Erathism

Erathism, the Religion of Erathan the Creator, centers on the belief that all creation originates from Erathan and that a balanced life mirrors the divine aspects of his fragmented essence. This ancient faith considers Erathan’s essence—body, mind, soul, and heart—as the ideal framework for living a complete and harmonious existence. Followers of Erathism believe in cultivating all aspects of the self, seeing themselves as reflections of Erathan’s divided essence, which gave rise to the Divine Triad: Moradin (mind), Pholtus (soul), and XXXXXXXXX (heart). Each member of the Triad represents a crucial aspect of Erathan’s original wholeness.

Core Beliefs of Erathism

Wholeness through Balance: Followers strive to balance the four pillars—body, mind, soul, and heart—to emulate Erathan’s unity before the division. They believe that focusing solely on one part leads to an incomplete life and that harmony between these elements leads to enlightenment and strength.

Life as Creation: Since Erathan is the Creator, life and creativity are sacred. Every act of creation, whether physical (crafts, art, construction), intellectual (learning, discovery), emotional (relationships, empathy), or spiritual (worship, ritual), is a means to honor him.

Respect for the Divine Triad: Followers of Erathism regard the Divine Triad as representations of Erathan’s fragmented essence. They believe that the Triad’s attributes should be cultivated and balanced within each person, honoring Moradin’s wisdom and creativity, Pholtus’ light and order, and XXXXXXXXX’s compassion and protection.

The Cycles of Creation and Division: Erathism teaches that everything is part of a grand cycle of creation, division, and reunification, much like Erathan’s choice to divide himself. Followers celebrate both individuality and unity, seeing value in both self-sufficiency and community.

Four Pillars of Erathism

Each of the four pillars represents a piece of Erathan’s essence, which his followers seek to embody as they pursue a complete life. These pillars guide rituals, personal practices, and lifestyle choices, helping Erathists remain mindful of Erathan’s divine attributes.

Body (Erathan)

Embodying Wholeness and Vitality: The body is seen as a sacred vessel of divine energy. Followers seek physical health, strength, and endurance to honor the gift of life itself. Erathan’s body, from which all life originates, is revered through acts of physical care, exercise, and responsible consumption.

Practices: Fasting, mindful eating, exercise, and rituals of renewal such as seasonal festivals that honor the natural cycles of the earth.

Mind (Moradin)

Embodying Wisdom and Creativity: Representing Erathan’s mind, Moradin’s essence encourages followers to seek knowledge, explore creative pursuits, and value craftsmanship. Moradin’s influence reminds followers that intellectual growth and mastery are part of divine emulation.

Practices: Study, crafting, artistic expression, and philosophical discussion. Temples dedicated to Moradin’s wisdom often have libraries or workshops where followers create and share ideas.

Soul (Pholtus)

Embodying Light and Order: The soul is a reflection of Pholtus, symbolizing the purity of purpose and order. Pholtus’ influence teaches followers to honor truth, justice, and the cycles of life. The soul represents clarity and discipline, keeping the follower on a path of integrity and purpose.

Practices: Daily rituals, meditation, and truth-seeking. Followers uphold personal codes of honor and engage in community service to bring light and order to others’ lives.

Heart (XXXXXXXXX)

Embodying Compassion and Protection: The heart reflects XXXXXXXXX’s divine love and empathy, emphasizing the importance of compassion and protective care. XXXXXXXXX’s influence guides followers to nurture relationships, protect the vulnerable, and practice acts of kindness.
Practices: Charitable acts, emotional healing, family bonds, and compassionate meditation. Followers often tend to the sick or comfort the grieving, fostering a culture of mutual support.

Practices and Rituals in Erathism

Daily Reflection: At dawn, followers reflect on each pillar, acknowledging the gifts of body, mind, soul, and heart. This daily meditation centers them, preparing them for the challenges of the day with balance and intention.

Festival of Wholeness: Once a year, Erathists gather to celebrate the unity of the four pillars through communal feasts, art displays, knowledge-sharing sessions, and blessings of health. During this time, followers exchange symbolic gifts (such as crafted items, shared meals, or personal insights) as reminders of each aspect.

Ritual of Renewal: Each season, followers cleanse and rededicate themselves to the four pillars. These rites include fasting, physical challenges, intellectual studies, meditative silence, and community service, allowing each follower to purify and strengthen each part of themselves.

Councils of Balance: Communities hold regular councils, where Erathists discuss and advise one another on how best to live balanced lives. Followers use this time to share challenges and achievements, celebrating those who have exemplified one or more pillars in the past season.

Sacred Texts and Symbols

**The "Book of Wholeness" is the primary text of Erathism, containing hymns, philosophical reflections, and teachings that honor each of the four pillars. It includes prayers for balance, wisdom, and unity, as well as parables that emphasize the dangers of ignoring any one part of Erathan’s essence.

Symbol: Erathism’s sacred symbol is a circle divided into four interlocking quadrants—each representing body, mind, soul, and heart. This icon is often worn as a pendant or displayed in temples and homes as a reminder of the balanced life.

Followers of Erathism

Followers of Erathism, or Erathists, come from diverse backgrounds and include artisans, scholars, healers, warriors, and protectors who seek balance in life. They see themselves as caretakers of Erathan’s vision, striving to be well-rounded individuals who exemplify harmony between the four pillars. Temples dedicated to Erathan are often structured with four wings, each corresponding to one of the pillars and providing spaces for worship, study, healing, and reflection.

Types of Followers:

Artisans and Craftspeople: These followers honor the body and mind, working with their hands and minds to create and preserve the beauty of the material world.

Scholars and Philosophers: Erathist scholars dedicate themselves to exploring knowledge and wisdom, often working as teachers, scribes, or advisors.

Healers and Protectors: These followers honor the soul and heart, focusing on caring for the vulnerable and safeguarding communities.

Balanced Seekers: These are individuals dedicated to cultivating all four pillars within themselves, often acting as guides, mentors, or leaders within Erathist communities.

Followers are encouraged to honor each aspect of themselves, living in balance and embracing the ideals of the Divine Triad as an extension of Erathan’s original unity. Whether in artistic creation, intellectual pursuit, spiritual practice, or emotional connection, Erathists see their lives as sacred reflections of Erathan’s original vision and seek to bring harmony to all they touch.

Deities

• Erathan