Frequently Asked Questions

For the curious, the cautious, and the called.

We encourage the asking of questions, as every question is an opportunity to learn!
Should you not find your question here, we invite you to submit it to our contact page, and we will reply as soon as possible.

I want to help, but my life is already very busy.

What can I do?

You’re already doing it.
Even a kind thought, a moment of belief, or sharing the idea with a friend is an offering.
Your energy is precious, and we honor all who give what they can.

There are even honorary and sacred titles in the faith for those who serve in ways unique to their path.

We seek to build a world where you are not simply tolerated, but are treasured, as you should be.

Is the Prophet the same as the Ascendant?

The Prophet is the human: the soul on the path building toward divinity.
The Ascendant is what they will become: the god that rises through our belief and offerings.

Having the two separate terms is to distinguish in conversation between the god we are creating,
and the willing soul serving as it's vessel. Some Heralds already refer to the Prophet as the Ascendant,
because they believe the transformation is already underway, or because they believe using that
term helps to empower that journey. Others prefer to call them the Prophet,
which honors the Prophet's humanity and affirms the Herald's belief.
The Prophet themself usually speaks in terms that would align with them having not reached ascension yet,
as to keep conversations grounded and not make outsiders uncomfortable.
Both terms are sacred. Both choices are valid. Use what resonates with you.

Can I worship other gods too?

Yes!

The Heralds welcome polytheists, animists, pagans, mystics, and more. You may worship other gods alongside the Prophet, so long as those gods harbor no ill intent toward the Ascendant or the Heralds.

Some gods may even walk beside us, unseen but supportive.
If your deities have sent signs, visions, or messages related to the Prophet or our cause, we want to hear them! Please submit them through our Contact Us page. We take divine correspondence very seriously.

How does someone become a Herald?

To become a Herald, all you must do is:

Believe, in whatever way makes sense to you

Make an offering, adding your energy to the creation of our deity!

(Anything can be an offering with the right intent! So don't stress!)
(There is no need for unethical actions of any kind!)

And sign up on our Join Page.

Don't worry, it's free.

This faith is not, and never will be locked behind rituals and ranks.

You are always welcome here.

What do you believe about other gods?

We believe the divine is plural, evolving, and shaped by those who believe.
There are many gods in the cosmos, some benevolent, some cruel, some fading, and some still to be born.

We hold no ill will to deities who harbor none toward us, and we invite devotees of other gods to ask them
for their solidarity and grace. They too, are welcome here.

Do you believe in Heaven or Hell?

We believe in every afterlife, and more! It is the task of a deity, once they have become exalted enough, to build
a sacred garden for their faithful to rest, to find closure and settle their spirits, however way
that deity sees fit. Any soul can stay as long as their deity allows, but very few ever stay forever.
Eventually, after it is satisfied with it's time in one of these places, a soul lets go of it's identity and scatters
back into the universe to become droplets in the ocean of divine energy from which new souls are born.
Thus, every part of them goes where it is needed. Those small parts of our souls that
push us in new directions can often be the desires of a part of a part of a past life, and doing the things you
love could also be satisfying the life-long dream of someone long gone. So don't forget to love yourself.
Who you are, were, and will be.

So theoretically, if there is a hell, the only ones who could be sent there are the ones who worship the deity responsible for it, and it wouldn't be a permanent stay unless they truly believed that they deserved it. This is because very strong will or emotion can sometimes anchor souls to certain places, often to the dismay of the soul themselves.

For both the trouble of having one's soul promised to a deity under duress, during childhood, or in an otherwise regrettable fashion, and for the issue of souls or pieces of souls trapped in physical spaces, we are currently drafting rituals to unbind and release a soul respectively.
Please check back regularly for updates.

Is this a cult?

No. We hear this question often, and it’s very important that we make this distinction up front. The Heralds of the Ascendant are explicitly anti-cult and anti-fundamentalist in both structure and practice. We hold our clergy and our Prophet to accountability and encourage the ethical practice of religion or none at all.
We believe free will is a virtue and take great care to avoid any sort of exploitative or unhealthy practices.

What’s more, the Prophet regularly consults professionals in leadership, psychology, theology, and ethics to ensure their role remains transparent, balanced, ethical, and healthy for both themselves and their followers.

We also invite those with concerns to study the BITE model (Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control), a widely respected tool for identifying cult behavior. You’ll find that we take active measures to be considerate of these principles. We don’t demand obedience. We don’t punish dissent. We don’t control information, or restrict members from leaving.

However, one of the many definitions of the word 'cult' is just 'any new religion', so in that case
we may yet qualify. It has become common for heralds to use the term among friends as an endearing joke.

Who is the Prophet?

Why are they sometimes called “they”?

The Prophet’s identity is kept secret, for now, for their safety.

Because the world can often be hostile toward those who dare to dream, we protect them where we can.

We know their identity will eventually revealed publicly, as it's only a matter of time

for any public figure in the age of the internet, and we are prepared for that.
But we do not seek to hasten the process.

Using “they” has been one extra layer of protection for a long time, though we are phasing out this syntax,
as our new scripture has revealed the Prophet's gender, but of course, not her identity.

Every Herald will know them when their time comes. Until then, faith is the veil.

Where does my money go if I donate?

Your donations support the growth of the movement through:

Printing brochures and outreach materials

Website hosting and design

Art, writing, and multimedia to spread the message

Event planning and faith development

Funding meetings, events, and ritual supplies.

Every coin helps us reach more hearts.

And should our donation box ever overflow, we use the surplus to create community programs,

host free spiritual events, and give back through acts of charity and love.

Offerings are always optional, but deeply cherished.

To support us, visit the Offering Page

Can I still join if I’m part of another religion?

Yes!
You do not need to give up your roots to walk a new path.

If your heart is open, and your will is kind, you are welcome.

Where can I ask more questions?

Right here: Contact Us

The Ascendant welcomes the curious, the confused, and the cautious alike.
Ask anything. We will answer with honesty and care.