Dear Pilgrims,
When Spiritus Press asked me to write a book on the gods of Lindensea, I initially demurred. I am merely a humble priestess of the Sun god, and have no advanced theological training, so I did not believe myself qualified for such a task.
However, it was explained to me that they had in mind quite a short book that would cover only the most basic tenets of our kingdom's religions. Spiritus suggested that such a book might prove useful for schoolchildren hoping to pass an examination in Basic Divinity, or for a traveller or migrant to our gentle shores curious to learn more of our customs.
As I could hardly refuse to help children, wayfarers and exiles on their journey I agreed to do what little was in my power. And in return, Spiritus offered to send a donation to the Temple of Sol for every copy sold. I ask that the reader bear in mind how ill-suited I am to writing a book and forgive any errors I may make.
These are the most important things to remember about religion in Lindensea:
Polytheistic - there are many different gods and gods worshipped
Syncretic - similar gods from different cultures are joined together under the aegis of Roman theology
Freedom of worship - everyone is free to worship whichever gods they wish
Equality of worship - although some temples are richer and more powerful than others, the devotees of all temples are equal under heaven
While everyone is free to worship as many gods as they wish, most people will belong to two or three temples at any one time. There are various ways to determine which gods a person will follow.
The god of worship - it is believed that each person is naturally a worshipper of either the Sun or the Moon. Royalty and nobility worship the Moon under the name Luna, and common people worship the Sun under the name Sol. However, commoners may worship the Moon under the name Diana, while royalty and nobility worship the Sun under the name Apollo.
The god of protection - each person is born under the protection of a particular god, who can be called upon whenever they face any sort of difficulty, big or small. Which god depends on the month of birth, and is beyond the scope of this book to explain. I ask that you consult one of the many excellent books of astrology to discover which god is your protector, and which is the one you worship.
The god of devotion - this is the god to whom one attaches oneself as a daily devotion and for guidance in life. This depends on many things, most often one's employment, and in this book you will discover which gods are suitable for you to devote yourself to. There may be a choice of many, and you are free to choose as you like. Again, a book of common astrology will be of great help in helping you make that choice.
All are encouraged to take part in the major feasts and festivals of the gods, even if they do not follow them personally. It is also quite normal to change one's temple as life circumstances change.
Furthermore, one may apply to a particular god at any time. For example, somebody suffering the pangs of love might donate to the Temple of Venus and invoke that goddess for assistance, even if they are not her devotee. Sacrifice and sincere prayer are enough to gain her help.
I hope that this little book is of interest to the reader, and proves useful in some small regard.
Be blessed.
SISTER ALBINA CALDERON
Priestess of the Temple of Sol
in the year 1456 of the Saxon Era
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