Astraeism is a fictitious religion founded by Lucas Fernandes* (kafkasparasol) and Róisín Gilligan* (florahroi). This spiritual faith accentuates the idea the Stars are a guiding path for all men and women -- not to be confused with Astrology. Astraeism is a celebration of Astraeus, the Titan-god of the dusk and astrological deity. The belief spreads out into many different categories, such as: Spirituality, Reincarnation, Politics, Ethics, and Love. Lucas Fernandes* says that the religion was founded as "simply, an elegant way to view the universe -- a poetic and elegant way."
. . . Spirituality
Astraeism is also a celebration of the individual in the universe -- connecting interaction with spiritual health and strong compassion for everything and everyone. Astraeists view everyone and everything as equal. This includes those of different sexual orientation, religious and spiritual views, and political beliefs. Astraeism invites people of all color and creed, nationality and ethnicity. Astraeism also seeks to connect the spirit of one being with the spirit of another, despite any differences. These two spirits, once connected, by the power of the Stars, cannot be separated (to be further discussed under Love). Once the two are together, they are bound to each other through each life until they have reached Starhood -- the point in which two people have discovered personal and mutual enlightenment within themselves. Astraeists are also devout pacifists and believe that all beings -- despite any feelings of hatred or hostility towards them -- must be respected and unharmed. This goes as far to all living beings, which include: animals, insects, plants, &c. With that being said, Astraeists are also devoted environmentalists and respect nature as much as they would respect themselves and the people they love.
. . . Reincarnation
Astraeists believe strongly in the idea of Reincarnation -- that every person dies and is born again to lead another life. As opposed to Buddhist philosophies, Astraeists seek to also find a mutual enlightenment with a Lover instead of just reaching for personal enlightenment. As previously mentioned, a being can only be enlightened once they have found a personal and mutual enlightenment; that exact moment has been named Starhood. Once all lives have been lived and one has reached Starhood, then their spirit will be lifted from their physical form to exist and live among the Heavens -- not to be confused with an accepted, singular "Heaven". Lucas Fernandes* says, "each person who is alive has been alive many times before, and will be alive for many times to come -- that everything now has once been before, and everything now will be once more."
. . . Politics
Astraeists are generally apolitical but tend to lean further into their spiritual value of Absolute Freedom when faced with politics. Lucas Fernandes* claims that there is a strong connection between Astraeism and Anarchism -- "that the two can coexist peacefully and function in a collaborative manner." Astraeists promote the idea of Autonomy -- the idea that people are entitled to be their own authority. Many Astraeists strongly oppose any external control, which in political contexts may mean opposing any form of government whatsoever.
. . . Ethics
Astraeists may also be considered to fall under a number of schools of thought that regard Ethics. Astraeists are probably many times classified as Utilitarians, who seek to maximize the overall happiness. Lucas Fernandes* is a self-proclaimed Existentialist, who argues that each being, as an individual, must decide for themselves what they deem as right or wrong. Lucas* says, "...if the Stars wish it for you to live this life as one who kills for pleasure, then so be it; just know that my Right may interfere and try incredibly hard to stop you."
. . . Love
Astraeism holds Love in very high regard. Astraeists promote compassion among all beings, including the natural environment. As previously mentioned, Astraeists are very devout pacifists. Pacifism, in this respect, is a willing act of Love. Love may also extend into seeking for a partner, whom under Astraeism are called Lovers. A Lover is a being who helps in completing another being's lifetime. Lovers don't necessarily have to be romantic partners; they can also be family members or strong friends. Lovers, though, generally come from a romantic position in a being's life. Lovers, in this respect, love each other unconditionally, are respectful to one another, and live in helping each other reach a point of Starhood. Astraeism does not condemn any sexual behavior of any kind, whether it be homosexual relationship or polygamous. Astraeists are very devout free-lovers -- which other than solely promoting the idea of loving how ever many people one chooses to love -- but also an opposition to marriage. Astraeists are not advocates of marriage and believe that marriage does not have any intrinsic value. Lucas Fernandes* says, "...marriage is nothing but a way of saying you advocate monogamy and Christian-based values. As a devout free-lover, I believe that people should be able to love however many people they want, whenever they want. I always refer people to Goldman when she says, "Marriage and love have nothing in common; they are as far apart as the poles; are, in fact, antagonistic to each other." I also agree with her when she says that marriage is nothing but an economic arrangement -- a bloody expensive economic arrangement."
