Oretheism

In Oretheism, these minerals are considered to embody the essence of the universe and are revered as the highest expressions of divine energy. Oretheists do not believe in traditional gods or deities in the way many other religions do. Instead, their faith revolves around the veneration of sacred minerals, such as Lapis, Diamond, and Ruby, as conduits of cosmic power and wisdom. 
== Beliefs ==
At the heart of Oretheism are the sacred minerals, each with its own unique symbolism and cosmic connection. Lapis, the stone of wisdom; Diamond, representing ultimate power; and Ruby, symbolizing passion and vitality, are revered as the primary conduits to the divine ore.
Oretheists do not worship traditional gods or deities. Instead, their belief system is deeply rooted in the idea that the universe itself is inherently divine, and the sacred minerals serve as a means to access and connect with this cosmic divinity.
The Lapidary Arts play a significant role in Oretheism. These are the sacred crafts through which followers shape, enchant, and create objects of significance using the sacred minerals. Through the Lapidary Arts, Oretheists seek to unlock the hidden potential and energy within these minerals, forging a tangible link with the celestial forces.
== Rituals ==
Oretheists offer mineral-based sacrifices, such as rare gemstones, precious metals, or specially chosen ores, to altars or ceremonial locations. These offerings are believed to channel the power of the universe. It is a fundamental belief among Oretheists that the destruction of these minerals through carefully conducted rituals and ceremonies can release the magic they contain to the sacrificers.
Through the deliberate act of destruction, the inherent cosmic energies within the minerals are set free, allowing the faithful to directly access and harness the released power. This magical energy is then believed to be capable of enchanting and blessing new items crafted from the remains of the destroyed minerals.
Oretheists hold that the essence of the sacrificed minerals becomes infused with the creations, forging a tangible connection between the universe's power and the newly formed objects. This process is seen as a powerful way to carry the blessings and wisdom of the sacred minerals forward, creating tools, artifacts, and symbols that are deeply imbued with the cosmic forces, and serving as conduits for the faith's spiritual practices.
=== Sacrificial Rituals ===
The ritual begins with the careful selection of the minerals to be offered. These minerals are typically rare gemstones, precious metals, or specially chosen ores. The choice of minerals is significant, as each type is believed to hold unique energies and symbolism.
Before the offering, the Oretheist undergoes a purification process, which may involve cleansing rituals, meditation, or symbolic acts to shed worldly distractions and impurities. This prepares the participant for a sacred and focused interaction with the minerals.
The core of the sacrificial ritual involves placing the selected minerals on the altar as a way to destroy them. The faithful believe that through this act, they are gifting back to the universe, acknowledging their interconnectedness with nature.
Oretheists believe that the magical energy released through the destruction of the minerals can be harnessed for various purposes. This energy can be directed toward enchanting and blessing objects, infusing them with the wisdom and power of the sacred minerals. It is also thought to empower the faithful, providing insights, protection, or other desired effects.
The ritual may conclude with a sense of communion with the divine ore and a celebration of unity among the participants. This phase is an opportunity for reflection, sharing, and the acknowledgment of the faith community's interconnectedness.
== Mineral worship ==
Lapis is revered as the stone of wisdom and knowledge. It is associated with the deep, vibrant blue color and is considered a symbol of intellect, spiritual insight, and enlightenment. In Oretheism, Lapis represents the cosmic energy of the mind and the quest for understanding the universe. When Lapis is sacrificed, its energy is released, granting the sacrificers enhanced clarity of thought, deep spiritual insight, and a heightened capacity for learning and understanding. It is often used to enchant and bless tools, artifacts, and objects associated with wisdom and intellect.
Diamond, one of the rarest gemstones, is associated with ultimate power and purity. It symbolizes the boundless potential of the universe and the unbreakable strength of the spirit. Diamond represents the cosmic forces that shape destiny and the immeasurable energy within all things. When Diamond is sacrificed, its energy is thought to be released in a burst of power, endowing the sacrificers with enhanced willpower, resilience, and determination. This energy is believed to be a source of extraordinary strength, often used to face life's challenges and obstacles with unwavering resolve.
Ruby is the stone of passion and vitality. Its deep red color is associated with the fire of life, love, and enthusiasm. In Oretheism, Ruby symbolizes the emotional and creative aspects of existence, celebrating the intensity of human emotions and the vivacity of life. When Ruby is sacrificed, its energy is believed to be released as a surge of passion and creative inspiration. The sacrificer may experience heightened emotions, enhanced love and connection with others, and increased motivation to pursue their desires and goals. This energy is often used to infuse objects with a sense of passion and vitality.
Redstone is a conduit to the spiritual world in Oretheism, symbolizing the flow of energy between the physical and spiritual realms. It represents the connection with cosmic forces and the means to access higher knowledge and understanding. Sacrificing Redstone is believed to release energy that enhances the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. It can be used to deepen one's understanding of spiritual concepts, facilitate communion with higher realms, and tap into the wisdom and guidance of the universe.
Gold is often associated with wealth and prosperity. In Oretheism, it symbolizes abundance, the physical manifestations of success, and the material aspects of life. When Gold is sacrificed, its energy is thought to be released to bestow the sacrificers with financial success, abundance, and good fortune. It is believed to enhance one's connection to material well-being and financial opportunities
Amethyst is often associated with spiritual insight, tranquility, and inner peace. It represents the ability to access the higher realms of consciousness and wisdom. When Amethyst is sacrificed, it is believed to release energy that enhances the sacrificers' spiritual insight, facilitating meditation, intuition, and the pursuit of higher knowledge and consciousness.
Coal is symbolic of transformation and change. It signifies the ability to harness potential energy and undergo personal growth. Sacrificing Coal is thought to release energy that aids in personal transformation, helping the sacrificers harness their potential and adapt to and overcome changes in life.
Emerald is often associated with love and abundance. It symbolizes the heart's desires, personal growth, and the energies of love and attraction. When Emerald is sacrificed, it is believed to release energy that enhances the sacrificer's capacity to attract and nurture love and abundance, helping them align with their heart's desires.
Iron symbolizes rest and deep sleep. It represents the ability to find physical and spiritual rejuvenation through restful slumber. When Iron is sacrificed, it is believed to release energy that enhances the quality of rest and deep sleep. It can be used to promote peaceful and restorative sleep, ensuring the sacrificer awakens refreshed and invigorated.
== Death and rebirth ==
In Oretheism, the belief in the cycle of rebirth is central to the faith. When believers pass away, they do not transition to a new life in a different realm, as is often seen in other religious traditions. Instead, Oretheists hold that the soul continues its journey on Earth by inheriting a new body and a new mind. This cycle of rebirth is deeply interconnected with the sacred minerals and their cosmic energies.
In Oretheism, it is believed that by sacrificing Iron and Redstone together, believers can access a unique meditative state that allows them to glimpse into their past lives. Iron symbolizes rest and deep sleep, while Redstone represents the connection to the spiritual world. When combined, the energies of these two minerals are thought to facilitate a deep, trance-like meditation that can reveal insights into previous lifetimes, enabling believers to gain a better understanding of their spiritual journey and the lessons they've learned across different incarnations. This practice helps Oretheists in their pursuit of enlightenment and self-discovery through the exploration of their own past experiences.
== Theophany Explained ==
It's believed that the experiences resulting from the accumulation of magic in certain areas are not the result of divine intervention or theophany. Instead, they are attributed to cosmic forces intertwined with the sacred minerals. The world is viewed as a tapestry woven with these cosmic energies, which gather over time in specific areas where these minerals are naturally abundant or where rituals involving them have taken place. This buildup of magic leads to various experiences, such as vivid hallucinations, intense emotional states, or even glimpses into the future. Importantly, these phenomena are not considered direct divine interactions but rather the influence of the cosmic forces associated with the sacred minerals. Some individuals are naturally more attuned to these energies, often due to dedicated spiritual practices like meditation, rituals, and mineral use. Maintaining a harmonious balance with these energies is essential, as excessive exposure can lead to overwhelming experiences. These areas serve as a reminder of the profound connection between the material and spiritual realms, providing insight, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the universe, all attributed to the influence of cosmic forces, not divine appearances.
Category:Traveler's Era