Vassyrad Pantheon

The **Vassyrad Pantheon**, or Vassyrad Religion is the predominant polytheistic faith practiced by the Vassyrad civilization which resides mainly in the Vassyrun Crescent from where the religion originated.

## Main Beliefs

It is a common belief in the Vassyrun Crescent that the world of Uruldu is a dream of the god Agade, whose breath lowers and rises the Primordial Ocean in eternal cycle. It is believed that last time it rose so high that the empire of Primordia, which used to rule the entire continent of Oranoh and beyond, collapsed under the waves and left the city-states of Vassyrun as their remnant and successor. While Agade remains in a death-like sleep, his children watch over the city-states of the Urráda Vassyrad. Every city has its own beliefs and values, different enough to create individual identities, but common enough to maintain a sense of larger nation. Thus, the interpretation of Vassyrad Pantheon tends to differ from city to city.

### Beliefs of Irkallan

This is the overview of religious doctrines prelevant in Irkallan, the city of Irkanemi, the Godess of Winds and Storms.

The reason for the worship of Irkanemi is the maritime character of the Irkallan. Sailors, traders and fishermen often pray for good winds and safe journeys. However, this is only the top of the iceberg. To the priests, Irkanemi is known under Nine Names, each being a title representing some aspect of the goddess. Moreover, most Names can be divided into two polar elements, which shows the complexity of ancient metaphysics of Vassyrud priesthood, inherited from the lost Primordia. The Names are often depicted in art as nine cetea or sea serpents, the sacred animals of Irkanemi

#### The Nine Names of Irkanemi

1. The Stormqueen – the first aspect contain in itself two primordial elements of air and water. They unite in the storm, making it the symbol of chaos and infinite potential. Stormqueen is invoked during prayers and rites of opportunity and beginnings.

2. Lady of Middle Air – the sphere between the ocean and the sky is known as the Middle Air, realm of balance and synthesis of these two primordial dualities. It’s physical manifestation is the wind. This is the ordering aspect of Irkanemi, which brings harmony to the world. Lady of Middle Air is invoked during rites of passage.

3. Mirror Lady – this aspect refers to the duality of consciousness and unconsciousness, which are again strongly connected to the sky (realm above) and ocean (realm below). Ocean is called the Mirror of Sky, while the sky is the Mirror of Ocean. Mirror Lady is invoked during prayers for clarity and divination rituals.

4. Tidemistress – Irkallan people believe that sun and moon are two eyes of Agadys and their movement is connected with the tides. Tidemistress oversees this celestial mechanism, regulating cycles of nature and life. This aspect is invoked during seasonal celebrations.

5. Starweaver – the celestial aspect of Irkanemi, relates to her role as a being outside or in the middle of all dualities. In Irkallan theology, stars aren’t identified with night, as this role belongs to the moon. They are also not connected with the day, making them celestial outsiders. This is an aspect of separateness and isolation, but also of inspired and creative thought and original ideas. Starweaver is often invoked by artists and craftsmen.

6. Abysswalker – the chthonic aspect of Irkanemi, emphasizes her role as a being of both light and darkness. Abysswalker walks in the depths of the past, as water is a primary symbol of memory for Irkallan. She knows the way to the Tenebrous Paradise and guides the dead to the underworld through the abysses of the ocean. This is the aspect of gestation, invoked by scholars studying the past and during ceremonies concerned with endings.

7. Mother of Thresholds – Irkanemi connects above and below, but her domain lies in the middle, on the threshold of all things and concepts. This aspect is related to ideas that can be interpreted as crossing through literal or metaphorical doors, like birth or crossing from profanum to sacrum. Mother of Thresholds is invoked during divinations concerned with decision making and during ceremonies of initiatory character. This aspect is also often venerated by inscribing it Name on doors of all kind.

8. The Serpent – this aspect is the most connected with the sacred animals of Irkanemi, cetae, known also as sea serpents. Cetae devouring its tail is a well-known symbol of infinity, once more standing outside of duality of beginning and end. The Serpent rejects linear time in favor of the cycles, making it the aspect of rebirth, re-creation and restoration. It is invoked by medics of all kinds, and universally identified with their profession.

9. The Matriarch – the last aspect is one of power and authority. Matriarch is both a ruler and a warrior, the one who raises above the vulgar folk, yet stays in contact with them. She is both human and divine, existing in both world. This aspect expresses the idea of victory, not only in battle, but in any type of struggle. She is invoked during battle rites and ceremonies involving matters of rulership.

The dualities of the Names could be simplified and summarized as:

* Air – Stormqueen - Water

* Sky – Lady of Middle Air - Ocean

* Conscious – Mirror Lady - Unconscious

* Sun – Tidemistress - Moon

* Celestial Aspect

* Chthonic Aspect

* Above – Mother of Thresholds - Below

* Beginning – The Serpent - End

* Divinity – The Matriarch – Humanity

The idea of golden measure is essential for Irkanemid philosophy. However, it is important to note that her worshippers do not seek stillness of status quo, but rather explore both extremes in order to extract from them a synthesis symbolized by Irkanemi and her Names. Thus, they attempt to go beyond dualities, see the full picture and extract virtue from their new-found wisdom. Of course only priests and philosophers concern themselves with such doctrines, while common folk is satisfied with mythical stories and simple prayers.