Religions of Once

The Old Way

  The Old Way is the oldest religion in Once, a form of animism that excludes humanoids. Devotees of the Old Way believe that all objects, places, and creatures possess a distinct spiritual essence. This is different from the Green Way which believes in a shared spiritual essence. Old Way practitioners believe that the natural world is divine, and that Animals were created to be the guardians of nature. Humanoids, because of their pride, prejudice, and greed are a threat to the spiritual well-being of the world. As such, they need to be carefully monitored and their activities regularly checked. Devotees of the Old Way worship individually in nature—very few holidays are observed as a group.
  Several extremist groups believe that all humanoids should be enslaved or exterminated.
 

The Green Way

  The Green Way or The Way of the Mother is a form of pantheism and the main religion of Sithean. Devotees believe that all beings share the same spiritual essence. All things in nature have a purpose and need to be respected, including animate and inanimate objects. The moons and the stars guide all things through this life and beyond, and The Lady of Beasts interprets signs and provides guidance for those who choose to follow her. The deities of The Land of the Gods and the Archefey of the Feywild are often worshipped by devotees of the Green Way, and this is acceptable as the Green Way recognizes the existence of many deities.
 

The One God

  The church of the One God is a monotheistic religion that teaches there is only one true faith, and that the One God is the creator, the Father, the Judge, and the Giver of Grace. Devotees believe that salvation can only be achieved through devotion to the One God, suffering, and sacrifice. They worship weekly in chapels or cathedrals, pay a tithe, and confess sins to priests within the church. Local bishops provide guidance to members.
 

Narnianism

  Many Animals practice Narnianism, a religion almost identical to the church of the One God except that they believe Aslan is the One God’s prophet and the savior of the world. Those who doubt the word of Aslan are considered heretics.
 

Wicca

  Worship of the Triple Goddess and the Horned God is called Wicca. Grimhild, one of the Sister Queens, is considered the mother of all witches and the first Wiccan practitioner. Wicca is a henotheistic religion, meaning devotees choose a single deity to worship, but respect everyone’s choice to worship who and what they will. They believe that the spirit world is close and that spirit guides will aid the living. Wiccans believe nature is divine, and that magic is simply the harnessing and redirection of natural energy to effect change in the world. Devotees of Wicca believe that what you put into the world you receive back three-fold. Their motto is, “if it harms not, do what you will.” Most Wiccans practice their faith on their own, only occasionally coming together to celebrate or worship.