Gaeanism

Gaeanism (Ozian: Գւաժոն tr. Gaeazhon) is an animistic and monotheistic religion indigenous to the O Strait region with unclear origins. Scholars believe the religion is at least 8000 years old and was born after the Libian Fre'zhi cultures clashed with Ennorath Praemian cultures. Before the time of Zhadae Sankta, it was a popular religion that spread through oral tradition among the first Ozian tribes with a focus on women. When Revia assumed her role as Zhadae Sankta in 921 BCE, she wrote an autobiographical account of her ascension to power to all the way until her death along with philosophies, laws, and traditions. After the Zhadae Sankta died, all Sanktas started a tradition of writing their own autobiographical and philosophical accounts which collectively make 2900 years of writing called the Whispers. The Zhadae Sankta also commissioned several religious leaders to write down oral traditions at the Grand Meet of Ozi'pol. All of these holy books are written in Ozian. Although schisms in the religion existed from 1000-1900 CE, it managed to close all the schisms with the liberation of Ozia after the Great War. Today, 650 million people consider themselves Gaeanist, but the religion only has significant populations among St Oz, the Diamond Coast, and Ozian communities.

History

The First Listener

Main article: Zhadae Sankta

Gaeanist Concepts

Gaea

"A Fre'zhi merchant once asked what me, "What does Gaea look like?" Since selling effigies of Fre'zhi idols of Gaea in Ozi was unsuccessful. I then told him, "One only needs to feel the wind, watch a person die, and kiss someone they love to see Gaea." He joked, 'I cannot sell those things, what a useless religion.' I said, 'I agree our religion is useless just as liquidation of cheap wood carvings will be when for your return home. Do you really need me to tell you that your efforts are useless or can you experience it for yourself?'"

The Zhadae Sankta - "The Whispers"

There are no specific writings in Gaeanist lore that explain who or what Gaea is. Of what is written, Gaea refers to a grand spirit who's connected to everyone. There are also no official representations of Gaea, and only a few idols of Gaea exist from the past. The only ones are unearthed from the occasional Fre'zhi burial grounds and abandoned ancient Moacian temple. A popular theme in renaissance Ozian art is a piece titled "Gaea". The simple title first made by Nell d'Vor sparked several other inspirations of the idea. They did not face exile or execution because the representation did not personify Gaea, but instead they drew an experience where they felt a very close connection with Gaea.

Tenets

Spirit and Mindfulness

Before the communist era, Gaeanism defined a spirit to be any living thing that did not commit an ultimate separation from Gaea. However with the ascension of Sankta Aerika Revia Oz during the communist era, Gaeanism now defines a spirit as any living entity to end discrimination and genocide of other ethnic groups like Haradric and other sentient races like Vulpines and Rykkovaans.

Klidnah

Klidnah literally means Spiritual Connections in Ozian and refers to bond that the living have with Gaea. This is to recognize that all spirits of Taijitu have desire and suffering, peace and hate, and mindfulness, and that one should not harm other spirits to respect their bond with Gaea as well. Klidnah laws largely cover needless violent acts against people, animals, plants, and more recently the environment.

The Endless Struggle

The written oral traditions tell of the endless struggle which can be defined as the ultimate goals that Gaeanism wishes to achieve, but religious leaders point out that the choice word, endless, is meant to reflect on humanity's feeble will to attain this state.

1. May all spirits be happy.
2. May all spirits be free of anger, intolerance, and hate.
3. May all spirits find balance.
4. May all spirits have an open mind
5. May all spirits find peace
6. May all spirits release ego
7. May all spirits relieve hunger and needs of all

Sexuality

Gaeanist religious traditions include sexual ceremonies, especially on the day of fire, and considering traditional Gaeanist societies have no laws or concepts of marriage, there are very little laws defining what is permitted and what is not permitted. Any type of marriage or civil union is not recognized in St. Oz, and historically there are no taboos on which sexual preference a person has. All forms of sex are acceptable as long as it's consensual and not an obsession. The only official laws on sexuality are against sexual violence and these offences are considered the greatest separation from Gaea one can have. Traditionally, violators of these acts, Gaeanist or not, were to be castrated, branded with the word pig on their left cheek, and exiled. Many of the wars with Haradrim have started when a Haradric citizen violated these laws and resulted in many Haradric peoples that used to reside within St. Oz, in Jutensa, and on the borders of St. Oz to be massacred. However, after the communist takeover, the government issued that the punishment be changed to the death penalty. Today, this punishment still remains. In St. Oz, the number of sexual violence cases remains the lowest and most reported in Taijitu, and it is the only country in which the victim is more likely to be male.

Warfare

The 17 laws of Warfare

According to the Chronicles of Zhadae Sankta, the First Listener likened warfare to being torn apart from Gaea, but those on the Path must also use it as a tool to create peace. She writes 17 laws that those on the Path must follow.

1. Warfare should only be used in self-defense.
2. All strategies and tactics are permissible. The best are those of deception.
3. Best battles are won in which one does not fight.
4. Killing in warfare is not the same as murder.
5. Keep true to the laws of the Path.
6. Do not betray allies and never forgive traitors.
7. Soldiers are not pawns but people. Always minimize losses.
8. Honor the dead, but only for as long as your enemy will let you.
9. Maintain your supply lines.
10. Rest those who are sick when permitted.
11. Accept all those who surrender and feed them at three quarters what you feed your own soldiers and treat their illnesses and ailments when permitted.
12. Never execute prisoners of war that do not violate the conditions of surrender.
13. Free prisoners of war to their native lands immediately when warfare ends.
14. Always feed your soldiers twice a day when permitted.
15. Always pay soldiers at least twice what is subsistence when permitted.
16. Never harm the citizens of an enemy that do not harm yours.
17. Free any slaves met in warfare and never force labor unto other peoples for your benefit.