Aspects

The Aspects, or the Aspects of Nature are a trio of Aengudaemons^[1] known individually as Cerridwen, Cernunnos, and Nemiisae. While the three deities individually represent different overarching natural necessities, they are banded together in Druidism as being the representation of all of nature, the embodiment of nature.

Overview and History of the Aspects

Following the discovery of the Aspects after Petyr's Great Dream, the Druids previous nature worship shifted towards the worship of the Aspects, whose charge was to protect the balance of nature. Ultimately, this did not really shift the Druid's dynamic of worship very much, but following this discovery they had tangible deities to harness magic from, and worship. The Aspects represent various natural necessities. In short, Cerridwen represents fertility, the cycle of life, and the harvest. Cernunnos represents the hunt, and general predation, and Nemiisae represents death, revenge, the moon, night and shadows.^[2] Nemiisae is an exception from the other Aspects in a few ways: she is the only aspect with a Chaotic Evil alignment, (the others being true neutral) and she is intended to not be taught, thus is a topic of contention throughout the Druidic Order.

Cernunnos

What Cernunnos might look like

Woe to thee who might seek to prey upon the flock of Lord Cernunnos. Legends speak of arrows being loosed upon the skies in numbers uncountable, raining upon those that seek to disrupt the careful balance of nature. It was he who gave the porcupine it’s quills, the rattlesnake it's fangs, and he who first taught the Elves of ancient times the art of bowmanship. Cernunnos waits patiently at the side of Cerridwen, guarding her peace with the vigil of a hawk and the calm of an evergreen forest.

To experience Cernunnos is to experience true challenge. You must hide yourself amidst the canopy of a great green forest, your body obscured by a cloak of leaves you stitched together with pine needles and sap, your stomach howling for the smallest hint of nourishment, your fingers wrapped tightly around a bowstring as you stalk your prey on the forest floor. You must stand steady and vigilant at world’s end, bloody and broken, and counter the pain with courage and skill.

Some alternate names, or nicknames of Cernunnos include; The Great Huntsman, The Green Man, The Horned God, The Father

The 'governing seasons' of Cernunnos are summer and winter, it is then that he rules and watches over the realm.

Rituals and Beliefs

• To this day, all Elves owe their natural affinity for archery to Cernunnos. It is believed he personally taught the ancient Elven lord, Malin, the art as a means to balance the diplomatic race against more violent beings.
• In times of war, it is quite common to hear calls of courage and steadiness in the name of the Huntsman.
• When Druids have a goal in mind, they often refer to it as a hunt in reference to the Huntsman.
• The condition of Albinism is often attributed as a blessing from Cernunnos. Creatures with a pure, white coat are predisposed as honorable and majestic beasts.

Cerridwen

What Cerridwen might look like

It is said that whenever the sun rises, so too does the great Springmother. Cerridwen’s divine light breathes life into the cold darkness each morning, replenishing the weary with renewed strength and vigor. During the creation of the world she is said to have personally sculpted every flower and fruit, every nut and vegetable into an object of replenishment and beauty. Cerridwen’s love for the world is unconditional, and she desires peace above all else.

To experience Cerridwen is to experience the purest form of bliss. You must run barefoot through a bright meadow in the spring-time, your hair down and blowing in the warm breeze as the sunlight washes over your sealed eyelids. You must kneel at the edge of a coursing stream and stare down at your reflection, watching the myriad of colorful fish swimming by without much care in the world. You must hold an infant in your arms, helpless, trusting, and know what it is to be a mother.

Some alternate names, or nicknames of Cerridwen include; Goddess of Life, Mother of The Morn, Lady of Light, The Mother

The 'governing season' of Cerridwen is spring, it is then that she rules and watches over the realm.

Rituals and Beliefs

• When any new life is brought into the world, Cerridwen is believed to watch over them as any mother would. For this reason the phenomenon of ‘Baby Luck’ is often attributed to her.
• Cerridwen’s recognized symbol is the sun, which can commonly be found in druidic libraries as a depiction of ‘Illuminating the darkness of ignorance’.
• Small shrines to Cerridwen can be found in family gardens or farms to ward off pests and encourage a good harvest.
• The officiant of a marriage often blesses the lucky couple with words of Cerridwen to encourage a long, and child-filled life.

References

• 1. https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/97770-the-aengudaemon-lore/#comment-886223
• 2. http://grove.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=Studies&action=display&num=1427758605