Neʻā Woi̯

Neʻā Woi̯, or "Breath of the Land," is an indigenous, island-centric religion practiced across the continent of Albagar that places a high reverence on the land, its spirits, and the ancestral beings that have come before. At its core, the Neʻā Woi̯ faith holds a fundamental belief in the interconnection between all living things, the natural world, and the spiritual realm. Though the faith is embedded in the cultures that live across Albagar's islands, namely Reloi, Jobaykal, and Masatoyahi, a central bureaucracy has emerged in recent years out of the region's key capital city, Gulandagno, in Masatoyahi's province of Negame.
The spiritual landscape of Neʻā Woi̯ is populated by a myriad of spirits known as Woi̯'anu, who embody various aspects of the natural world. These include spirits of the mountains, the rivers, the trees, and the animals. Each Woi̯'anu is considered a guardian of their domain, and rituals are conducted to honor them and seek their protection and favor. They are believed to affect the wellbeing of the people and the land and are often invoked in times of need.
The central figures in the Neʻā Woi̯ pantheon are the ancestral spirits, known as the Taan'a, revered as the first beings who shaped the land, and ones who continue to influence the living world from the spiritual realm. The Taan'a are honored through ancestral veneration practices, where offerings are made and stories told. Their wisdom is sought in dreams and meditations as the spirits are seen as the link between the present and the past, the living and the dead, the tangible and the intangible.
Practitioners of Neʻā Woi̯ observe a calendar of religious festivals tied to the agricultural and astronomical cycles, delineating communal gatherings to honor the Woi̯'anu and Taan'a, and to ask for blessings in the coming seasons. They often involve singing, dancing, storytelling, and shared meals. The Ai̯kae̯, or spiritual leaders, preside over these festivals, performing rituals, leading prayers, and maintaining the sacred traditions.
Neʻā Woi̯ has a deeply ecological worldview: The concept of reciprocity plays a crucial role in the faith, stressing that humans should live in balance and harmony with the land and its spirits. This respect for the environment is deeply ingrained in their cultural practices, from sustainable farming techniques to responsible hunting and fishing practices.
Despite its spiritual focus, Neʻā Woi̯ also has a practical aspect, guiding societal norms and influencing community decisions. It emphasizes values such as respect for elders, communal cooperation, and respect for all living things.

Woi̯'anu and Taan'a

The spiritual pantheon of the Neʻā Woi̯ faith is vast and varied, encompassing a range of divine and celestial beings who govern the different aspects of the natural world.

Greater Spirits:

1. Sauka: Known as the Sky Mother, she is the supreme goddess who controls the celestial bodies and the weather. She is said to have given birth to the world and its spirits. Her blessings are sought for good weather and fruitful harvests.
2. Pitira: The Earth Father, counterpart to Sauka. He governs the mountains, the soil, and all the bounty within the earth. Pitira's favor is sought by farmers and miners, with offerings of grains and precious stones made in his name.
3. Talalima: The Sea Serpent, a powerful water deity who controls the ocean and all its creatures. Talalima is feared and respected by fishermen, who offer prayers and sacrifices for safe journeys and plentiful catches.

Lesser Spirits:

4. Kanui and Rangui: Twin spirits of the sun and the moon, children of Sauka. Kanui, the sun spirit, is associated with warmth, energy, and life, while Rangui, the moon spirit, is connected to the mysteries of the night, dreams, and intuition.
5. Aihio: A wind spirit, often portrayed as a playful trickster. Aihio carries messages from the gods to the people and is invoked for safe travel and good fortune.
6. Pe'ara: The spirit of the harvest, associated with the abundance of the earth. Pe'ara is invoked during planting and harvest seasons and is celebrated with communal feasts and offerings of the first fruits.

Ancestral Spirits (Taan'a):

7. Oruni the First: The first ancestor, often depicted as a wise elder. Oruni is believed to have laid the foundations of society and taught the people the ways of living harmoniously with the land. Ancestral rites often begin by invoking Oruni.
8. Akaala the Brave: An ancestral warrior spirit, revered for her courage and strength. Akaala is invoked for protection and bravery in times of conflict or challenge.
9. Yumato the Wise: An ancestral spirit associated with knowledge and wisdom. Yumato is often sought for guidance in decision-making and is the patron spirit of scholars and seers.

Elemental Spirits (Woi̯'anu):

10. Kupari: A fire spirit that dwells within volcanoes. Kupari's power is respected and feared, with prayers and offerings made to pacify the spirit and prevent eruptions.
11. Luehi: A spirit of the trees and forests. Luehi is invoked for the health of the forests and for successful hunting.
12. Imesha: A river spirit, known for her healing and purifying properties. Pilgrimages to sacred rivers are common to pay homage to Imesha.
Each spirit has its own rituals and ways of being honored, ranging from simple daily offerings to elaborate annual festivals. The practices can vary between communities but are all deeply rooted in the belief of maintaining harmony and balance with the natural and spiritual world.