Lunæthra, The Moon Mother

Lunæthra, also known as "the Moon Mother", is the patron goddess of the Æthra, the progenitor species to all elvenkind. Many of the races found in Auvia can trace their origins from the Æthra, including Aarokocra, Merfolk, Minotaurs, Tabaxi, Yuan-Ti and all Elven races, making her one of the most widely worshiped deities among the Thirteen.
Lunæthra represents magic, rebirth, and change, as symbolized by the lunar cycles and the changing ocean tides, and is widely depicted as a compassionate motherly figure to her subjects. Her religious festivals and practices are heavily influenced by both the seasons as well as the two moons of Auvia, particularly the Blue Moon (as the Red Moon, known as "The Watcher's Eye", represents Loa-Kana). Her priestesses (as her formal elven worshipers are an entirely female order) dedicate much of their lives to studying the phases of the moons and their placement in the sky.
Probably her most important role in Æthran society is her importance in reincarnation. Through achieving enlightenment in the worship of the Moon Mother, Æthran races are able to re-enter the spiritual cycle of reincarnation that all elves reside in. Their lives are extended, and they begin to see the teachings and experiences of their past lives. Therefore, it is of vital importance to most elves to worship the Mother as they become older.
Lunæthra is worshiped alongside El'Braor, Haku, and Míradai as a member of the Great Wheel, the four deities held in highest regard by the High Ælf civilization of Old Æthra. She is represented on the Tetrarchy by Saint Celeste.
In contrast, the Low Ælf's are less inclined to worship Lunæthra as a primary deity after the events of the Æthran civil war, known as the Æthran Diaspora. Deities such as The Wildspirit or The Raven Queen, or even other higher beings such as Demons or Fey are far more prominent in the religious rights of these races. That being said, the worship of Lunæthra among Wood Elves has begun to dramatically increase over the past few decades with the emergence of Everqueen Vanora, who is said to be a living avatar of the mother-goddess.
Most Merfolk worship Lunæthra as their primary deity, depicting her as the personification of the ocean itself, and as the mortal enemy of Loa-Kana. In turn, Lunæthra is considered an the prime-evil within the Lore of the Deep, who prophesize that one day the denizens of the deep will "rise out of the waters below into the waters above" and devour the moon and stars.

Worshipers of Lunæthra might include...

• An elderly elf in the waning days of their life, praying for reentry into the cycle of rebirth.
• A father praying to the new moon for the safety of his wife and unborn child.
• A Merfolk battling the terrors of the deep ocean, praying for the turning of the tide.
• A mage studying the higher spiritual mysteries of magic and the nature of the universe.

Pronouns:

She/They

Current Status:

Active

Divine Domains:

Magic, Lunar Cycles, the Ocean, Rebirth

Chosen People:

Elves, Merfolk

Celestial Bodies:

The Shell (Constellation), The Blue Moon (Celestial Body)

Holy Material:

Pearl