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Herd Beliefs and Practices


The Bythol

The Bythol is another Celtic symbol for everlasting love. This symbol is denoted by knots and two trinities. The Trinity is a three cornered knot representing the mind, body and spirit in its three corners. It is a symbol that embodies eternal life and when placed side by side, it creates an endless, graceful flow of lines. Hence, the unification of the two symbols signifies the merging of the body, mind and spirit bonded in a circle showing eternal love.

When Ethan returned to the herdgrounds with the intent to stay and repair the bonds between he and Hunter, he crafted a bythol as a gift to her and a symbol of his love and intention to stay, help in the herdgrounds, and repair bridges between himself and his grown foals. It was a sign of love and a pledge of loyalty not just to Hunter, but also his extended family: parents and foals past and present, as well as the herd as a whole. It is a symbol of his system of beliefs that he is bringing to the herd to strengthen their bonds and sense of identity.


Beliefs
The official herd belief system/religion is a bit of an amalgamation of traditional Celtic beliefs. There are veins that have been conglomerated and syncretised, taking aspects of ancient Celtic animism (with the belief of spirits in everything and their influence over daily life), with Celtic polytheism and even some of the iconography of Celtic Catholicism. Partially because a lot of these belief systems built on top of each other to begin with, and partially because these were translated a bit through the "telephone game" from humans to soquili to begin with.
The herd reveres Irish stories and mythos of heroes, gods, and monsters, honors the ethics and values of the religion, and honors the holidays and festivals.
However, the herd is not overtly preachy; they use the beliefs and religion as a unifier for the herd, a way to build identity and community through commonality. They teach life lessons through the myths and legends (why not to act in an immoral manner, finding inspiration through the deeds of heroes, or seeing role models that might even bear feature such as horns that are not evil.


Herd Practices

• The herd observes and celebrates the eight sacred holidays. Stories of the origins and importance of the holidays are shared in a group setting, and the traditions are practiced. This further encourages herd unity and bonding.
  
  
• Votive offerings and shares of food are sometimes left for the deities/spirits in times of hardship or direction and guidance is sought
  
  
• Storytelling and preservation of history and identity of the herd and the belief systems is important
  
  
• Family ties are also important.
  
  
• Breed history in the family does not damn a soquili. They are individuals and can choose and carve their own identity. Just because a soquili might be the offspring of a kalona does not mean that they have to be evil.
  

Tenants

• Adult members of the herd are expected to contribute and help with tasks and roles. Individualism is encouraged, and the herd does certainly not stifle a spirited soquili (free-hearted and spirited are after all very Irish traits)
  
  
• Herdmembers are expected to participate in herd holidays/celebrations
  
  
• It is highly encouraged to have both parents present to raise foals, whether or not the parents lifemate.
  This is mostly due to Ethan's guilt about not being around to raise his and Hunter's first foals, and the resentment that some of his daughters grew up with. He knows it would be hypocritical to punish soquili who do not follow this value, but wants to try to prevent other soquili from making the same mistake he did. At the very least, if Ethan learns of a situation like this happening - be it by a stallion or a mare, he would want to have a conversation with them.
  
  

Herd Roster and Ranks

Alpha
The Alpha is the de-facto leader, primary decision-maker, and spiritual leader of the herd


Protector
The protector is the soquili with the best mind for and experience with tactics and battle strategies. He aids in choosing herdgrounds, maintenance of the territory, and keeping out predators and other potential enemies and threats. The herd is not a violent one, but he is there if the need arises.



Advisers
Experienced soquili who contribute something to the alpha's decision making. They can be lore keepers, soquili with experience leading, or possess other vital or useful knowledge.



Members
Most soquili in the herd are considered "members" but are no less valuable to the herd. They can participate in all festivals, events, and are always welcome to borrow the alpha's ear if they have an idea or suggestion or concern.



Temporary Members and Honorary Members
These soquili are either strong allies with the herd, or currently seeking refuge or living in the herdgrounds. They may not be here to stay, but they are welcome and trusted soquili.