Dashboard - WILD SOUTH

Magic is real.

So are many mythical creatures from European and native American folklore.

Partly as a result of this, Europe remained pagan, worshipping the Norse gods.

When Europeans come to the New World it is slightly later in history as the wars of Christianity didn't drive people like the pilgrims to make the voyage.

When they did come, they brought Norse paganism not Christianity with them.

In the New World five tribes - the Cree, Apache, Navajo and Comanche and Cherokee have colonised the rest of the tribes by the time the Europeans arrive.

They have formed the Cree Nation, Apache Nation, Navajo Nation, Comanche Nation and Cherokee Nation.

They present a more united and formidable opposition to the European settlers.

There are more weird creatures in the New World than in our history leading to higher immunity and less impact from European disease.

There are wars between the European settlers, the tribes and the Aztec in the south (who never fell to Spanish invaders).

The lack of American plantations meant there was no transatlantic slave trade.

Some decades later when the game is set, boarders have been established for each of the main nations.

What we would call the USA is much smaller and called the Independent State of America, it, plus the Cree Nation, Appache Nation, Comanche Nation, Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, inhabit almost equal parts of North America.

There is also a mixed no-mans land. That is where the game is set. The no man's land is known as the Unclaimed Territories. This region is disputed and is still being colonised by Apache, Comanche, Aztec and Americans.

You are bounty hunters sent into The Unclaimed Territories.

Much smaller geographically than our USA, the ISA covers the north eastern part of the New World.

The main religion is a form of Norse Paganism and the magic they practice is tied to the gods of that religion.

THE AMERICAN GODS

Woden (Óðinn/Odin): God of wisdom, war, poetry, and death. Woden was seen as a leader of the gods, a seeker of knowledge, and a master of magic and prophecy. He was also known for his role in guiding warriors in battle and welcoming fallen warriors to his hall.

Þunor (Þórr/Thor): God of thunder, storms, and protection. Þunor wielded the powerful hammer Mjǫllnir, which he used to defend gods and men against giants and other threats. He was a popular deity among warriors and farmers alike for his protective powers.

Frīg (Frigg/Frigga): Goddess of marriage, motherhood, and foreknowledge. Frīg, Woden’s wife, was believed to have powers of prophecy, though she seldom shared her insights. She was also revered as a protector of hearth and home.

Tīw (Týr): God of war, law, and justice. Tīw was a figure of courage and sacrifice, best known for losing his hand to the wolf Fenrir. He represented the ideals of honor and fair dealing in battle and legal matters.

Ēostre: Goddess of spring and dawn, worshiped during the festival that eventually became Easter. Little is known about Ēostre’s original mythology, but she was associated with the renewal of life and the transition of seasons.

Hælg (Hœnir/Hœnir): A god associated with prophecy, wisdom, and silence. In some sources, he accompanied Woden and was involved in the creation of the first humans. Hælg’s quiet demeanor suggested a contemplative nature.

Nerþus (Njǫrðr/Njord): God of the sea, fishing, wealth, and prosperity. Though little is known of his Anglo-Saxon veneration, Nerþus was thought to bring good fortune, especially in seafaring and coastal communities.

Baldaeg (Baldr/Balder): God of beauty, light, and purity. Baldaeg was known for his fairness, kindness, and the tragic prophecy of his untimely death, which signified a profound loss to both gods and men.

Freō (Freyja): Goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and war. Freō was a powerful figure associated with magic, seiðr (a form of sorcery), and the dead. She was beloved for her beauty and her roles as both a nurturer and a warrior.

Ing (Freyr): God of fertility, peace, and prosperity. Ing was revered for his association with farming, harvests, and general well-being. In the Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem, he was depicted as a prosperous leader and a symbol of abundance.

Hel: Goddess of the underworld, ruler of the land of the dead. Hel presided over those who died of sickness or old age rather than in battle, and her realm was seen as a shadowy counterpart to the glory of Woden’s hall.

The Wyrd: Beings who operate much like the fates and can see the past and the future.

The main beliefs of the Cree are outlined below and their magic is connected to these beliefs.

Kitchi-Manitou (Great Spirit)
The Great Spirit is the creator and life force behind all things, embodying goodness, wisdom, and creation. Kitchi-Manitou connects and guides all aspects of life, maintaining harmony in nature and human existence.

Wesakechak (Wisakedjak)
A trickster and teacher spirit, Wesakechak is known for his shape-shifting abilities and mischievous nature. His stories serve as moral lessons about humility, respect, and the balance of nature. As an intermediary between humans and spirits, Wesakechak often changes the world to protect nature and teach humans about their responsibilities.

Pahpahsees (Thunderbird)
The Thunderbird is a powerful spirit of storms, thunder, and rain. Symbolizing strength, renewal, and courage, the Thunderbird embodies the life-giving power of water and is called upon for protection and resilience in challenging times.

The Four Directions Spirits
Each cardinal direction (north, south, east, west) has a spirit associated with it, bringing unique energies and teachings connected to the seasons, elements, and particular animals. The Four Directions represent balance, guidance, and interconnectedness, offering insight to help individuals live in harmony with nature’s cycles.

The Spirit of the Land and Animals
The Cree believe all animals, plants, rivers, and mountains have spirits. Revered animals, such as the Bear, Wolf, Eagle, and Turtle, hold special significance, embodying virtues like bravery, loyalty, vision, and patience. These spirits are treated as kin and teachers, reminding humans of their responsibilities to the Earth and all its creatures.

Atayohkanak (Sacred Ancestors and Spirits)
Ancestral spirits are honored as guides who watch over and support the living. They connect Cree people to their past and provide wisdom through ceremonies and stories passed down through generations. Elders and spiritual leaders often call on these spirits for guidance and strength.

Circle of Life and the Medicine Wheel
The Medicine Wheel is a sacred symbol representing the interconnectedness of all beings. It encompasses the four directions, the seasons, life stages, and elements, embodying the cycle of life. It serves as a tool for understanding balance, personal growth, and one’s place in the world.

Balance and Reciprocity
Living in harmony with nature is central to Cree spirituality, which emphasizes maintaining balance and practicing reciprocity with the land and its creatures. Every action has consequences, and balance is achieved by honoring the Earth’s gifts and showing gratitude in return.

Dreams and Visions
Dreams and visions are essential for connecting to the spirit world, offering guidance and insight into one’s life path. Vision quests, where individuals seek solitude, fasting, and prayer to receive a sacred vision, serve as rites of passage that help people connect with guardian spirits and discover their purpose.

Elder Knowledge and Oral Tradition
Elders are the keepers of spiritual practices and cultural wisdom, passing down teachings through storytelling and oral tradition. These stories provide moral guidance, preserve history, and keep Cree spirituality alive across generations, instilling respect for nature and the community.

The land of the Apache Nation lies to the South West.

The magic of the Apache relates to their beliefs:

Ussen (Giver of Life)
Ussen, or "Life-Giver," is the creator deity and source of all life. Ussen is a powerful, benevolent spirit believed to have created the Earth, all beings, and the natural world. This deity embodies vitality, harmony, and balance in nature.

White Painted Woman (Changing Woman)
A central figure in Apache mythology, White Painted Woman (also known as Changing Woman) represents fertility, growth, and transformation. She is associated with the cycles of life, seasons, and womanhood. She is celebrated through the Apache Sunrise Ceremony, a rite of passage for young women.

Killer of Enemies
Killer of Enemies is a heroic figure and protector spirit, often depicted as a warrior who defends the people from monsters and malevolent beings. In Apache stories, he uses his bravery, wisdom, and strength to restore balance and protect humanity from harm.

Child of the Water
A sacred warrior spirit and companion to Killer of Enemies, Child of the Water is a protector and guide. Together, they represent courage, resilience, and the ability to overcome adversity. Child of the Water often symbolizes growth and the journey to spiritual maturity.

Mountain Spirits (Ga’an)
The Ga’an, or Mountain Spirits, are powerful protectors associated with natural elements like mountains, animals, and thunderstorms. They are believed to bring guidance, healing, and protection. The Ga’an are often called upon during the ceremonial dance known as the "Crown Dance," where dancers invoke the spirits to bring strength and balance.

Spirit of the Sun
The Sun holds special significance in Apache spirituality, seen as a powerful, life-sustaining force. The Sun is associated with warmth, growth, and protection. Daily prayers and rituals often honor the Sun as a giver of light and energy that sustains life.

Spirit of the Earth
The Earth is revered as a sacred mother, providing sustenance and shelter to all beings. The Apache believe the Earth has its own spirit, deserving of respect and gratitude. This spirit is honored through careful stewardship of the land, mindful hunting practices, and rituals that express thanks for Earth’s gifts.

Four Directions Spirits
Each direction—north, south, east, and west—holds distinct spiritual significance, with associated spirits offering unique wisdom and teachings. The Four Directions represent different aspects of life, such as growth, introspection, and courage. These spirits provide guidance and balance, helping individuals align with nature’s cycles.

Animal Spirits
Animals are considered spiritual beings, each with their own qualities and wisdom to impart. Animals such as the Eagle, Bear, and Deer are especially revered, symbolizing qualities like vision, strength, and gentleness. These animal spirits are often honored in stories, songs, and ceremonies, and are seen as guides in life.

The Spirit of Ancestral Knowledge
Ancestors hold a revered place in Apache spirituality, and their wisdom and guidance are considered ever-present. The Apache believe that ancestral spirits watch over and protect the community. Elders are seen as conduits for ancestral knowledge, sharing teachings and stories that keep traditions alive and guide future generations.

Healing and Medicine People
Medicine people, often called "diyin," hold a special role in Apache society as healers and spiritual guides. They are believed to have a deep connection with the spirit world and use their knowledge to heal physical and spiritual ailments. Diyin also conduct ceremonies to maintain harmony between the people and nature.

Ceremonial Practices and the Circle of Life
Apache spirituality places strong emphasis on ceremonies that honor life’s cycles, particularly through the use of sacred symbols and dances. The Circle of Life is a guiding philosophy that emphasizes interconnectedness, renewal, and respect for all beings. Ceremonies like the Sunrise Dance and the Crown Dance are essential for celebrating and maintaining this balance.

Dreams and Vision Quests
Dreams and visions are important channels for connecting with the spirit world. Apache people often undertake vision quests, seeking solitude and fasting to receive personal guidance or answers from the spirits. Dreams are also considered messages from the spirit world, offering insight and wisdom that can aid in decision-making and personal growth.

Elder Wisdom and Oral Tradition
Elders play a crucial role in preserving Apache spiritual knowledge, sharing stories that teach about moral values, nature, and the spirit world. Oral tradition is central to Apache spirituality, providing cultural continuity and fostering respect for nature and each other across generations.

The Cherokee Nation lies to the South East.

Their magic relates to their beliefs:

GODS AND SPIRITS

Unetlanvhi (Creator)
Unetlanvhi, meaning “The Great Spirit” or “Creator,” is the supreme being and source of life in Cherokee spirituality. Representing wisdom, goodness, and balance, Unetlanvhi is considered the giver of life, ensuring harmony among all living things and the natural world.

Kanati (The Great Hunter)
Kanati, also known as “The Lucky Hunter,” is a cultural hero associated with hunting and providing sustenance. He embodies the skills, knowledge, and respect for nature required for survival, teaching the Cherokee to hunt ethically and responsibly. Kanati’s stories impart lessons on balance with the environment.

Selu (Corn Mother)
Selu, or “Corn Mother,” is a goddess of fertility, agriculture, and harvest, representing the essential life-sustaining power of corn. As Kanati’s wife, she taught the Cherokee how to cultivate and harvest crops, particularly corn, which is central to Cherokee sustenance and culture. Selu’s sacrifice in certain myths underscores themes of renewal and the cycles of life.

The Thunder Beings (Aniyvdaqualosgv)
The Thunder Beings, or Thunderers, are powerful spirits associated with storms, rain, and protection. They are revered for bringing rain to nourish crops and cleanse the earth. The Thunder Beings symbolize strength, and are sometimes called upon for protection and guidance, especially by warriors.

Uktena (The Horned Serpent)
Uktena is a supernatural, dragon-like serpent with a crystal in its forehead, known to be powerful, mysterious, and dangerous. It is often depicted as a spirit with great knowledge and strength but can also bring destruction if disrespected. In some stories, Uktena guards sacred sites or is challenged by brave warriors to prove their courage.

The Little People (Yunwi Tsunsdi)
The Yunwi Tsunsdi, or “Little People,” are small, invisible beings with magical abilities. Known for their kindness and mischievous nature, they help those in need but can also punish those who disrespect them or nature. They represent the importance of humility, respect, and connection to the unseen world.

The Sun Goddess (Amatoya Sunoyi)
The Sun is personified as a female deity, bringing warmth, life, and illumination. She is honored for sustaining life on Earth, and many Cherokee ceremonies are performed in her honor. Daily prayers and certain dances pay respect to the Sun, thanking her for her light and warmth.

Four Directions Spirits
Each cardinal direction (east, west, north, and south) is sacred, associated with specific colors, animals, and elements that hold spiritual significance. The directions are invoked in ceremonies to create balance and protection. They represent aspects of life such as birth, growth, rest, and renewal, guiding individuals in their journey through life.

Animal Spirits
Animals, especially the Eagle, Bear, and Deer, hold deep symbolic meanings and are often seen as spiritual guides. The Eagle, for example, represents vision and higher wisdom, while the Bear symbolizes strength and healing. Each animal offers lessons about life and encourages respect for nature and all creatures.

The Spirit of Water
Water is sacred in Cherokee belief, symbolizing purity, life, and renewal. Traditional water ceremonies involve using rivers or springs for cleansing rituals, seeking spiritual renewal and physical well-being. Water is also considered a link to the spirit world, often used in rituals to communicate with ancestors or receive blessings.

Ancestors and Spirit Guides
Ancestors play an essential role in Cherokee spirituality, with the belief that they watch over the living and offer guidance. Elders and spiritual leaders often share stories of ancestors to pass down wisdom and cultural traditions. Ancestors are honored in ceremonies, reinforcing the Cherokee connection to family and continuity.

Healing and Medicine People
Cherokee medicine people are called upon for healing physical and spiritual ailments, as well as guiding the community in times of difficulty. They draw upon the natural world, using plants, songs, and rituals to maintain health and harmony. Cherokee healing practices emphasize balance between mind, body, spirit, and the environment.

Ceremonies and the Sacred Fire
The Sacred Fire is a vital element in Cherokee spirituality, symbolizing purity, unity, and a connection to Unetlanvhi. Fire ceremonies, such as the Green Corn Ceremony, celebrate renewal, thanksgiving, and the agricultural cycle. The Sacred Fire serves as a reminder of the Creator’s presence and the interconnectedness of all life.

Balance and Harmony
Cherokee spirituality emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony with nature, community, and self. This concept is present in the Cherokee worldview, where individuals are encouraged to act in ways that contribute to the well-being of others and the environment. Living in harmony reflects the Creator’s teachings and brings peace to both the individual and the community.

Oral Tradition and Storytelling
Cherokee culture is preserved through oral traditions, with Elders and storytellers passing down wisdom, history, and spiritual teachings through myths and folktales. These stories serve as moral guidance, teach respect for the natural world, and ensure the continuity of Cherokee values across generations.

RITUALS

Green Corn Ceremony (A-ma-gi-do-hi / New Corn Ceremony)
One of the most important ceremonies, the Green Corn Ceremony is held in late summer to celebrate the ripening of the corn, the main staple of the Cherokee diet. The ceremony includes purification rituals, fasting, dancing, and offerings of the season’s first corn. It is a time of renewal, where people forgive grievances, renew friendships, and seek harmony within the community. The Green Corn Ceremony also involves a “scratching” ritual, where people use animal bone combs to scratch the skin, symbolizing purification.

Purification and Cleansing Rituals
Purification ceremonies, often involving water, are central to Cherokee spirituality, as water is seen as a cleansing and healing force. Ceremonies typically involve bathing in rivers at dawn, especially for those preparing for significant events or roles. This practice, called "going to water," is done while facing east, and is meant to purify both body and spirit, connecting the individual with the life-giving power of water and the spirits.

The Stomp Dance
The Stomp Dance is a sacred dance traditionally performed around a fire in a circular pattern, led by a medicine person or spiritual leader. Participants follow the leader, alternating between singing and chanting, and dance to the rhythm of turtle shell rattles worn by women around their ankles. The dance serves as a way to honor the Creator, connect with ancestral spirits, and foster community harmony. It’s often held in conjunction with other ceremonies, like the Green Corn Ceremony.

Healing and Medicine Rituals
Cherokee healers, often called medicine people, have extensive knowledge of plants, chants, and rituals used to treat physical and spiritual ailments. Healing rituals may include smudging (using smoke to cleanse), prayer, and the use of medicinal plants. The medicine person plays a critical role, performing rituals to restore balance and health, as illness is viewed as a sign of imbalance in body, mind, or spirit.

Prayers and Offerings
Cherokee people offer prayers and gifts to the Creator, nature spirits, and ancestral spirits. Offerings might include tobacco, cornmeal, or small items left at sacred locations such as rivers, mountains, or ancient trees. These prayers and offerings show respect, seek blessings, or request guidance and protection. Prayers often honor the seven directions (north, south, east, west, above, below, and center) to maintain balance with all aspects of the universe.

First New Moon Ceremony
The First New Moon Ceremony, held in early spring, celebrates the new cycle of growth and rebirth. It’s an opportunity for renewal, marked by communal feasts, dances, and prayers. The ceremony seeks blessings for the coming year and ensures a successful planting season. This celebration emphasizes the Cherokee belief in cyclical time and the importance of seasonal changes.

The Seven Clans and Sacred Fire
Cherokee society is organized around seven clans, each with distinct roles and responsibilities, and the clans are considered sacred. The Sacred Fire, central to many ceremonies, represents the eternal spirit and the unity of the Cherokee people. Fires are kept during important rituals and gatherings to honor the Creator, the ancestral spirits, and the unity of the seven clans. In ceremonies, the fire may be symbolically “fed” with offerings.

Rite of Going to Water
An important purification ritual, Going to Water is often performed before special events or ceremonies. People enter rivers or other bodies of water at dawn, praying to wash away negativity and seek protection and strength. This ritual is also performed on significant life events, such as births, deaths, and marriages, to purify and renew.

Seasonal Ceremonies and Festivals
The Cherokee hold ceremonies that correspond to each season, honoring cycles of planting, growth, harvest, and rest. Each season is marked by dances, feasts, and communal prayers to express gratitude for the Earth’s abundance and to celebrate the community’s connection to nature.

Dream Interpretation and Spirit Communication
Dreams are an important aspect of Cherokee spirituality and are believed to contain messages from the spirit world. Medicine people or elders may interpret dreams, especially if they involve animals or visions, as guidance from spirits or ancestors. Dreams are often regarded as spiritual insights that can influence personal choices or lead to ceremonies if they involve omens or visions.

Rituals for the Deer and Animal Spirits
The Cherokee have deep respect for animals, particularly the deer, which is a vital food source. Hunters perform special rituals before and after a hunt, asking the spirit of the deer for permission and forgiveness. This practice reflects the Cherokee belief that all animals have spirits and that hunting should be conducted with respect and balance.

Storytelling and Oral Tradition
Storytelling is a sacred tradition in Cherokee culture, used to pass down spiritual teachings, history, and values. Stories about the origin of the world, the deeds of animals, and lessons about moral behavior are shared by elders, often around a fire. These stories help the community remember their ancestors, respect the natural world, and preserve their spiritual beliefs.

The Sacred Pipe Ceremony
In some ceremonies, Cherokee use the sacred pipe, representing peace, unity, and prayer. The smoke from the pipe is believed to carry prayers up to the Creator. While not as prominent in Cherokee ritual as in some other Indigenous cultures, the sacred pipe may be used by medicine people during certain ceremonies for healing or community unity.

The Navajo Nation lies on the far West coast.

Their magic relates to their beliefs:

Holy People (Diné Diyin Dine’é)
The Holy People are central to Navajo spirituality, representing powerful beings who taught the Diné (Navajo people) how to live in harmony with nature and the universe. They include various deities who embody aspects of life, natural forces, and ethical values, guiding the Navajo in both ritual and daily life.

Changing Woman (Asdzą́ą́ Nádleehi)
Changing Woman is one of the most important deities, representing life, fertility, and the cycles of nature. She is the mother of Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water, and her presence is linked to the Earth’s renewal and seasons. Changing Woman symbolizes growth, transformation, and balance, embodying the nurturing aspects of the Earth.

Sun God (Jóhonaaʼéí)
The Sun God is the father of Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water. As a powerful life-giver, the Sun God represents warmth, guidance, and sustenance, essential for life’s growth. Daily prayers and ceremonies honor the Sun for providing light and energy, as well as for its connection to time, day, and direction.

Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water
These twin warrior deities, sons of Changing Woman and the Sun God, are heroes in Navajo mythology who rid the world of dangerous monsters to make it safe for humanity. Monster Slayer represents courage and protection, while Born-For-Water represents healing and spiritual strength. Together, they embody the forces needed to overcome adversity and bring safety to the people.

Black God (Haashchʼééshzhiní)
Black God is associated with fire, stars, and the night sky. He is believed to have placed the stars in the sky and is connected to the constellations, which are used for guidance and understanding seasonal changes. Black God embodies both mystery and wisdom, representing the vastness of the cosmos and its connection to human life.

Talking God (Haashchʼééłtiʼí)
Talking God is one of the chief Holy People and serves as a messenger between humans and deities. Associated with communication, teaching, and ceremonial wisdom, Talking God is often invoked in ceremonies to help restore balance and provide guidance. He is also considered a protector of harmony and order within the community.

Earth Mother (Nahasdzáán)
The Earth Mother is revered as the source of life, nourishment, and growth. Navajo beliefs emphasize respect and gratitude toward Earth Mother, who provides food, water, and shelter. Her spirit is honored through rituals, as she embodies the interconnectedness of all living things and supports the concept of living in harmony with nature.

Four Sacred Mountains
The Four Sacred Mountains (Blanca Peak, Mount Taylor, San Francisco Peaks, and Mount Hesperus) define the traditional boundaries of the Navajo homeland and represent spiritual guardians for each direction. These mountains are sacred landmarks that hold cultural and religious significance, symbolizing protection, identity, and connection to ancestral lands.

The Winds
The Winds are essential forces in Navajo cosmology, representing the breath of life and guiding forces. Winds are seen as spiritual messengers who carry prayers, thoughts, and blessings between the people and the Holy People. They also serve as guides in times of uncertainty, reinforcing the importance of awareness and intuition.

The Blessing Way (Hózhóójí)
The Blessing Way is a fundamental ceremony that celebrates harmony, balance, and beauty. It reinforces the concept of hózhǫ́, which is the Navajo philosophy of living in balance, peace, and wellness. The Blessing Way includes prayers, songs, and rituals that seek to bring positive influences into one’s life and maintain spiritual health.

Hózhǫ́ (Balance and Harmony)
Hózhǫ́ is a central Navajo concept embodying harmony, beauty, and balance. Navajo spirituality places strong emphasis on maintaining hózhǫ́ in all aspects of life—relationships, health, nature, and actions. This principle guides the Navajo in living a balanced, respectful life and underpins their connection to the natural world and each other.

Ceremonial Healing (Chantways)
Chantways are healing ceremonies performed by Navajo medicine people (called hataalii) to restore balance, address physical or spiritual ailments, and bring about hózhǫ́. These ceremonies use specific chants, prayers, and sand paintings tailored to the individual’s needs, often involving the intercession of Holy People to aid in healing and spiritual renewal.

Sand Painting
Sand painting is a sacred art used in healing ceremonies, symbolizing the world and embodying the presence of the Holy People. Each sand painting is created with meticulous care and destroyed afterward, emphasizing its temporary purpose in healing. The images invite Holy People to assist in the ritual, connecting the participant with spiritual energies.

Dreams and Vision Quests
Dreams and visions are considered important means of communication with the spirit world. Navajo people believe that Holy People may appear in dreams to offer guidance or warnings. Vision quests and individual meditation are ways to seek personal insight, spiritual connection, and clarity in times of uncertainty or life transition.

Oral Tradition and Storytelling
Storytelling is a vital part of Navajo culture, with myths, legends, and histories passed down orally through generations. Elders and storytellers share tales of Holy People, heroes, and the origins of ceremonies, preserving Navajo cultural values and teachings about respect, courage, and the importance of harmony with nature.

The Comanche Nation lies in the middle with points stretching out like horns reach up to the east and west.

Their magic relates to their beliefs:

GODS & SPIRITS

Creator (Pia Mupitsi)
The Creator, sometimes referred to as "Pia Mupitsi" (meaning “Great Spirit” or “Creator”), is the central divine force in Comanche spirituality. The Creator is believed to have made the Earth, its creatures, and all aspects of the natural world, establishing the cycles of life and balance. Comanche people view the Creator as benevolent and powerful, guiding them to live in harmony with nature.

Earth Mother
Earth Mother is respected as the source of life and sustenance. She provides food, shelter, and the natural resources needed to survive. Earth Mother represents the interconnectedness of all life, and her spirit is honored with great respect, often through sustainable practices and reverence for the land.

Sun Spirit
The Sun is a revered spiritual force associated with warmth, life, and guidance. The Sun Spirit is celebrated in daily rituals and viewed as a protector and life-giver, essential for the growth of plants and health of animals. The Sun’s journey across the sky is symbolic of strength, constancy, and endurance.

Animal Spirits
Animal spirits play a crucial role in Comanche beliefs, embodying specific qualities and offering guidance. For instance, the Wolf represents loyalty and community; the Bear symbolizes strength and healing; the Eagle is connected to vision and wisdom. These animal spirits serve as guides, helping individuals develop their own qualities and offering protection in times of need.

The Wind Spirits
The Wind Spirits are essential elements in Comanche spirituality, believed to carry messages from the Creator and connect the physical and spiritual worlds. Winds are seen as powerful forces capable of bringing both blessings and warnings, and they are often interpreted as signs of change or guidance from the spiritual realm.

The Four Directions
Each cardinal direction holds unique spiritual significance and is associated with different animals, colors, and qualities. The Four Directions represent different aspects of life’s journey, from childhood to old age. They are also considered protective forces, invoked in ceremonies to create balance, strength, and connection with the natural world.

Thunder and Storm Spirits
Thunder and storms are viewed as powerful spirits embodying strength, change, and cleansing. Storms bring rain, essential for life, and are seen as signs of renewal and balance in the natural world. Thunder and lightning are interpreted as the voices and signs of the Creator, reinforcing the Comanche’s respect for nature’s forces.

Spirit of Water
Water is sacred, symbolizing purity, life, and spiritual renewal. The Comanche believe that rivers, springs, and lakes are home to spiritual beings who offer guidance and blessings. Water ceremonies are conducted to honor these spirits, seeking their aid for well-being and harmony with nature.

Healers and Medicine People
Medicine people hold a revered place in Comanche society, serving as spiritual leaders, healers, and protectors of cultural knowledge. They possess a deep understanding of herbs, chants, and ceremonies used to treat both physical and spiritual ailments. Medicine people connect with the spirit world to seek guidance, heal, and maintain harmony within the community.

Dreams and Visions
Dreams and visions are powerful tools for connecting with the spiritual world, and they provide personal guidance, strength, and insights. Comanche people may undertake vision quests, seeking solitude and spiritual encounters to gain clarity or direction. Dreams are often interpreted as messages from ancestors or spirit guides, helping individuals make important life decisions.

Sacred Ceremonies and the Circle of Life
The Comanche conduct various ceremonies to honor life’s stages, the cycles of nature, and the Creator. The Circle of Life represents the cycle of birth, growth, death, and renewal, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things. Ceremonies often involve songs, dances, and offerings to reinforce this balance and thank the Creator.

Respect for Ancestors
Ancestral spirits are honored and remembered in Comanche spirituality, believed to watch over their descendants and offer guidance. Ancestors provide moral and spiritual support, and their wisdom is passed down through oral tradition, stories, and ceremonies. Honoring ancestors strengthens family ties and reinforces cultural values across generations.

Oral Tradition and Storytelling
Storytelling is essential in Comanche culture, preserving spiritual beliefs, history, and moral teachings. Elders and storytellers share legends of creation, the deeds of animal spirits, and lessons in harmony with nature. This oral tradition fosters a deep respect for the natural world and for living in balance with all beings.

Balance and Harmony with Nature

The Comanche believe in living in harmony with nature, guided by the Creator’s teachings and the wisdom of animal spirits. Nature is viewed as a sacred partner, and practices like respectful hunting, sustainable resource use, and reverence for natural elements reflect the belief in balance and respect for life.

RITUALS

Vision Quests
Vision quests are a fundamental rite of passage, particularly for young men, who seek spiritual guidance and personal visions from the Creator, animal spirits, and nature. During a vision quest, individuals spend time alone in the wilderness, fasting and praying, often until they receive a guiding vision or encounter a spirit. This experience grants them a personal connection to a specific animal or nature spirit that serves as a lifelong protector and guide.

Ceremonies for the Four Directions
The Comanche honor the four cardinal directions—each associated with specific colors, animals, and elements—believed to influence different aspects of life. Ceremonies involving prayers, songs, and offerings are performed to invoke the blessings and guidance of each direction, seeking balance and strength. Such ceremonies may open important gatherings, symbolize life’s stages, or provide spiritual grounding in times of conflict.

Animal Spirit Worship
The Comanche revere specific animal spirits, each representing valuable qualities and protection. Rituals may include dances, songs, and adornments to invoke these animal spirits, such as the wolf for community, the eagle for vision, or the bear for healing. Hunters, in particular, honor the spirits of animals they hunt, often performing rituals to thank the animal for its life and ensure a respectful exchange between hunter and prey.

The Sun Dance
Though practiced more by some Plains tribes than by the Comanche, the Sun Dance has historically held spiritual importance. When practiced by the Comanche, it is done in a communal gathering where participants dance, fast, and pray under the sun, focusing on sacrifice and renewal. The Sun Dance honors the Creator, asking for blessings on the community, healing, and strength to overcome challenges.

Healing and Medicine Ceremonies
Medicine people and healers conduct ceremonies to treat illness or spiritual imbalance. These rituals involve herbs, chants, and sometimes smoke to cleanse and heal the individual. Healing ceremonies focus on reconnecting with nature’s balance, as illness is often seen as a sign of spiritual or physical misalignment. Healers have extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and the appropriate songs or rituals for healing.

Prayer and Offerings
The Comanche regularly offer prayers to the Creator, Earth Mother, and various spirits of nature, thanking them for guidance and sustenance. Offerings might include food, tobacco, or small tokens left at sacred sites, in rivers, or on mountain tops. Such offerings show respect for the spirits and reinforce the interconnectedness of life.

The Circle of Life and Death Rites
The Circle of Life is a central concept in Comanche spirituality, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life. Death rites focus on honoring the deceased’s spirit, often through prayers and personal items buried with them. Comanche people believe the spirit continues to journey after death, and respectful mourning practices help ensure the deceased’s peaceful transition. Mourning may involve singing or special prayers, with family members observing rituals to express respect for the spirit’s journey.

Rituals with Sacred Objects and Bundles
Some Comanche communities have sacred objects or bundles, containing feathers, bones, stones, or other items that embody spiritual power. These bundles are often kept by medicine people or spiritual leaders and are used in specific ceremonies or for blessings. Rituals involving these objects are conducted with deep reverence, believing that the objects hold protective or healing energies for the community.

Seasonal and Harvest Rituals
The Comanche people recognize the seasonal cycles as part of the Creator’s order. Seasonal ceremonies or harvest rituals honor Earth Mother and thank her for sustaining life. These may include communal feasts, songs, and dances to celebrate the bounty of the land and renew their relationship with nature.

Dream Interpretation and Spirit Communication
Dreams are seen as a means of communication with the spirit world, providing guidance or messages from ancestors or spirit guides. Dreams are often discussed and interpreted, with significant dreams influencing decisions or even leading to particular ceremonies or changes in behavior. Medicine people might help interpret dreams, especially if the dream involves animal spirits or ancestors.

The Aztec rule what we call South America. In this alternative history they were never conquered by the Spanish and now make incursions into the Unclaimed Territories in larger and larger numbers.

Their magic relates to their beliefs:

Ometeotl (Dual Creator Deity)
Ometeotl is the supreme dual god, embodying both masculine and feminine aspects as the Creator of all things. Residing in the highest heavens, Ometeotl represents unity, balance, and the source of all life. Though not directly worshiped with temples or sacrifices, Ometeotl is considered the origin of all the other gods and the cosmic balance.

Huitzilopochtli (God of War and Sun)
Huitzilopochtli, meaning “Hummingbird of the South,” is one of the most important gods, symbolizing war, the sun, and the Aztec patron deity. He led the Aztecs on their migration to Tenochtitlan, where he was honored with the Templo Mayor. Huitzilopochtli’s struggle against darkness each day is honored through human sacrifices, symbolizing the need to nourish the sun and ensure life.

Quetzalcoatl (God of Wind, Knowledge, and Civilization)
Quetzalcoatl, or the “Feathered Serpent,” is associated with wind, knowledge, learning, and the arts. A creator god and cultural hero, Quetzalcoatl is believed to have created humanity from bones of the previous world. His gentle and wise nature contrasts with other warrior deities, emphasizing harmony, agriculture, and intellectual growth.

Tezcatlipoca (God of Night, Sorcery, and Fate)
Tezcatlipoca, known as the “Smoking Mirror,” is a powerful god associated with darkness, the night, conflict, and fate. Tezcatlipoca is often depicted as an unpredictable and cunning force, embodying both good and evil. He is revered and feared for his control over life’s fortunes and his ability to create or destroy.

Tlaloc (God of Rain and Fertility)
Tlaloc is the god of rain, water, and fertility, essential for agriculture and sustaining life. Tlaloc is worshiped with great reverence, as his blessings bring crops and nourishment. However, he can also unleash destructive storms if displeased. Children were sometimes sacrificed to Tlaloc, as it was believed their tears would bring rain.

Xipe Totec (God of Renewal and Agriculture)
Xipe Totec, the “Flayed Lord,” is the god of agriculture, spring, and renewal. Representing the shedding of old for new growth, Xipe Totec is associated with rituals of rebirth and transformation. In ceremonies, priests would wear flayed skins to honor Xipe Totec, symbolizing the life-death-rebirth cycle of crops and nature.

Chalchiuhtlicue (Goddess of Water and Rivers)
Chalchiuhtlicue, meaning “She of the Jade Skirt,” is the goddess of rivers, lakes, and freshwaters, as well as childbirth. As Tlaloc’s consort, she nurtures life through water, representing both purity and the dangers of flooding. She is also a patron of fertility, supporting the growth of life and the well-being of children.

Mictlantecuhtli (God of the Underworld and Death)
Mictlantecuhtli is the lord of Mictlan, the underworld, where souls journey after death. Representing death and the afterlife, Mictlantecuhtli is a skeletal figure who oversees the dead’s passage to their final resting place. The Aztecs viewed death as a natural part of life, and Mictlantecuhtli’s realm was a place of rest for those who did not die heroically.

Tonatiuh (God of the Sun)
Tonatiuh is the sun god of the present era, known as the Fifth Sun. Aztecs believed the world had gone through previous eras, each ending in destruction. Tonatiuh’s role as the sun god requires nourishment through sacrifices, as he sustains life by moving across the sky, and without offerings, he would not rise.

Coyolxauhqui (Moon Goddess)
Coyolxauhqui is the moon goddess and sister of Huitzilopochtli. According to legend, she was defeated by Huitzilopochtli in a cosmic battle, symbolizing the sun’s triumph over night. Her story is depicted on the massive Coyolxauhqui Stone, representing cycles of day and night and reinforcing the power of the sun.

Xochipilli (God of Flowers, Art, and Music)
Xochipilli is the god of beauty, flowers, art, dance, and music, symbolizing joy and creativity. Often associated with love and pleasure, Xochipilli embodies the happiness and vitality found in artistic expression. He is celebrated through colorful rituals and is associated with harmony, fertility, and human connection to nature’s beauty.

Xochiquetzal (Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Fertility)
Xochiquetzal is the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and childbirth. As a figure embodying desire and youth, she is worshiped as a patroness of young mothers, artisans, and lovers. Xochiquetzal also represents the beauty and abundance of the natural world, particularly flowers, butterflies, and the life force.

Huehueteotl (God of Fire)
Huehueteotl, the “Old God,” is associated with fire, wisdom, and the hearth. Representing both the destructive and sustaining powers of fire, Huehueteotl is central to rituals seeking protection, longevity, and purification. Fire ceremonies, such as the New Fire Ceremony, honored his spirit to ensure the continuation of the world.

The Four Tezcatlipocas (Directional Deities)
The Four Tezcatlipocas—Black, Red, Blue, and White—are associated with each of the cardinal directions and different elements or forces. Each Tezcatlipoca has specific characteristics and influences, creating balance and order in the universe. They are involved in the creation and destruction cycles of the Aztec cosmos.

Sacrifice and Cosmic Balance
Sacrifice, particularly human sacrifice, played a significant role in Aztec spirituality. It was believed that the gods required offerings of blood to maintain cosmic order, allowing the sun to rise, rain to fall, and crops to grow. Through sacrifice, the Aztecs honored their gods and sought to ensure the balance of the universe and continuation of life.

The Calendar and Rituals
The Aztecs followed a complex calendar system that combined religious and agricultural cycles. The tonalpohualli (260-day calendar) guided rituals, while the xiuhpohualli (365-day calendar) marked seasons and festivals. Each period was associated with specific gods, rituals, and omens, reinforcing the Aztecs’ devotion to maintaining harmony with cosmic forces.

Myth of the Five Suns
Aztec mythology holds that the world has gone through five cosmic eras, or “Suns,” each ending in a cataclysm. The current era, the Fifth Sun, is sustained by Tonatiuh, who requires human sacrifices to continue shining. This myth illustrates the cyclical nature of time and the belief in renewal after destruction.

Tlalocan (Paradise of the Rain God)
Tlalocan is the paradise realm of Tlaloc, where souls of those who died from water-related deaths or in childbirth are believed to reside. Unlike Mictlan, the underworld, Tlalocan is a lush, fertile place symbolizing abundance and joy, representing an alternative afterlife for those closely connected with nature.