Faith of Inti
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This article or section is a work in progress. The information below may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change. |
 Symbol of Inti, the Sun God | |
| Type | Polytheistic |
|---|---|
| Classification | Wechua religion |
| Orientation |
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| Scripture |
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| Theology | Nature-based cosmology with emphasis on balance and reciprocity |
| Founder | Traditional; no single founder |
| Origin | Ancient Wechua civilization, circa -3000 AN |
| Region |
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| Members | 113 million |
| Leader | High Priest of the Sun |
| Headquarters |
 Temple of the Sun, Huichajanca, Wechua Nation |
| Languages | |
The Faith of Inti is a polytheistic religion with deep roots in Wechua culture, practiced primarily in Nouvelle Alexandrie, but with a significant global presence due to the reach of the Wechua diaspora. Originating in the ancient Wechua civilization of Keltia, the Faith of Inti has evolved into a complex spiritual system that integrates ancestral traditions with elements from various other belief systems, including Nazarene faiths and the Melusinian religion. Its followers, known as Intians, number approximately 113 million worldwide, with the largest concentration in Nouvelle Alexandrie.
The Faith of Inti is characterized by its adaptability and syncretic nature, having incorporated various elements from other religions and philosophies throughout its history. This evolution has allowed it to remain deeply relevant to Wechua culture while also appealing to a broader audience. The religion's practices and beliefs reflect a unique blend of ancient Wechua cosmology, Nazarene influences (particularly from the Alexandrian Nazarene church), and concepts drawn from the Melusinian tradition, creating a rich and deep well of spiritual expression that resonates with millions across Micras.
In the Wechua Nation in particular, the Faith of Inti is more than just a religion; it is an integral part of the national identity, influencing art, architecture, social norms, and even political discourse. Beyond the Wechua borders, the faith has spread through diaspora communities, gaining followers and adapting to local contexts while maintaining its core principles. This expansion has led to the establishment of Intian temples and cultural centers in major cities around Micras, further cementing its status as a world religion with Wechua roots.
History
The Faith of Inti traces its origins to the ancient Wechua civilization, which flourished in the central highlands of what is now the Wechua Nation around Mount Lacara. Archaeological evidence suggests that sun worship and nature-based spirituality were central to Wechua culture as early as -3000 AN. During the classical period of Wechua history (c. -1000 AN - 500 AN), the Faith of Inti developed into a state religion, with the ruler of the Wechua often considered a direct descendant of Inti. This era saw the construction of major temples and the codification of many rituals and beliefs. The arrival and growth of many different empires and nations, especially Attera, and the brutal colonization and suppression of the Wechua led to a dark period for the faith. However, the Faith of Inti demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting and evolving in response to these challenges, remaining alive among many Wechua people through the centuries. Since the proclamation of the first Wechua kingdom in 1657 AN, a revival and modernization of the Faith of Inti has led to the current form of the faith, marked by efforts to reconcile traditional beliefs with contemporary science and social values, as well as increased international recognition of Intian practices.
Basic beliefs
Cosmology
The Faith of Inti posits a universe divided into three interconnected realms. These realms are not viewed as entirely separate but as overlapping and interacting dimensions of reality. The concept of "pacha" encompasses both space and time, reflecting a cyclical view of existence.
The three interconnected realms are:
- Hanan Pacha (Upper World): The celestial realm of the gods, associated with the sky, celestial bodies, and higher consciousness.
- Kay Pacha (Middle World): The earthly realm of human existence, where the material and spiritual intersect.
- Ukhu Pacha (Lower World): The underworld, associated with the dead, new life, and telluric forces.
Core tenets
Important beliefs
Important places
- Mount Lacara;
- Cathedral of Viracocha in the city of Parap;
- Holy City of Huichajanca.
Symbols
Deities
The Faith of Inti has many deities. The principal deity is Inti, known as the sun god. He is typically viewed as a boy from Wechua society and was also known as a golden disk with fire like rays coming and a face in the middle. The Faith of Inti believes the sun is a key element for agriculture by protecting and helping with the growth of crops. The Coricancha (The Golden Enclosure) in the city of Huichajanca is the holiest temple of the Faith and is dedicated to Inti.
Deities in the Faith of Inti occupy the Three Realms:
- Hanan Pacha: the realm of the celestial Gods in the sky. The upper realm that included the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars, the planets, and the constellations. The hanan pacha was inhabited by both Inti, the masculine sun god, and Mama Killa, the feminine and moon goddess. The Illapa, the god of thunder and lightning, also existed in the hanan pacha realm. After Alexandrian missionary activity the hanan pacha was interpreted as akin to Heaven;
- Ukhu Pacha: Ukhu pacha is associated with the dead as well as with new life. As the realm of new life, the realm is associated with harvesting and Pachamama, the fertility goddess. As the realm associated with the dead, ukhu pacha is inhabited by Supay and his group of demons which torments the living.
- Hay Pacha, the outer Micran realm, the perceptible world where people, animals, and plants all inhabit, often impacted by the struggle between hanan pacha and ukhu pacha.
Meaning of pacha
Pacha means "world-moment" in Wechua, including a temporal context of meaning. Pachas overlap and interact in Wechuan cosmology presenting both a material order and a moral order.
Other deities
- Viracocha: Seen as a human man of extremely dark skin, known as the creator of humanity and everything else on the planet of Micras. He taught early humans how to live and taught them kindness and love. After Viracocha taught early humans the "basics" of the world and how to live, he left Micras in the control of the lower Gods, climbed up Mount Lacara and jumped from the summit to the bottom steps of the entrance to the Heavenly Realms. Considered as Inti's eldest son.
- Illapa: Illapa is the god of thunder and controls weather, rain, snow, and lightning. He was a valued God because Illapa controlled the weather and growth of the crops. Inti's youngest son.
- Mamaquilla: Mamaquilla is the Goddess of the Night, the Mother Moon. She is usually seen as a silver disk with a face in the middle. She is Inti's wife and controls the passing of time. All the temples that worshiped Mamaquilla were worked on by priestesses.
- Pachamama: Pachamama is the Earth Mother. She is seen as a god of fertility, agriculture, cooking, and domestic bliss.
- Mamacocha: Mamachocha is the Mother of all Lakes, she is the God of all waters, rivers, and mists. Mamachocha is important because she is seen as keeping the world strong and providing sources of water for her people.
- Urcuchillay: The God Protector of llamas and alpacas, the God of all Animals.
- Mama Sara ("maize mother", a.k.a. Saramama): The Goddess of grain, youngest sister of Pachamama. She is associated with maize, potatoes, and grain, the staples of the Wechuan diet. She is also associated with willow trees.
- Supay: God of death and ruler of the Ukhu Pacha as well as a race of demons.
- Urcaguary was the god of metals, jewels, and other underground items of great value.
- Huacas: Anything, including people, places, and objects, in the world that the faithful consider a supernatural spirit. Each region had a regional patron deity that they prayed to for luck, good health, and prosperity.
