Old Shwazen Ancestors

Type: Folk Ancestor Worship
Form: Ancestral Reverence
Supreme Deity: Shwazen, The Lady
Origins: Ancient traditions and stories passed down.
The Old Shwazen Ancestors represents a profound connection between the natural world and the spirits that reside therein. Rooted in the beliefs that the ancestors play an integral role in shaping and maintaining the equilibrium of the natural world, this religion reveres the teachings and principles established by ancient prophets and wise beings. Tumna's old forests, clear streams, and diverse fauna serve as living testaments to the wisdom and power of the ancestors.

At the heart of the Old Shwazen Ancestors lies the belief that every living being is a reflection of an ancient spirit. These spirits, believed to be the ancestors of current inhabitants of Tumna, hold profound knowledge and power which they passed on to their descendants. Through rituals, meditation, and direct communion with nature, followers of this religion strive to establish a deeper connection with these ancestral spirits and draw from their wisdom.
Respect for the natural world and a commitment to preservation are essential elements of this belief system. Many who follow the teachings of Old Shwazen Ancestors reside in rural and forested areas, living in harmony with the land and its creatures. By doing so, they believe they are coming closer to the heart of their ancestors and the divine essence they represent.
Over time, as urban centers grew and modernity took root, the Old Shwazen Ancestors became a beacon for those seeking solace from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The serenity, deep-rooted values, and connection to nature offer an appealing contrast to the ever-evolving external world.

Verdant Sanctums

Verdant Sanctums are the beating heart of the Old Shwazen Ancestors and the Shwazen Faith. These are not built structures but rather preserved patches of nature – a testament to the reverence for the environment. Located deep within nature, these sanctums act as spiritual hubs for the followers.
In a Verdant Sanctum, you're more likely to find wooden altars and stone circles than ornate structures. It's a space that blurs the lines between the natural and the spiritual. Followers visit these sanctums to meditate, perform rituals, and make offerings. Seeds, symbolic of growth and rebirth, are a common offering, as are foods which are later distributed to the needy.
Over time, the sanctums also became places of learning and wisdom. Elders would often hold sessions on ancient teachings, ensuring the next generation stays rooted in their beliefs. The sanctums, in many ways, embody the essence of the faith – a harmonious coexistence with nature and a commitment to nurturing both the environment and the community.

Mythology & Lore

Central to the mythology of the Old Shwazen Ancestors is the legend of the First Forest. It is believed that the very first trees sprouted from the tears of Shwazen, and each plant and creature born in this forest was a direct manifestation of her various emotions. The forest acted as a protective shield, a place where ancestral spirits would reside and guide the living.

Divine Origins

The origins of the Old Shwazen Ancestors can be traced back to ancient communities that lived close to nature. Over generations, stories of encounters with spirits, divine interventions, and lessons from the ancestors were passed down. With time, these beliefs were structured into a more cohesive system, drawing the blueprint for what would become one of the most prominent folk religions in Tumna.

Tenets of Faith

1. All beings mirror spirits of yore; honor them.
2. Nature, the ancients' home, deserves our guard.
3. Through stillness and rite, the old voices speak.
4. Live humbly; learn from ancestral whisperings.

Common Translation

1. Respect for all living beings, as they are manifestations of ancestral spirits.
2. Preservation and reverence for nature, the abode of the ancestors.
3. Meditation and rituals as means to connect with the ancestral spirits.
4. A life led with humility, drawing wisdom from the teachings of the ancestors.

Ethics

The Old Shwazen Ancestors emphasize the values of compassion, understanding, and coexistence. Taking only what is needed from nature, practicing sustainable living, and fostering a community where individuals support each other are at the core of their ethical beliefs.

Worship

Worship in the Old Shwazen Ancestors centers around nature. Verdant Sanctums, often deep within forests, act as places of worship. Rituals involve offerings of seeds, fruits, and water. Song, dance, and storytelling are also integral parts, serving both as a means to praise the ancestors and to pass down teachings.

Political Influence & Intrigue

Despite being a predominantly spiritual belief system, the Old Shwazen Ancestors have occasionally found themselves at the crossroads of political intrigues. Their vast followers and deep-rooted beliefs make them a significant force. Some rulers have sought to align with them for legitimacy, while others have viewed them as a potential challenge to centralized power.

Sects

The Shwazen Faith emerged as a more structured and codified successor to the Old Shwazen Ancestors. While the core beliefs surrounding nature and ancestral spirits remained, the Shwazen Faith introduced formalized rituals, holy scriptures, and an organized clergy. This new system was designed to bridge the gap between the ancient traditions and the evolving societal structures.
One of the most significant differences is the establishment of the Grand Circle – a council of wise elders who interpret the scriptures and guide the followers. While some purists of the Old Shwazen Ancestors saw this as a departure from tradition, many embraced the Shwazen Faith as a natural evolution that ensured the survival and relevance of their cherished beliefs in a changing world.

Type

Religious, Druidic Circle

Predecessor Organization

• Angshire Spirits

Successor Organization

• Shwazen Faith

Deities

• Shwazen

Notable Members

• Mel Felorinil