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 is undertaken by all.
Process
- Stillness: Reflection and prayer; the sacred quiet before transformation
- Reckoning: The trial of knowledge and faith in Divara
- Veiling: Anointing with blood to represent the old self
- Cleansing: Washing away the old self; a release through cleansing
- Witnessing: The inspection to ensure purity and readiness
- Ascension: Presentation to the sun; receiving divine blessing and renewal
The Two Versions
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 of blood. Her 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 | Twelve hours and gradual darkness | One hour in daylight or lamplight |
| Reckoning | Thorough | Simple |
| Veiling | Covered in blood | Three drops of blood |
| Cleansing | Bathing in pool | Wiping off the drops |
| Witnessing | Full inspection | Symbolic glance |
| Ascension | On balcony, naked | Takes place anywhere |
Variations for Castes
Sacerdotisa
Before beginning her final year as an Acólita in a cregan, she will undergo the simple ceremony. When qualifying as a Sacerdotisa Nombrada, she must complete the full ceremony.
Criada
Before beginning training in a cregan, the Criada Novicia will undergo the simple ceremony. When qualifying as a Criada Jurada, she must complete the full ceremony.
Guardia
Before moving to a cregan but many will undergo it as a Recluta automatically. The trooper is normally clothed through the whole ceremony.
Bestia
Usually when they become a Bestia Baja but could occur later if the Slave is not part of a cregan. The Slave is usually naked through the whole ceremony.