Siari

**Siari** is a pantheistic asari religion that is currently mainstream amongst asari. Siari roughly translates to “All is One”, reflecting on its core beliefs - that the universe is a consciousness, every life within it is an aspect of the greater whole, and death is a merging of one's spiritual energy back into greater universal consciousness.

## History

The siari religion has no specific origin or founder. Instead, it evolved from various different asari philosophies and religions that date back many thousands of years. Some siarists believe the religion to have no true origin, but that it is eternal, its origins preceding asari history. The earliest references to the traditions that make up the siari religion can be found in ancient asari cave paintings, prior to the asari developing concept of religion. However, the earliest recorded reference to religion itself can be found in texts from the asari’s Iron Age.

Siari gained moderate popularity in the region it was founded, eventually spreading across Thessia. Prior to the discovery of space travel, it’s estimated that up to 15% of asari practised the religion. Siari only gained true popularity after the asari made first contact with another race and discovered their ability to "meld" with nearly any form of life. This ability is seen as proof that all life is fundamentally similar and drew many asari to the siari religion. In modern times, siari is considered to be the mainstream asari religion, with as many as 40% of asari identifying as siari in a recent census. Siarist beliefs have also spread outside of asari space and are practised by many species across the galaxy.

## Beliefs

Siarists see the universe as a consciousness and life within it as part of a greater whole. Death is considered to be a merging of spiritual energy back into a greater universal consciousness that will eventually be used to fill new mortal vessels. This isn’t to be confused with reincarnation, as most siarists do not believe in individual reincarnation. Although all siarists generally hold these core beliefs, siari has many interpretations and schools of thought.

The saying “embrace eternity”, frequently quoted by asari prior to melding, originates from siari philosophy. This saying is taken from an extended quote - “Reach out to grasp the threads that bind us, one to another. Every action sends ripples across the galaxy. Every idea must touch another mind to live. Each emotion must mark another's spirit. We are all connected. Every living being united in a single glorious existence. Open yourself to the universe. Embrace eternity!”. While the shortened quote has reached mainstream use and is frequently used by non-siarists, the extended quote is typically only used by siarists during special occasions, such as bonding ceremonies or birth celebrations.

## Practices

Siari practices vary amongst individual believers, however, the majority still follow a few core principles. These tenets place emphasis on travel, communication, charity and meditation. Siarists believe it is important to travel and converse with strangers in order to expand their knowledge of the universe and promote understanding between its inhabitants, furthering their connection with the universe. This is also why meditation is a common practice amongst siarists, clearing the mind so they can relate to the universe's energy.

Siari priestesses see their role as promoting unity between disparate shards of the universe’s awareness. Priestesses undergo no formal training and have no official structure - becoming a priestess is as simple as being accepted as one by other siarists. A high priestess is a siari priestess who wields a lot of power or is considered to particularly wise. As such, most high priestesses are Matriarchs.

The Atamna Politeia is an organisation of siari high priestesses from across the Asari Republics. This group is often involved in large-scale blessings and is in possession of many artefacts important to the siari religion. Not every high priestess is part of the Atamna Politeia, but any are permitted to join.