Manaians
Manaians is a broad term given to several branch religions, each with a range of beliefs, but all following certain common tenets.
Manaian's recognise Manaia as the first of the Gods, and is referred to as the 'First mother' within many of their texts. They don't believe Manaia was involved in the creation of life or the Omniasphere, only that she birthed the gods that did. For this reason, though she is held in great reverence, she is not worshipped directly, some believe this is in itself a form of worship as she has never shown any signs of desire for it and may not even be cognizant.
They believe that worship of the gods forms bonds with them, and though they will offer worship to all the gods, they tend to focus on one or a few specific ones so as to strengthen this bond. They believe this bond not only provides their god with love which empowers them but also allows the god to provide them with some of their divine power, most importantly to the average person this is supposed to create a beacon upon death, to allow their soul to traverse the long journey through the infinite expanse of the Astral sea and find their way to the heaven of that god.
Manaia is classically depicted as a naked, 10 armed, human-like woman sat cross legged and with her eyes closed. Much debate is made about the meaning of the 10 arms mean but the common consensus is that they represent her children; Erebus, Solisar, Gaia, Auria, Kur-loh and Aquas, being 6 of them. The other 4 are often debated but most common choices are Yinyidra, Suda, Dollus, Dullahan and/or Zindatu, though other Demiurge are occasionally cited too. Some believe that at least 2 of them are fallen, evil gods and are bent on the destruction of the Omniasphere.
For the most part the religion teaches kindness towards others, as do most common faiths, but as with any theology there have always been those who have sought to use it to exploit and manipulate for their own gain.
Church of the Wheel
Church of the Harvest
Sudanites
Sagerites
The Church of Continuance
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