Cult of ouroboros

The Ouroboric Faith centers on the reverence of Ouroboros, an Outer God who embodies the eternal cycle of death and rebirth, of chaos giving way to order, and order inevitably crumbling back into chaos. This deity is symbolized by the Ouroboros—a serpent devouring its own tail, representing the endless, inescapable process of renewal and decay. At its core, the faith espouses the inevitability of all things returning to their origins. It is not a religion of harmony, but of acceptance of impermanence and the inherent interconnectedness of destruction and creation. However, many adherents have misunderstood the teachings, interpreting them as a call to actively intervene in worldly affairs to enforce a perceived balance between order and chaos.   Key Beliefs: The Eternal Cycle   True Doctrine: The cycle of birth, death, decay, and rebirth is universal and inescapable. Order rises from chaos, only to collapse back into it, endlessly. Misinterpretation: Many believe it is their duty to maintain a balance between chaos and order, interpreting this as a divine mandate to “correct” imbalances, which often leads to conflict and destruction. Birth and Death Are Sacred   The moments of creation (birth of ideas, individuals, or civilizations) and destruction (death, decay, or collapse) are seen as the most sacred points in the cycle. Rituals and ceremonies focus on these transitions. Practitioners honor the "Great Death" (destruction of the old) and the "Radiant Birth" (emergence of the new). The Weave as the Vein of the Cycle   Followers believe the Weave (a metaphysical network of magical energy) is the lifeblood of the cycle, connecting all things to Ouroboros. Psychics, mages, and those attuned to the Weave are considered the chosen intermediaries of the deity. Unity in Rebirth   True unity comes not in stability or peace but in embracing impermanence and the transitions between states of being. Hierarchy and Roles Within the Faith: The Harbingers   These are the leaders of the faith, individuals who claim to have achieved a deep understanding of the Ouroboric Cycle. Harbingers are often powerful psychics, mystics, or Weave scholars. They provide interpretations of the "Cycle's Will," which may vary between encouraging rebirth through destruction or promoting patience and observation. The Ouroboric Pilgrims   Followers who travel between worlds to observe the rise and fall of civilizations, attempting to “correct” imbalances where they perceive an excess of order or chaos. Often wielders of subtle magic, they aim to manipulate events or encourage natural decay or growth. The Weavebound   Individuals deeply connected to the Weave, who act as conduits for Ouroboros's power. They perform rituals, conduct divinations, and serve as advisors. The Keepers of the Cycle   A sect within the faith who reject the misinterpretation of balance and instead seek to educate others about the true nature of Ouroboros: that the cycle is inevitable and self-sustaining. Practices and Rituals: The Spiral Sacrament   A ceremonial act of sacrifice that symbolizes the transition from one phase to another. This may involve burning an object of value, fasting, or offering a symbolic creation (like art or magic) to the Weave. The Veil Walk   A meditative journey, often undertaken by psychics or mages, to connect with the Weave and seek visions of the cycle’s current state. The Festival of Unmaking   Celebrated when a major civilization or natural order collapses, honoring the death as necessary for future rebirth. The Rites of Continuum   A daily practice of reflection where followers meditate on their place within the cycle, their personal decay, and their contributions to renewal. Texts and Prophecies: The Scrolls of Eternity   Ancient texts believed to be written by the first Harbinger, describing the eternal cycle in poetic and cryptic language. The scrolls emphasize acceptance of the cycle, but their vague language has led to varied interpretations. The Prophecy of Recoil   A foretelling that a time will come when the Ouroboros will consume itself entirely, marking the end of all cycles. Followers debate whether this is a final rebirth or ultimate destruction. Common Misinterpretations and Controversies: The Balance Doctrine:   A widespread yet flawed belief that the role of the faithful is to actively balance chaos and order, often leading to conflict and fanaticism. Ouroboros as Evil:   Because many cultists commit destructive acts in the name of “correction,” outsiders view Ouroboros as a malevolent god, rather than one of inevitability. Schism within the Faith:   The Keepers of the Cycle often clash with those who follow the Balance Doctrine, leading to internal strife. A Child Born of the Cycle: A prophecy within the Scrolls of Eternity speaks of a child born directly from the influence of the Ouroboric Cycle. This child is not a literal descendant of the god but an embodiment of the cycle’s essence, tied to both the Weave and the perpetual dance of creation and destruction.   Traits of the Child:   They would exhibit innate control over the Weave, capable of hastening decay or fostering growth at will. Emotionally torn between chaos and order, often a reflection of their surroundings. Destined to either bring understanding of the true Ouroboric Cycle or plunge the multiverse into accelerated cycles of destruction and rebirth. Role in the Faith:   Many see the child as a messiah, destined to perfect the balance they seek. Others fear them as a harbinger of the Recoil, bringing about the end of all cycles.