Apotheosis [Action]

The apotheosis of the Dierne is a few days away, and I want to cover the three basic parts of the celebration that laity or those interested in the Otherfaith should focus on when July 31st rolls around. As with the basics of the entire Otherfaith, we’ll be focusing on contemplation – the symbols and meanings surrounding the holy day –daily action – how to approach the day and what to avoid in terms of concrete actions – and prayer. This post will focus on action, and the next will look at prayer.

 Voicing Gratitude

We are where we are and who we are thanks to someone, more likely many someones. You should take some time to thank those who have supported you. the Dierne always asks us to evaluate our relationships and whether they are healthy or not. This is another part of gratitude – knowing where it is due. Consider the stability of your community. Is it toxic? Is it lacking, does it require change? This apotheosis is about change and acknowledging that change happens through the acts of many people.

So consider who you are grateful to and why. A healthy community and/or relationship is not rooted in guilt.

Decorations

Stars

Go on the hunt for star symbols to fill your house! the Dierne is a fallen star, and his heart and eyes are described as ‘starry’. His personal power, the gift he gives the world, is undying star fire. He is timeless and ever youthful, a striking youth even among the fae.

Obviously, filling your home with this symbol is a good idea. If you are able, finding black stars would be especially fitting. Making your space a bit plush and extravagant will also manifest some of the Dierne’s traits. This celebration is about the end of struggle or, if we ourselves are struggling, the hope for the end. It is okay to indulge. It is not a crime to find pleasure and enjoyment. (And do not resent yourself if what you find pleasurable is simple – if you find joy in puzzles, collectables, anything that is frowned upon as not being ‘mature enough’, that’s where you find joy. Embrace that.)

Crowns

Crowns, in the Otherfaith, represent godhood and deification. the Dierne’s crown is a delicate silver one, and purchases a crown of some sort to put on your shrine is a good idea. Silver, white, and black are the Dierne’s colors, and any crown – actually, any fancy jewelry – in those colors would be a fitting decoration. Necklaces and crown charms would be fitting to wear as well. This ties again into the luxury and extravagant nature of the Dierne.

As an example of both of these – I splurged on a fancy charm bracelet (that I will continue to use for religious purposes) and bought a black star charm and a crown charm. This means every day I’m wearing symbols of my god on my arm, and the expense I paid is both a sacrifice and an offering.

City Walk/Sky Gazing

Take a walk around your city, and appreciate the urbanity of it all. A lot of people are needed to keep a city running smoothly. Try to notice details about the workings of the city that you would usually miss. As you pass through construction, actually consider what is being built. Do you know why something is being constructed, and how do you feel about the construction? Don’t let yourself have an immediate negative reaction to construction, but consider both the pros and cons of development. the Dierne is said to both causes fungus and flowers to bloom in the roads and also to craft cities from forests. In the Otherfaith, we don’t have one hard and fast approach to the city and to nature and development. Consider the cost of each.

If you’re not in a city, take a few minutes to look up at the sky. Watch the stars. Don’t stress about finding constellations or making sense of the lights. Just gaze. Just appreciate. If either of these is not an option, take the day to learn about the history of cities, as well as attempts to create sustainable urban environments. Research the stars – whether you approach that mythically or scientifically.

Music

Spend the day listening to music that is related to the Dierne. His playlist can be found here.

Food Focus

Eat what makes you feel good. What pleases your body? What makes you feel awesome? And that means mentally too. the Dierne has spent plenty of time just chomping down on ice cream. Enjoy your food, and try to move away from food-as-punishment. What tastes great? What makes your body feel great?

Research Cost

After all that talk of indulgence and consumption, the other thing you should do on or around this holy day is research the production process of a product you love. Investigate the company that produces it. Figure out the cost – do they use unethical business practices, do they support charities that you have deep issues with, are they riddled with problems concerning their employees – and ask yourself I you’re willing to pay that cost. What are we really giving up to have x, y, and z?

And ask yourself honestly if you are able to not afford that cost, whatever it may be. Not everyone has the luxury of boycotting – and yes, boycotting is definitely a luxury at times. People have to eat and support their families. Effective change is not built on the backs of the poor. The Otherfaith is not about eschewing all of modernity and industry, but we are expected to look at the cost of what we consume and figure out if we are okay with that cost. One of the lines from the myths is this:

“Are you saying that no one will suffer, with you?” A few faeries laughed at that.

“I’m saying,” Pallis spoke,” that I will not be ignorant to that suffering.”

We need to honestly look at what we can afford, and we have to see the cost of our lives. Not to inspire guilty, but to remind us that change can start with us. It can start by saying, “I don’t like this. What can I do?” You voice has worth. If you do nothing else, decide on one concrete action you will take to try to alleviate suffering that you are aware of. Be ones of the People. Stand up, even if that just means saying, “This is wrong.” We don’t need the perfection solution immediately.

(This is a bittersweet holiday, after all. We shouldn’t veer too far in the direction of mindless indulgence or self-sacrifice. Balance.)