Lunarism: Difference between revisions

| label6 = Founded | data6 = 2nd Century CE

'''Lunarism''' is a {{wp|monotheistic}} {{wp|religion}} that has its origins in Volkian paganism. Its followers believe that [[Yelena]] is the creator and protector of the [[lupine]] species. It is the largest of the lupine religions, with over 75 million followers, known as "Lunarists." The vast majority of Lunarists live in [[Volkia]], which is also considered to be the holy land of Lunarism. Lunarism teaches that Yelena is all knowing, merciful, and unique and guides lupines through {{wp|prophets}}, {{wp|scriptures}}, and signs. The primary scripture are the [[Knigi Luny]], which contain both the word of Yelena and teachings from [[Miroslav]], the first messenger of Yelena.

Volkian paganism refers to the religious beliefs, myths, and ritual practices of the ancient lupines that inhabited what is now modern day [[Volkia]]. Volkian pagans believed in one supreme being, the Mother, as the creator the lupines and the world around them. They perceived the world as inhabited by various spirits, which were represented as beings and worshipped. These spirits included those of waters, forests, fields, households, illnesses, luck, and ancestors. For example, ''Chelovd''y is an important water spirit, believed to distribute fish to fishermen and later regarded as god of the oceans.

Volkian pagans also worshipped star-gods, including the Moon and the Sun. The former was considered to be female and the latter to be male, working in tandem to help the ancient lupines flourish. The moon-god was regarded as the dispenser of abundance and health, and highly regarded by Volkian pagans. This high regard would lead to the belief that the moon was actually the Mother, who would come to be known as Yelena.

=== Miroslav ===

Miroslav (c. 205 - 247) was a hunter turned preacher and religious leader. He is widely considered to be the catalyst for Lunarism's creation and expansion, preaching the word of Yelena across central Volkia. In 239, Miroslav was said to have been attacked by a large bull elk while in the woods near his village as the moon rose, and was saved by a "bright, golden She-wolf" who then spoke to him. Miroslav preached that she was the Mother, the moon-god of the Volkian pagans, and that she was called Yelena. Miroslav would go on to describe how Yelena said she would protect the lupines in their greatest hour of need and those lupines that worshipped her would be rewarded with spending the afterlife in paradise. Yelena then disappeared into the forest. Miroslav returned to his village, injured but alive, and pledged to become the speaker for Yelena.

Miroslav began proselytizing, traveling first through the lands of his people, the [[Volkiplemeni]], before moving on to the lands of the [[Yekarians]]. Both the Volkiplemeni and Yekarians seemed to welcome the change in Yelena's role in Volkian paganism from a minor star-god to the primary god. Miroslav continued his work, preaching the word of Yelena and helped lay the foundation of the basic Lunarist beliefs still in place today. Sometime in late 247, Miroslav was preaching in an [[Orlikians|Orlikian]] village when he was attacked by a group of men who took offense to Miroslav's teachings. He was beaten and taken into the forest outside the village, where he was hanged from a tree. Some writings described the appearance of two bright lights that took the shape of two wolves after Miroslav was killed, and exacted vengeance on Miroslav's attackers.

Miroslav claimed to have been visited by Yelena several more times throughout his life in order to receive her words which would go on to make up a large part of the Knigi Luny.