In the overgrown ruins of a world reborn, the Nomads tread lightly through the city with faces painted in reverence—not for war, but for spirit. Their Spirit Markings aren’t just symbols, they are representative of a sacred contract between the spirit, the Great Mother, and the totem that watches over their life.

The Old Times held structure for worship. Churches, Temples, and the like. When it all came crashing down, what was left?

Nature. Because nature endures all things.

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Long before The Wanderer and her story, the Nomads were considered one of the oldest tribes of free peoples across the region. Their earliest tales began after the War of Rebirth, when those few survivors searched endlessly for answers. Rebuilding an entire society after a world war seemed like an insurmountable task, but the early Nomads noticed how nature seemed unfazed with the destruction that the humans brought upon the land.

Many of the Post-Old Time Nomads began to revere nature, striving to become one with the force that grew stronger with each passing day. What began as a culmination of Old Time Witchcraft and Spirituality transformed into an entirely new type of worship. The Great Mother was adopted by the earliest groups as another form of “Mother Nature,” but more of a guiding force rather than a hands-off deity. She is seen as neither all good nor all powerful, but holds incredible wisdom and practicality that the early Nomads felt ancient religions did not exemplify. Teachings come from the Mother through observation and untethered minds.

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All answers lie within the five elements. Each hold the power to destroy but are vital to our world. Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Spirit.

In order to honor the Great Mother, Nomads began to study the animals around them and share stories of distant creatures that do not roam their lands. Some groups desired a way to show their unyielding loyalty to her, so they adopted Spirit Markings. They reflect inner truth, spiritual alignment, and (for many) a warrior discipline.

In The Wanderer Trilogy: Book 1 – Purpose. You will catch a glimpse of the ritual to bestow Spirit Markings on Jake and Tommy. It is seen as a Rite of Passage for all young adults and is usually a grand festival with singing, chanting, and (of course) the actual Spirit Markings themselves.

The pigments vary from person to person and Spirit Marking to Spirit Marking, but usually fall under three categories: reds (made from minerals like clay), black (made from ash), and green (from plants). The mineral markings exemplify the element Earth, the ash – Fire, and the plants – Air. All are mixed with water as another layer of worship for their Great Mother.

Not only are the markings created from the elements that The Nomads worship, the Spirit Animals themselves govern one of those elements. This can also be noted in the way the Spirit Markings are drawn on the face. An outward expression of the wearer’s personality and spirit, their animal and the human spirit are perfectly balanced.

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Fire – Passion, transformation, and unyielding strength. Markings often resemble sharp edges or sunbursts. (Example – Lion/Lioness)

Water – Healing, intuition, and memory. Curving lines, spirals, and waves flow across the cheeks or jawline. (Example – Fish)

Earth – Groundedness, patience, and tradition. Strong, symmetrical lines often drawn down the chin or brow. (Example – Bear)

Air – Freedom, thought, and change. Swirling shapes, broken patterns—like wind across a field. (Example – Raven)

Spirit – The rarest and most sacred. Only given to those who fully exemplify the wisdom and will of the Great Mother without training. Often a mix of all other elements, placed over the third eye or heart. (Example – Owl)

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Another thing to note is that Spirit Markings may transform over time. In the same way nature is ever-evolving, so is humanity and the Nomads are no exception. What may begin as a simple Spirit Marking at the Nomad’s Rite of Passage may turn into something more intricate as they grow or face trials. The Elders who can see and feel the auras of their people usually hold a separate, more private ritual, to change the markings. Then, the Nomad is usually presented to the entire group as a transformed spirit.

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The Spirit Marking ritual itself is relatively simple. The entire tribe gathers around a centralized area with fires and plenty of food (depending on how many Nomads are coming of age). In the evening, just as the moon is rising in the sky, the rite begins. Elders and Nomads alike begin chanting to harmonize with the universe, beginning from many notes and slowly unifying with the others around them. Eventually, the single note reverberates through the bodies of everyone present as a symbol of connection.

Then, the Elders call forth each Nomad and place their hands on them. Some Elder Seers are able to determine the Animal Spirit that protects them hovering above their physical body, while Elder Feelers tend to feel the energy flowing through the person and make the determination of what animal shares that same energy. Some describe it as different colors and patterns while other describe the ghostly figure of the animal itself.

Whatever the case, the relationship of the Nomads and Nature is not something to take lightly.

If you walked among the Nomads, what Spirit Markings would you be gifted with?

Find out which of the twelve Spirit Markings imprint upon your spirit by taking the Quiz Below!

🍂 Discover Your Nomad Spirit Animal

Infinite Blessings Upon You!