Vayu

Vayu is the deity of wind and change, music and battle. God of the wind who chases away evil spirits. They are the rare neutral deity, mercurial and ever-changing, can be angelic or demonic as they like, and thus is considered both a yazata and Daeva Overview .

Holy Symbol

The holy symbol of Vayu can be a stylized depiction of a dozaleh, or double-piped flute, intertwined with flowing ribbons that symbolize the wind and a gazelle leaping gracefully, representing speed and agility. This can be worn as an amulet or engraved on religious artifacts.

Representation of Vayu

Vayu is often depicted as a powerful and ethereal figure, with flowing robes that seem to merge with the wind. They holds a dozaleh, their fingers gracefully playing the instrument. Their hair and garments are always in motion, symbolizing the constant presence of wind. Sometimes, they are depicted with wings, emphasizing their dominion over the skies. They are also often shown wielding a golden spear, highlighting their role as a warrior deity. Gazelles are frequently depicted alongside them, representing swiftness and grace.

Worship and Rituals

Wind Chimes and Music: Temples and shrines dedicated to Vayu are adorned with wind chimes that create harmonious sounds as the wind passes through them. Music is a significant part of the worship, with devotees playing various wind instruments during ceremonies.

Offerings of Breath: Followers offer their breath to Vayu by blowing into wind instruments or through specially designed hollow reeds. This act symbolizes giving a part of their life force to the god.

Sky Lanterns: During important festivals, devotees release sky lanterns, allowing the wind to carry their prayers and wishes to Vayu. These lanterns often have inscriptions or symbols representing the supplicant’s desires.

Wind Dances: Ritualistic dances that mimic the flow and movement of the wind are performed by priests and followers. These dances are believed to attract Vayu’s favor and blessings.

Feathers and Wings: Feathers, particularly those of birds that soar high and are swift, are considered sacred. Priests may wear cloaks adorned with feathers, and offerings often include crafted wings and feathers, and magi with devotion to Vatu often have avian familiars.

Songs of the Sky: Hymns and songs dedicated to Vayu are sung daily. These songs often praise the wind’s power, its soothing presence, and its role in spreading seeds and bringing rain.

Warrior Rites: Before battle, warriors seek Vayu's blessing through a ritual involving the playing of the dozaleh, or other instruments like war drums, and chanting of war hymns. They believe Vayu’s favor will grant them speed, strength, and strategic advantage, and that they ust cultivate the winds of favor lest Vayu turn on them and blow with the enemy.

Temples and Sacred Sites

Sky Temples: These temples are built on high peaks or cliffs, open to the sky to allow the wind to flow freely through them. The architecture is designed to capture and amplify the sounds of the wind.

Festivals and Holy Days

Festival of Winds: A major festival celebrating Vayu, involving music, dance, and the release of sky lanterns. It is a time for community gathering and collective worship.

Day of Whispers: A solemn day where followers fast and engage in silent meditation, listening to the wind’s whispers and seeking guidance from Vayu.

Storm Calling: A ritual performed to invoke Vayu’s aid in battle or to bring much-needed rain.

Priestly Duties and Appearance

Priestly Garments: Lawful mobads of Vayu wear flowing robes in shades of blue, white, and silver, symbolizing the sky and wind. They often carry wind instruments as part of their religious attire.

Role of the Mobad: The mobad acts as a conduit between Vayu and the people, interpreting the wind’s messages and leading rituals. They are skilled musicians and dancers, using these talents in their worship. They also lead warriors in rites seeking Vayu's blessing.

Blessings and Curses: The mobad can bless followers with favorable winds for travel and agriculture, or curse those who offend the god with destructive storms.

Holy Warriors: Mobads can also be holy warriors that fight against undeath. Their spells and abilities include things like Turn Undead and Holy Weapon. Their combat style is distinctive, incorporating swift and precise strikes, symbolizing the speed and power of the wind. They fight with a whirling, dance-like motion, making them look like whirling dervishes in battle.