Naturism

Naturism is Kaf born religion that holds the uniqueness or sanctity of the physical world, in particular the wilderness. The term Naturism refers to many traditions, which are closely related and share common themes but do not constitute a unified set of beliefs or practices. Naturism is not a homogeneous, organized system however the variations share the following beliefs.

Tenets of Faith

Their use of the word nature to describe their worldview is suggested to be vastly different from the "nature" of modern sciences. Nature mystics use "nature" to refer to the limited natural environment (as opposed to man-made built environment). This use of "nature" is different from the broader use from others describing natural laws and the overall phenomena of the physical world.
The recognition of the divine in nature is at the heart of Naturist belief. Naturists are deeply aware of the natural world and see the power of the divine in the ongoing cycle of life and death. Vast majority are eco-friendly, seeking to live in a way that minimizes harm to the natural environment.

Worship

As Naturism is a very diverse religion with many distinct though related traditions, the forms of Naturist worship vary widely. It may be collective or solitary. It may consist of informal prayer or meditation, or of formal, structured rituals through which the participants affirm their deep spiritual connection with nature, honor their Gods and Goddesses, and celebrate the seasonal festivals of the turning year and the rites of passage of life.
As Naturists have no public buildings specifically set aside for worship, and most believe that religious ceremonies are best conducted out of doors, rituals often take place in woods or caves, on hilltops, or along the seashore. To Naturists, the finest places of worship are those not built by sapient hands - as well as at stone circles, in parks, and private homes and gardens. Women and men almost always worship together and Naturism generally emphasizes equality of the sexes. In certain paths, however, women may take the leading role as representative of the pre-eminence of the female principle.
Ceremonies usually begin with the marking out of a ritual circle, a symbol of sacred space which has neither beginning nor end, and within which all stand as equals. At the quarter-points, the four directions and the corresponding elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water will be acknowledged and bid welcome.
There may follow, according to the purpose of the rite, any or all of meditation, chanting, music, prayer, dance, the pouring of libations, recitations of poetry and/or the performance of sacred drama, and the sharing of food and drink. Lastly the circle will be formally unmade, the directions, elements, and all the forms of divinity that have been called upon thanked, as the rite ends.

Herbology, the art of making potions and poisons from natural ingredients is commonly taught in druid circles. Druids will often practice ritual magic that grants them increased animal empathy or communication with animals and nature spirits and borrowing their abilities. Also common is weather, elemental, or plant manipulation as well as restorative healing magic.

Sects

There are two acknowledged sects that have enough common rituals and beliefs amoung followers to mirror those of an organized religion.
A major sect of the faith is Elemental Naturism that reveres the elementals that embody nature as gods themselves. They believe that people are a part of nature and should live in harmony with nature that is granted by the elementals, which are their new generation of gods. Their goal is to increase their affinity with the elementals, and cooperate with the elementals to make the elements rich in nature and foster an abundance of life by borrowing their power.
They were a smaller sect in the era when deities where worshipped as the gods. With their absence after the Samsara Pilgrimage, it left the space open for more people to revere elementals as the acting gods for natural bounty. Also, they absolutely detest the use of elementals for warfare, so they didn't think very highly of the Faerie Courts which developed an Elemental Division during the Ghulat Wars.

Druidism is an organized sect that developed from a mix of naturism and the priesthood of the Tuatha de Danann before there focus shifted from gods to nature has a whole. What makes them stand out is their focus on nature based ritual magic, which is encouraged for all members and mandatory for their priests. Druids like most sects dedicate themselves to being in harmony with the natural environment and beings that protect its balance. They also oppose greed and wanton destruction, especially that of nature, sometimes putting them in conflict with industrialization efforts. They also celebrate holidays every four months by having bonfires on top of hills.

Type

Religious, Other

Demonym

Naturist