= In PRPG2 =

The Royal Pantheon is an offshoot of the Old Religion (Path of Harmony) that worships the two royal sisters and a few lesser deities. Followers believe these goddesses represent certain aspects and these are reflected within everyday life. The goddesses are believed omniscient and eternal, their physical manifestation is ages prior merely a small phase within their timeless existence. They are a guiding force for pony souls, and that every pony soul is seeking reunification with the goddesses in the afterlife. Through faith in the pantheon, and following the way of harmony expressed in the greater Old Religion's teachings, pony souls can find their way to a perfect paradise where all ponies are ruled over by their goddesses with love and benevolence. Wicked souls that reject this salvation and sow chaos are instead sent to Tartarus by the goddesses' judgement, wherein a pony will suffer an uncomfortably long time in ways befitting of their sins.

The Royal Pantheon is not officially recognised nor a universal belief system. But it is popular enough amongst some ponies of the Old Religion and not subject to any ban or condemnations by religious authorities that would make it heretical. Some of the archimandrites of New Equestria and the instutions they sponsored adhere to the Royal Pantheon belief, such as the Harmonia Friendship School of Nickerby, founded by Harmonia XXXVII and named for Harmonia XXXVI. 

Deities:

'''Celestia'''

Patron of: the sun, the day, rulership, life, light, destruction, justice

As the eldest of the two royal sisters and the one whose reign as Princess of Equestria with both longest and most notable, believers of the Royal Pantheon gravitate strongly towards her for her kind and just rule, the importance of her sun to all life, and her great power which she wields to protect her subjects. She is at the head of the Royal Pantheon, and nothing is believed to escape her knowledge, and all things in the universe happen because she wills it so. She is also regularly portrayed as the embodiment of magic, generosity and kindness. Especially from the time she and her sister Luna banishes Discord. As such, when a pony does not venerate one of the known bearers of these elements, they are held up as Celestia's Elements of Harmony and chief virtues alongside her other traits.

'''Luna'''

Patron of: the moon, the night, rejuvenation, foals, dreams, redemption

Remembered as the sister that became Nightmare Moon and was banished for a thousand years by her sister for seeking to bring eternal night, Luna's restoration and forgiveness by Celestia is held to be a key turning point by her followers. Although she is not held in as high regard as her sister, many believe that through Luna their own sins can be forgiven when true remorse is expressed. If even the most evil creature from pony mythology was redeemed, a mortal pony's transgressions can be forgiven to, after all. Despite her deception and betrayal as Nightmare Moon, Luna is still seen as the bearer of honesty, loyalty and laughter alongside her sister in some sources. Luna is also often depicted as a dreamwalker, able to enter a pony's dreams and shape them to suit her needs. She is often said to do so in order to help a pony overcome their fears, foals in particular. Luna is believed to be quite fond of young ones, including orphans. Although some doctors dispute Luna's dreamwalking as a manifestation of the subconscious imagination that comes out in dreams, her worshippers insist their goddess continues to watch over their dreams and keeps appearing to them long after the Catastrophe that led to the royal sisters' disappearance.

'''Cadence'''

Patron of: love, fertility, beauty, war, soldiers

Cadence (or sometimes called Mi Amora Cadenza) is a lesser deity, below the two sisters who is nonetheless popular with a select number of Royal Pantheon worshippers. Although taken more seriously and with greater reference by those seeking love or safety in times of strife, there exists a less disciplined cult around her being that promotes a more lascivious lifestyle among its adherents. The 'parties' these ponies hold within their shrines are all about spreading love to those who attend them and beyond with great passion and intimacy, often involving copious amounts of cider and communion wine. Scandalous as they are perceived by the more uptight ponies, religious leaders of the Royal Pantheon have yet to condemn any but the most excessive cases. There have also been many poems, paintings and instructions written on the art of lovemaking by followers of Cadence that capture the fantasies of their heavily blushing audience. When not celebrated for a bon vivant lifestyle, she is also praised as a source of military leadership, and some even claim her to be the mother of another alicorn princess. A claim that has been vocally condemned as heresy, and can lead to intense arguments within the public forum whenever it is suggested to be true.

'''Twilight Sparkle'''

Patron of: magic, students, friendship, knowledge, books

Twilight Sparkle is considered Celestia's protégé and bearer of the Element of Magic. Her divinity as a lesser deity or simply a saint is subject to some debate. But the Royal Pantheon holds her up as one of the four alicorn goddesses and therefore of divine nature. Whatever the truth, she is held up as an example to believers and students of magic on how to find harmony. Diligent study and maintaining strong friendship are believed the key element to the Magic of Friendship she represents, and even necessary to finding Harmony through which ponies may achieve enlightenment and reward in the afterlife. Though scholars, particularly those who favour Cadence, believe love to be the greater magic than friendship, they concede that without the Magic of Friendship, there can be no Power of Love, and this makes Twilight Sparkle the lesser deity that ties back to all the other goddesses.

= In PRPG3 =

Following the death of Queen Meridian of New Equestria a synod would declare the former queen not to have been an alicorn, but a pegacorn, retroactively declaring her reign to have not been by divine right in 3336. After the kingdom’s absorption by Harmonia, its Curatrix is instead confirmed as an alicorn princess as Princess Nova, and rightful ruler of all she surveys. Curatrix Nova neither acknowledges nor contradicts the decision. Emerald Hues, another alicorn and bearer of the Element of Magic, is recognised in time as well, but also gives no statement on her own status. 

With the old New Equestrian parish administration defunct, the Royal Pantheon is free to institute its own ecclesiastical provinces and administration. Following a generous land lease from the Lady Rose Red and the establishment of a pilgrimage hostel, charity hospital and university outside Nickerby by her, the faith saw some modest success proselytizing beyond the constraints of New Equestria’s borders.

'''Structure'''

The Royal Pantheon religion consists of provinces that cover areas in which the faith maintains a presence, which are subdivided into parishes. The borders of these two may resemble those of the secular government authorities, but can deviate. Each parish has its own parish priestess, and each province a high priestess. These are elevated from the ranks of priestesses and parish priestesses respectively by election by their peers. Changes to the doctrine, statements of faith and all important decisions are made by a synod. These are attended by high priestesses and can be called by them. 

Both genders are able to attain all ranks within the religion, but mares are heavily overrepresented. A temple may be dedicated to one or all goddesses, but will usually be staffed by one priestess of each of the major princesses. These will normally fulfil the duties most frequently associated with their patron goddess. 

'''Ranking'''

''High Priestess'': 
The highest rank in the Royal Pantheon, leader of her province. Confirms the lower ranks of priestesses and runs the administrative functions of her province. They are eligible to sit within a synod or call one, with enough support from her colleagues. Has the power to call an inquisition to investigate misconduct, improprieties, or heresy, preside over one, and appoint the jury. 

''Parish Priestess'': 
Holds authority over the priestesses within her parish and handles the administration of it day-to-day. Nominates new priestesses from amongst the lay clergy or seminary graduates. Approves significant documents and dispensations to individual members of the faith.

''Priestess'': 
Performs religious ceremonies and rituals and performs duties relevant to the goddess they serve. Acts as unofficial community organizer within their area. 

''Acolyte'': 
Assistants to priestesses, their duties consist of the more menial tasks of upkeep, preparation of ceremonies and rituals, and handling deliveries. They stand a decent chance of filling a vacancy in the priesthood if properly trained and educated to serve the goddess of their choosing.

'''Divisions'''

The different goddesses govern their own aspects of life and faith within the Royal Pantheon belief and their priestesses assume roles most appropriate to them. There can be overlap, especially within smaller temple parishes without sufficient priestesses of each goddess. There the roles may sometimes lack any division.

''Priesthood of Celestia''

The most numerous of the priesthoods, Celestia’s priestesses proclaim her power from the pulpit in almost any temple belonging to the Royal Pantheon. They also tend to be found in positions of authority within the governing bodies, or serving to administer justice within their ranks. Though the Royal Pantheon does not maintain its own security force, followers of Celestia tend to fulfil such roles in some semi-official capacity. Their popularity with the faithful may stem from their role as almsmongers and charity workers. 

''Priesthood of Luna''

Forgiveness is a main tenet of the worship of Princess Luna and her priestesses take confession from individual ponies. Confidentiality is maintained and forgiveness granted. As the patron of foals, Luna’s priestesses also serve to counsel young colts and fillies and organize temple activities for them. As a dreamwalker, the princess is associated with dreams in general and the priestesses may help to interpret the meaning of them for those seeking clarity, although the larger temples have more recently began to employ trained psychologists to assist in this task.

''Priesthood of Cadance''

While all priestesses can fulfil their role, the priestesses of Princess Cadance are particularly active in officiating marriages, admitting newborn foals into the faith, function as military chaplains, and work as midwives to pregnant mares. A subsect of priestesses also engage in the more carnal celebrations of the Princess of Love, and may also create works of art to indulge their libidinous audiences. Despite their recognition, a large segment of the faithful frown on this aspect.

''Priesthood of Twilight''

A somewhat underrepresented sect, the followers of Princess Twilight serve as the keepers of knowledge. Their archivists and librarians preserve old books, texts and manuscripts for use by scholars. Their scribes copy or translate newly discovered works to add to their collections. They also fill many teaching positions in Royal Pantheon affiliated centres of learning for both young students and initiated clerics.