The Orphan Of Ages:Doctrines:The Daughters of Gaia
The Teachings of Rhea[edit]
Gaia is Real
The first notion that Rhea wishes to impart in her followers is that Gaia is not a metaphor, but a real force in the world. A great primal force unseen but binding, like gravity. The mystic force that Mothers wield is this mystic power.
To her inner circle, she is open about knowing about the Archetypes and Gaia being her name for the Mother, but she is skeptical of the idea that mortals can ascend to replace existing Archetypes. And thinks it would be a terrible idea if it is possible.
The Highest Purpose of a Woman is Motherhood
The act of bringing life into the world and rearing it is the most holy purpose possible. A woman who devotes her life to anything else is pursuing lesser goals. Even if their pursuits will lead to a betterment of all, they are failing spiritually to live up to their highest nature. Loyalty to another relationship, such as a spouse, over one's own children is a failure. Rhea will often speak of the Wife as Gaia's oldest enemy.
Men Seek Outwards
It is in the nature of men to leave the tribe. They seek outwards. This does not mean a man has no responsibility to the tribe, or his children, but he cannot be relied upon to be always present or for emotional sustenance. The call of the outside world, of the ancient hunt for resources and glory will always call him away again. If he is a good man, he will return, but being a man he will also leave again.
On Modernity
Rhea plays somewhat lightly with her true opinions on modern movements, and has agreed to lighten some by Echidna.
In particular she has come round to artificial insemination and other technological boons to pregnancy. She holds nature sacred, but knows it sometimes puts trials that require other methods to overcome.
On Homosexuality
Since the highest purpose of woman is motherhood, Rhea teaches that all other relationships are lesser pursuits. So long as she bears children, a woman may meet her lesser needs as she will, just beware the pride and pursuits of the father if he is still involved.
On male homosexuality she has a less pleasant view, seeing it as a threat to the balance of the world. This hypocrisy is not entirely lost on her, but she believes that male sexuality is not as flexible as that of woman, and if they find it outside the tribe they will be lost.
And, of course, two men acquiring a child is horrific to her.
