Samvaran Horoscope
The Samvaran Horoscope is somewhat unique in that it ties its constellations to moon phases. Rather than signs being assigned based on stellar-assigned months, what moon arrangement you are born under determines your lunar sign.
There are additional star signs tied to month like normal zodiacs, which include two additional signs. Star signs are considered far less accurate or important than moon signs, though some traditions consider them relevant. For the most part, the ten moon signs are all you need to know.
Other horoscope systems have been made, but Samvara's system is generally the most common and is recognized worldwide.
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Different cultures and faiths treat Horoscopes differently.
NAME | MOON PHASE | GOD | SYMBOL | ASSOCIATED PERSONALITY |
---|---|---|---|---|
Inu | New w/ chibi | Jade | Owl | Proud, stubborn, regal |
Shira | Both New | Ishkibal | Panther | Rowdy, temperamental |
Sui | Crescent w/ chibi | Orchid of Blue | Hummingbird | Gentle, soft, loving, vulnerable |
Okbar | Crescent no chibi | Hiku | Peacock | Artistic, insightful |
Kimra | Quarter w/chibi | Theia the Liberator | Shark | Righteous, vengeful, passionate |
Sezim | Quarter no chibi | Agamine the Lost | Frog | Shy, cautious, withdrawn |
Abra | Gibbous w/ chibi | Wimbo Aizitu | Thunderbird | Friendly, optimistic |
Pirna | Gibbous, no chibi | Emesh | Butterfly | Arbitrary, multi-faced, mercurial |
Shagra | Both full | Haru | Comet | Distant, observant, thoughtful |
Prija | Full, no chibi | Lily of Red | Flower | Outgoing, brave, headstrong |
Samvaran Religions
Halikvar sects take horoscopes the most seriously. While not explicitly mentioned in their holy texts, the cultural belief that your moon sign ties you spiritually to that member of the Lunar Pantheon is thoroughly ingrained and treated as religious dogma. One's sign is important for matchmaking, fashion, and high society politicking. Just as the Halikvar faith ranks the Lunar Pantheon, so are horoscopes ranked- with higher-ranked signs seen as more naturally preferable. Among the rural poor, sign is not always considered important (unless there's some kind of moral panic) - but in the cities, towns, and among those of means, to not display your horoscope is to be hiding something (assumed to be a low-status horoscope). In the most dire of times, if a member of the Lunar Pantheon is in feud with Lily of Red, their associated horoscope may even be associated with witchcraft and curses. Those who bear such cursed signs are usually driven from the community through acts of ritual mob violence.
Pratasam, Halikvar's sister faith in the West, is less intense but still holds that horoscopes are important. Pratasam sees sign as more of an influence than a binding. While signs are still ranked with the Lunar Pantheon, you aren't expected to share your sign with others necessarily. Low status signs are still stereotyped negatively, but rarely are signs used to hold people accountable for a divine being. Instead, signs are used by Pratasam matchmakers and mystics. This makes high-status sign convenient for marrying up in high society or joining a mystic cult, but more of a minor factor than anything. The same attitude is adopted by the Ruekan faith.
Aretism sees lunar sign as a component of someone's true name. This makes it extremely useful for matchmakers and mystics, but something that should not be shared lest you open yourself to curses. Signs and Lunar Gods are not ranked in Aretism, so no sign is stigmatized.
In Akada, lunar signs are something rarely known but often cherished. They are a rare marker of individuality and a rare direct link to the heavens- something that would be taboo if it weren't accepted tradition. As such, knowledge of one's lunar sign is taken seriously as a 'thread of destiny' but rarely used for policy.
Sumoxa sees lunar signs are unimportant in this world, but important in the afterlife and when astral projecting. As such, it is mostly used in arcane or religious rituals- to contact the right afterlife or to make sure that monks can wander through the enlightenment together.
Hamekun sees it as a way to classify non-Selkies for matchmaking purposes, but do not consider it to effect Selkies.
Ayshanism sees lunar signs as a misguiding illusion and superstition invented by the Demiurges or their fallen kin the Lunar Pantheon to control mortals. The most intense and radical Ayshan communities often classify all practice of horoscopes as profane witchcraft- but most communities are just forbidden from using them for official business.
Desmian Religions
Ishkibism views Horoscopes as arcane knowledge that has yet to be purified- except for the Arvean Temple, which happily embraces it in the vein of Pratasam.
Orthodoxy generally views Horoscopes as profane, yet largely harmless.
Garadek Religions
The Hadina tradition imagines horoscopes as a product of moonlight (or the theoretical 'dark light' that emanates from new moons). If born to a sign, you are in harmony with that celestial alignment- and so, it effects your personality under the moonlight. Bad decision making at night is often attributed to the effects of the horoscope for this reason.
The Sarakan religion sees horoscopes as of little use in Garadel, but envisions it as a mystical energy found in Samvara- that you become more like your moon sign when in that strange, foreign land. The Zihari faith holds a similar stance.
Sonevan Religion
Elemeer and Navanan faiths associate the horoscope systems with Selkies so thoroughly that horoscopes are seen as part of the holy realm of the sea. It is said that, while abroad, you can find your way home better under your birth-moon. Personality traits associated are seen as part of that state of mind seeking home.
Elsewhere
In The Empire of Calazen, horoscopes are increasingly fashionable but not taken very seriously.
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