r/Iranic • • 15h ago

ANCIENT BELIEFS AND REMAINS OF FIRE WORSHIP IN TAT PEOPLE

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The Tat people's belief in celestial bodies and their conviction that these bodies can heal ailments is highly intriguing. According to Tat beliefs, the Moon and stars—like the Sun—possess divine power. To treat patients suffering from severe illness or mental distress, the Tats would place a vessel filled with water or milk on the roof or in the courtyard at night; the patient would gaze into the vessel, and upon seeing the reflection of the Moon or stars, would have to drink the liquid in a single draught. It was believed that the patient would subsequently be healed. This practice undoubtedly reflects an ancient belief in the sacred power of celestial bodies—a custom rooted in an older religion. Interestingly, L.Y. Sternberg describes a virtually identical custom found among the Muslims of the Oudh region in India. If we consider that the Avesta also describes a similar healing method for "expelling" foreign or malevolent spirits from a sick person's body, the origins of this Tat belief in the Moon and stars become clear. The Tats also "seek help" from celestial bodies to determine whether a specific wish they have made will be fulfilled; to this end, they gaze at well water, the clear water of a spring, or water in a bucket or basin at night. If they see the Moon or stars reflected there, they rejoice, believing their wish will come true. This belief and conviction stems not from Islam, nor even from Zoroastrianism, but from ancient religions that predate them.