Syranism

A religion following the goddess of observation and memory, Syranita.

### Worldview:

The universe came into being when a being Enthris (known to Syranites as the Contemplator) thought upon an idea so wondrous it exploded into being. The goddess Syranita, the Observer, was formed from the awe Enthris felt coalescing into a new sentient mind. Syranita watched the universe unfold, befriended as much of it as she could, and revelled in its beauty and complexity. In Syranism, mortal creatures have no afterlife except in the memory of the Goddess once they pass on.

### Values:

the followers of Syranita strive to live stories and create legacies that the Goddess will see and remember. This manifests traditionally as a reverence for art, innovation, and craft. They also strive to emulate the Goddess in her love and appreciation for the natural world.

### Practice:

Syranist rituals usually include freeform music, dance, and/or offerings of specially-crafted food and drink, followed by quiet observation and contemplation. Syranist meditation is traditionally performed with the eyes open, and experienced practitioners can keep their eyes open for extended periods of time.

### Rites:

* The Opening of the Eyes is a rite of birth in which a newborn is taken to the highest point in the near area and shown their first view of the world as a disciple of Syranita. It closes with the phrase "May you see the world through the eyes of the Goddess"
* The Confession of Sight is a confirmation rite in which a creature capable of rational thought confesses the teachings of Syranita and crafts their emblem using an opal and a piece of their own body, traditionally a feather.
* The Marking of Time is an outdoor meditation performed during dawn and dusk, that consists of both quiet contemplation and an participative act, such as music, dance, food and drink, and/or incense. closes with the phrase "I see this day"
* The Joining of Hands is the Syranist marriage rite, in which partners gaze into each other's eyes through an hour long ceremony centered on sharing food and drink, closing with both partners reciting in unison "I see you, I am you, I will remember you". This ceremony is followed by a massive outdoor feast. Traditionally couples choose a new surname which both partners adopt.
* The Closing of the Eyes is the Syranist funeral rite, in which the eyes are ritually closed, painted, and the body cremated while a story or song is performed about the deceased. It closes with the phrase "May the Goddess Remember You"

### Symbology:

The Emblem of Syranita is an opal pendant with a feather attached, usually a feather belonging to the pendant's owner. It represents observation and appreciation of the colorful natural world. Each follower of Syranita receives one in the rite The Confession of Sight.

### Alignment:

Though the deity Syranita is considered good, Syranism at its root is a true neutral religion, observing and accepting things as they are. It's emphasis on friendliness and peace leans toward goodness but does not explicitly require actions to be strictly selfless. Syranism teaches beauty in both law and chaos, though it's practitioners can lean one way or the other.