Speaking of real life Matriarchal customs: My former Guru was an elderly
woman and a devotee of the Mother Goddess, and she preferred to be called
"Deeda" (Bengali for Grandmother) by most of her students. For those closer
to her age, "Maa" (Mother) would suffice. I'd use the exact same terms for
my real mother or grandmother. Or as way to address the Goddess in any of
her multidinous mythological forms.
In fact, it is considered polite to address any woman you encounter using
one of these two terms, or even "Sister" or "Daughter" depending on your
age, and the age of the lady involved.
Using the words we would use for members of your family for those outside of
it is considered a great honor. (Of course, one could mean it
sarcastically, or even use the terms as a threat of some kind. Intonation
and attitude are everything.)
-- -Santo
"Aum Shanti Shanti Shantih."
Powered by hypermail