Reformed Stripping Path: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 16:21, 10 August 2024
Theology: | Vae Bassaridianism | |||
Polity | - | |||
Origin | 48.67 PSSC | |||
Split from | Stripping Path | |||
Countries | ||||
Congregations | TBD | |||
Members | ||||
The Reformed Stripping Path is a Hostian belief system which represents a unique and syncretic religious movement that blends the vibrant traditions of the Stripping Path, centered around the worship of Dionysus, with the mystical beliefs of the Alperkin, a religion dedicated to the worship of Lake Morovia's High Alps. The fusion of these two religions is notably furthermore distinguished by the worship of a pantheon of gods and goddesses inspired by the planets of the Atos System.
Origins and Development
The Reformed Stripping Path emerged in Bassaridia Vaeringheim in response to the cultural and spiritual intermingling of the Stripping Path and the Alperkin traditions. Influenced by a desire to integrate these diverse belief systems, spiritual leaders and practitioners initiated a reformation, weaving together the revelry of the Stripping Path, the mysticism of the Alperkin, and a cosmic reverence for the planetary deities of the Atos System.
Core Beliefs
At its core, the Reformed Stripping Path retains the foundational beliefs of the Stripping Path, and by extension those of the Pallisican Religion which have existed since the 19th Era PSSC. Most significantly, the religion is characterized by the belief that the universe is defined by the complex relationship - known as the Triality of Oversouls - between the cosmic forces of Order, Chaos, and Mystery.
Triality of Oversouls
The Reformed Stripping Path recognizes the Triality of Oversouls, acknowledging the interplay between Order, Chaos, and Mystery. Belief in the Triality of Oversouls is rooted in ancient Pallisican religious beliefs, and later maintained by the traditional Stripping Path, which assert that these forces constitute the three aspects of the Original God, which, at the dawn of existence, fragmented into these distinct forces. This pivotal moment, in which God fragmented, marks the commencement of time, identified as Order. As time unfurled, the universe became increasingly complex and chaotic, marking the introduction of Chaos into the fabric of the universe. The religion suggests that as time progresses, Chaos naturally evolves, suggesting an inherent tendency of the universe, towards increasing chaos. The more time elapses, the more pronounced the development of chaos becomes. Nevertheless, this intrinsic trajectory can be reversed through an understanding of the third fundamental force: mystery. Mystery serves as the impetus for restructuring Chaos into Order, functioning as the medium through which this transformation transpires. The highest spiritual aim, to this end, is to embrace and explore the Mystery of the universe, in order to gain an understanding of the nature of Chaos, so as to ultimately restore Order from Chaos.
Core Practices
Dionysian Celebrations
The Reformed Stripping Path incorporates ecstatic celebrations carried out by individual religious communities known as Mysteries, which revolve around the worship of Dionysus, who is revered as the perfect, divine embodiment of the Triality of Oversouls.. These lively rituals center around the celebration of life, pleasure, and the transformative energy associated with Dionysus.
Most notable of the Dionysian Celebrations are the The Bacchanal - festivals which are community-focused religious celebrations conducted by the Bacchanalia, the High Priestesses of the Reformed Stripping Path. The specific features and qualities of Bacchanalia festivals differ across communities and regions. Certain Bacchanal festivities encompass the various Alperkin seasonal celebrations, such as the Cricket Fall Festival, which commemorates the shift from Summer to Fall.
Alp-worshipping Communion
Building upon the Alperkin traditions, followers of the Reformed Stripping Path commonly engage in the consumption of Noctic-Rabrev, which is believed to allow for communion with the god-like High Alps which inhabit the wilds of Lake Morovia. This communion is believed to offer insights into the mystical realms, wisdom, and a heightened spiritual awareness.
Planetary Devotion
A distinctive feature of the Reformed Stripping Path is the worship of a pantheon of god-like entities, known as Divines, which are revered for their cosmic influences, guiding practitioners through diverse aspects of life, and which correspond to the planets of the Atos System. Though they are commonly referred to as gods and goddesses, these divine entities are regarded more as aspects of the Host Spirit, to whom the Host Spirit has delegated the responsibility of bestowing blessings and grace upon the religion's practitioners. While they are not recognized formally as gods, each Divine is nevertheless worshiped as a god or goddess by its own respective community of devoted followers, known as Mysteries.
The pantheon of the Planetary Divines is as follows:
Category | Name | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Description | Mystery | Holy City | Divine Image | Temple | Invocation Hymn | Sygil | ||
Higher Divines | Atos | Divine of Light and Creation, embodying life, creation, and enlightenment. | Ordo Solis Invicti | Vaeringheim | Invocation of Atos | |||
Eos | Lady Divine of dawn, symbolizing new beginnings and enlightenment. | Order of Aurora Mystica | Luminaria | Invocation of Eos | ||||
Micras | Lady Divine of balance and wisdom, embodying harmony and equilibrium. | Harmony Sanctum | Serena | Invocation of Micras | ||||
Pyros | Divine of fire, passion, and creativity. | Ignis Aeternum | Pyralis | Invocation of Pyros | ||||
Indigo and Momiji | Twin Lady Divines representing duality and change. | Celestial Harmony Sect | Symphonara | Invocation of Indigo | ||||
Chrysos | Divine of wealth, thieves, spies, prosperity, and abundance. | Guild of Golden Shadows | Aurelia | Invocation of Chrysos | ||||
Thalassa | Lady Divine of the sea, and war, embodying mystery, depth, and fluidity. | Azure Sentinel Sect | Vaeringheim | Invocation of Thalassa | ||||
Nephele | Lady Divine of clouds, symbolizing dreams, imagination, and inspiration. | Reverie Nebulous | Somniumpolis | Invocation of Nephele | ||||
Glinos | Divine of ice and winter, representing the cycle of life and death. | Eon Fellowship | Nexa | Invocation of Glinos | ||||
Noctis | Lady Divine of the night, associated with introspection and hidden truths. | Order of the Umbral Oracle | Lunalis Sancta | Invocation of Noctis | ||||
Opsithe | Lady Divine of harvest, fertility, and the cycles of nature. | Mystery of the Verdant Embrace | Sylvapolis | Invocation of Opsithe | ||||
Lower Gods | Tarsica | Lady Divine of illumination and wisdom. | Conclave Illuminara | Luminaria | Invocation of Tarsica | |||
Plateau | Lady Divine of health and medicine. | Sanctum Vitalis | Saluria | Invocation of Plateau | ||||
Ivory | Lady Divine of purity and serenity. | Temple Alabaster | Aetherium | Invocation of Ivory | ||||
Fenrir | Divine of strength and tenacity. | Court of the Ironclad | Ferrum Citadel | Invocation of Fenrir | ||||
Lukedu | Divine of harmony and unity. | Accord Concordia | Symphonara | Invocation of Lukedu | ||||
Styx | Lady Divine of transformation and rebirth. | Mystery of the Stygian Veil | Acheron | Invocation of Styx | ||||
Faun | Lady Divine of natural balance and fertility. | Sylvan Fellowship | Sylvapolis | Invocation of Faun | ||||
Silenus | Divine of merriment and celebration. | Mystery of Red Mirth | Erythros | Invocation of Silenus | ||||
Cato | Divine of discipline and order. | Rex Catonis | Catonis Atrium | Invocation of Cato | ||||
Sisera | Lady Divine of reflection and introspection. | Sanctum Delphica | Delphica | Invocation of Sisera | ||||
Erasmus | [Divine of charity. | Ordo Amicitia | Koinonía | Invocation of Erasmus | ||||
Nikolaj | Divine of Epiphanies | Temple Illuminata | Aureum | Invocation of Nikolaj |
Missionaries
The Temples of the Divines maintain a complex network of missionaries who work to expand the teachings of the Reformed Stripping Path across Keltia and around the world, especially in lands formerly associated with the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union. These missionaries, who are financed through investment in the Temple Bank of the Reformed Stripping Path on the General Port of Lake Morovia, are responsible for spreading the religion's in lands which are regarded as receptive to the religion's message and teachings. As of 48.69 PSSC, it was reported that there were approximately 4,875 active missionaries, operating across Keltia, Corum, and parts of Eura.
Host Stars
In addition to its tradition of planetary devotion, the Reformed Stripping Path also maintains practices and traditions in which followers of the religion may pray to certain Northern Host Stars throughout the course of the year, in order to receive gifts and blessings. For example, practitioners of the religion may pray to Aprobelle for blessings relating to love or romance, or they may pray to Häpi or Atämíos for fortune while hunting in the wilds of Lake Morovia or for blessings upon their crops. The Commander General of the Bassaridian War League famously issued offerings to Liléigos, the Host Star of the Laurel, prior to the commencement of combat operations during the Morovian Frontier Campaign Every Host Star provides its own unique blessings, and may be prayed to throughout the course of the year. Certain Host Stars, furthermore, are closely related to the Planetary Divines - their respective blessings complementing one another. The Host Star of the sea, Ocananus, is for example closely related to Thalassa. Danaß, the Host Star of death, is closely related to Glinos. Certain rituals and practices reflect the relationship which exist between these Host Stars and their related Planetary Divine. Various Reformed Bassarid cults and mysteries may, furthermore, be subdivided according to the preferred Host Stars of their members. One such example is the mystery known as Danaßian Eon, a subdivision of the Eon Fellowship, whose members strive to attain a state of peace from their understanding of the permanence of death. The Osirían Eonists, in contrast, believe that after death all souls who have not yet attained enlightenment will be resurrected. Many of the pirates who operate around Lake Morovia and the Strait of Haifa may identify as Atämiosian Shadians - members of the Guild of Golden Shadows who pray to Atämios prior to conducting their raids and attacks against ships and foreign ports. Non-piratical, merchant followers of Chrsyos may identify as Wedían Shadists, who offer sacrifices in hopes of favorable winds as they embark across the region's waters. There is no definite estimate of the total number of such subdivisions of the various mysteries and cults.
List of Host Stars
Relations Between the Planetary Divines
Practitioners of the Reformed Stripping Path adhere to a series of myths which detail the relationships between the Planetary Divines, the Lesser Planetary Divines, and the Divine Court of Empress Thalassa. These myths describe the marriages between the gods, provide information about the familial lineages of the gods, and outline the social and political relationships which exist between various deities. The following table provides a breakdown of the relationships which exist between the Reformed Bassarid Deities.
Name | Role | Spouse | Children | Allies | Enemies |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Empress Thalassa | Sea, Depth, Mystery | Pyros | Nyssa, Ampelos, Agnis, Triton (demi-god), Calypso (mortal) | Pyros, Nephele | Glinos, Micras |
Pyros | Fire, Passion, Creativity | Thalassa | Ampelos, Nyssa, Agnis, Hephaestus (demi-god), Pyrrhus (mortal) | Thalassa, Agnis | Glinos, Micras, Nephele, Opsithe |
Ampelos | Divine Healer | Penthia | Hygieia (demi-god), Galen (mortal) | Penthia | None |
Penthia | Guardian of the Threshold | Ampelos | Hermes (demi-god), Iris (mortal) | Ampelos | None |
Nyssa | Keeper of Secrets | Erasmus | Hypatia (demi-god), Arcana (mortal) | Erasmus | Styx |
Agnis | Passion and Creativity | Faun | Ignis (demi-god), Liora (mortal) | Pyros, Faun | Glinos |
Faun | Natural Balance and Fertility | Agnis | Verdant (demi-god), Flora (mortal) | Agnis | None |
Chrysos | Wealth, Prosperity | Nephele | Silenia, Penthia, Lukedu, Plutus (demi-god), Diona (mortal) | Micras, Nephele | Pyros |
Eos | Dawn, New Beginnings | Glinos | Icaria, Tarsica, Fenrir, Eosphorus (demi-god), Aurora (mortal) | Glinos, Icaria | Indigo and Momiji |
Glinos | Ice, Winter, Life Cycle | Eos | Bassaria, Fenrir, Boreas (demi-god), Glacia (mortal) | Eos, Fenrir | Pyros, Thalassa, Agnis |
Indigo and Momiji | Duality, Change | None (Twin Deities) | Erigone, Ariadna, Cerulean (demi-god), Autumn (mortal) | Erigone, Ariadna | Eos |
Micras | Balance, Harmony | Opsithe | Corythia, Plateau, Harmonia (demi-god), Lucas (mortal) | Opsithe, Chrysos | Pyros, Thalassa |
Nephele | Clouds, Dreams, Imagination | Chrysos | Penthia, Silenia, Lukedu, Morpheus (demi-god), Nefeli (mortal) | Chrysos, Thalassa | Pyros, Glinos |
Noctis | Night, Introspection | Corythia | Thyrsia, Styx, Nyx (demi-god), Selena (mortal) | Corythia, Erasmus | None |
Opsithe | Harvest, Fertility | Micras | Corythia, Plateau, Demeter (demi-god), Opsis (mortal) | Micras, Corythia | Pyros |
Cato | Discipline and Order | Silenus | Secutor (demi-god), Aurelia (mortal) | Silenus | Indigo and Momiji |
Erasmus | Wisdom and Enlightenment | Nyssa | Minerva (demi-god), Sophos (mortal) | Noctis, Nyssa | None |
Fenrir | Strength and Tenacity | Ivory | Skoll (demi-god), Freya (mortal) | Glinos, Ivory | Pyros |
Ivory | Purity and Serenity | Fenrir | Luna (demi-god), Selene (mortal) | Fenrir, Erasmus | None |
Lukedu | Harmony and Unity | Sisera | Concordia (demi-god), Pax (mortal) | Sisera, Chrysos | None |
Nikolaj | Mystery and Cosmic Insight | Styx | Hypnos (demi-god), Kyra (mortal) | Styx | None |
Plateau | Stability and Balance | Gaia (demi-god) | Terran (demi-god), Gaia (mortal) | Micras, Opsithe | Pyros |
Sisera | Reflection and Introspection | Lukedu | Libera (demi-god), Anteros (mortal) | Lukedu, Nephele | None |
Silenus | Merriment and Celebration | Cato | Lysander (demi-god), Thalia (mortal) | Cato, Silenia | None |
Styx | Transformation and Rebirth | Nikolaj | Phoenix (demi-god), Livia (mortal) | Nikolaj, Thyrsia | Nyssa |
Tarsica | Illumination and Wisdom | Sol (demi-god) | Sol (demi-god), Elara (mortal) | Eos | Indigo and Momiji |
Ampelos | Divine Healer | Penthia | Hygieia (demi-god), Galen (mortal) | Penthia | None |
Ariadna | Muse of Inspiration | Calliope (demi-god) | Calliope (demi-god), Orpheus (mortal) | Indigo, Momiji | None |
Bassaria | Majestic Herald | Clio (demi-god) | Clio (demi-god), Pindar (mortal) | None | None |
Corythia | Keeper of Harmony | Noctis | Eunomia (demi-god), Sophia (mortal) | Noctis, Opsithe | None |
Erigone | Weaver of Dreams | Icaria | Morpheus (demi-god), Oneiros (mortal) | Indigo, Momiji | None |
Icaria | Bringer of Light | Erigone | Aether (demi-god), Lux (mortal) | Eos | None |
Nyssa | Keeper of Secrets | Erasmus | Hypatia (demi-god), Arcana (mortal) | Erasmus | None |
Penthia | Guardian of the Threshold | Ampelos | Hermes (demi-god), Iris (mortal) | Ampelos | None |
Silenia | Mistress of Ceremonies | Lysander (demi-god) | Lysander (demi-god), Maia (mortal) | Silenus | None |
Thyrsia | Noble Counselor | Arete (demi-god) | Arete (demi-god), Leonidas (mortal) | Styx | None |
Demi-Gods and Heroic Mortals
The Reformed Stripping Path maintains a belief in demi-gods and heroic mortals, born either from the relationships between gods under specific circumstances, or more commonly from the relationships between gods and mortals. These figures are rarely worshiped except in the case of specific fringe cults. They nevertheless play an important role in the mythos of the Reformed Bassarid religion. Information about the religion's demi-gods and heroic mortals can be found in the table below.
Name | Status | Divine Father | Divine Mother | Mortal Parent | Importance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hypatia | Demi-God | Erasmus | Nyssa | N/A | Renowned for her wisdom and knowledge, often sought for guidance on uncovering hidden truths. |
Hygieia | Demi-God | Ampelos | Penthia | N/A | Worshiped for her healing powers and association with health and wellness. |
Ignis | Demi-God | N/A | Agnis | Thalia | Embodies the creative and passionate aspects of fire, inspiring artists and craftsmen. |
Verdant | Demi-God | Faun | N/A | Selene | Represents fertility and natural balance, promoting agricultural abundance. |
Plutus | Demi-God | Chrysos | Nephele | N/A | Symbolizes wealth and prosperity, often invoked for financial success. |
Eosphorus | Demi-God | Glinos | Eos | N/A | Heralds the arrival of dawn, guiding travelers and heralds. |
Boreas | Demi-God | Glinos | Eos | N/A | Commands the winter winds, affecting weather patterns and seasons. |
Skoll | Demi-God | Fenrir | N/A | Hilda | Embodies strength and tenacity, protector of warriors. |
Concordia | Demi-God | Lukedu | Sisera | N/A | Personifies harmony and unity, fostering peace among communities. |
Morpheus | Demi-God | Chrysos | Nephele | N/A | Brings dreams and inspiration, influencing artists and visionaries. |
Aether | Demi-God | N/A | Icaria | Pythia | Represents clarity and enlightenment, illuminating minds and paths. |
Hermes | Demi-God | Ampelos | Penthia | N/A | Guardian of travelers and messenger of the gods, facilitating communication. |
Luna | Demi-God | Fenrir | N/A | Damon | Symbolizes purity and serenity, guiding individuals towards inner peace. |
Secutor | Demi-God | Cato | N/A | Drusilla | Embodies discipline and order, enforcing laws and regulations. |
Libera | Demi-God | Lukedu | Sisera | N/A | Represents freedom and introspection, aiding in personal growth. |
Minerva | Demi-God | Erasmus | Nyssa | N/A | Goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, highly respected for her intellect. |
Hypnos | Demi-God | Nikolaj | N/A | Selena | God of sleep, providing rest and rejuvenation. |
Sol | Demi-God | Chrysos | Opsithe | N/A | Represents the sun and brings light and vitality to the world. |
Phoenix | Demi-God | Nikolaj | Styx | N/A | Embodies transformation and renewal. |
Calliope | Demi-God | N/A | Ariadna | Orpheus | Known for her boundless inspiration and creativity. |
Clio | Demi-God | N/A | Bassaria | Pindar | Majestic herald known for eloquence and commanding presence. |
Arete | Demi-God | N/A | Thyrsia | Leonidas | Represents noble counsel and profound wisdom. |
Arcana | Mortal | N/A | Nyssa | Lycurgus | Known for her ability to decipher complex mysteries and secrets. |
Galen | Mortal | Ampelos | N/A | Cleon | Famous healer whose techniques are still studied and practiced. |
Liora | Mortal | N/A | Agnis | Thalia | Celebrated for her fiery spirit and exceptional artistic talents. |
Flora | Mortal | N/A | Faun | Selene | Known for her deep connection to nature and healing plants. |
Diona | Mortal | Chrysos | N/A | Iphigenia | Esteemed merchant who brought immense prosperity to her city. |
Aurora | Mortal | N/A | Eos | Phaedra | Inspirational figure for new beginnings and hopeful endeavors. |
Glacia | Mortal | Glinos | N/A | Callisto | Revered for her endurance and ability to thrive in harsh conditions. |
Freya | Mortal | Fenrir | N/A | Hilda | Renowned warrior and leader, symbol of courage and resilience. |
Pax | Mortal | Lukedu | N/A | Helena | Known for her efforts in diplomatic negotiations and peacemaking. |
Nefeli | Mortal | N/A | Nephele | Leander | Known for her imaginative storytelling and dream interpretations. |
Lux | Mortal | N/A | Icaria | Pythia | Famous philosopher who shed light on many profound truths. |
Iris | Mortal | N/A | Penthia | Evander | Known for her speed and agility, delivering important messages. |
Selene | Mortal | N/A | Ivory | Damon | Revered for her tranquil presence and soothing influence. |
Aurelia | Mortal | Cato | N/A | Drusilla | Famous for her leadership and organizational skills in governance. |
Anteros | Mortal | N/A | Sisera | Tycho | Known for his reflective nature and philosophical insights. |
Sophos | Mortal | Erasmus | N/A | Cassandra | Renowned sage whose teachings have influenced many scholars. |
Kyra | Mortal | Nikolaj | N/A | Selena | Known for her calming influence and ability to heal through rest. |
Cult Relations
The relationships between various Reformed Bassarid Cults is heavily influenced by the relationships between the Planetary Divines. Information regarding relations between the major cults is provided in the table below.
Cult Name | Primary Planetary Divine | Allies | Enemies |
---|---|---|---|
Ordo Solis Invicti | Atos | None | None |
Order of Aurora Mystica | Eos | Eon Fellowship, Conclave Illuminara | Celestial Harmony Sect, Ignis Aeternum |
Harmony Sanctum | Micras | Mystery of the Verdant Embrace, Guild of Golden Shadows | Ignis Aeternum, Azure Sentinel Sect, Court of the Ironclad |
Ignis Aeternum | Pyros | Azure Sentinel Sect, Sylvan Fellowship | Eon Fellowship, Harmony Sanctum, Reverie Nebulous, Mystery of the Verdant Embrace, Order of Aurora Mystica, Court of the Ironclad |
Celestial Harmony Sect | Indigo and Momiji | Order of the Umbral Oracle | Order of Aurora Mystica, Conclave Illuminara, Rex Catonis |
Guild of Golden Shadows | Chrysos | Harmony Sanctum, Reverie Nebulous | Ignis Aeternum, Azure Sentinel Sect |
Azure Sentinel Sect | Thalassa | Ignis Aeternum, Reverie Nebulous | Eon Fellowship, Harmony Sanctum, Guild of Golden Shadows |
Reverie Nebulous | Nephele | Guild of Golden Shadows, Azure Sentinel Sect | Ignis Aeternum, Eon Fellowship, Court of the Ironclad |
Eon Fellowship | Glinos | Order of Aurora Mystica, Court of the Ironclad | Ignis Aeternum, Azure Sentinel Sect, Sylvan Fellowship, Reverie Nebulous |
Order of the Umbral Oracle | Noctis | Harmony Sanctum, Ordo Amicitia | Celestial Harmony Sect |
Mystery of the Verdant Embrace | Opsithe | Harmony Sanctum, Ordo Amicitia | Ignis Aeternum, Court of the Ironclad |
Conclave Illuminara | Tarsica | Order of Aurora Mystica | Celestial Harmony Sect |
Temple Alabaster | Ivory | Court of the Ironclad, Ordo Amicitia | None |
Court of the Ironclad | Fenrir | Eon Fellowship | Ignis Aeternum, Harmony Sanctum, Reverie Nebulous, Mystery of the Verdant Embrace |
Accord Concordia | Lukedu | Sanctum Delphica | None |
Mystery of the Stygian Veil | Styx | Temple Illuminata, Noble Counselors | Ordo Amicitia |
Sylvan Fellowship | Faun | Ignis Aeternum | Eon Fellowship, Harmony Sanctum |
Mystery of Red Mirth | Silenus | Rex Catonis | None |
Rex Catonis | Cato | Mystery of Red Mirth | Celestial Harmony Sect |
Sanctum Delphica | Sisera | Accord Concordia, Reverie Nebulous | None |
Ordo Amicitia | Erasmus | Order of the Umbral Oracle, Mystery of the Verdant Embrace | Mystery of the Stygian Veil |
Temple Illuminata | Nikolaj | Mystery of the Stygian Veil | None |
Symbols and Iconography
The symbols and iconography of the Reformed Stripping Path, which are largely derived from those of the traditional Stripping Path and the religion of the Alperkin people, reflect the movement's commitment to self-discovery, Dionysian ecstasy, and cosmic reverence. These symbols are often used in rituals, ceremonies, and as representations of the key principles of the religion. The religion's most notable symbols and images are described below.
The Grapevine
The most ancient and important of all Bassarid images, the grapevine represents abundance and fertility, and is seen as a manifestation of the blessings of the Supreme God of the Bassarid religion. Insofar as the grapevine undergoes cycles of growth, dormancy, and renewal, the vine serves as a symbol of transformation and rebirth. The emergence of the grapevine also represents the interconnection between man and nature, and of man's direct, personal relationship with Dionysus. The appearance of a new vine, and the growth of new grapes, are seen as positive omens, whereas the death of a grapevine is regarded as the worst of all possible omens.
The Serpent
Serpents ranging from snakes and lizards to fish, insects like centipedes and millipedes, and small mammals such as weasels, represent significant symbols of the complex, often contradictory nature of Dionysus and carry great significance within the religious context. Reptiles especially carry profound symbolic significance in the Bassarid religion. To this end, the shedding of a reptile's skin represents the rebirth and renewal which one experiences when following the religion's teachings. Such creatures, especially venomous snakes, also represent the intoxicating effects of Dionysus, and the god's mysterious, sacred chaos.
The Mermaid/Melusine
Stripping Path tradition holds that mermaids are the descendants of the first pirates who inhabited the Strait of Haifa, and that the queen of the mermaids, Melusine, was the most faithful servant of Ariadne, the bride of Dionysus. With that said, mermaids represent the feminine energies of creation, intuition, and receptivity which are central to Bassarid practices. They also represent the the exploration of the subconscious and the mysteries of the human soul. In the same way as mermaids inhabit and explore the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean, the Bassarid worshiper inhabits and explores the depths of their own individual spirit and existence.
The Sacred Hounds
The Reformed Stripping Path reveres two breeds of dogs above all others, regarding them as sacred companions of the Supreme God - the beagle and the great pyrenees. The beagle is the most faithful companion of Bacchus, and represents the tenacity which is required for for self-discovery, and the pursuit of authenticity. The Great Pyrenees is regarded as the protector of the Temples of Dionysus, and of the souls of his followers, and is regarded as a symbol of of devotion to the spiritual path.
The Juniper Tree
The fast-growing Juniper tree is regarded in the Reformed Stripping Path as a symbol of chaos. The rapid and often unpredictable expansion of juniper forests creates an environment that is constantly changing. This symbolizes the ever-shifting nature of life and the inability to pass through the same forest twice, emphasizing the impermanence of experiences, and the struggle of man to find order - direction - in the apparent chaos of nature.
Community Structure
Governance
Governance of the Reformed Stripping Path falls under the jurisdiction of the High Priestess of the Bassarid Temple of Vaeringheim, one of the three co-equal heads of state who comprise the Council of Kings, the supreme authority over Bassaridia Vaeringheim. The High Priestess is responsible for appointing Bassarid Priestesses to the Bacchanalia, the body of priestesses who are delegated the responsibility of overseeing the affairs of the religion's various Mysteries, or sects. The Bacchanalia, to this end, stands as a cornerstone of the religion's political framework, as it works on behalf of the High Priestess in order to ensure cohesion and to safeguard the sanctity of the spiritual practices embraced by the followers of the various Mysteries associated Reformed Stripping Path.
Conclusion
The Reformed Stripping Path draws significant influence from the other major Hostian belief systems, namely the Stripping Path for which the religion is named, the Pallisican Religion, and to a lesser extent the Alperkin religion. Of these, the Reformed Stripping Path is most heavily influenced by the former, although it is characterized by some key differences, especially with respect to its inclusion of indigenous religious traditions and its increased emphasis on the worship of Planetary Divines. The Reformed Stripping Path also deviates from the Stripping Path with respect to its views on the Triality of Oversouls. It is the case that whereas the Stripping Path promotes an embrace of chaos and a general rejection of order, the Reformed Stripping Path aligns its views with those of the Pallisican Religion, regarding the pursuit of order as the highest of spiritual aims. On the basis of this difference of views with respect to the Triality of Oversouls, the Reformed Stripping Path is regarded as being a significantly less extreme and subversive religion than the Stripping Path.