Ignis Aeternum

Ifiriti, revered as the Eternal Flame, is the embodiment of divine wisdom, purification, and the unending cycle of creation and destruction. Ifiriti represents the sacred fire that sustains life, brings enlightenment, and purges impurity. He is depicted as a majestic figure wreathed in ever-changing flames, his presence both awe-inspiring and humbling. His presence is felt and worshipped most deeply in arid and desert like regions.

Creation Myth

In the beginning, the cosmos was a void, and from this void, Ifiriti ignited the first flame. This flame spread, bringing light to darkness, creating the stars, the sun, and the world itself. Ifiriti's breath gave life to the first beings, and his fire instilled them with wisdom and courage. The Eternal Flame set the celestial bodies in motion, dictating the cycles of time and the balance of existence.

Core Beliefs

1. Eternal Flame: The flame is a sacred symbol of life, wisdom, and purity. Followers believe that within every soul burns a fragment of Ifiriti's fire, a divine spark that guides and protects.
2. Duality of Creation and Destruction: Ifiriti embodies the dual forces of creation and destruction. Followers accept that destruction paves the way for new beginnings and that every end is a prelude to a new creation.
3. Wisdom and Enlightenment: Pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment is central to the faith. Followers are encouraged to seek wisdom, cherish learning, and respect the power of the mind.

Rituals and Practices

• The Illumination Ceremony: A nightly ritual where devotees light lamps or candles, reciting prayers to seek guidance and protection from Ifiriti. This act symbolizes the eternal presence of the divine flame in their lives.
• Purification Rites: Regular rites of purification involving water and fire. These rites cleanse the body and spirit, renewing the individual’s connection to Ifiriti and his wisdom.
• Festivals of Light: Major festivals celebrate the cycles of the year, particularly the winter and summer solstices. These involve grand displays of fire, storytelling, music, and communal feasts, honoring the Eternal Flame’s role in the cosmos.
• Sacred Texts and Study: Followers engage in the study of sacred texts, which contain the teachings and wisdom of Ifiriti. Scholars and sages are highly revered, and teaching is considered a sacred duty.
• Pilgrimage to the Sacred Flame: Devotees undertake pilgrimages to holy sites where the Eternal Flame is believed to burn perpetually. These sites are often ancient temples or natural volcanic springs, revered as places of divine power.

Symbols and Iconography

• The Eternal Flame: Representing the divine presence, wisdom, and purification.
• The Phoenix: A symbol of rebirth and the cyclical nature of creation and destruction.
• The Lotus in Flames: Symbolizing enlightenment, purity, and the coexistence of beauty and power.

Moral Code

The moral teachings of Ifiriti emphasize purity of heart, the pursuit of wisdom, and the acceptance of life’s cyclical nature. Followers strive to live honorably, seek knowledge, and maintain balance in their lives. Acts of kindness, bravery, and integrity are highly valued, while deceit, cowardice, and ignorance are seen as impurities to be purged.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Related Species

• Fae
• Human
• Tabaxi