Creator Astralism
History
The modern Astral Church, which continues to follow and teach an age-old doctrine supposedly established more than a thousand years ago, believes in an almighty being, a god they call Creator (or the Creator). However, the Creator is no longer directly involved in the affairs of man, whom he brought forth from the elements of nature; nor is he active in the molding of the world itself. Rather, the Creator merely watches from the heavens. Therefore, he is also sometimes called the Observer, the Watcher, or the Great Historian. Acting as his messengers and caretakers are the astrals; angelic beings with the power to breathe life into the dead or even take it. Twelve astrals are known to exist and they are the primary icons of Astralism as a whole (both Creator and Auroran). Followers of Creator Astralism are taught to thank the Creator, put their faith in the astrals, and observe the teachings of their miracles. There are actually two major sects of the religion that millions of believers may claim to follow. The original, single church was split into the two modern sects long ago at the end of the second Nasirian dynasty, when the discord between moderates that believed in the existence (and importance) of the Creator, and the "extremists" that renounced the idea of such a god (preferring to only put their faith in the astrals) erupted into a blood feud. The extremists created Auroran Astralism, elevating the twelve astrals to godhood and canonizing them into a new pantheon. They then supposedly rewrote doctrine and even entire scriptures to omit the acknowledgment of the Creator, turning their followers' eyes to the astrals alone. The Aurorans spread their influence into the Nasirian monarchy, which converted to the new belief out of political pressure and used force to exile the moderates. Those that did not deny the Creator's existence refounded the Astral Church in what is now present-day Arcanaan. To protect what was left of their own followers, they recognized the need for a defensive fighting force and a structure akin to a nation. Caius dan Mehndar, the Supreme Pontiff, chose a former general of the Nasirian army to organize a new state: Eshmun dan Casra, otherwise known afterward as Alexi Primus. Until the reign of the first imperator, Anselm I, the royal family often looked to the church for guidance, seeing the organization as the figurative "elder" of the political powers.Tenets & Practices
Monotheism - There is only god: the Creator, who exists as the Historian and Observer, but is ultimately our Great Father who loves us. Communal Identity - Faith and culture are intrinsically linked together. This practice strengthens the bonds of imperial communities, though it tends to exclude foreigners. Ecclesiarchy - Astralian holy sites are more than just sacred places — they are the very seats of power from which religious leaders rule. Legalism - Laws are the result of generations of wisdom and devoutness, and adhering to them is by its very nature pious. A sinner, no matter who, will never be above the law.Sacred Texts
Me Lumin Popularii "The People's Light" is an anthology of scripture and sacred texts believed to convey the will of the astrals and the Creator, all linked collectively as revelations supporting the Creator Astralian faith structure. Passages from the Lumin Popularii are recited during sermons, at religious rites and celebrations, upon the anointing of new holders of ranks and titles (from mayors and lesser lords to imperators), and so forth. It is considered by Astral Church clergy to be not only a moral (and lawful) compass for the faithful but also an account of historical truth as many of the stories in the scriptures are believed to have actually happened.Sacred Symbols
The Eternal Flame - Represented by a hanging lantern, the eternal flame symbolizes the everlasting life of the Creator. It's meant to be a reminder of the schism over a thousand years ago and a testimate to the belief that the Creator still lives and persists as the Historian. Less militantly, it is the representation of the Creator himself. The Wreath of Twelve Stars - In actuality, it's one star: a dodecagram, where each of its twelve vertices represents one of the astrals, the "stars", and the regular dodecagon vertex arrangement at the center is the "wreath".
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Demonym
Creator Astralians
Subsidiary Organizations
Permeated Organizations
