Sakasteni

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Overview

Sakasteni is the traditional religion of the Sekhavi people. It is based upon the worship of eight gods who rule over a specific area of nature. The gods currently slumber in their graves beneath the Sekhavi Mountains and are guarded at all times by a member of the eight clans. Each clan prays to a chief god or goddess and is responsible for his or her grave. It is believed that through devotion to the gods and respect for nature, the Sekhavi will not be held in the clutches of death, but brought back to life once the gods awaken.
Sakasteni has existed since the dawn of time, and Sakasvan's own children are said to be the first worshipers. They taught the Sekhavi how to pray and give offerings to their father and mother, then were exalted to godhood themselves.

The Sekhavi are a deeply religious society. They primarily worship the eight primary gods, who include Sakasvan, his wife Attaea, their three daughters, and their daughters' husbands. In exchange for their prayers and devotion, they believe Sakasvan sends spirits to watch over them, and if he is displeased, the gods will wreak havoc on the people. Every clan has a chief god or goddess whose grave they guard and who they pray to the most. Once a year, at the festival of midwinter, every clan, village, or city brings the remains of any of their dead along with a hearty kill made by the hunters for the great sacrifice to Sakasvan, who in turn blesses each group based on the size of their combined offerings. This is where the rumor arose that the Sekhavi sacrifice humans. Many other festivals occur throughout the year, along with regular duels in which the winners are deemed blessed by the gods.
The gods are held in the highest respect, and it is a crime to take their names in vain. They are held at a distance and the only way to please them is through obedience and surrender. A common prayer states that the individual is a “humble servant” who will carry out the will of the gods.

The Sekhavi Pantheon

• Sakasvan: Sky-father. All creation, the sky, the celestial bodies. (The Sun Clan)
• Attea: Aertha-mother. The planet Aertha, fertility, and motherhood. (The Forest Clan)
• Fanskae: Youngest daughter. All plants, animals, and livestock. (The Valley Clan)
• Korshak: Fanskae's husband. War, defense, honor, manners, discipline. (The Mist Clan)
• Desvyna: Middle daughter. Music, poetry, song, creativity. (The Sky Clan)
• Baasvi: Desvyna's husband. Work, commerce, trade, stone, and silver. (The Silver Clan)
• Vedrasva: Eldest daughter. Order, justice, wisdom, mercy. (The Frost Clan)
• Harthas: Vedrasva's husband. Slumber, dreams, prophecy, death. (The Night Clan)

Rituals and Festivals

Attea's Hearth

Sakattea:

Middle week of Prythen that signals the end of winter and the start of the traveling season. It is the wedding feast of Sakasvan and Attaea, and all the clans assemble at Attea's Hearth to celebrate. Many weddings occur this week, and there is feasting and celebration. The Krithaskae and Sakasviiae travel to the top of Mount Elatrasvae to receive blessings and prophecies from the gods.

Midyear Mourning:

Occurs on the 26th of Masi, at midyear. Despite the name, this is not a sorrowful occasion. The dead are remembered, the gods' graves are tended to and decorated, people dress up as their deceased loved ones, and candles are lit to guide the spirits to the celebration. Spiritual activity is high. Takes place when Auros and Syl are both at its fullest.

Kelva's Eve:

Occurs on the eve of the first day of Kelva and lasts for several days at Attea's Hearth. The Sakaskiiae report the spiritual activity of the year, the Krithaskae declare their plans for the clan or village, and news is shared. Signals the end of travel between clans for the common people until the new year.

Vala's Eve:

The dead are cremated, livestock are sacrificed, and the new year begins. Houses are cleaned to immaculate perfection, and prayers are offered up to the gods for many hours. Lasts a full week. Travel to Attea's Hearth is made impossible by the winter weather.

Type

Religious, Pantheon

Alternative Names

Sekhavi Pantheon

Demonym

Sakasteni

Permeated Organizations

• Sekhavi Clans

Location

Sekhav

Related Species

• Human

Related Ethnicities

• Sekhavi