Plateau (Reformed Stripping Path)
Plateau is a mythological figure in the Reformed Stripping Path, representing the moon of the same name.
Plateau, the Lady Divine of Health and Medicine, is a compassionate deity born of the healing springs of Micras, embodying the restorative essence of the natural world. Emerging from the convergence of life-giving waters and fertile soil, she carries the divine power to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. Her presence inspires mortals to honor the natural cycles of renewal and seek harmony with the earth.
Plateau in the Reformed Stripping Path
In the Reformed Stripping Path, Plateau is revered as the divine healer and the guardian of vitality. She represents the harmony between nature and the physical well-being of mortals. Worshipers honor her as the restorer of balance, seeking her guidance in rituals that emphasize health, renewal, and the interconnectedness of life. Her teachings encourage the cultivation of natural remedies and the mindful stewardship of the earth’s resources.
Plateau in the Bassaridian Zodiac
Although not directly represented in the Bassaridian Zodiac, Plateau’s influence aligns with the cycles of health and renewal, particularly during festivals celebrating the earth’s fertility and vitality. Her role as a nurturer is most evident during celestial alignments that emphasize restoration and the sustenance of life. She is celebrated in seasonal rituals and herbal ceremonies that highlight the healing power of nature.
Sanctum Vitalis
The Sanctum Vitalis, located in the valleys of Saluria, is the sacred order devoted to Plateau. Members, known as Vitalists, are herbalists, healers, and apothecaries who dedicate their lives to harnessing the earth’s restorative powers.
A central ritual of the Sanctum is the Chrysosphera Mystikon (Mystery of the Golden Sphere), a sacred, daily practice rooted in ancient traditions. During this ritual, Vitalists craft consecrated oils and tinctures from White Horehound, revered for its potent healing properties. Each step is conducted with reverence, under celestial light, invoking Plateau’s blessings. These remedies are then used in ceremonies of healing and distributed among the community, symbolizing Plateau’s nurturing energy and transformative power.
Mythology: The Homeric Hymn to Plateau
The Homeric Hymn to Plateau, written by the celebrated playwright Eliyahu al-Bashir, recounts the tale of Elenya, a healer whose village was ravaged by illness. Praying at a sacred spring, Elenya offered her most treasured vessel in supplication to Plateau. Moved by her devotion, Plateau emerged, guiding Elenya to create a powerful remedy from the waters and herbs of the land.
Through Elenya’s renewed understanding of the natural world, she healed her village and inspired generations of healers to follow Plateau’s teachings. The hymn celebrates Plateau’s role as a divine nurturer, highlighting the balance between nature’s power and human compassion.
The hymn is central to Plateau’s worship, recited during the Chrysosphera Mystikon and other healing ceremonies, inspiring devotion to her wisdom and compassion.
Worship and Festivals in Bassaridia Vaeringheim
Chag Tvuah (Festival of Harvest)
Celebrated on the 6th day of Opsitheiel in Sylvapolis, this joyous festival indirectly honors Plateau’s nurturing influence over the earth’s bounty. Festivities include communal feasts, dances, and the sharing of herbal remedies. Participants express gratitude for the healing and sustenance provided by Plateau’s gifts.
Taşrakah (Reverence of the Stone)
Observed on the 61st day of Thalassiel in Luminaria, this festival involves stone-carving rituals and anointing with sacred oils which indirectly honor Plateau’s enduring role as a foundation of health and balance. Worshipers participate in quiet reflections, emphasizing the resilience and vitality of nature.
Epithets
Plateau is venerated through epithets that highlight her role as a healer and nurturer. She is known as the Great Healer, symbolizing her ability to restore health and harmony. As the Lady Vitalis, she embodies the essence of vitality and well-being. Her title, the Bearer of Life’s Waters, reflects her connection to the healing springs and rivers that sustain life.
Iconography and Depictions
Plateau is frequently depicted as a serene figure adorned with garlands of healing herbs and flowers, her form radiating the soft glow of restorative waters. She is often shown holding a vessel brimming with clear spring water, symbolizing her role as the source of renewal and balance.
Symbols associated with Plateau include the serpent, representing regeneration and transformation, and the caduceus, symbolizing healing and wellness. She is also linked to the Morovian Water Buffalo, an essential part of the ecosystems near Lake Morovia, reflecting her connection to the balance of nature. Artistic depictions emphasize her nurturing presence, inspiring worshipers to seek solace and renewal in her divine embrace.
