Ghbyz

Introduction

The Ghybz is a sacred tool used by the Tellers of the Congregation of the Ascended. Deeply intertwined with the history, identity, and spiritual practices of the Drakoyan people, this vibrant deck of cards is a conduit for interpreting the divine Will of The Aspects. Each card in the deck is a carefully crafted symbol, designed to capture the essence of the Aspects and help the Tellers connect with the divine and perform their complex divination rituals.

Origins and Evolution

The origins of the Ghybz can be traced back to the nomadic days of the Drakoyan people, then known as the Drahayakoi ("tree without home"). Their wanderings across the Beurin region necessitated a deep understanding of the stars for navigation, leading to a faith deeply rooted in astrological symbolism. As the Drahayakoi moved from place to place in their caravans, a rich culture of storytelling and symbolism emerged. The early forms of the Ghybz deck evolved from these oral narratives, as they began incorporating visual symbols into their practices. The establishment of the Drakoyan empire marked a significant turning point. The nomadic symbols of the Drahayakoi were formalized into the Nagul* written language, and the Ghybz deck was elevated from a folk practice to a central tool of the state religion. These nomadic roots continue to be evident in the abstract, colourful and robust designs of the Ghybz deck, which often incorporate Nagul script in curlicue and serpentine forms.

Design and Significance of the Cards

Each card in the Ghybz deck is intricately designed, with abstract figures often contorted into odd poses and bright, colourful backgrounds. Major and Minor Aspects are represented in the deck, as below, with each card capturing the essence of an Aspect through symbolism and Nagul script:

Major: The Troubadour, The Empty Manorhouse. The Cup of Strong Brew, The Mourning Dove, The Moon in Winter, The Magistrate’s Gavel, The Sacred Crown, The Bent Coin, The Father’s Feast Table, The Iron Caravan, The Locked Door, and the Key, The Crossed Swords Minor: The Armless Man Dancing with Death, The Lightning Mare, The Lady of the Garden, The Footprint Tread in Ash, Dread, The Cracked Colossus, The Two of the Blood, The Radiant Lord, The Wayward Sentry, The Night Weaver of Gossamer, The Drunken Potter, The Dead Man’s Teeth, The Tumblers on a Fraying Line. The Chewed Bone of the Hound, The Bridge in Flames, The Liar’s True Reward, The Hiding Place, The Ramshackle Sleigh, The Thief’s Blooded Dagger, The Treasure Box, The Shifting Winds, The Broken Speare, The Fisherman’s Boot, The Dung Heap, The Brocaded Kaftah, The Potbellied Pig, The Vengeance of Samtiervahn, The Cloud on a Faint Wind, The Hare in the Warren, The Countenance Bejewelled

Relationship with the Aspects

The Ghybz deck serves as a tangible link to the Aspects. The Tellers believe that through the deck, they form a connection to the essence of the Aspects and can interpret their Will. However, divination in this context is understood as context-dependent and more of an art than a science. The Will of the Aspects, they believe, is raw and formless in the temporal world until interpreted through the lens of human understanding and the context provided by astrological knowledge.

Ritual Usage

The Ghybz deck is central to the Onized services and other special holy days. A Teller would begin by ceremonially presenting the deck, handled only with reverence due to its divine connection. The cards are laid out in specific patterns, the arrangement of which varies depending on the service or divination purpose. The congregation watches with bated breath as the Teller interprets the cards, revealing the Will of the Aspects.

Storing the Ghybz

In between services, the Ghybz deck is stored in a sacred box, called a ˈQuȕau in Nagul. The box, often adorned with intricate designs and script, is treated with the same reverence as the deck itself. It is considered sacrilegious for anyone other than a Teller to touch the Ghybz deck or its box, as it is believed to diminish their divination power.

Current Practice and Beliefs

In contemporary Congregation practice, the Ghybz deck continues to hold its revered position. The Aurimbic Tradition of Seers, who possess the actual power to foresee the future, maintain a respectful distance from the religious practices of the Congregation due to the Pact of Three. Despite the contrasting methods of divination, the mutual understanding allows both groups to coexist harmoniously. The Ghybz is more than just a deck of cards for the Drakoyan people. It is a conduit to their Aspects, a crucial part of their worship, and an important link to their nomadic roots. The deck embodies the core beliefs of the Congregation and serves as a testament to their faith's evolution over time. As the Tellers continue to use the Ghybz in their divination practices, the deck remains a vibrant and vital aspect of Drakoyan cultural and religious life. Despite the passing of centuries and the significant changes in Drakoyan society, the Ghybz continues to serve as a poignant reminder of their spiritual journey and a guiding force in their quest to understand and interpret the divine Will.