to have humble meals, prohibiting themselves from eating meat and drinking wine as a symbol of restraint. Purposing indulging oneself with meat and drink during a Lunar festival is frowned upon, seen as a contradiction to why they are celebrated. 
It is typical that after the night of festival, small celebrations amongst close friends and families are held next day. During said celebrations, it is common for guests to bring their own meals and cutlery. The meals can differ depending on what the people brought, but it is common for meat and wine to be present, with bread, fruit and vegetables as well. Respect between host and guest is a must during them, with those violating the beliefs of hospitality either being left out of the celebrations (to guests) or having to let their guests leave, giving a small gift as well, usually no more than a small trinket (to hosts). When leaving, both host and guest thank one another, wishing good health and luck before leaving, as a final sign of respect.
====Harvest Festivals====
Harvest festivals don’t have set times on when they’re celebrated, but are usually celebrated after a bountiful harvest. They tend to be relatively modest, toasting to the reaps usually with basic wine as well as meat on some occasions. Usually when toasting, everyone is to thank the world for it’s gifts before proceeding to their meals or drink. As well, small offerings from said harvests are sometimes given to the spirits, typically consisting of berries. In the eyes of the spirits, harvest festivals aren’t meant to be lavish nor extravagant, more so a time for fellow Valanposi to respect the world they live on, as well as their ancestors.
==== Day of the Sea ====
Once a year the Valanposi people gather together to celebrate the day which Vekzuneduzu (Wasea) came to the world and created it's waters. This celebration is seen as especially important, with the Valanposi feeling and being deeply linked with the ocean and it's waters. During this, Valanposi will go to the shores and celebrate with music, dancing and sharing food, especially seafood, with fish being one of the main foods eaten. As the Sun begins to set, many Valanposi people will use their ships to go out to sea near the coastlines, never far however. Upon doing so, they throw gifts into the sea as offerings (usually no more than trinkets or small offerings of food), letting the items sink to the depths or if food, be eaten by the sealife. After this, they go back to their homes to spend the rest of their time with their families.
===Marriage ===
The Valanposi see marriage as a major commitment which should never be taken lightly. Prior to a marriage, a couple has spent at least a year together, with it being seen as important as to prove both partners’ dedication to one another. During this period, the families from both people might celebrate holidays and festivals with one another, sometimes inviting each other over outside of festivities. As this happens, both families will tend to gift one another, with gifts varying depending on wealth. Commonly among less wealthy families, they might exchange small wooden trinkets or arrowheads. Amongst more well-off families however, things such as jewelry and ceremonial weapons might be gifted.
During marriage ceremonies themselves, both families will hold a feast together at sundown, with meat and drinks usually being present if available. Offerings of berries to the spirits are commonly made during the feast, with the intentions of bringing good luck and having the favors of the spirits with them. After the offerings and feast, the two partners make an oath to one another, both giving thanks towards the spirits and/or other deities with the shaman then declaring them officially married. Afterwards, the new couple with then live together, usually in the home of the smaller family. After being married, it is only possible for a couple to part if they both agree or a significant reason is made.
===Sacrifices/Offerings===
A sacrifice/offering to the spirits and/or world is said to be a respectful gesture as long as what’s being offered isn’t a person, in which case it’s frowned upon and can draw the attention of vengeful spirits. It’s also believed that no animal is supposed to be only for sacrifice, with it’s meat and other materials meant to be used to their fullest. For both living and spirits, it is believed by the Valanposi that meat is a delicacy which should only be eaten when nothing else is available. It’s either gifted or eaten during times of war, with crop yields making the majority of their respective diets. For spirits, sweet berries are believed to usually be their most preferred choice of crop to consume (although it’s also believed that not all spirits prefer it), due to their sweet taste as well as the property of being able to be fermented into wine.
===Family===
Family is one of the most important values in Valanposi Spiritualism. Tehzumueyluwa eyne eymufeouraatzusenat, family is important. One of the greatest sins is to betray family, as what comes around goes around. If you plunge a dagger into one who thought they could trust you, eventually same shall happen. Although understanding that relations in families can break down over time or due to certain circumstances, the religion condemns feuds which result in unnecessary violence or spite.
It is believed that there is close family and communal family, close family being those related to one either by close relationship or blood and communal being of one’s community. In the eyes of Valanposi Spiritualism, everyone is technically family, although the differences between close and communal family are to be known. Communal family, although also family, shouldn’t have as many ties to one’s self as close family. Close family are who one could express deeply personal matters. Communal family is one which two should be able to respect and help each other when needed, yet not be nearly as connected as close family.
Category:Religions
Category:Traveler's Era