Everything has its Season.
The Children of the Cycle believe in two fundamental truths: everything happens in cycles, and time flows ever onward. These two beliefs may seem at odds with each other at first glance, but in practice, cycles in linear time can be observed throughout the universe: the seasons of a planet ebb and flow with time, spring following winter following autumn following summer following spring, but no two springtimes are ever exactly the same. Some have described this as the concept of “Spiral Time.” Children of the Cycle believe that the double-helical genetic structure of most organic life reinforces the sacred nature of the spiral: a cycle that nevertheless changes and evolves as it prog.
Although the faith originated on Etheriat and thus draws significant symbolism from the seasons as they occur there, the Children of the Cycle call many different planets, each with their own seasons and their own cycles, home.
Everything happens in cycles, and there is a time for each season. Children of the Cycle seek to maintain their connection to planetary existence by adhering to a seasonal cycle even in the depths of space.
Most Children of the Cycle focus on embodying one or two seasons in themselves, but there are some who “walk the cycle” and accept each season in turn. Each Season lasts for roughly a quarter of whatever the local community defines as a year or its equivalent, though the exact lengths may vary depending on the individual follower. There are four primary Seasons:
“Every seed you plant within yourself during Springtime grows within yourself; the seasons change and with them, so do you.”
Springtime is the time of new beginnings, and is the first season of a cycle. It is marked as a time of action, making plans, starting new projects, and a focus on growth. Spring is associated with the color green and the water of the springtime rains of Etheriat.
“The growth we nurture during Summertime shapes us; the seasons change, and with them, so do you.”
Summer is the time of labor, and is the second season of a cycle. It is marked as a time for working to implement the plans laid down in Spring, developing and deepening relationships, and a focus on building, making, or improving. Summer is associated with the color yellow and the sun of an Etheriat summer.