Great Mother
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Congregation of the Enlightened
Summary
The Great Mother has been worshipped since the days of ancient Earth, and is the focal figure in the largest religions still practiced today.
While various sects have different interpretations, all who believe in Her know She created the universe and all within in, and watches over her children as any mother would.
Mother of All
The Great Mother is the goddess-like figure said to have created the universe and all life within it. She's been worshipped in various forms since the days of old Earth, often depicted wearing a robe with a hood and a star behind her head, and always portrayed as a divine mother figure. The specifics of what She stands for have change over time and based on who's telling her story.Historical Beliefs
Surviving records claim the Great Mother created our home planet and all upon it. She was referred to as the "mother of god", suggesting She was seen as progenitor of all other Earth deities. Some beliefs included another figure that acted in opposition to the Great Mother, spreading evil while She represented good.The development of interstellar travel forced these beliefs to shift. Earth was no longer the focal point, and so the Great Mother became creator of all. Schisms formed over interpretations of how Her plan reflected in this new science - whether this expansion was something She supported, or if it went against Her divine will.
In 2665, the cataclysm of the Scream forced another shift in the Great Mother's story. Many took the scale of the event as proof She exists, but how could a loving Mother allow, or even cause, such a thing to happen? To some, the Great Mother became more vengeful than they'd previously believed. To others, She became more fallible, capable of mistakes or of losing to an opponent.
Modern Beliefs
The Great Mother remains the mother of all creation and the source of everything both good and bad. The Church of the Great Mother is the largest religious organization in the sector, with hundreds of sects from niche local traditions to broader inter-planetary organizations. Others believe in Her without associating with any church.The schisms from centuries ago are seen in many of the more popular views of the Great Mother of today. While there are nuances and exceptions, scholars divide Motherian beliefs into two categories: one that describes a more austere Great Mother, and the other that shows her as more merciful.
Austere
In austere views of the Great Mother, Her actions are punitive, the way one might discipline an unruly child. When we stray from Her intentions, She provides obstacles to redirect us.Unfortunate events outside our control, from natural disasters to flat tires, are examples of Her punishments. Times when things are easy are signs you're on the right course.
Most austerity sects see the Scream as a punishment, though they disagree on what we were punished for. The largest austerity sect, Congregation of the Enlightened, teaches it was a punishment for psionics.
Merciful
Mercy sects see the Great Mother as kind and compassionate. She provides blessings in times of need and comfort in times of struggle.These sects don't see the Great Mother as omnipotent. Rather, She created the universe and now lets events happen naturally. Even when those events are destructive.
The largest mercy sect is the Mother of the Stars, which promotes collectivism as a form of worship. The better we support our communities, the more we live up to Her ideals, like siblings playing together instead of destroying each other's sand castles.
Yes, the categories are neat and tidy. They are also garbage. We need categories because there are too many who say they have answers that they do not. Have they met the Great Mother? Have they heard directly from Her? No? Then they are liars.
I believe the Great Mother exists. I also believe She is far beyond human comprehension. All these religions are ways for people to find which lies they find most comforting, because the truth that we do not know is too hard to bear.
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Depictions
The Great Mother is typically shown as a mother figure wearing a full-length robe, a hood, and a halo or crown.Earth depictions shown her skin in varying human colors, her robes in the blue of the sky, and her halo that of Sol, the Earth's local star.
In modern depictions, Her skin is the galaxy and her robes are the color of the local sky. Her halo similarly is that of the local star, or is a crown of stars.
Idioms & Phrases
"Blessed Mother, look at all this mess!"
"Your room better be clean by the time I'm back or, by the Mother, I'll ground you 'til next season!"
"The way he orders everyone around, you'd think he's wearing a crown of stars"
Children
This is so well thought out, i really enjoyed reading this!
If I’m not revising, I’m probably rewriting a town for the third time.