Title: The Merciful Hand
Domains: Health, Recovery
Creators: Almariel and Valora
Pantheon: Alorama
Description
Ithara, Healer of Sorrows, is the compassionate deity who embodies the restorative power of health and the gentle touch of recovery. Formed by the union of Almariel, Lady of Light’s light and Valora, Aevari of Water’s nurturing nature, Ithara’s presence is as comforting as a spring rain, bringing solace to those in pain and restoring hope to the weary. Known as The Merciful Hand, she represents the healing touch that soothes both body and spirit.
Ithara is depicted as a graceful figure clothed in robes of soft blue and green, reminiscent of healing waters and serene meadows. Her eyes, filled with empathy, seem to hold a deep understanding of the sorrows she eases. She carries a delicate staff entwined with flowering vines, from which emanates a soft, healing glow. Her hair is adorned with blossoms that bloom in the presence of suffering, symbolizing the beauty that can emerge even from pain.
Followers
The Handmaidens of Ithara include healers, midwives, herbalists, and those devoted to easing the suffering of others. They are often found in temples that double as hospices, located in towns and cities across Eldara, offering shelter and care to the sick and injured. The Handmaidens of Ithara believe in the sanctity of all life and dedicate themselves to helping others, regardless of background or creed. Temples dedicated to Ithara are places of peace, where those in need can find both medical care and emotional support.
Rituals and Offerings
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The Rite of Blossoming Waters: Followers gather at a sacred spring or river to perform this ritual, in which they bless water to be used for healing purposes. During the ritual, they sing hymns of renewal and float flowers upon the water, believing that Ithara’s blessing will infuse the water with her healing power.
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The Vigil of Solace: Once a month, the faithful hold a vigil in which they sit with the ill or grieving, offering comfort simply by being present. This act of compassion, called the Vigil of Solace, is central to Ithara’s teachings, emphasizing the importance of human connection in the healing process.
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Offerings: Offerings to Ithara include bundles of healing herbs, vials of spring water, and wreaths of blooming flowers. These are placed at her shrines to invoke her favor in times of illness or grief.
Sigils and Symbols
Ithara’s symbol is a blooming lotus intertwined with a flowing river, representing the dual aspects of health and emotional recovery. Her followers often wear this sigil as an amulet or paint it on the doors of homes where the ill reside, inviting Ithara’s presence into the household. The symbol is also inscribed upon the entrances of her temples, marking them as places of refuge and healing.
Additional Details
The Touched of Ithara, those particularly blessed by her, are said to possess the gift of miraculous healing. Their hands glow faintly when they heal, and flowers often bloom in their presence, even in the harshest conditions. These individuals are highly revered and often travel from village to village, providing aid wherever they can.
Ithara’s influence is most felt during times of hardship, when her gentle power brings relief to the suffering. She teaches that there is strength in kindness and that even the smallest act of compassion can ripple outward, changing the world for the better.