Ascension to Sainthood

History

The history of sainthood begins with its founding purpose: to bridge the gap between mortal existence and divinity. Long ago, four goddesses- Abija, goddess of the earth; Visuko, goddess of water; Aesþa, goddess of space; and Yuvahn, goddess of fire and the Sun- came together in a moment of cosmic unity. They shared a common belief: that mortals, despite their limitations and flaws, deserved an opportunity to ascend to godhood. This belief sparked the creation of the Starhaven Pantheon, an organisation designed to nurture, guide, and uplift mortals who proved themselves worthy of divine ascension.
The goddesses agreed that not all mortals could ascend; they needed a way to determine who among them was truly deserving. The first criterion was dedication to spiritual beliefs. Mortals had to demonstrate unwavering devotion and alignment with the principles of the Pantheon. Those who proved strong enough in their faith and conviction were considered for the next stage of the process.
However, the journey to godhood was not immediate. The goddesses understood that immortality brought immense responsibilities and challenges. To test a mortal’s readiness, they created an intermediary state: sainthood. Saints, also known as angels, were individuals elevated beyond their mortal existence but not yet fully divine. This status allowed them to experience immortality and wield divine magic, providing a proving ground for their ability to handle the pressures and duties of godhood.
Sainthood was more than a trial; it was also an honour. Saints were granted full access to the secrets of the goddesses’ magic and became stewards of the Pantheon’s principles. They served as intermediaries between gods and mortals, guiding their communities and preserving the balance the goddesses sought to maintain. The ascension to sainthood became a sacred and transformative ritual, designed not only to test the individual but to prepare them for a divine role.
In the early days, the goddesses themselves performed this ritual. Each ascension required their presence and direct intervention to imbue the mortal with divine energy. This ensured the process was flawless and aligned with their vision.
Through collaboration with the goddesses, the Saints developed a method to delegate the ritual. Saints, acting as representatives of the divine, were empowered to perform the ascension rites. With this innovation, the process became more accessible and efficient, allowing the Starhaven Pantheon to flourish and expand its influence. While the goddesses still oversee and approve each candidate’s worthiness, the ritual itself is now a testament to the harmony between divine guidance and mortal faith.
This evolution of the ascension process highlights the Starhaven Pantheon’s enduring mission: to elevate mortals, empower Saints, and ensure that those who ascend to godhood are prepared to uphold the cosmic balance. It is a history of collaboration, trust, and the unwavering belief that mortals, with the right guidance, can rise to stand among the stars.

Execution

The High Luminary begins the ritual by stepping forward to address the gathering. They welcome all present, offering a brief acknowledgment of the sacred occasion and the gathered witnesses. They then recite a list of the ascender’s good deeds, providing clear evidence of their worthiness. With a torch in hand, the High Luminary delivers the opening declaration: "Before the fading light of day, we gather here in sacred unity to witness the ascension of [name of ascender], who has proven themself worthy of sainthood. May their soul shine with the brilliance of the stars."
After speaking, the High Luminary approaches the ascender, holding the torch above their shoulders and briefly pausing to trace its light over them. They make a symbolic motion, outlining a halo around the ascender’s head to represent their impending transformation and connection to the divine.
Following this, three witnesses, representing the past, present, and future, step forward one at a time.
The Witness of the Past carries a ribbon adorned with a piece of petrified wood. They tie the ribbon around the ascender’s wrist and say: "By the memories of what has been, may you honor our shared legacy."
Next, the Witness of the Present ties a ribbon set with garnet around the other wrist and says: "By the strength of this moment, may you carry the light of truth."
Finally, the Witness of the Future approaches with a ribbon made from blue moonstone. They tie it around the ascender’s wrist, speaking the final blessing: "By the promise of what will come, may you forge a path of hope."
The Witness of the Future then hands the ascender a piece of moonstone, which symbolizes their growing bond with the Starhaven Pantheon.
The ascender carries the moonstone to the altar at the center of the copse. Here, the High Luminary uses the torch to focus its light onto the moonstone. The light reflects through the stone, spreading a soft, luminous glow throughout the area. This act signifies the ascender’s readiness to accept their new role.
The ascender then kneels at the altar and recites their vow, marking the moment of ultimate commitment: "By the stars that guide us and the light that binds us, I pledge my soul to the Starhaven Pantheon. May my actions bring harmony to the cosmos and safeguard what is sacred."
Upon completing the vow, the moonstone shatters on the altar, releasing a golden wisp of light. The wisp circles the ascender before settling onto their body, forming intricate patterns that vary based on their patron goddess. These patterns, unique to each saint, are a physical manifestation of their bond with the divine.
The High Luminary concludes the ritual by declaring the ascender a saint of the Starhaven Pantheon. The gathered witnesses bow in respect, acknowledging the ascender’s transformation and their new role within the celestial order. As the ritual ends, the light fades, leaving the new saint marked and ready to serve their divine purpose.

Components and tools

The ritual for ascending to sainthood in the Starhaven Pantheon requires several physical items that symbolise various aspects of the process. These items are integral to the ceremony, each holding significance in the transition from mortal to divine. The items needed include:

1. Torch: The High Luminary carries a torch, which symbolises the divine light of the goddesses. It is used to trace a halo around the ascender’s head and shoulders, marking the beginning of their transformation. The torch also plays a key role in reflecting light through the moonstone later in the ritual.


2. Ribbons: Three ribbons are tied around the ascender’s wrists by the witnesses:
   • Petrified Wood Ribbon: Tied by the Witness of the Past, this ribbon represents the connection to the past and the legacy of those who have come before. The petrified wood symbolises endurance and the timeless nature of memories.
   • Garnet Ribbon: Tied by the Witness of the Present, this ribbon represents the strength and importance of the present moment. The garnet is a stone often associated with truth, passion, and vitality.
   • Blue Moonstone Ribbon: Tied by the Witness of the Future, this ribbon represents the promise of the future. The blue moonstone is a symbol of hope, spiritual growth, and potential.


3. Moonstone: A piece of moonstone is handed to the ascender by the Witness of the Future. This moonstone holds the potential to unlock the divine light that will be reflected through it by the High Luminary’s torch. The moonstone is key in bathing the area in divine light, signalling the ascender’s readiness to begin their transition to sainthood.


4. Altar: The altar is a central feature of the ritual, where the ascender places the moonstone. The altar serves as a sacred space where the divine light is focused and reflected, further empowering the ascension process. It is typically anointed or prepared in advance, ensuring its purity for the ceremony.

These physical items, when used together, guide the ascender through the critical steps of the ritual, each representing a key element of the process: the past, the present, and the future, as well as the divine light that connects them to the goddesses and the Pantheon.

Observance

The ritual takes place at sunset, often under some kind of cosmic event like a full moon or shooting stars for example.

Related Organizations

• The Sainted Dominion