| The Father Circle |

[Unwillingly 18117]

The Father Circle
Warriors Of Cernunnos
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS2dzeDWNSo]

 

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Table of Contents:

• History of the Father Circle
• Beliefs of the Father Circle
• Rituals
• Ranks

History of the Father Circle
The History of the Father Circle is one that is complex and unique. When it began it served as a circle of guardians that were only called forth in times of crisis and when change was to be enacted within the Druii. Since then it has held several different purposes but the same notion has remained, to protect the balance through warrior-esque traditions. The Father Circle has maintained its values of kinship, traditions, protection, and spirituality throughout time and as it is reborn once more, so shall it remain. In recent times it has faded from existence, but in its rebirth it has begun to grow once more into a conglomerate of like-minded Druii accepting a wide range of beliefs yet all walking the same path. 

Beliefs of the Father Circle
With the founding of the Father Circle, came a set of ideals which have stemmed from both druidic and warrior traditions that have embedded themselves into the present views of the Father Circle. The beliefs of the father circle are held within high regard and of great importance.

The father circle is made up of Druii warriors, and as such the beliefs of the circle pertain to traditions of war and protection. Members of the circle are taught from a young age how to wield weapons and fight, likewise they are also taught survival skills. Like all druii, the goal of the father circle is to protect and uphold the balance, they do this by following the teachings of Cernunnos, often times proactively hunting down the abominations that threaten the balance and using their teachings to cull such from the realm. The Father Circle is accepting of all walks of faith, Traditional Druidism, Neo-Druidism, The Wild Faith, and other unique religions all exist within the Father Circle, allowing for a bounty of ideas and growth to occur within their ranks. In the end, all who enter are deemed protectors before all else, even the oracles and Stiùireadh play their part as warriors to help guide the circle forwards in their journey to proper balance.

The Turning of the Wheel

The father circle practices a belief system that revolves around the wheel of the year, and its seasonal events that occur. With each solstice or equinox, the wheel is turned and with it it brings about new beginnings and festivities, for example upon the turning of the wheel during the summer solstice, also known as ‘Litha’ a large festival is held, including both a maypole dance, and a grand hunt. Festivities like these celebrations bring the Father Circle together to join as one in memory and gratitude for the natural cycle. The four parts of the wheel act as a symbol for each part of the cycle and are each seen as a metaphoric period of time that are all celebrated in their own unique way. The celebrations are usually held and led by the Råitheans who act as symbolic representations of each season. At each turn of the wheel, the Father Circle celebrates in their own unique way, the rites and celebratory endeavors are listed below under seasonal rites.

Initiation Rites
Before one becomes a fully fledged member of the Father Circle, they must prove themselves through a series of trials. Dedicancy is viewed by the Father Circle as a personal journey where the acolyte must prove to themselves that they can achieve what they seek. However, to be initiated to the Father Circle, they must prove themselves able to stand among their kin and complete three rites in order to become Curaidh which is the role of a warrior within the circle. Before their trials, the new Acolyte’s Guardian will bring them before The Father Tree and offer sacrifices and prayers for good fortune and guidance from Cernunnos as they begin their journey to join their Brothers and Sisters on the other side of the circle. These rites include the Rite of Marking, Rite of the Curaidh, and Rite of Companionship. After this is done, the Circle comes together to celebrate the new brother that has entered their ranks.

The Tree of The Father

The Father Tree or Tree of the Father is an old and barren tree that has remained with the Father Circle since it’s previous creation. Seen as a religious symbol that is held very close to the conglomerate of Druii, the tree is a dormant father tree that never grew to its full potential. Because of this it is viewed by the members of the circle as a reminder to push themselves to their absolute potential and it is a place where offerings, bone charms, and runes are carved for good fortune in the coming years. This dwarfed tree blooms once every 10 years and celebrations are held because of the rarity of its bloom. When this occurs, pink and white leaves blossom forth and create a beautiful display of floral petals that only last for one day. The tree is often placed in the center of the grotto inhabited by the circle as the cornerstone for their beliefs.

Bodily Health

It is believed that through the use of Herbs to speed up healing processes to injuries that a Druii of the Father Circle acquired (unless in dire need) is unnecessary and disrupts the natural healing of the body from injury to it’s prior state. Often stitching and the use of alcohol to clean wounds is the most common practice of the Father Circle Druids as it is seen as the most efficient way to clean and mend a wound without interfering with the natural balance of a body healing itself. Thus, the use of herbs for cuts or other ailments is seen as taboo and unnecessary to the druids. 

 

On Voidal Magi

The stance on the void remains clear and cut to the Father Druii who are members of the Circle. The void is an absolute and neverending threat to the natural order and balance and within itself is unnatural. Thus void magi are under a zero tolerance stance, this does not mean that they all are hunted but hunts often occur to cull these beings from the land so they can no longer draw forth their foul practices into the natural realm. Thus, they are not permitted and more often than not returned to the soil or burned in order to restore a fraction of the balance that they have ruined.

 

Rituals
Initiation Rites:
Rite of Marking-
The rite of initiation occurs after an acolyte has been attuned to the whispers of the world around them. In this rite, the acolyte is sent into the world with a goal, to hunt a beast with a limited set of tools. If the acolyte is successful and returns, they will be wrapped within the hide of their hunt and marked upon their face, arms and chest with the blood of Cernunnos, this pattern that was marked upon their person will later be replaced with tattoos. During the process of the acolyte receiving their tattoos, the circle will often chant and burn sage nearby. 

Rite of the Curaidh-

When an Acolyte becomes attuned to nature or a Druid joins the circle, they undergo the Rite of Curaidh or the Rite of the Guardian. This is where they forge their weapon and armor that will remain with them for the rest of their time among the living. They are coated in white paint as a sign of their new innocence and while they forge, they are covered in new colors of reds, greens, blacks, and various other colors as a sign of their growth into the different warriors they are seeking to become. This rite is usually performed by the Råithean and the guide of the new Druid. Should their weapon or armor break then this Rite can be performed in solitude and silence by the Curaidh as they remake their armor to the exact way it was crafted in the beginning. 

 

Rite of Companionship-

As the Druii in question begins to complete their rituals, they come to face the Rite of Companionship where they befriend a beast and take the animal into their life until that animal passes on. This ritual is one of the more core Rites that a Curaidh partakes in and their companion is meant to resemble who they are and the personality that they possess much like their totem. It is a simple rite yet holds a deep meaning of walking along with nature until the end.
 

Lifestyle Rites:

Rite of Wedlock-
If two members of the circle wish to tie themselves together they will often perform this rite. The rite begins with the Råithean of the circle calling in the cardinal directions, each taking a moment to do so, before moving on to the next. After the directions have been called in, the Stiùireadh leading the ritual will call in the aspects, summoning them forwards to bare witness to the tying of binds. Once the directions and the aspects have been summoned forth, the couple will step forwards and place their hands within one anothers, the Stiùireadh will step forwards and wrap a braided rope around their hands. The rope being braided by the couple before the ritual takes place. The Stiùireadh then pours water over the binds, signifying the couples emotional connection. Dirt is then poured over the binds, a symbolic gesture to root the couple within the earth. A torch is then placed upon the binds, igniting the couples passion. The final step of the ritual is to crack a freshly laid egg over the binds, blessing the couple with fertility.

Rite of the Oath-
This rite is performed when two people or more wish to bind themselves together for life. This can be applied for a multitude of reasons, for example if two friends wish to bind themselves together as life long friends, they may commit to this rite. If one of the participants in the oath passes on, the oath still remains, connecting each other even through death. The rite is performed by two elders of the circle, during which those wishing to bind themselves together must first slice their palm and join hands, then as they hold hands they will share a drink before finally being tattooed. Although each tattoo is different, they all connect to one another in some manner. Once the participants have bound hands, they cannot release one another until the rite has concluded.

Rite of Passing-
When a member of the circle passes onward, the circle will often gather together to grieve. The body of the deceased will be placed within a deep grave, wrapped in the hide from their Rite Of Marking. If the deceased companion has passed on, then they shall be buried together, or when the companion perishes their remains shall be placed into the grave so they may be together in death. Before the grave is filled in, the circle may toss offerings in. Once the grave has been filled in, the Råithean of Winter will plant a sapling of a tree above the grave. 

Rite Of New Beginnings-

When a member of the circle gives birth, this rite will take place shortly after. The babe will be placed beneath the tree of the father, and painted with ceremonial markings by a Stiùireadh, the ink being the deep red sap of the father tree. After which the Stiùireadh will lead a blessing upon the babe, pleading for the aspects to guide the young ones feet, and strengthen their body. After the babe has received the blessings, the parents of the young one will embrace them, and the members of the circle will move around the new parents, creating a circle around them, this is to signify that the new family will be protected by the circle.
 

Seasonal Rites:
Rite Of Mabon- (Autumn Equinox)

The rite of Mabon is a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Aspects, during the coming winter months. During Mabon the circle gather together and perform a grand harvest, collecting the fruits of the earth and sharing them among one another. At the start of the feast the Råithean of the autumn season blesses a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine, which is then passed around the table, with each person feeding the person next to them, it is believed feeding one another  is a way to draw the circle closer to each other before the coming winter months.
 

Rite Of Yule- (Winter Solstice)
The winter solstice is a solemn time, and thus the members of the father circle gather together to celebrate Yule. A large feast is held, loved ones are held close, and the darkness of winter is held at bay for one night. Upon this night, the circle offers up a sacrifice of an elk to the aspects, in hopes of bringing about a quick winter.  The animal is traditionally killed by the Råithean of the winter season. Wreaths and sprigs of evergreenery (such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, yew, and pine) are placed over the sacrificial animal, and its hide is painted with red and brown dyes. The corpse of the animal is left within nature, offered to the wild until only the bones of the animal remain, after which they are buried within the father grove.

After the sacrifice, those of the circle gather about for the feast. The feast is a silent feast, anyone who dares utter a word during this feast is removed from the feast, as it is considered highly disrespectful. After the feast has finished, those remaining hand out gifts to others of the circle, these gifts are handmade and hold deep meaning.
 

Rite Of Ostara- (Spring Equinox)
Ostara is practiced upon the spring equinox, and is a time of rebirth, fertility and the turning of the wheel, the balancing of the scale with light ascending. It is common practise for members of the circle to adorn themselves in tiva wreaths and decorate their homes with colorful flowers. Midday upon Ostara the Råithean of spring will call together those of the circle and perform a blessing upon a chosen seed of a tree. The seed is then planted, with each member of the circle planting the seed of a flower in a spiral pattern around the tree seed. Throughout the spring season the members of the circle will tend to their flowers, while the Råithean tends to the sapling.

Just before midnight upon Ostara, the Råithean of spring leads a fertility rite, calling upon Cerridwen to bless the circle and bring about a new generation. During the ritual, the Råithean places an egg within a sea shell filled with fresh water, the shell is then passed around the circle, each member taking a small sip.

Rite of Litha- (Summer Solstice)
Upon the summer solstice those of the father circle gather and celebrate the holiday of Litha, a grand festival is held, with games, feasts, and celebration. There are two traditional events held upon Litha, the first being the Dance Of The Sun. A maypole is set up within the center of the festival grounds, and those of the circle weave between one another, dancing around the pole with ribbons in their hands. Before the dance may begin however, a highly hallucinogenic mushroom is given out. Music is played, and the dance begins, those dancing continue even after the strings have been weaved around the maypole, those involved in the dance will continue until they tire and fall.

The second event of Litha is known simply as ‘The Grand Hunt’, an event in which those of the circle head out into the thicket of the forest in search of a mighty beast to fill the stomachs of the circle. When the beast is killed, the one considered to have done the most is crowned the grand hunter, a title that lasts until the next celebration of Litha. A large feast is then held, with the crowned hunter seated at the head of the table, only after he has taken his first bite, may the others begin to feast.

 

Ranks

The Autumn, Spring, and Summer Råitheans of The Father Circle

 

The ranking structure of the Father Circle is unlike those of previous renditions that Druids have instilled into their traditional ruling styles. At the head sit four elder druids who resemble guides for the Father Circle, these are known as the Råithean. The Råithean of the circle are viewed symbolically as the seasons that pass through the year, each resembling a different attitude and perspective that the seasons possess and embody. They act as guides rather than leaders and hold no special duties or privilege over the others. Curaidh are known as the regular druids/warriors that serve the balance and act as protectors over the balance and nature, fighting those who seek to disrupt and harm the earth and her bounty. In the circle everyone holds equal power and responsibility technically speaking however, certain duties fall to different positions. For example, the Stiùireadh are known as the religious zealots of the circle and are in charge of upholding faith rituals and rites that are given to members who seek to enter the circle. The final role is an Aspirant or Acolyte who is someone seeking to join the ranks of the Druii and are undergoing their trials for attunement. 

The reason for a loose structure is to maintain not only a balance of all members to reflect the natural balance, but to allow all an equal status and sense of pride and fellowship that comes with being a member of the circle. 

Librarian
The Librarians of the Father Circle are tasked with the responsibility of upholding and managing the grove’s books and many artifacts, while simultaneously collecting relics and notable druidic-related belongings. Additionally, they’re expected to keep all books pertaining the Father Circle up to date and accurate for acolytes and other members of the Circle.

Healer
The Healers, as the name entails, are the medics of the circle responsible for managing the Grove’s clinic and tending to wounded warriors or dedicants. While the Father Circle generally does not favor the use of unnatural healing methods, the choice is left up to the individual in non-life-threatening scenarios whether they want to be healed by mundane methods or not.

Combat Mentor
The Mentors are renowned as the experienced swordsmen of the Grove, only the most elite and intelligent of druidic warriors. They’re sometimes tasked with training those who are less gifted with blades so that the Circle may further defend themselves and what they stand for in the face of danger.

While none of these are formal Circle ranks in and of themselves, they simply act as side-roles druids can choose to take in tandem with whatever other titles they bear at the time.
 

 

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((If you're interested in joining the Father Circle, please message one of the following players and they can help you out! 🙂 ))

(IGN) (Discord)
WestCarolina, Carol#7747

Nightcastor, Vailoen#2666
Unwillingly, un-w#9099
 

[RaiderBlue 1064]

Very cool and awesome and epic.