Xeldria on Phoen

 

[The Divine Sun, Center Chamber]
The temple's glaes cap arches overhead, supported by sandstone pillars. Deeply carved with designs of winged pegasi, the imagery on the pillars depicts these mystical creatures in flight towards the night-darkened ceiling. Light from a cluster of lanterns suspended near the ceiling is absorbed into a crystal orb and reflected outward in a radiant sunburst of gold. Frothy waters, flowing into an ornate bronze fount, gently caress and uplift the brilliant orb with their white-capped waves.

Charna recites:

"If'ne ye will all gie yer attention ta' Lady Xeldria, she will be speakin' on Phoen fer us ta'night"

Xeldria says, "I was hoping for a more dramatic entrance, but someone.. ahem ruined that."

Xeldria says, "Now, I'm here to speak about Phoen. Seeing as we're in one of his temples."

Xeldria says, "I would like to start things off with a quote."

Xeldria recites:

"...His inherent radiance and power make Phoen a beacon to those lost in the darkness or the fog of the mundane. One cannot help but be filled with confidence, strength, and guidance when under his divine influence. Those who have been blessed by Him travel, unwavering, in their lives..."

Xeldria says, "That was a small excerpt from, "The Divinity of the Sun" by Lord Phaerius Diasarish, describing the nature of Phoen."

Xeldria says, "In order to grasp the nature of Phoen worship, you have to understand some basic information about Him. His parents are Koar and Lumnis, his older sister is Lorminstra, and his twin brother is Ronan. He is consort to Oleani and father to Tonis. As you can see, his position places him squarely in the middle of the Liabo Pantheon, and supports his family in their actions. While the followings of his relatives are more overt in their actions so it may seem they are more numerous than his, the worshippers of Phoen are many."

Xeldria says, "As God of the Sun and Summer, Phoen is associated with light and warmth. These aspects have led to certain groups to call Phoen their patron Arkati. Many of the nature-attuned rangers are followers of Phoen, to the point where one of their spells calls upon his strength, the strength of the Sun."

Xeldria says, "The Vaalor also consider Phoen as one of their patrons, as he exemplifies the power and strength that they respect and strive towards. In the Order of Voln, Phoen is called upon to augment the physical prowess of an acolyte through the use of Phoen's kick in the battle against undead."

(Xeldria glances around, examining her audience.)

Xeldria says, "For those of you who aren't familiar with it, Phoen's symbol is a golden sunburst on a field of blue. The golden sunburst represents the sun, gleaming at high noon and the field of blue is an endless, cloudless sky. Phoen is most commonly recognized in the manifestation of a muscular man with tan skin, clothed in gold, and with golden hair that shines so brightly as to blind mortals, and that is how he is often depicted in artwork."

Xeldria says, "But fewer know that he has often appeared as an amorphous golden light with ethereal tendrils, shining like a small sun. This was in fact, my own experience."

Xeldria says, "Many followers do not seek out a divine meeting with Phoen, but instead reach out to him through his most obvious aspect, the sun. Certain sects perform daily rituals at sunrise, noon, and sunset in honor of Phoen. They reaffirm his presence with them whenever they look out into the light of day. These groups are commonly known as, "Sun Watchers."."

Xeldria says, "Commonly, the worshipping sites of "Sun Watchers" are simple in comparison to other followers of Phoen. They prefer natural surroundings with high altitudes, as to be closer to him."

Xeldria says, "Small shrines are erected, but always with an open roof to allow warm rays of sunlight to shine through. They do not build large temples. "Sun Watchers" are most common in rural communities, as it is difficult to practice the daily rituals in more urbanized environments."

Xeldria says, "Solhaven currently is home to the most accessible of the temples of Phoen. Its architecture, as in most of his temples, makes the most of natural sunlight in illuminating the hallowed halls."

(Xeldria gestures at the glaes cap ceiling.)

Xeldria says, "As you can see.."

Xeldria says, "Ornate decoration is often used in order to simulate the brilliance of Phoen and pay him respect. Often, smaller shrines and statuary of Phoen are placed in gardens in order to bless the cultivated plants with adequate, nourishing sunlight."

Xeldria clears her throat.

Xeldria says, "Phoen is often considered the God of Fatherhood through his relationship with Oleani. As a result, "Sun Watchers" perform two notable rituals related to fertility and fatherhood."

Xeldria leans forward.

Xeldria says, "When a couple plans on having children, it is customary for the young man to pray at sunrise, facing east. In his hands should be a cup or goblet of wine."

Xeldria says, "The prayer begins when it is still dark and ends when the sun is completely visible. He prays for good health for his family and the blessing fatherhood upon him by Phoen."

Xeldria says, "At the prayer's end, the man drops a gold coin into the wine and drinks."

Xeldria says, "The gold coin symbolizes wealth and riches and it is said to imbue the wine with fortune in having children."

Xeldria chuckles.

Xeldria says, "Now, the next ritual is a follow-up of this one."

Xeldria says, "And on the morning after the birth of the child, the young man and his male relatives and friends all gather around him before dawn."

Xeldria says, "The very same coin of gold used in the previous ritual would have been melted down and made into a small trinket or charm, like a ring, when pregnancy was certain."

Xeldria says, "The charm would then be hung from a small ribbon like a necklace."

Xeldria says, "Clenched in his right hand, the man would pray while surrounded by a circle of people. He would pray for the health and happiness of his child, and the guidance and wisdom to be a good father."

Xeldria says, "The ritual ends when the father places the trinket around his child's neck."

Xeldria says, "Now.. there is an exception to this."

Xeldria says, "If it is a multiple birth, which is an especially fortuitous occasion, the father merely places the charm on each child's head and kisses it. The father then keeps the trinket with him."

Xeldria says, "I hope that provided you with a little insight into some of their rituals, which are really quite fascinating."