Cult of Rituals
This article refers to the organisation of the religious group - for more information on how they are experienced in the world, you may want to read this summary or this longer explanation of religious experience
The Cult of Rituals are one of the 18 Cults of the Holy Sanctorum, the divisions through which the people of Sammerden organise their worship of the Creator. Additionally, it is one of the 'Big Three' Cults (alongside the Cult of Prayers and Cult of Singers) - as one of the principal ways in which the people of Sammerden worship the Creator day by day.
The Cult provides the detailed liturgical assistance which both the Singers and Prayers need to make their most important services a fitting tribute to the Creator. The Cult has relatively few Devotees (as there is limited scope for private devotion), but a relatively high number of Acolytes and Sanctors who lead and plan the ceremonial celebrations in Sanctorums.
Structure
In common with all Cults of the Sanctorum, the public ministry of the Cult of Rituals is divided into three levels: Devotees, Acolytes, and Sanctors. Devotees are ordinary 'lay' folk with no special religious authority or duties, but who worship through the Cult. (However, people who are Acolytes and Sanctors in other Cults may be Devotees of the Ritualists and do have religious duties in those Cults - this signifies that, though they have a primary allegiance, they also use the Ritualists as a form of worship, and membership of multiple Cults is ubiquitous). Devotees of the Ritualists primarily pledge to attend rituals in person in the Sanctorum - this is most often achieved through attendance at the Sanctorum, drawing together the Creator Cycles (see below) of the Ritualists, Singers, and Prayers (and potentially other Cults as their availability/devotion permits). However, there are also small rituals which Devotees can perform at home - primarily the burning of sweet lavender and mornbloom upon rising, and the burning of cedar and dark flower at night. Acolytes are the mainstay of the Cult of Rituals and - as in other orders - volunteers who pledge to assist the Cult, but retain their lay jobs and professions. They pledge to perform the morning and night-time rituals (at least in private), and to assist with at least one public ritual per week (most do more). Many rituals - particularly for public celebrations, and high feast days - benefit from six or more simultaneous participants to sound bells, light candles, burn scents, or chant the ritual prayers. Sanctors are those consecrated to the service of the Cult of Rituals - they receive both a stipend and donations for their service, and work full time for the Cult. They are pledged to at least participate in the three daily rituals (publicly wherever possible), and it is only Ritual-Sanctors who can lead public rituals in this way. Additionally, like Sanctors in other cults, Ritual-Sanctors serve the Cult administration, and who involve themselves in the leadership of Sanctorums. It is generally found useful to have a Ritual-Sanctor closely involved in the leadership of a Sanctorum - because many other Cults will seek to have their own devotions accompanied by a ritual. As with other Cults, within the Cult there are Councils of Ritualists to oversee members, reporting to the Grand Council of Ritual. In recent decades, there have been moves towards "High Councils" in some Cults - uniting all Councils within one political realm. The Grand Sanctorum Council officially deprecates this practice - and the political control over Cults that leaders get from these "High Councils," and the Cult of Rituals has largely eschewed this practice also - citing a desire for ritual harmony across the whole world, not just in realms.
Worship
As with the other 'Big Three' (and some other Cults) the Cult of Rituals worship according to their Cycle of the Creator, a calendar of daily, weekly, and yearly rituals. As well as their three daily rituals (morning, evening, and mid-afternoon), the Cult of Rituals also provides ritual support for the two additional services that the Cult of Prayers perform, as well as ad hoc support for any performances by the Cult of Singers, or other Cults. For public (rather than private) celebration, the three daily rituals are: The Ritual of Waking, performed in the early morning. Sweet, invigorating, herbs are burned (including mornbloom), small high-pitched bells are rung, and the Ritual-Sanctor will chant the Canticle of Waking - praising the Creator for Creation The Ritual of Deliverance, performed in the mid-afternoon. Powerful smelling herbs are burned and a single large, clear, bell is tolled. The solemn Canticle of Deliverance is chanted - recalling the Creator's grace in defeating the Empty and purifying Calthor. The Ritual of Rest, performed at the beginning of the night. Deep smelling and relaxing herbs are burned, and gongs and deep-sounding bells are sounded. The Canticle of Rest recalls the Creator's choosing of Morgene and bids a restful night for all. Similarly to the Cycles of the Singers and Prayers, rituals are enhanced on the first day of the week (Revelation Day), on especially holy days, and on feasts of Blesseds.
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Alternative Names
Rituales
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
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