Mazdean Faith

Humata, hukhta, huvarshta ("Good thoughts, good words, good deeds")

— Mazdean saying

Mazdeans worship a single, all-powerful creator called Ohrmazd ("Wise Lord," Ahura Mazda), who is opposed by Ahriman ("Destructive Spirit," Angra Mainyu). Ohrmazd is the source of all creation and all good things that exist, and is transcendent. Ahriman is the embodiment of every evil thing and concept.

Zoroaster preached a very high standard of personal morality that binds the laity and priesthood alike; actions taken in this life form the basis for reward or punishment in the next. Collectively, the

actions of the faithful can bring about cosmic changes: the triumph of good over evil. Zoroaster's teachings stress personal honesty and harmony with society.

The material universe is God's good creation, and all unpleasant aspects of it, such as plagues, cold and drought, are products of Ahriman. Because there is a danger of physical corruption in the world, elaborate steps are taken with rituals and practices designed to maintain purity. These rites purify the body and the soul. It is in the material world that humanity makes its choices for right or for wrong. There is no rejection of the material world as being a source of sin or evil in itself. The world is to be enjoyed, although in moderation; asceticism has no place in the Zoroastrian faith.

My sixth name is Understanding; my seventh is Intelligent One; my eighth name is Knowledge; my ninth is Endowed With Knowledge; my twentieth is Mazda [Wisdom]. I am the Wise One; my name is the Wisest of the Wise.

— Yasht 1.7-1.15

Ohrmazd is the supreme creator of the world and all the good it contains. The Wise Lord is self-created, omniscient, omnipresent, holy, invisible, and beyond human comprehension. He is neither begotten nor is anyone his equal. As creator of the earthly and celestial realms, he is the dispenser of every material good and spiritual blessing.

Ohrmazd revealed to Zoroaster personally the mysteries of creation, the reality of life and death, and the unseen spiritual powers that dwell invisibly throughout the world. To know Ohrmazd is to live in accordance with his divine will, to offer him praise and worship, to please him in purity of thought, word and deed, and to further his cause by joining his forces against evil.

In Ars Magica, Ohrmazd is the God of the Divine Realm, the single all-powerful creator and sustainer. He resides beyond the Divine Realm, and is the same creator worshiped by all other monotheistic faiths,