Beliefs

Reformed Madrianism, a diverging path of Filianism, and Madrianism.

A distinct group within the Goddess Movement of the 1970s and 1980s, Madrianism set itself apart as being structured around a set of scriptures, ideology, and thealogy. Since its inception, it has seen schism and turmoil, rises and falls. Ultimately, it is still a small, unknown facet of Goddess Spiritualism. 

It grew in the 1990s to become the term Filianism, the religion of The Daughter. It is a religion that worships Deity as Feminine, and Trinitarian. It has scriptures, though some vary between groups. It has a creed, a teaching catechism with questions and answers, and blurs the line on monotheism with the branch of divinity that have been called angels and not angels, the Geniae, later called the Janyati. I've seen devotees interchangeably use goddess names from other pantheons to worship Deity and the Geniae, and those who stay to strictly the traditional names within Filianism. It has soteriology, mysteries, and rosary practices. There is a distinct calendar, not unlike the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, but absolutely its own making entirely. The overall religion has been heavily influenced by Neoplatonic thought, as one starts to explore you see it more and more.

It has a rhythm to the year, practices for devotees to build on, methods to help approach divinity. And the Divine Feminine, which many feel is still sorely lacking in spiritual spaces.

For  me, it is a foundation I can build upon. I have long approached divinity as feminine, and have tried unsuccessfully over the years as a Wiccan and Pagan to find solid ground. I found structure, framework, and community here. I felt I could capably build a solid faith to help me.

This page is to help me put to words what my practice is like, what my beliefs are, what some of the above terms mean to someone looking in. I break away from the Filianic terms for the majority of my practice and simplify things.

The basic beliefs and practices of Cerva Madriana are:

• Viewing deity a Dark Mother/Solar Mother/Lunar Daughter 
• Personal names vary amongst Madrian/Filianic sects; often, Dea is used for God overall. God tends to also be used over Goddess as well. I do still tend to just say God. 
• This site, for consistency, will use the names as follows when talking about specific aspects:
• Dark Mother - Mysteria
• Solar Mother - Mari
• Lunar Daughter - Anna
• This is for ease of writing and reading; personal names are certainly encouraged. These are the personal names most comfortable for me, but again; I mainly just say God.

• Working with the seven holy powers/emanations of God, called the Geniae, singular Genia (other groups also use the name Janyati or Janati, for reference). Genia being derived from the original latin of genius. Sometimes described as angels, other times just simply the faces of God. I tend towards angel being a closer description, but honestly, as a henotheist, I view them as both goddesses and the same as God. What is important, is they are the guiding intelligence behind the seven virtues of the faith, meant to stand as directors and guideposts towards the virtues they embody.
• Each has a corresponding virtue, and commonly represented by the seven immediate planets of the solar system.
• Madria Vision, virtue of Generosity. Symbolized by the sun
• Madria Clarity, virtue of Reflection. Symbolized by the moon.
• Madria Valour, virtue of Courage. Symbolized by Mars.
• Madria Wisdom, virtue of Wisdom. Symbolized by Mercury.
• Madria Grace, virtue of Compassion. Symbolized by Venus.
• Madria Justice, virtue of Harmony. Symbolized by Jupiter.
• Madria Temperance, virtue of Humility. Symbolized by Saturn.
• Other traditions have differing names for them, especially within Filianism. The original Madrians tended towards using the names of Greek Titanesses as well, at least in the majority of their writings.
•  I've chosen to work under these names, as I find this works well for me and I can look to different goddesses, myths, philosophies, and stories to learn about these guiding virtues. 
• Madria is meant as an honorary term for mother. Sometimes I simply say Lady Grace. If you read other Filianic writings, you'll see references to 'Sai Vikhe' for instance (this is Madria Valour).

• Understanding of Scriptures and the Creed of Cerva Madriana, and taking time to read Scriptures and ruminate upon them.

• Participating in the wheel of the year, following the mysteries of Mother and Daughter. Observing the festivals and the spirit of each season.

• Observing a rite of offering at least once a month, either at the new moon, full moon, or first quarter.

• Praying at least once a day, and praying the rosary at least once a month.

• Working on spiritual development and personal growth; walking the 'path up the mountain'.

• Giving back to your community in some way to help improve your world as best as you can, and doing so as often as is responsibly possible.