Aethyric Druidism

"Passion. Clarity. Perseverance.  Adaptability.  Balance."

- Calvaghn Arrenda Aethyric Druidism is a branch of Guthixianism with it's own approach to balance. It is mainly followed by the Renderra Family, and Nobles and Citizens under them. The main teachings of the faith is that to begin balance of the world, you must start with balance of yourself.

Guthix
Guthix, pronounced Guh-thicks, is the god of Balance. Before the events of The World Wakes, Guthix was thought to lack any form of gender (though, for convenience, most refered to him as male). He is neither good nor evil, but rather approaches things from an initially neutral standpoint and will act on either side of the spectrum in favor of what re-establishes equilibrium and balance.

Brief History
When Aethyros intervened in the clash between the Draiochta and Andrasteians, he realised as most Gods did, that he needed something to bind the two together in a peaceful way. The wise Ent spoke of Guthix, teaching them how to balance their emotions and unite together. Aside from ritualistic tendencies based on their own cultures, the two tribes' fusion to one was aided by a Religion lacking customs.

In the Second Age, Calvaghn of the Marked Ones decided to write a book named the "Tome of Spirit." This book was key to the foundation of Aethyric Druidism seperating from the other Guthixian groups of the time, by claiming with radical certainty that there were not four, but five elements to magic.

The Third Age saw followers dwindle, until only the Druidic Priesthood of the Arrenda, or as they became known as today, the Renderra, remained actively following it. When the God Wars ended, the Renderra family worked alongside the Nature Spirit Aloysius to solidify more details about the faith that were now vital while living in a more civilised environment.

During the Fourth Age, the faith spread to those who followed the Renderra, eventually becoming focused within their holdings. These numbers have grown, with only a slight decline due to Guthix's death and a shift to Godlessness.

Ritual Practices
The value of hands that work is vital to the Aethyric faith. As such, anyone inducted into a Druidic Coven is told to carry a worker's knife. This blade is always iron or steel, and is used to cut entry ways into the ceremonial circle. It can also be used to serve Cake and Ale, some form of harvest, plant based food and some form of alcohol used together to symbolise the gifts of the harvest.

Five Elements
The Aethyric Druidism of the Renderra teaches there are four main elements to life that almost anything can be placed into. These four elements in turn, also represent four seasons, four virtues, and an additional type of magic each.

Fire - Passion, Empathy and Summer. Blood, Rage, and Zealotry.

Water - Clarity, Wisdom, and Winter. Ice, Apathy, and Machiavellian thoughts.

Earth - Perseverance, Truth, and Autumn. Shadow, Stubborness, Jagged personality.

Wind - Adaptability, Freedom, and Spring. Smoke, Cowardice, and Impressionable.

Any of the Four on their own can lead to dangerous results for the one promoting it. The key to overcoming these personalities is to learn their flaws and try to ground them. To do this, Aethyric Druids teach of the Fifth Element, the Aethyr.

Aethyr - Life, Magic, Energy, and Time.

Aethyr is, in Aethyric Druidism's belief, the glue that holds mankind together. It is considered a must to learn to control your emotions and focus on any task to come. This belief is well-held by the Druids, who claim it is achievable to become one with your own Aethyr through following the ideas of Guthix.

Colour Association
Red is most often associated with Fire. Blue is tied to Water. Brown is tied to Earth, while Yellow is tied to the Wind. White is tied to the Aethyr, and is often called a peaceful colour, while black is tied to the darkness, and is tied to death, supernatural, fear, and violence. Green is considered a balance of emotions, while grey is considered a balance of violence and peace.