DECORUM AND WORSHIP IN THE TEMPLE OF THE SKY MAIDEN
A short introduction to proper living by the clergy of Lady Cassiopeia
THE TEMPLE
The heart of the Order
While in the premises of the temple, it is expected for all to behave in a dignified and open manner in regard to both their dealings with others and their way of presenting themselves to the Sky Maiden, Lady Cassiopeia. This first section will teach all how to conduct themselves in the temple, and how to approach the clergy and the holy ground that can be found at the top of the sky temple. Be aware that this is a guideline, and that further study will be needed to learn all there is to know about the proper conduct of a follower of the sky in his or her everyday life.
The first law of the Maiden is thus: None shall endure deceit in the temple, for liars and betrayers will branded heretics and cast out should they be caught desecrating this holy place with their presence.
The Sky Maiden loathe underhanded means and misdirection of any kind, and as such you shall be as straightforward and clear as possible in your words and deeds in the temple. Lies and trickery are of course prohibited, yet they are not the only sin you could commit in these halls. You should soon learn of many different areas prepared for prayer and meditation in the temple, the high tower's solarium being the closest to our lady and therefore the most holy of all these areas. Use these quiet places to be true to yourself, and discover your true feelings and desires before they be lost in wretched deceit.
The second law you must learn is that the Nobility are the true kin of the Maiden, given her blood and elevated to a higher state by their exemplary behavior and drive to succeed. As kin to our goddess, they must be in turn acknowledged as the true rulers of the land. Do not claim nobility you do not have, and be aware that in this land such noble blood is gifted and not inherited.
The last thing a layperson must learn of the ways of the cult is thus: How you appear and act will determine your worth, and showing one's very best facets is a matter of course, including proper grooming and elegant manners. Only the Maiden can lift you from the dirt you were born into, and to be elevated you must impress her adequately.
THE CLERGY
The body of the Order
You may notice that the priests and priestesses found in the temple change from night to day, and that is because the Order is comprised of two separate cults: The Cult of the Sun and The Cult of the Moon. The Sun cult are the orators and the revelers of the Order, organizing grand festivities and striving to speak of the teachings of the Sky Maiden to all who would lend an ear. The Moon Cult is its opposite, striving to meditate and uncover deceits found in the realm with near complete silence. They are the scholars and strong arm of the Order, and most worshipers never have anything to do in the sky temple at night for their austere ways. Sun priests' robes are decorated with golden thread, while Moon priests uses silver.
The Order is headed by the Sky Oracle, the direct confident of the Maiden. Under them are the High Sun Priest and the High Moon Priest, each with complete control over the hierarchy of their cult. As a result, both cults have different hierarchy and titles. While the two cults are vastly different, truth can be said of the fact that the more elaborate the robe, the more important the priest.
Each Disciple shed their name when entering the Order, taking a traditional name as their own to keep through their worship of Lady Cassiopeia. While a good amount of leeway is given, a priest's name tend to be short and melodious to the tongue.
THE MAIDEN
The blood of the Order
Lady Cassiopeia is the daughter of the Sun and the Moon, and is the guide of mankind towards a truer state of being. She values truth and justice above all, and to try to describe all of her teachings in a simple pamphlet would be folly. As such, it is heavily suggested to all who desire a better understanding of the goddess than the sermons provide are to seek out a Sun priest and request an audience.
The maiden's holy symbol is a moon crescent over a shining sun.
