Burrow of the World-Goddess

The Burrow of the World-Goddess (often called Myirity by scholars) is one of two religion native to Mewei culture (the other being the rather obscure cult to the sun goddess Rava). It is a cult to nature, central to which is the worship and reverence to the spirit of each inhabited Mewei world - an all-spanning entity called the World-Goddess, though it is seldom anthropomorphized.

Teachings

Mythology

Mewei cosmology holds that there is divine magic held within each life-bearing world. This magic coalesces and flows with time, and breathes life into garden worlds. The most bountiful Garden Worlds, such as Nufano, are deemed to be embodiments of the World-Goddess.
The druids of the Burrow aim to channel that magic and ensure that no development comes to impede its divine flow.

The Bond

One of the most important aspects of Mewei culture is the Bond, the belief that all Mewei hold part of the magic of their homeworld within them, and that as they live, breathe and die, it is important to give back that magic, that the world might keep thriving. Life starts from the Goddess, lives through every Mewei, and upon death, is bequethed back to Her ebb and flow.
During the Great Jump, every Mewei colonist lost their Bond to whatever world they inhabited. This caused severe distress to many, and the World-Goddess Nufano is much beloved for providing an orphaned people with a new home to dwell in. Avoiding damage to this newfound holiest of Bonds, including industrial damage, is the core incentive for protecting and nurturing Her ecosystems and wonders.

Organization

The faith of the Twin Gods consists of bands of fellowships called Burrows, which organize themselves according to the needs of The Burrow and the community in which it serves. There is no central authority, and membership is not compulsory, however the teachings of a Burrow are usually heeded by its community.

Places of Worship

Mewei seldom keep buildings like shrines or churches, and instead gather in the forest, at designated sacred sites called groves said to sit on the strongest leylines that make up the spirit of the World-Goddess. They sometimes erect stones or straw huts to gather in. Groves tend to belong to the townships they serve, though they are also typically built further out, and many fellowship members favour some amount of seclusion. Groves are used for larger festivals, which are attended by a majority of the community. While there is no central location of worship, the Great Stone Grove at the Astropolis acts as the Mewei Domain's largest religious grounds on Nufano.

Fellows of The Burrow

For Mewei that wish to pursue a more devout path, upon demonstrating knowledge of art, botany, biology, and religion, and undergoing a special rite, they can become a Fellow of The Burrow. Once initiated, Mewei progress through several ranks, starting as Initiates. After enough time, initiates may become Bards who play an important role within The Burrow. They travel between the communities on Nufano; spreading gospel, tales, and songs (collectively known as the Songs of The Burrow), and providing entertainment and advice to members of that community. The arrival of a bard is important, and many Mewei will confess or seek counsel from them. Bards who have proven themselves by recruiting people, or doing good in the communities they visit may then become Acolytes and gain the ability to lead their own rituals. Eventually Acolytes can become Fellows, who are the highest ranking members of a burrow, and are responsible for looking after the day-to-day running of the fellowship. Fellows from different communities also convene together in circles to share ideas and discuss important events.

Practices and Rites

Whilst most Mewei believe in the Bond and follow the general teachings of The Burrow, much of the wider community does not partake in religious gatherings, instead believing that their good deeds across society, and respect towards the World-Goddess, are enough to seek Her favour and lead a balanced and harmonious life. Because of this, many local rituals are only attended by the clergy and those devout few.

Festivals

Festivals are an important aspect of Burrow faith, with the most notable being the Summer, Harvest and Winter Festivals, as well as the Faefair Festival. These festivals usually involve most Mewei in a community, and often feature sub-rituals, fairs, village dances, and feasts. The Faefair Festival celebrates the rebirth of the Sun and the affirmation of Rava’s blessing, and heralds the New Year as defined on Nufano. As such, it may not land exactly at the start of a Stream cycle, as the Mewei use Nufano’s movements, combined with other rituals and festivals, to define the sectioning of time.

Rituals

Burrow rites and ceremonies vary depending on the needs of the community, as well as the seasons and weather. They are typically designed to align with the natural and magical forces at hand, so that participants might be inspired to commune with the planet. Ceremonies typically take place outside on groves, just before the onset of sunlight, and attire consists of long robes in the colour of the classical element that is being invoked – usually Earth or Air. Most rituals involve standing in a circle. The person leading the ceremony, the Chief, draws out a physical circle in the ground, either by dragging a stick, throwing flowers, or if impossible, by marking cardinal directions with a special wooden Crook. Many rituals involve food, such as bread or berrycakes, as well as meditation and trances. Rituals can be invoked for a number of reasons, including attempts at augury, blessing of the harvest, or before judicial proceedings.

Death Rituals

Fulfilling the Bond means there is no greater honour for Mewei than to die amongst the community in which they were born, and no greater fear than to die away from home. It is believed that wrong-doers end up dying far from home, unworthy of Her grace, and indeed many Mewei fear exile more than death. Many Mewei prefer to be buried in shallow graves, with the seed of a tree in their hands to symbolize the cycle of death and rebirth, that new life and magic might grow anew. The type of seed depends on local ecological conditions, as well as the status of the deceased.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion