Morikomi Shamanism

= Morikomi Shamanism = "The Shamanistic worship of the Mountain Gods"

Introduction, Founding, and History
The Morikom Mountains are old as time, dominating the Aurean landscape and towering over the Kingdom. The first peoples to wander these lands saw the mountains as majestic and powerful, as they reached high towards the heavens. They believed that in climbing the highest peaks, one could commune with the Gods, as they were closest to the heavens. The many peaks of the Morikom Mountains are rugged and raw, yet perfectly sculpted to honor the wisdom deep within them. The shamans believe that the mountains, while mostly barren of vegetation and life, have souls and great ancient wisdom from which they can learn.

The Mountain Gods are believed to be eternal. Even should the cities and culture of Aurea be reduced to rubble- the mountains will endure melania. The Morikomi Mountains are sacred land, and unnecessary disturbance of the natural landscape angers the Shamans. The Shamans understand the mountains as alive and defacing them is the sole way to evoke the wrath of the Shamans. Shamans do not believe in violence, but the winds delivered prophecies that implied that plague and famine would be cursed upon those who harm the Morikomi Mountain Gods.

The Shamans also believe in the Four Winds, other deities of the Morikomi tradition. The Four Winds are the messengers of the Gods, delivering devine signs to the peoples of earthly Eldham. These winds are honored in the four turrets of the Royal Castle of New Aurea, where they may deliver words from the heavens down to the Monarch. The Shamans interpret the howling of the winds as divine prophecies.

Shamans also discovered useful healing herbs in the harsh snowy mountains, which is where their practice of spirituality and healing overlap. With complex rituals and ancient medicinal knowledge, the Morikomi Shamans have a reputation for their talent in healing. In times of strife across the lands of Eldham, many gravely wounded warriors came to the Shamans seeking their aid. In times of disease, where the masses are cursed with wretchedness and ravaged with plague, the Shamans have also aided the people of Eldham. Anyone who makes the journey to the Morikom Mountains will see the grace of the Morikomi Shaman Healers.

Moon worship is a more recent development of the Morikomi Shaministic religious practice. The worship of the Moon Goddess Dalbosal was once a completely separate religious practice, but eventually was adopted by the Morikomi Shamans. Queen Bee, who’s patron goddess is the Moon Goddess, followed Bee to Aurea. When Bee learned of the local Shamans, she respected them immensely and saw many similarities to her worship of Dalbosal. In an elaborate ceremony in the heart of the Morikomi mountains, the two religions became a creolized faith, distinctly unique to the  Aurean Kingdom. The deities of the winds, mountains, and moon are unified as the protectors of the Aurean Kingdom.

Principals
The key principles of Morikami Shamanism include:

-God and Deity Worship

-Wind Prophecies and Interpretation

-Healing the Wounded and Sick

-Protection of the Sacred Morikom Mountains

-Values-based lifestyle: Kindness, Respect, Peace, Wisdom

Religious Texts
Book of the Four Winds

Book of the Moon

Book of the Morikomi Mountains

Book of the Shaman Healer

Book of Prophecies

Shamans
Shamans are the people who dedicate their lives to learning the ways of the Morikomi Mountains. Shamans learn to make healing medicines and interpret prophecies, providing guidance for the Aurean Kingdom. Sleeping Sparrow is currently presiding as the High Shaman. She is working diligently to restore lost texts of generations of shamans before her. There are two lower ranked Shamans that never leave the mountains and live secretive lives mostly concerned with the matters and happenings of the heavens, mountain gods, wind spirits, and moon goddess.

Morikomi Shamanism and the Aurean Government
It can be noted that the Aurean Council both works closely with Shamans, as well Sparrow's dual role as the High Shaman and Minister of Law, Culture, and Records. Here is the government statement on freedom of religious practice within the Aurean State:

A message from the Ministry of Law, Culture, and Records "The Kingdom of Aurea honors the diverse stories and origins of all citizens within the nation’s borders. The hope for the Kingdom’s success lies in our ability to live harmoniously with one another. We respect each individual’s beliefs and encourage each citizen to find a religious teaching that suits them best. We ask that citizens also respect the religious ideas of other citizens. Our strength lies in our ability to work collaboratively towards common goals- the state hopes that any strength a citizen may draw from their religious practice will also be the strength of the state.""In the Kingdom of Aurea, there are two state sponsored religions that are native to the region, of which a more detailed history can be found in the historical records of the Aurean Library. These Religions include Morikomi Shamanism and the Cult of Piscopte. Morikomi Shamanism is native to the Morikom Mountains of the Aurean mainland, while the Cult of Piscopte originates on the island of Aquae Aureae."It can be noted that the Aurean Council both works closely with Shamans, as well Sparrow's dual role as the High Shaman and Minister of Law, Culture, and Records.