Herd Beliefs
The Followers of The Moon believe that everything in nature is sacred. They have a strong connection to the plants and animals around them and always treat them with respect. The Followers believe that Spirits guide their every move, leaving nothing to chance. The elders of the herds or Grove Keepers as they are called are the oldest and wisest of their kind and have the deepest connection to the Spirits. They speak with the Spirits constantly seeking their guidance but also making sure to keep them happy. Angering the Spirits can result in catastrophe for the herds if they are not appeased again.
Sacred Plants
While all plants are sacred to this herd there are some of which are held in higher regard than others. These particular plants are used in ceremonies, add in healing or are a symbol representing the herds beliefs.
Oak Tree – The Oak Tree is by far the most sacred plant to the herd due to its size, longevity and nutritious acorns. It is often referred to as the “King of Trees” in a grove. Acorns from the tree that are gathered at night are believed to hold the greatest fertility powers. The Grove Keepers and Spirit Walkers often listen to the rustling leaves of the tree for messages from the Spirits. Burning the leaves of an oak tree can cleanse the area or the soul of a horse. A branch of an oak tree is laid with a deceased member during the Death Ceremony.
Fir Tree – This plant is particularly important at the birth of new foals. The needles are burned to bless and protect the mother and foals, ensuring that no harm will fall upon them.
Mistletoe – Sprigs of mistletoe are used during the pairing ceremonies that occur during the Winter Solstice. Great care is taken in picking the sprigs of mistletoe as any that are incorrectly harvested can have a great impact on the couples ability to travel into the Spirit Dream world to see their future together. It is important to note that while the Mistletoe is used in this all too important ceremony that consuming more than two of it’s berries can not only cause the horses to not enter the dream world but also in some cases cause great sickness and even death.
Lobelia flowers – This plant is used by the Spirit Healer to cure coughs. It should be taken in small doses over several days to prevent overdosing. Should a horse take in too much at once they may become extremely sick and in some cases can result in death.
Downy Wood Mint – This plant is used by the Spirit Healers to help alleviate aches. It should be taken in small doses over several days to prevent overdosing. Should a horse take in too much at once they may become extremely sick and in some cases can result in death.
Sacred Animals
Much like their beliefs about all plants being sacred, the Followers of The Moon believe that all creatures are sacred as well. Each animal has a meaning behind it and having that particular animal appear to one of the herd’s members is often a sigh of things to come.
Owl (
Cailleach): Wisdom, Change and Detachment.
The owl is one of the most sacred of animals. It is the embodiment of wisdom and discernment. Being a creature of twilight the Cailleach teaches you how to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Change is inevitable in the world, and you must detach yourself from what you have come to know in order to accept these changes. It is said that the screech of an owl foretells of a coming birth or death. The owl is also often referred to as Lady Moons Hunter. Through the owls wisdom we learn that death is not an end but a beginning.
Wolf (
Faol): Learning , Intuition, and the Shadow.
The wolf represents and strong sense of faithfulness, intuition and inner strength. Faol will teach you to take risks, learn, cross barriers and push yourself beyond your normal limits in order to grow. Through the wolf we learn to trust ourselves, not to reject or fear the parts of us which me are not yet familiar.
Hawk (
Seabhac): Recollection, Nobility and Cleansing.
The hawk is said to have a knowledge that extends back to the beginning of time. Seabhac can help you recall missing pieces of your memories so that you may assemble all the details which are significant.
Raven (
Bran): Initiation, Healing, Protection and the gift of Prophecy.
The raven is said to mark the death of one thing and the rebirth of another, this can mean the death of your old self and the rebirth of the new or entering a new relationship. With it’s connection to the Otherworld the raven can offer instructions for healing others or help resolve a long buried conflict within ones self.
Fox (
Sionnach): Diplomacy, Cunning and Wildness.
The fox represents cunning and trickery as it can move swiftly and without being seen to steal items from others. Sionnach helps you release your wild side, which can allow you to accept who you are and what you may become. It is believed that finding a fox is a sign that good fortune will come your way.