The Eternal Cycle
The Eternal Cycle is a branch of the Belief of the Ancient focused on the interconnectedness of all life through nature. The followers of this faith believe that all creatures—whether human, animal, or fey—are part of a great, unending circle where life, death, decay, and rebirth are intertwined. Death is not an end but a return to the earth to nourish new life.
The forest is the living embodiment of this cycle. Every tree, animal, and stone is sacred, and the forest itself is regarded as the heart of Ahoeitu, breathing life into the world and guiding souls along their journey through the natural stages of existence.
The religion venerates a pantheon of nature spirits and deities, who represent different aspects of life, death, the seasons, and the elements.
Central figures include:Tenets of Faith
- The Circle: A symbol of eternity, representing the cyclical nature of existence. Circles are found in stone carvings, ritual dances, and sacred sites.
- The Tree: Central to their iconography, trees symbolise the connection between the heavens, the earth, and the underworld.
- The Antlers: Representing the hunter’s role in maintaining balance, they are also associated with Fiorlas, the god of death.
Ethics
- Respect for the Circle: The core teaching is that all life is sacred, and everything has its place in the cycle. Taking more than is needed disrupts the balance, and wastefulness is seen as sacrilegious.
- Live in Harmony with Nature: The faithful must live in a way that is in tune with the natural world, giving back what they take and honouring the spirits that dwell within the land.
- Embrace Change: Followers are taught to accept change, death, and renewal as natural parts of life. Nothing is permanent, and every ending leads to a new beginning.
Worship
Nemetons
Sacred Groves and primary places of worship. Each grove is tended by a Druidic Order, who ensure the sanctity of the forest is maintained. These groves are places where the veil between the material world and the spirit world is thin, making them ideal for rituals and communing with nature spirits.Solstices and Equinoxes
Very important festivity for the people of Ingoakore are the ones connected to the season change. Organised by The Brotherhood of Céilidh Craobh, these festivals are important celebrations for the circle of nature.Lughnasadh - Summer Solstice
- Meaning: Dedicated to the various Sídhe.
- Traditions: Games, feasting, handfasting (temporary marriage contracts), and athletic contests such as running, wrestling, and horse races.
Samhain - Autumn Equinox
- Meaning: A time when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to be thin. Dedicated to Fiorlas.
- Traditions: Bonfires, divination, offerings to ancestors, and wearing costumes to ward off evil spirits.
Hogmanay - Winter Solstice
- Meaning: a New Year’s Eve celebration dedicated to Silvyrn.
- Traditions: Bonfires, first-footing (visiting homes right after midnight for good luck), and processions with torches.
Imbolc - Spring Equinox
- Meaning: A festival of light and the first signs of spring, associated with Ahoeitu.
- Traditions: Lighting candles, weaving Brigid’s crosses, and offering food to ensure fertility and good fortune.
St. Bardick Day - Special Celebration
- Meaning: Celebrates Saint bardic, the patron saint of bards, and commemorates the arrival of music in the country.
- Traditions: Festive day, where people drink, dance, sing and drink again. Green is the colour of this day.
Rituals and Offerings
- Offerings to the Land: Followers leave food, flowers, or personal tokens at sacred sites to honour the spirits and ensure continued blessings.
- Tree Planting: For every life taken (whether human or animal), it is customary to plant a tree in return, symbolising the continuity of the cycle.
- Ritual Dances and Chants: Rituals often involve circular dances to mimic the eternal cycle, accompanied by chants and songs honouring the gods and spirits. These rituals call upon the land’s energies to bless crops, heal the sick, or guide the deceased.
Priesthood
The Druids are the high priests and priestesses acting as mediators between the people and the natural world, ensuring the balance of the Eternal Cycle is maintained. They oversee births, marriages, and funerals, guiding souls through each stage of life and death.
Druids also serve as stewards of the forest, protecting it from exploitation and ensuring the community only takes what is necessary. They possess deep knowledge of herbalism, healing, and divination, using the land’s resources to nurture the people in return for respectful offerings.
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