Ceremony of Purification

Also known as La Ceremonia de Purificación, this is a ceremony undergone by all members of the four castes, usually on their first introduction. For Priestesses and Handmaidens, it is a part of their acceptance. For the Military and Slaves, strictly speaking, it only applies to those who will be residing in a cregan but, since that may apply to anyone, the ceremony in undertaken by all.

=Process

1. Stillness: Reflection and prayer; the sacred quiet before transformation
2. Reckoning: The trial of knowledge and faith in Divara
3. Veiling: Anointing with blood to represent the old self
4. Cleansing: Washing away the old self; a release through cleansing
5. Witnessing: The inspection to ensure purity and readiness
6. Ascension: Presentation to the sun; receiving divine blessing and renewal

The Two Styles

The Symbolic Ceremony

For Slaves and Guardia, the ceremony is mainly symbolic, involving the placing of drops of blood on the forehead, the chest and groin (just above the genitals) which are then wiped off. The period of reflection is an hour and the test is fairly perfunctory.

The Full Ceremony

For Handmaidens and Priestesses, the ceremony is more detailed and intense. The period of Stillness is about 12 hours with the lamp gradually fading to darkness. The Reckoning is naturally very thorough. The third stage, Veiling, sees the person covered all over with blood, with the blood being rubbed into every area of her body by slaves (for Handmaidens) or Handmaidens (for Priestesses). She then bathes in a pool to remove all traces. Their naked body is then inspected to ensure that all blood is gone. The final step is to stand naked on a balcony facing the sun (this is usually a sheltered balcony, not visible from outside) and recite an oath of obedience.

Summary of Differences

Section	Full	Symbolic
Stillness	Example	Example
Reckoning	Example	Example
Veiling	Example	Example
Cleansing	Example	Example
Witnessing	Example	Example
Ascension	Example	Example