Green Mountain Chapter

Overview

The Green Mountain Chapter is a prominent orthodox sect of the Congregation of the Ascended, mainly practised in the southern nations of Miesz and Albra. Its emergence around UT 368, shortly after the establishment of the Otogi Pass trade route, was influenced by increased exposure to diverse religious ideas and a cultural resistance to the magical practices common in the faith's heartland of Draksineon. This sect embodies a distinct traditionalism, a high emphasis on song and oral tradition, and a preference for concrete religious practices over abstract philosophical concepts.

by midjourney

History

The Green Mountain Chapter diverged from the Congregation of the Ascended during a period of religious and cultural flux in UT 368. The establishment of the Otogi Pass trade route brought in an influx of foreign ideas and cultures - an unwanted one - in addition to traditions of Neʻā Woi̯ ancestor worship from Albagar, which created a general hesitation in populations here that their ways of life were slipping away. This dovetailed with a growing cultural resistance to magic, and a desire for a more accessible, practical expression of the faith, resulting finally in the creation of a unique religious sect that embodied the distinct cultural and spiritual values of the region.
The inception of the Green Mountain Chapter can also be seen as a delayed reaction to the earlier establishment of Qa Exceptionalism in UT 531, which suggested that deviation from Rela's dominant faith was indeed possible. Despite their geographical proximity to Qa, Miesz and Albra resisted the temptation to break away until the cultural cross-pollination facilitated by the Otogi Pass made change inevitable.

Beliefs and Practices

Traditionalism

Central to the Green Mountain Chapter is a strong adherence to traditional values. The sect views the Ghbyz deck, the Signs, and other elements of the faith as sacred and immutable. They resist modern reinterpretations, and hold to the original teachings and practices.

Song and Oral Tradition

The importance of song as a mode of communication is reflected in the religious practices of the sect. Hymns form an essential part of religious services, and the tales of Exemplars are often passed down as traditional songs, or Hagin in the local dialect. This oral tradition is seen as a more relatable way to impart religious teachings to the largely illiterate populace.

Concrete Practices

The Green Mountain Chapter places a greater emphasis on concrete rituals and actions over abstract philosophical concepts. This is exemplified in the Ghbyz Seseni, a ritualized interpretation of the Ghbyz deck that utilizes physical movements and recitations. The deck is viewed as a tangible representation of the divine, the ritual a method of communing with the Aspects. Participants aim to harmonize their actions with the Aspects' teachings and align themselves with the spiritual realm.

Veneration of Clergy

While there's no presumption of superiority, the clergy in the Green Mountain Chapter, known as the Moritell, hold a significant role as guides to the path of Ascension and interpreters of the Aspects. They also serve as keepers of traditions, reinforcing their respected status within the community.
The Moritell are considered to possess a direct connection to the divine, made possible through their self-discipline and adherence to tradition. A common practice among them is the Nosi-Moritell ritual, where priests isolate themselves in prayer and meditation for extended periods, hoping to achieve deeper insights into the Aspects. These periods of isolation are followed by a public recitation of insights, known as Vekit-Moritell.

Pragmatic Mysticism

The Green Mountain Chapter's interpretation of the Aspects leans towards a form of pragmatic mysticism. They consider the Aspects as guiding spirits that assist individuals on their Ascension path, a belief that is manifested in the Aspirit ritual, where individuals seek guidance and protection from their governing Aspects. During this ceremony, individuals seek to communicate with their governing Aspect through a series of ritualistic actions, including lighting incense, singing particular hymns, and performing specific physical movements, varying depending on the Aspect invoked.

Festivals and Holidays

The Chapter observes several unique holidays, distinct from the broader Congregation calendar. One significant festival is the Gad-Ghbyz, or Moon Deck celebration, which takes place during the full moon. During this night, adherents come together to perform a community-wide Ghbyz Seseni ritual. Another unique holiday is the Ritva Sing, a festival dedicated to celebrating and preserving the traditional songs of the faith.

Superstitions and Folk Beliefs

Various superstitions and folk beliefs are intertwined with the Green Mountain Chapter's formal practices. One common belief is the idea that certain actions can invite good fortune or misfortune based on their alignment with the teachings of the Aspects. For example, finding a feather on your path is considered a sign of the Aspect the Mourning Dove's favor, signifying an upcoming period of change or transition. Stories of miracle-performing priests are also common within the Green Mountain Chapter, with many believing that the Moritell can perform extraordinary feats through their connection to the divine. These tales, known as Moritell-Wund, are a point of contention with other branches of the Congregation, but an integral part of the Green Mountain Chapter's religious culture.

Impact and Influence

The Green Mountain Chapter's unique blend of traditionalism, pragmatic mysticism, and resistance to magic has shaped its distinct religious and cultural identity. Despite the laissez-faire approach to conversion found in the broader Congregation of the Ascended, the Green Mountain Chapter works diligently to preserve and perpetuate its own traditions and beliefs. This has resulted in a vibrant and enduring religious sect that continues to influence the cultural and spiritual landscape of Southern Rela.

by midjourney