Strictly speaking, all Iyers define themselves as "Srauta-Smarta", ie. followers of the Sruti text (mostly Yajur Veda and Sama Veda), and Smriti texts like Aapasthamba Dharma Sutra. For at least a millennium, a vast majority of Iyers have followed Sri Adi Sankara's advaita philosophy, a branch of Hinduism that believes that the human soul is liberated from the cycle of rebirths through the acquisition of knowledge of its true nature (See external links). Important in the advaitic philosophy is the tenet that Brahman, the Supreme Reality is < ...

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Iyer, Iyer - Spiritual and philosophical beliefs, Iyer - Rituals Ceremonies and Festivals, Iyer - Origins, Iyer - Social and political issues, Iyer - Iyer Women, Iyer - Traditional Iyer Ethics, Iyer - Iyers today, Iyer - Some notable Iyers in the Modern Era

Read more here: » Iyer: Encyclopedia II - Iyer - Spiritual and philosophical beliefs

The Iyers claim a top position in the caste hierarchy of the Tamil-speaking region in India. They are Smartha brahmins, and are distinct from other Smartha brahmin communities mainly in having Tamil for their mother-tongue. In other words: Iyers are Smartha Brahmins whose mother tongue is Tamil. Iyers in the very remote past migrated to Tamil region from the north and differentiated themselves from other Brahmin communities, including the closest smartha Bra ...

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Iyer, Iyer - Spiritual and philosophical beliefs, Iyer - Rituals Ceremonies and Festivals, Iyer - Origins, Iyer - Social and political issues, Iyer - Iyer Women, Iyer - Traditional Iyer Ethics, Iyer - Iyers today, Iyer - Some notable Iyers in the Modern Era

Read more here: » Iyer: Encyclopedia II - Iyer - Origins

Iyer women are noted for their culture and tradition. Proud of their culture, they are uncompromising in their stand. If the Iyers have been able to retain many aspects of their culture, and if they are indeed among the most disciplined yet progressive brahmins, the credit must indeed go to Iyer women. Iyer women have played a major role in propagating Carnatic music and the classical dance form called Bharatanatyam. The Iyer woman is often portrayed as fair skinned woman draped in a nine yard saree, also known as madisaror[Kosha] in ...

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Iyer, Iyer - Spiritual and philosophical beliefs, Iyer - Rituals Ceremonies and Festivals, Iyer - Origins, Iyer - Social and political issues, Iyer - Iyer Women, Iyer - Traditional Iyer Ethics, Iyer - Iyers today, Iyer - Some notable Iyers in the Modern Era

Read more here: » Iyer: Encyclopedia II - Iyer - Iyer Women

Iyers were extremely orthodox a century ago. They followed Dharma shastra texts of Manusmriti Apastamba and Baudhayana. 1.A traditional Iyer is not expected to eat rajasic and tamasic food such as that was derived from meat, or from unclean plants such as onion, garlic and mushroom and it is avoided by the orthodox people even to this day. It must however be added that for the young generation, only "non-vegetarian" foods are taboo. Milk or milk products are considered acceptable. Onions and Garlic are sometimes acceptable to many Iye ...

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Iyer, Iyer - Spiritual and philosophical beliefs, Iyer - Rituals Ceremonies and Festivals, Iyer - Origins, Iyer - Social and political issues, Iyer - Iyer Women, Iyer - Traditional Iyer Ethics, Iyer - Iyers today, Iyer - Some notable Iyers in the Modern Era

Read more here: » Iyer: Encyclopedia II - Iyer - Traditional Iyer Ethics

In addition to their earlier occupations, Iyers today have diversified into a variety of fields—their strengths particularly evident in the fields of mass media, science, mathematics and computer science. It is a minuscule percentage of Iyers who choose, in this era, to pursue the traditional vocation of priesthood, though nearly all Hindu Temple priests are Brahmins. Iyers have been active in the cultural field also. Music has always been integral to the Iyer community; Carnatic music forms an ancient classical tradition, and includes, ap ...

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Iyer, Iyer - Spiritual and philosophical beliefs, Iyer - Rituals Ceremonies and Festivals, Iyer - Origins, Iyer - Social and political issues, Iyer - Iyer Women, Iyer - Traditional Iyer Ethics, Iyer - Iyers today, Iyer - Some notable Iyers in the Modern Era

Read more here: » Iyer: Encyclopedia II - Iyer - Iyers today

There were seven clans in antiquity. There is a common misperception that the Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni or ancient Cherokee priesthood comprised an eighth clan of the Cherokee People, but this belief is a commonplace myth. The Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni appointed a member of each of the seven clans to represent both the spiritual forces the Cherokee believed existed in the Natural World, and the ritual of ceremonies related to the progression of the human spirit from birth until entry into the spirit world to perform the sacred ceremonies for the Cherokee people f ...

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Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Background on Cherokee Clans in Ancient History, Cherokee Clans - The Seven Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Spiritual Significance of the Clans in Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni Rituals, Cherokee Clans - Ancient Spiritual Symbolism of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Customs of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Cherokee Marriage Customs Between the Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Marriage Ceremonies of the Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni, Cherokee Clans - Clan Married Life, Cherokee Clans - Clan Voting and Banishment in Ancient Times

Read more here: » Cherokee Clans: Encyclopedia II - Cherokee Clans - Background on Cherokee Clans in Ancient History

In ancient times, the clan names represented to the Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni the balance between the spiritual forces that shaped and guided the human spirit on its journey and development through life in preparation for entry into the spirit world. The Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni teach that life is made up of four distinct sections and paths, 1) development in the womb 2) childhood 3) marriage and parenting 4) elders (grandmothers and grandfathers) and the perpetuation of the culture through the ancient ceremonies. Each section or quadrant of life was represented ...

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Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Background on Cherokee Clans in Ancient History, Cherokee Clans - The Seven Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Spiritual Significance of the Clans in Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni Rituals, Cherokee Clans - Ancient Spiritual Symbolism of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Customs of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Cherokee Marriage Customs Between the Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Marriage Ceremonies of the Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni, Cherokee Clans - Clan Married Life, Cherokee Clans - Clan Voting and Banishment in Ancient Times

Read more here: » Cherokee Clans: Encyclopedia II - Cherokee Clans - Spiritual Significance of the Clans in Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni Rituals

On the morning of the marriage ceremony, the groom was expected to leave before dawn and go to a spot near a river or other body of running water, and kindle a fire before the first light of dawn with coals taken from his clans fire. In Ah-ni-yv-wi-ya culture, the first light of dawn was considered the most powerful time of the day. He was also expected to be met there before dawn by his close male relatives and men he hunted with from his clan. The young man was expected to talk about his adventures and make his goodbyes to his friends. Onl ...

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Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Background on Cherokee Clans in Ancient History, Cherokee Clans - The Seven Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Spiritual Significance of the Clans in Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni Rituals, Cherokee Clans - Ancient Spiritual Symbolism of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Customs of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Cherokee Marriage Customs Between the Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Marriage Ceremonies of the Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni, Cherokee Clans - Clan Married Life, Cherokee Clans - Clan Voting and Banishment in Ancient Times

Read more here: » Cherokee Clans: Encyclopedia II - Cherokee Clans - Clan Marriage Ceremonies of the Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni

Ah-ni-ga-to-ge-wi or Wild Potato Clan - Were known to be farmers and gatherers of the wild potato plants in swamps (hence the name gatogewi = "swamp"), along streams, and swamps to make flour or bread for food, and were so named after them. They are keepers and protectors of the earth. The Wild Potato Clan have also been known as the Bear Clan, Raccoon Clan and even "Blind Savannah" in different regions. The Clan ...

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Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Background on Cherokee Clans in Ancient History, Cherokee Clans - The Seven Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Spiritual Significance of the Clans in Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni Rituals, Cherokee Clans - Ancient Spiritual Symbolism of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Customs of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Cherokee Marriage Customs Between the Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Marriage Ceremonies of the Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni, Cherokee Clans - Clan Married Life, Cherokee Clans - Clan Voting and Banishment in Ancient Times

Read more here: » Cherokee Clans: Encyclopedia II - Cherokee Clans - The Seven Cherokee Clans

Ah-ni-ga-to-ge-wi or Wild Potato Clan represented the material plane of earth or physical matter (earth). Ah-ni-gi-lo(la)-hi or Long Hair Clan represented the human people (breath). Ah-ni-(k)a-wi or Deer Clan represented the spirit of life, and procreation (life). Ah-ni-tsi-sk-wa or Red Tailed Hawk Clan represented the development of the human intellect (air). Ah-ni-sa-ho-ni or Blue Holly ...

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Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Background on Cherokee Clans in Ancient History, Cherokee Clans - The Seven Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Spiritual Significance of the Clans in Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni Rituals, Cherokee Clans - Ancient Spiritual Symbolism of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Customs of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Cherokee Marriage Customs Between the Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Marriage Ceremonies of the Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni, Cherokee Clans - Clan Married Life, Cherokee Clans - Clan Voting and Banishment in Ancient Times

Read more here: » Cherokee Clans: Encyclopedia II - Cherokee Clans - Ancient Spiritual Symbolism of the Cherokee Clans

Customs of the Cherokee clans have evolved since ancient times, however, tradtionalists still observe clan customs regarding marriage and certain social events. In modern Oklahoma Cherokee culture, Stomp Dances still observe clan rules and hiearchy for Stomp Dance Events. The Cherokee society is historically a matrilineal society; meaning clanship is attained through the mother. Prior to Oklahoma statehood, the women were considered the Head of Household among the Western Cherokee in Oklahoma, with the home and children belonging to h ...

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Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Background on Cherokee Clans in Ancient History, Cherokee Clans - The Seven Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Spiritual Significance of the Clans in Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni Rituals, Cherokee Clans - Ancient Spiritual Symbolism of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Customs of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Cherokee Marriage Customs Between the Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Marriage Ceremonies of the Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni, Cherokee Clans - Clan Married Life, Cherokee Clans - Clan Voting and Banishment in Ancient Times

Read more here: » Cherokee Clans: Encyclopedia II - Cherokee Clans - Clan Customs of the Cherokee Clans

Cherokee Marriages were as much between the Grandmothers of a clan as between the couple themselves. It was not permitted to marry within your own clan. A potential suitor had to select a young woman from another clan. Typically, the clan leaders would be consulted before such a selection was made. Elias Boudinot wrote the following article in The Cherokee Editor on February 18, 1829 regarding Cherokee Clan marriage customs: This simple division of the Cherokees formed the grand work by which marriages were regulated, ...

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Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Background on Cherokee Clans in Ancient History, Cherokee Clans - The Seven Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Spiritual Significance of the Clans in Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni Rituals, Cherokee Clans - Ancient Spiritual Symbolism of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Customs of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Cherokee Marriage Customs Between the Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Marriage Ceremonies of the Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni, Cherokee Clans - Clan Married Life, Cherokee Clans - Clan Voting and Banishment in Ancient Times

Read more here: » Cherokee Clans: Encyclopedia II - Cherokee Clans - Cherokee Marriage Customs Between the Clans

Once a couple had married, they lived with the wife's clan. Since any children born to the couple were of the same clan as the woman, her brothers or male relatives typically were responsible for the social and cultural development of the children. It was the wife's male relatives who typically disciplined and taught the children, and not the father. The father's clan did have the privilege of choosing the names for the couples children. This was generally done ...

See also:

Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Background on Cherokee Clans in Ancient History, Cherokee Clans - The Seven Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Spiritual Significance of the Clans in Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni Rituals, Cherokee Clans - Ancient Spiritual Symbolism of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Customs of the Cherokee Clans, Cherokee Clans - Cherokee Marriage Customs Between the Clans, Cherokee Clans - Clan Marriage Ceremonies of the Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni, Cherokee Clans - Clan Married Life, Cherokee Clans - Clan Voting and Banishment in Ancient Times

Read more here: » Cherokee Clans: Encyclopedia II - Cherokee Clans - Clan Married Life

ceremony: A formal rite established by custom or authority as proper to special occasions. From the Latin caerimonia, "awe; reverent rite."

(See also: Ceremony, Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

CEREMONIAL MAGICK:  Magick that calls upon the aid of beneficent spirits and is akin to religion. Ceremonial Magick is based upon a blend of doctrines of Plato and other Greek philosophers, Oriental mysticism, Judaism and Christianity and currently is divided into three forms: Enochian, Thelemic and Eclectic.

Enochian Magick originated with John Dee and Edward Kelly in the 16th century and communication with spirits involved the Nineteen Calls (or Keys): incantations in the Enchonian language, a complex language of unknown origin.

This system of Magick was revived by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and studied at length by Aleister Crowley. In turn, Crowley developed the Thelemic Magick system from his studies and Ceremonial Magickians have since expanded to develop Eclectic Magick systems based on a variety of different systems, inclusive of Alchemy, Egyptology, Kabbalistic doctrines, Chaos Magick etc..

Ceremonial Magick requires a rigorous discipline and has an intellectual appeal, the mage derives power from God (the Judeo-Christian God) through the successful control of spirits, usually demons, which are believed easier to control than angels. Demons may be good, evil, or neutral. In its highest sense, Ceremonial Magick is a transcendental experience that takes the mage into mystical realms and into communication with the Higher Self.  Also known as High Magick, Ritual Magick, Theurgic Magick, Theurgy.

(See also: CEREMONIAL MAGICK, Pagan Organisations, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary, Wicca, )

CEREMONIAL WITCHCRAFT: A  tradition of Witchcraft with an emphasis on Egyptian and/or Qabbalistic  Ceremonial Magick.

(See also: CEREMONIAL WITCHCRAFT, Pagan Organisations, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary, Wicca, )

Ceremonial Magic:

Schools or methods of magic which place their emphasis upon long and complex rituals, especially of the Medieval and later European traditions; often degenerates into ritualism.

(See also: Ceremonial Magic, Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

CEREMONIAL MAGICK: Magick that calls upon the aid of beneficent spirits and is akin to religion. Ceremonial Magick is based upon a blend of doctrines of Plato and other Greek philosophers, Oriental mysticism, Judaism and Christianity and currently is divided into three forms: Enochian, Thelemic and Eclectic.

Enochian Magick originated with John Dee and Edward Kelly in the 16th century and communication with spirits involved the Nineteen Calls (or Keys): incantations in the Enchonian language, a complex language of unknown origin. This system of Magick was revived by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and studied at length by Aleister Crowley. In turn, Crowley developed the Thelemic Magick system from his studies and Ceremonial Magickians have since expanded to develop Eclectic Magick systems based on a variety of different systems, inclusive of Alchemy, Egyptology, Kabbalistic doctrines, Chaos Magick etc..

Ceremonial Magick requires a rigorous discipline and has an intellectual appeal, the mage derives power from God (the Judeo-Christian God) through the successful control of spirits, usually demons, which are believed easier to control than angels. Demons may be good, evil, or neutral. In its highest sense, Ceremonial Magick is a transcendental experience that takes the mage into mystical realms and into communication with the Higher Self. Also known as High Magick, Ritual Magick, Theurgic Magick, Theurgy.

(See also: CEREMONIAL MAGICK, Magickal Traditions, Magickal Paths, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

CEREMONIAL WITCHCRAFT: A tradition of Witchcraft with an emphasis on Egyptian and/or Qabbalistic Ceremonial Magick.

(See also: CEREMONIAL WITCHCRAFT, Magickal Traditions, Magickal Paths, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

CEREMONIAL MAGICK - also called High Magick. It is a precise method of working magick to achieve a certain end. It is not a religion, rather a magickal practice.

(See also: CEREMONIAL MAGICK, Wiccan Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

CEREMONIAL MAGICK: A highly codified magickal tradition based upon Kabbala, the Jewish-Gnostic mystical teachings.

(See also: CEREMONIAL MAGICK, Paganism, Pagan, Pagan Dictionary)

RITUAL CEREMONY: A specific form of movement, a manipulation of objects or inner processes designed to produce desired effects. In religion ritual is geared toward union with the Divine. In magickal works it produces a specific state of consciousness that allows the magician to move energy toward needed goals.

(See also: RITUAL CEREMONY, Paganism, Pagan, Pagan Dictionary)