Sehndism (SEND-ism)
One of the primary and most popular religions of Icalar, and one of -- if not the -- oldest. At its core it is spiritual ecology and a brand of hylozoism, with similarities to Gaia Theory, with an extremely strong emphasis on the water cycle due to its importance to maintaining life on the extremely isolated Icalar. It is a passive and flexible belief system requiring little changes in lifestyle or displayed devotions, and as such can coexist with other individually-held beliefs.
It is dominant in Balaqalneyis and Unenshuut, with a moderate following in Kiva and Iyr and a mild following in Ustraria. There is a small contingent in Accatren, the capital of Seyis-Gol.
Evidence of its broad impact on Icalar culture is the waterhearth, a prominent feature of many homes, keeps, inns, etc regardless of their owner's religion.
Structure
Monastic and largely non-hierarchical, as strictly-speaking there are no ceremonies or houses of worship. However voluntary, self-undertaken, practical roles exist depending on need, such as waterhearth crafters, archivists/scribes, and water-tenders.
Culture
Cooperative and pacifist, their primary concern is with reverence for water in all its forms.
Assets
None
History
Sehndism derives from similar nae'cthosai beliefs in Ctho; such teachings were taken and interpreted by other races during their first interactions. 'Sehndi' loosely translates to 'flowing water' in Luk'Eishar.
The faith also bears similarity with the beliefs of the House of Leavings; in the early history of both, they are often indistinguishable and appear to have evolved simultaneously. A key historic figure for both is Yi’suiha Mis, whose writings enabled historians to hesitantly date both, with Sehndism being generally agreed to have begun first.
Cosmological Views
All aspects of the world -- physical and spiritual -- are interconnected and (to a degree) living, however apparently inanimate. Water in particular is the source of all life; humanoids, plants, and animals are regarded as artful manifestations of water and as such should be treated as divine gifts. The water cycle is a simple but profound teaching on the transitory nature of existence.
Ethics
Water should be revered. Purifying/cleaning water, showing respectful use of it for practical purposes, and avoiding wastefulness are basic but important practices. To do otherwise is to disrespect both oneself and all living things by proxy.
Worship
The Eizunuth Well/Veil at the base of the Creqira, due to it forming the source of the majority of freshwater on Icalar, is regarded as a holy site and pilgrimages (water-seeking) by particularly devoted Sehndists is common, but not enforced or expected.
Otherwise there are no formal, structured ceremonies, individuals may choose a water source as a focal point for meditation/prayer or take ritualistic baths, for example. Sehndists will also typically anoint themselves upon entering a building with a waterhearth, as well as at the end of any worship taking place.
Founding Date
c.300-320AC
Type
Religious, Other
Alternative Names
The Faithful of the Eternal Waters (rare, archaic)
Demonym
Sehndists
Permeated Organizations
Location
Related Traditions
Comments