In the center of the universe, there sat a Great Ash Wood Table. Encircled by the blinking galaxies, there were eleven golden chairs at the table, one at the head and five down each side. The table sat in a great open hall, resting upon the commonly known Milky Way.
The goddess Gaia arrived first in the great hall, taking her seat at the head of the Great Table. She carried with her a look of lament for the council that was about to be held. In her hubris, Gaia had not anticipated this day. The worlds had been created millions of years before, when she was a young girl, keen to make a difference and to show the sky gods what she could do. She had asked 10 other gods to help her on her conquest to colonize the universe and together they had built millions of thriving worlds--so why did one little planet cause her such immense grief? Her thoughts were interrupted when Bhumi who is most commonly known through the Hindu religion and Coatlicue of the Aztec religion entered the scene. The two goddesses nodded at Gaia solemnly, positioning themselves in their thrones on either side of Gaia.
The three women waited in silence, for to fill the space with words would only remind them why they were meeting for the first time in centuries. The three gods watched as the greek goddesses Cybelle of mountains, nature and wild animals came in with Demeter of grain, agriculture, harvest and growth. They were plump, beautiful sisters who had reaped many rewards from the infinite worlds swirling amongst the cosmos.They were happily chatting together, unaware of the circumstances that had brought them to the great table.
Next to come to the table was Parvati, known as the Hindu goddess of fertility, love, devotion and strength. Following Parvarti, sweeping into the room came the Slavic goddess Matzemlya who is known for protecting women in childbirth. Together they took their seats at the table, as they were still waiting for three more members.
Each goddess present at the table played a role in creating the worlds; each planet needed landscape, crops, animals and nature to sustain it. Through a century long trial and error process, Gaia discovered the biological components of life and then she asked for favors from those she trusted most.
Geb, Egyptian god of crops and earthquakes, and the only male on this council; he came in with his snake wrapped around his shoulders. Geb, known as a humble god, took his position on the council seriously, never speaking until he had thought out every outcome. Today Gaia felt gratitude to be surrounded by the insights of her peers at a paramount meeting. Finally, Pachamama of Inca origin and goddess of fertility, harvest, mountains and earthquakes entered the space with Ninhursag, Mesopotamian goddess of mountains and fertility behind her. With everyone at the great table, Gaia lifted her hand to signal attention, taking a deep breath to clear her head before she laid out the contents of the gathering.
Gaia opened her soliloquy with a sad smile, “Welcome friends, it has been many years since we met at the Ash Wood Table. I wish we were gathered under better terms, but alas time has come for us to make a decision about Terra Planet 350, also known as Earth. As you all know, Earth became one of the first planets we created. Life flourished and there was abundance for many years, now when I gaze upon it I see nothing but chaos and suffering. Earth is overpopulated, polluted and depleted. As gods of life, it is our task to decide what happens to a planet when it suffers. And not only does it suffer, it is now sucking vital life force from the galaxy, there is an imbalance in the cosmos. If planet Earth is allowed to continue its existence, I fear other planets will suffer the same fate. It is not a decision I take lightly, nor should you. Each opinion if need be will be heard, considered and weighed; then we will cast a vote on what to do with Earth. Take a moment to ponder the options before you and then you will be heard.”
When a brief moment of silence followed Gaia’s speech, she felt in her mind optimistic the council would be able to handle this rationally; deities weren’t commonly known for being level headed and considerate. Immediately following her thought the gathering burst into a flurry of yelling and arguing. Pachamama slammed her hand onto the table, raising her voice above the others. “This is absurd. You speak of genocide! When we created these planets we knew they were our responsibility and that there would be work to keep them thriving. We must do more.” And Pachamama sat down in a huff of dramatic frustration. The reaction Pachamama created did not surprise Gaia, for Pachamama known as one of the goddesses of harvest and benefited from each planet.
“Thank you for your piece Pachamama, you have been heard and the rest of the council will take it into consideration.” Gaia looked around the table and asked the council, “Is there anyone who wishes to dispute Pachamama’s request?”
Parvati stood up, quietly mentioning her presence and spoke in a sweet voice, “We love every planet we grow, that will not go unnoticed however we decide to vote. There must be balance on the planet. Earth is more full of hate then love. There is more terror than peace. The strong rule the weak instead of helping them.” She paused looking down at her hand and quietly said, “We can’t allow this poison to seep into the universe.”
Coming from the goddess of love and devotion, her perspective surprised most of the group. The table went quiet as the others mulled these two options over, trying to come up with a better argument and remaining silent. Gaia turned to Coatlicue and Bhumi, they nodded at her, they had already made their decision about Earth's fate before they came here today.
Down the table Geb pushed his chair back and with the snake still draped across his shoulders, stood and cleared his throat. “I am a simple god, of crops and earthquakes, Earth keeps me busy. I benefit greatly from their harvest and I enjoy shifting the plates to create earthquakes. So when I say that I agree their poison cannot spread it doesn’t come lightly. Thank you for listening.” Nodding solemnly at them all he returned to his seat.
The mood at the table shifted to despair, Gaia spoke once more. “If there is no one else who would like to speak we can move on…” She allowed a pause and most of the table turned their eyes down. “Then we will vote on the fate of planet Earth. Those who believe Earth should remain as it is, please cast your vote.” Pachamamas hand shot up un-ashamedly, followed only by Demeter and Cybelle.
A single tear fell from Gaia’s face as she stood up, regarding the table and the last thing she despairingly announced before leaving the hall came in a quiet voice.“Then call upon Kali, goddess of destruction down to Earth.”
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