The Seven Winds

The Traditional Four Winds

While the North Wind brings cold and storms, and the South Wind brings warmth and gentle rains, the Travelers will carry one from one end of the world to the other and back again. Sailors and Ashkwen revere the Travelers for their relative consistency and their usefulness. The East and West winds bring bad weather only when influenced by the North or South winds.

The South Wind is, on the surface, gentler than the North Wind. Sha-Shara, the South Wind, while usually gentle has a temper that can be violent. Unlike Alva, Sha-Shara’s anger usually comes without much warning, hits hard, and may last as long as a whole day. The hurricane is an example of Sha-Shara in a bad mood. Alva broods and apparently hold grudges but is rarely as violent. Sha-Shara will vent her temper and then dance gently around one inviting one to play.

Alva, the Storm Queen is often depicted with her 7 Storm Wolves.

The three, non-directional, Winds

These winds have never been given human forms and attributes.

The Mage Wind

It is said by Ashkwen mages that if one truly understands the Mage Wind, one will never miscast a spell. Where magic flows, the Mage Wind blows, its eddies and breezes cause the subtle changes in the mage’s intent. It has no other names.

The Ghost Wind

The Ghost Wind is also called the Spirit Wind. Those who can sense its presence often see spirits and visions.

The Change Wind

The Change Wind also called “The Wind That Shatters Mountains” or “The Wind That Topples Empires”. It is unclear if causes the changes or is an aspect or agent of change. Many consider it to be aware.

The Wind Circle

Wind Circle

A Dômüs Môdé Wind Circle consists of an outer circle of three trilithons, and inner circle of four trilithons and a central raised step with a circular altar. The outer circle has three trilithons placed in apparently random positions. In truth the trilithons are placed in respect to the aspects the 3 non-directional winds which is different for each circle. In older circles, there are two additional stones, representing the eighth wind, placed flush with the ground, positioned as if they were the foundation for a missing trilithon. The trilithons of the inner circle are aligned with the four cardinal winds, north, south, east, and west.

The Eighth Wind

Some believe in a fourth non-directional wind, or perhaps a non-wind, called the Death Wind. It is characterized by an absolute stillness.

 

Copyright © 2015 by Robert W. Dills