Sæculum

First appearance and context

The term is used by avout when discussing contact between a math and the outside world. In a kitchen exchange about increased precautions for Apert, an elder avout contrasts the avout’s inward life with the unpredictable nature of the realm outside the Concent and its authorities in the Sæcular Power. Matters touching this interface are described as the responsibility of the Warden Fendant.

Definition and rationale

Sæculum denotes the worldly sphere beyond mathic walls (extramuros). In the foundational account attributed to Saunt Cartas, the mathic world is framed not as an accommodation to the Sæculum but as a counterbalance to it. Avout use the term when distinguishing their Disciplined life from the practices, fashions, and sudden changes prevalent outside.

Relationships and references

• The Sæculum includes or is represented by non‑mathic authorities collectively referred to as the Sæcular Power.
• The Warden Fendant oversees outward‑facing vigilance and interpretation of developments in the Sæculum for the concent.
• Contact points such as Apert bring avout and visitors from the Sæculum into limited interaction, prompting heightened precautions inside the concent.
• Rapid changes originating in the Sæculum have, on rare occasions, culminated in sackings of a concent, remembered collectively as The Three Sacks.

Current status

From within a Decenarian math, the structure and intentions of worldly authorities remain indistinct, and avout rely on the Warden Fendant’s outward watch. In preparation for Apert, the community moves items of greatest importance into the labyrinths, reflecting a cautious posture toward potential disturbances arising from the Sæculum.