Aristophanes tells a creation myth that places humans of all three genders (androgynous, male, and female) in a primeval state of eternal bliss. However, we grew insolent in our blissful state and refused to properly honor the gods (and even tried to pursue them in their mountainous home). As punishment, we were split in two. Those with a “male” nature (the Children of the Sun) became homosexual men; those with a “female” nature (the Children of the Earth) became Lesbians; and the androgynes (Children of the Moon) became heterosexuals. Navels are the souvenirs of the operation we all went through in being divided from our beloved other half. The myth warns humanity to be careful in always honoring the gods (especially Eros) or we will be hewn in two once more, leaving us to hop around on just one leg. Part of properly honoring Eros is to search for and find our lost half, to be restored to our natural state of bliss. (Thanks to Josh for pointing me here).
My cousin, a Child of the Earth, married her partner of 16 years yesterday. Celebrating were children of earth, moon, and sun. Open, legal, honored. My dad was a Child of the Sun, in the closet to his death 42 years ago. He was present through me, having a blast – and honored.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
Interesting and thanks for sharing.
yay!