Church of the Sun and Moon

The Church of Sun and Moon is an ancient state religion of Grand Duchy of Japuile centered around the worship of two deities - the Lord of the Sun and the Lady of the Moon. These divine figures are believed to be the progenitors of all creation, and their sacred union is represented by the essence of Sol-Luna. The religion revolves around the cycles of day and night, light and darkness, and the eternal interplay between the solar and lunar realms.

Deities

Lord of the Sun

The Lord of the Sun embodies radiant power and enlightenment, revered as the celestial ruler of the day. Depicted with a regal aura, often wearing golden armor and a crown adorned with sun motifs, he bestows warmth, prosperity, and divine guidance upon the world.

Lady of the Moon

The Lady of the Moon is the ethereal and mystical counterpart to the Lord of the Sun, presiding over the nocturnal domain. Depicted with a serene countenance, adorned with lunar symbols and shimmering garments mirroring the moon's phases, she brings healing, intuition, and spiritual growth to the faithful.

The Dynasties

The Church of Sun and Moon is structured around two divine dynasties - the Solar dynasty (Solars) and the Lunar dynasty (Lunars). These dynasties consist of lesser gods, demigods, and mythological beings who hail from the lineage of the Lord of the Sun and the Lady of the Moon, respectively.

Solar Dynasty (Solars)

Followers of the Solar dynasty revere the Lord of the Sun and his descendants. They conduct ceremonies and rituals to honor the daily rising and setting of the sun, symbolizing cosmic cycles of renewal and rebirth. Solars seek the blessings of the sun for prosperity, abundance, and protection. Their iconography often features sun motifs like radiant rays and golden discs.

Lunar Dynasty (Lunars)

The followers of the Lunar dynasty venerate the Lady of the Moon and her offspring. They conduct ceremonies during specific lunar phases, seeking the moon's blessings for healing, intuition, and spiritual growth. The moon's influence is also associated with tides and maritime endeavors. Lunar symbols, such as crescent moons and lunar cycles, adorn their sacred objects and ceremonial attire.

Holy Books

The Church of Sun and Moon holds three sacred texts:

The Codex of Sun: A compilation of teachings, hymns, and myths centered around the Lord of the Sun and the Solar dynasty. It serves as the primary holy scripture for the Solar aspect of the religion, providing guidance on living in harmony with the solar cycles and seeking the blessings of the Sun for prosperity, abundance, and divine illumination.

The Guidance of Moon: This sacred text is the counterpart to The Codices of Sun, focusing on the Lady of the Moon and the Lunar dynasty. It offers insights into lunar cycles and rituals to seek the Moon's blessings for healing, intuition, and spiritual growth.

The Unison Chronicles: While separate, some chapters of The Codices of Sun and The Guidance of Moon merge in a revered section known as the Unison Chronicles. This compilation narrates the grand conflict with the Abyssal, the triumph of Sol-Luna's essence, and the subsequent formation of the known world. It serves as a cornerstone of the Solar-Lunar Faith, underscoring the significance of unity and balance between the solar and lunar aspects of the divine.

Structure of the Clergy and Monastic Orders

The structure of the The Church of Sun and Moon's clergy and monastic orders has evolved over the years in response to the needs of the faithful and the changing dynamics of the religion. Notably, the power to appoint, create, and remove positions within the clergy was gradually transferred to the Synod of the Elected, reflecting a more inclusive and democratic approach. Conversely, the structure of the monasteries has remained relatively unchanged for decades, ensuring a steadfast preservation of the oldest temples and burial places.

Clergy Hierarchy:

Supreme Bishop: At the pinnacle of the hierarchy stands the esteemed Supreme Bishop, occupying the role of the highest spiritual authority within the Solar-Lunar Faith. With divine appointment, the Supreme Bishop represents the celestial deities and guides the entire religious community. They preside over significant ceremonies, interpret sacred texts, and make crucial decisions concerning doctrine and religious affairs. According to religious law, this function is performed by the Grand Duke, who, though primarily a secular leader, is endowed with the spiritual authority required to fulfill this sacred role.

Bishop of the Sun and Bishop of the Moon: Holding pivotal positions within the clergy, the Bishop of the Sun and the Bishop of the Moon oversee the worship and spiritual practices dedicated to the Lord of the Sun and the Lady of the Moon, respectively. Both bishops officiate religious rituals, provide blessings, and serve as intermediaries between the celestial deities and their devoted followers.

Elected Synod: Comprising esteemed individuals elected by the community of believers, the Elected Synod constitutes an advisory council that supports the religious heads and represents the collective voice of the faithful. They actively participate in decision-making, engage in discussions on religious policies, and ensure that the diverse interests of the congregation are heard and addressed.

Novices: Novices are initiates in the early stages of their monastic training. Under the guidance of experienced monks, novices learn the monastic way of life and gradually advance in their spiritual journey.

Monasteries Hierarchy:

Abbot/Abbess: Within each monastery, either an Abbot (for male monasteries) or an Abbess (for female monasteries) assumes the vital role of leader and spiritual authority. They diligently oversee the daily affairs of the monastery, maintain the sacred temples and burial grounds in the Preserves, and uphold the ancient traditions of the Solar-Lunar Faith.

Elder Monks/Monastic Council: Supporting the Abbot or Abbess, the Monastic Council consists of senior monks distinguished by their profound experience and wisdom. This council plays a crucial role in decision-making and provides invaluable guidance, ensuring the preservation of sacred sites and the continuity of spiritual practices.

Monks/Monastic Community: The monastic community comprises devoted individuals who have committed their lives to the religious order. Residing within the monastery, these monks wholeheartedly embrace ascetic disciplines, perform daily rituals, and diligently maintain the sacred sites within the Preserves.

Novices: Novices represent initiates in the early stages of their monastic training. Under the careful mentorship of experienced monks, novices learn the monastic way of life, embark on their spiritual journey, and progress in their dedication to the Solar-Lunar Faith.

Triumvirate Ecclesia

The Triumvirate Ecclesia represents the highest governing body in the Japuile religion, responsible for overseeing both the spiritual and administrative affairs of the faith. This esteemed council comprises three principal religious heads: the Bishop of the Sun, the Bishop of the Moon, and the Supreme Bishop. With their collective wisdom and authority, the council plays a pivotal role in guiding religious practices, beliefs, and governance, fostering harmony and unity in the worship of the celestial deities, the Lord of the Sun, and the Lady of the Moon.

Responsibilities

The Triumvirate Ecclesia bears the weighty responsibility of making decisions of significant importance to the faith, interpreting sacred texts, and establishing doctrines that align with the teachings of the Lord of the Sun and the Lady of the Moon. As the highest religious authority, the council presides over major ceremonies, ensuring that rituals are conducted with utmost reverence and spiritual significance.

Moreover, the Triumvirate Ecclesia plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance between the Solar and Lunar aspects of the faith. By providing spiritual guidance to the followers, the council seeks to uphold the harmonious relationship between light and darkness, day and night, symbolized by the Sun and the Moon.

Elected Synod

Complementing the religious heads, the Triumvirate Ecclesia includes the Elected Synod, a council of devout individuals elected by the faithful community. This advisory body serves as the collective voice of the congregation, offering counsel and actively participating in the decision-making process. Emphasizing inclusivity and democratic representation, the Elected Synod ensures that diverse interests and perspectives within the congregation are taken into consideration, thus fostering a sense of unity and mutual understanding within the religious governance.

Preserves

The Preserves are sacred sites dedicated to the preservation of ancient temples, burial grounds, and the most revered relics of the Solar and Lunar Dynasties. These hallowed grounds serve as both spiritual sanctuaries and historical archives, where the faithful can connect with the divine and honor the legacy of their ancestors. Each dynasty maintains its own distinct Preserves— Solar Preserves for the followers of the Solar Dynasty, and Lunar Preserves for the adherents of the Lunar Dynasty.

1. Solar Preserves: These sanctuaries are dedicated to the Lord of the Sun and his descendants. They are often located in sun-drenched regions and are adorned with radiant iconography, such as golden discs and sun motifs. The Solar Preserves are seen as places of enlightenment and power, where believers go to seek blessings of prosperity, renewal, and divine guidance.
2. Lunar Preserves: In contrast, the Lunar Preserves are shrouded in mysticism, dedicated to the Lady of the Moon and her lineage. These sites are typically found in more secluded, serene environments, such as forests or near bodies of water. The Lunar Preserves are spaces of healing and introspection, where worshippers can attune themselves to the moon's phases, seek spiritual growth, and honor the tides of life and death.

Architecture

The architectural design of the Church of the Sun and Moon reflects the rich symbolism associated with its dual deities, the Lord of the Sun and the Lady of the Moon. Each sacred site is meticulously crafted to honor these celestial beings and their respective domains. The majority of buildings are constructed using three primary materials: wood, stone, and marble.

Solar Symbolism

• Radiant Sun Disc: Prominently featured in temples and sacred places dedicated to the Sun, the radiant sun disc symbolizes the Sun's brilliance, life-giving energy, and divine guidance.
• Golden Rays: Architectural elements often include golden rays extending from the sun disc, representing the far-reaching influence and blessings of the Sun, as well as its continuous presence.
• Solar Cross: Known also as the sun cross or solar wheel, this symbol, featuring a circle intersected by lines, represents the cardinal directions and the solar year's solstices and equinoxes, celebrating the Sun's journey.
• Eastward Orientation: Many solar temples are oriented eastward, towards the rising Sun, signifying renewal and the cyclical nature of life.

Lunar Symbolism

• Crescent Moon: Often incorporated into architectural elements such as doorways and windows, the crescent moon signifies intuition, dreams, and femininity, reflecting the lunar cycle.
• Lunar Phases: Structures may feature representations of the moon's phases, illustrating its constant transformation and the cyclical nature of time.
• Lunar Water: Reflecting the Moon's influence on tides, lunar architecture frequently includes water features such as pools or fountains, symbolizing emotional depth and the Moon's connection to the sea.
• Westward Orientation: Lunar temples and sacred sites are often oriented westward, towards the setting Moon, symbolizing the transition from day to night and the Moon’s nocturnal domain.