Sacerdotisa
The Sacerdotisa or Priestesses are the rulers of Altierra. Ostensibly they are only rulers of Divara but, as everyone is a follower of the religion, this results in the Priestesses also ruling politically.
Most Priestesses live in the three Cregans of the Triada The Arcipresta Suprema lives in the Cregan of Alta with a council of Alta Sacerdotisa to advise her. Each Cregan outside of Alta is ruled by an Alta Sacerdotisa; she will have a council of Sacerdotisa Venerada.
Titles
[edit]Priestesses are addressed by all lower status individuals (including lower-ranked Priestesses ) by the title "Domina". When using their name, they are called "Domina Socorra" or by their rank "Sacerdotisa Venerada Socorra". (Although not officially approved, higher-ranking Priestesses often address lower Priestesses by their name alone.)
When a Priestess gives an order, the correct affirmative response is: "As the Domina commands."
Priestesses always have names of three syllables or more.
Clothing
[edit]Priestesses wear long dresses covered by a robe. The robes have large hoods to cover the elaborate hairstyles but are normally "half-raised", attached to the hair by a golden brooch. Both dress and robe are black. Rank is indicated by coloured trim: either hems and cuffs, or a stole. (The Arcipresta Suprema is an exception; as she is the only one of her status, she has no rank colouring.)
Their heads are not normally covered (the hood is only used in very bad weather) and their hairstyles are elaborate and built up high on the head, with complicated patterns of braiding. It is with the patterns that Priestesses show their individuality (although everyone ensures that their style does not outdo the Arcipresta Suprema).
All Priestesses carry a switch in their belt, the colour of their rank, with a silver handle.
For certain rituals, Priestesses wear white versions of their normal formal clothing. These rituals are usually solitary or involve a few closest Priestesses or Handmaidens. Priestesses would not be seen by the public in the ritual clothing.
Jewellery
[edit]The Priestesses wear a ring on the middle finger of the left hand called El Relicario ("The Reliquary"), showing the crescent moon. The Arcipresta Suprema and Alta Sacerdotisa also have rings of their ranks which they wear on the middle finger of the right hand.
Priestesses also wear jewellery in the nose. This varies from a simple stud for Sacerdotisa Nombrada to two rings and chains for the Arcipresta Suprema.
Ranks and Colours
[edit]Arcipresta Suprema (Arch-Priestess)
[edit]Always known as "the" Arcipresta Suprema as there is only ever one. The name comes from arcipreste meaning archpriest, feminised and exalted. She has no trim colour, wearing all black clothing. Nose jewellery is rings in both nostrils with chains linking to a ring earring in both ears.
Alta Sacerdotisa (High Priestess)
[edit]Each Cregan is ruled by a High Priestess. The name comes from "high priestess", directly translated. They have a trim colour of blue. Nose jewellery is a ring in the right nostril with a chain linking to a ring earring in the right ear.
Sacerdotisa Venerada (Elder Priestess)
[edit]They take care of most of the day-to-day running of the Cregan and advise their High Priestess. The name comes from "venerated priestess". They have a trim colour of green. Nose jewellery is a ring in the right nostril.
Sacerdotisa Nombrada (Named Priestess)
[edit]The first rank of a qualified priestess. The name comes from "named priestess", directly translated, because this the first rank which has the title "sacerdotisa". The trim colour is red. Nose jewellery is a stud in the right nostril.
A priestess in learning. Usually remains close by her Priestess (usually a Sacerdotisa Nombrada but could be a Sacerdotisa Venerada). The name comes from direct Spanish feminine form. They are never addressed as Sacerdotisa for the name is not given to them until they qualify. The trim colour is light brown to signify a plain leather belt (the original indication of rank). No nose jewellery.
Images
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