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Rituals
The Ritual of Life
This ritual is exclusive to wealthy merchants and others who can afford it.
While the Al-Aqrab work to serve Acrab, the necessary ingredients and the
expense of travel to perform this ritual are often too extravagant for
lower-class farmer and peddlers. This ritual is not incredibly popular among the
Shaula as its seen as wasteful.
Upon the birth of the first son (A daughter or younger son will never have this
ritual performed upon them) an Al-Aqrab Priest takes the child to a high point.
(often a hill or a rooftop also works for some of the grander Arjat buildings) A
single spot of frankincense oil is placed on the child's forehead and the Priest
begins the prayer.
Lord Acrab King of the Sands
Giver of Gifts Protector of Man
Bless this Child Let him Stay upon your path.
Next, the Priest places another dot of saffron upon the father's forehead.
After a period of meditation takes place wherein the father prays to Acrab for
guidance in determining the road his son should take. (this decision in wealthy
or important families is very much up to the father). After two days of
meditation the Priest performs the second prayer.
Lord Acrab, Guardian of all
Lend this man your wisdom.
Allow him to guide his son.
Show him how he may obtain greatness
in your Divine Eyes.
Finally, the Priest grinds vanilla beans and adds a bit of water. This drink is
then given to the child to represent his new purity (received from the ritual).
The child now he begins his life in service to Acrab.
Wedding Ritual/Ceremony
Opening Prayer:
In the name of Acrab, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Praise be to Acrab, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the lands
Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
Master of the Day of Judgment.
Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.
Show us the straight way,
The way the Priest Kings, on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace.
Turns his attention to the Couple to be Wed:
May these vows and this marriage be blessed by Acrab.
May it be sweet milk, this marriage, like wine and halvah.
May this marriage offer fruit and shade like the date palm.
May this marriage be full of laughter,
their every day a day in paradise.
May this marriage be a sign of compassion,
a seal of happiness here and hereafter.
May this marriage have a fair face and a good name,
an omen as welcomes the moon in a clear blue sky.
I am out of words to describe
how spirit mingles in this marriage.
Groom (repeats after Al-Aqrab)
Your Spirit mixed with my Spirit little by little,
by turns, through reunions and abandons.
And now I am Yourself, Your existence is my own,
and it is also my will.
Bride (Repeats after Al-Aqrab)
I have seen my Lord with the eye of my heart,
and I said: "Who are You?" He said:"You."
So I shall be, part of you, an extension of your spirit.
*dips finger in water dabbing it upon groom's forehead*
As water to a thirsty land, may Acrab's Blessings fill you to overflowing, and
may His path be clear before you.
*dips finger in water dabbing it upon bride's forehead*
As water gives life, may Acrab's Blessings quicken you, that His bounty fall
upon you and may you always walk in His footsteps.
Today, under the eyes of Acrab, you are united in your love of each other. May
your union be blessed in His sight, and fruitfull for His cause.
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