Karawati: Difference between revisions

The followers of Karawati do not stray from the ideals of love, which means that any one Betazoid man or woman can love and be attached to several different mates at any one given time. Some sects hold true to the idealist manner that held families together through the tests of time. Here are some terms to keep in mind when it comes to the love and bonding of Karawatiâ⿬⿢s people.

*'''Genetic Bondmate:''' As some of Earth cultures, a mate can be prescribed to an individual at a very young age. However, with this type, much like Vulcans, the children can be psychically attached and eventually marry in an elaborate ceremony that is instigated with a â⿬ſBonding Gift.â⿬? Though modern Betazoids typically do not marry genetic bondmates now, other than marrying Imazadeâ⿬⿢s or Imzadiâ⿬⿢s. The sentimental connection to genetic bondmates is still a common practice though and preferred through the majority of religious and cultural divisions.  

*'''Imzadi:''' This is commonly known in the Betazoid language as â⿬ſBeloved.â⿬? It is meant and said to describe the first person that touches not only the Betazoid in full body, but in immaculate soul as well. It is the purest term to call the most dearest of hearts. The connection is usually exhibited and shared by both parties, Betazoid or other alike. It is considered a very special bond.

*'''Imzade:''' A term that is most notably describes the lover(s) in a Betazoidâ⿬⿢s life as, â⿬ſSecret Lover,â⿬? not to be confused with â⿬˿Imzadi.â⿬⿢ Imzade(s) are relatively common and come and go throughout. Imzades are seen more with the female population especially during the â⿬ſPhaseâ⿬? â⿬⿿ in which a mature woman will take in a variety of mates.  

The ethics of a Betazoid love relationship becomes a little more complicated when it involves another from a foreign race. Some other species do not understand in why a Betazoid would do this â⿬⿿ some Betazoids do not take in other mates, but some others will.  

The typical â⿬ſWeddingâ⿬? Ceremony stays common with the norm, however, and it is based on a number of symbolisms. It is done in the nude, to mark that the past is the past and the bride and groom come into the union with no secrets â⿬⿿ having, thus, nothing to hide. Spectators are encouraged to â⿬˿dressâ⿬⿢ the same, but it is not mandatory. References of the ceremony in specifics are described in Peter Davidâ⿬⿢s book, â⿬ſImzadi".

It is also seen that the male gender take the femaleâ⿬⿢s last name, as the Goddess is the sign of the most dominant sex. However, it is not uncommon either to see the women to take onto a maleâ⿬⿢s last name if he is of noble blood and comes from a House. However, if they both derive from Houses, then the male becomes a part of the females and takes onto him her surname. This all falls into the preference and actual religion of both parties, and is no way connected to the normalcy of Betazoid martial politics.

There are a number of ways to worship and pay homage to Karawati, depending on personal preference. A series of temple locations scatter across the planetâ⿬⿢s surface â⿬⿿ some in major cities (most notably, Mestara) and within jungle regions.

The temples are home to Karawatiâ⿬⿢s Priestesses, who dedicate their lives to her name and inspire others the path of her faith. They chant and pray all day and night, serving her people and the continuing prosperity of their home world. Most of the time, they dress in elaborate and exotic robes that show off their tattoos and piercingsâ⿬¦ it is relatively normal to see them also don anything symbolic of the goddess. Cool mannered and sometimes often mistaken as gypsies or Wiccans, these women are revered and praised for all their good work. It is considered an honor to take into the position, and is addressed as so by paintings that mark the occasion in each independent, receiving house.  

Mediation is also a preferred practice that involves the burning of incenses and candles to clear oneâ⿬⿢s state of mind. This method is used to clarify oneself as an individual and to hone into the clarity that is Karawati herself: thus, becoming more aware and feeling enlightened after the experience is finished. It is also used to purge any angered or impure feelings/thoughts, channeling them into a black hole to be recycled for the better of their disposition. It is much like Buddhism in the ways they do cherish and exhibit it.  

*'''Seaâ⿬⿢Nu:''' A fruity scent that is used in festivals. It is believed to embody a chemical that rejuvenates the spirit, making the individual feel more alive and active. This is also used to center the mind into a total state of bliss.

*'''Nor Kala:''' This is a scent more associated with Nag Champa. It is used to cleanse the air and add peace to oneâ⿬⿢s well-being.

*'''Moon and Rite of Yimone:''' Yimone is associated with Life and Death, as she is the sister of Karawati and twin of Retana. As one of the makers of the Moons, it has become a balancing effect of both sisters to keep the stability of their sister (Betazed). This is the beginning of the end of what the Betazoids call â⿬˿Winterâ⿬⿢ and brings in the first signs of Spring. The waters are supposedly washing more rapidly, and it is believed by the Goddessâ⿬⿢ followers that this is the time for rejoiceâ⿬¦ Things to begin anew, another life cycle starts.

*'''Reign of Ceriwynn:''' The flourish of spring, in with the life, rebirth and the awakening of Ceriwynn, Daughter of Karawati and spirit of the season. A festival in this young maidenâ⿬⿢s name is celebrated within the temples in the crispest of mornings, tagged with singing, dancing and painting. It is considered where Karawati is most alive. It is said when the young woman has her outbursts is when the torrential rain poursâ⿬¦ when the Sun rises once more and clears the land, Karawati has put her young daughter to sleep.

*'''Seane:''' Early spring risen of the Goddess into the bleed between to Summer. This symbolizes the â⿬˿officialâ⿬⿢ awakening of the Goddess and her sisters into the heat of life; this is usually met with a series of burning incenses in the temples and craft festivities in the markets. Marriages are most popular during this time of year.

*'''Retanaâ⿬⿢s Farce:''' Summer into what is fallâ⿬¦ Still warm, but Retana moans for her time to bring things down and let her sisters rest. Calmly gliding into â⿬˿Winter or the Severance of Rixx,â⿬⿢ Karawatiâ⿬⿢s people choose this time to pull in any crops and tie down any loose ends.

*'''Severance of Rixx:''' Known otherwise as the â⿬˿Fall of Rixx,â⿬⿢ this time symbolizes the end of Rixxâ⿬⿢s days, bringing chill until Yimone turns again.  

Most of Karawatiâ⿬⿢s people tend to be liberal, and bring their children up into homes that accentuate their strengths. Faith is not forcefully drilled onto them as they believe every child should go where their heart tells them. However, the ethics of right and wrong are enforced as well as good standing and respect for others.

Each child, when born, whether or not decides to â⿬˿mergeâ⿬⿢ with the Goddess, undergoes a ceremony called '''The Caitia Panelle'''. This is a rite to ensure a good, healthy life full of lessons and prosperity. It also acts as a sinker for the gift of telepathy and empathy in which to connect with their people.

*'''Ascension-Kara:''' This is the ceremony that â⿬˿adoptsâ⿬⿢ others and melds them into a house by the prayers and blessings of current members. The ceremony can be held by any number of individuals, but is most commonly done by one. The individuals adopted can be of any given race or gender, and have to be entered with the purest of intentions and hearts. This usually lasts for about one week and is strung out by a series of events that leads up to the finale. It mostly involves chants and, depending on the house, dress.

*'''Imzadi Fordone:''' Reaching the eve of marriage, Betazoids would often engage in a ceremony that commits them to their partners. This will forsake any other mates for the duration of their marriage and, if broken, can be faced by a number of repercussions. During the relationship, a Betazoid female would often run her fingers over her mateâ⿬⿢s face, indicating her fascination and dedication to him. In this rite, however, this step is taken one degree higher. The physical connection is met with psychical methods and is kept, â⿬˿behind closed doors.â⿬⿢

*'''Incada:''' An old Betazoid rite and ritual to cleanse oneâ⿬⿢s thoughts and focus their mind and body onto reality and the true core inside. Itâ⿬⿢s used to diminish the bad and take in the positive â⿬⿿ good mediums for this right include a warm tub and plenty of sweet smelling oils.  

Depending on the individual of course, many of Karawatiâ⿬⿢s followers share a common faith that everyone should be treated equal as they were created equally. Even if not from the Houses, each being and essence is a part of a bigger scheme that binds them together. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Do things good and do no harm unto others. This is the common goal of Karawati and hopefully she inspires her children to do the same. If they accomplish the goal of peace, stability and harmony to themselves and others, the next life cycle will bring about an even more beautiful harmony.

The web-sites used to help assist in this final production of â⿬ſAlanaâ⿬⿢sâ⿬? religion: