Modern Gallae
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The Modern Gallae are a movement which acknowledges and embraces the spiritual aspects of being transsexual or transgendered, as inspired by the ancient Galli of Rome. The notable attributes of ancient Galli were that they:
- were transgendered (castrated) followers of the cult of Cybele;
- were acknowledged as such, and were a legitimate part of the religious life of ancient pre-Christian Rome;
- often lived in groups in temple complexes or communities, with a head (called either Battakes or Archigallus);
- and whether or not they were accepted by the common folk of the Roman Empire (attitudes varied over time), they lived life as much as possible in their own way on their own terms.
The modern movement in general, reflects the above.
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[edit] Types of Modern Gallae
In general there are several ways in which transsexual and/or transgendered persons may claim to be a Modern Galla: Spiritual; Neo-Pagan; and Revival. No one type is totally exclusive of another.
[edit] Spiritual
A transsexual / transgendered person who acknowledges that the spiritual reasons for their gender transition are paramount over sexual or social reasons, and honestly acknowledges their trans status as a point of spiritual being, rather than only a medical or social "condition".
Such a galla may be of a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or other established religion. They may be agnostic or even atheist. The point that all these have in common is a belief that their trans status is primarily a spiritual thing, and that there is no shame in this. This implies a generally open and approachable attitude to informing others of their status.
[edit] Neo-Pagan
A transsexual / transgendered follower of one of the Western neo-pagan movements, who includes and honours Cybele and/or Attis in their pantheon of gods and goddesses. Many Western movements acknowledge the presence of the divine masculine and feminine in each person. Cybele is therefore an example of the "Divine Mother" and Attis her son/lover.
[edit] Revival
A modern movement to embrace the goddess Cybele, primarily by transgendered women, along lines of a revival of the spiritual values of the ancient Galli, including new versions of their rituals. There are several groups of Revival Gallae (mostly based in North America) with supporting websites and mailing lists.
[edit] Nomenclature
[edit] Preferred form of address
The ancient Galli (singular Gallus) existed in a Roman culture and were referred to in male terms. It is inappropriate in contemporary times to address persons presenting as female in male terms, and the word Galla should be used. Similarly, a person presenting as a male should be addressed as a Galli. The term Gallae can be used as a generic term to refer to either of the above. When in doubt, ask the person how they wish to be addressed.
Other terms also used are Corybante, Semnotata et al.
[edit] Day of Blood
The "day of blood" was the term used by ancient galli for their self-performed rite of castration. Thereafter they initiated into the temple community with other galli. Sex reassignment surgery can be taken to be a modern equivalent of this, a "rite of passage" for the individual involved, and cause for celebration.
Surgery can also be seen as symbolic as a form of "ego death", and the myth of Attis's death and resurrection reflects that.
[edit] Doctrine of the Adopted daughter/Son
One modern interpretation of the myth of Cybele and Attis, is that Attis (after dying from loss of blood due to self-inflicted castration) is resurrected as "the adopted daughter" of Cybele. This idea is embraced mostly by Neo-Pagan and Revival gallae.
The concept of the "adopted daughter" or "adopted son" is that it is irrelevant what gender the person was before their transition - what matters is what gender they feel themselves to be now. This mirrors a family, where an adopted son is still a son, and an adopted daughter is still a daughter. In this case Cybele, as the Magna Mater, is truly the "Great Mother".
[edit] Modern Festivals
Depending upon the type of gallae, certain annual rituals may or may not be observed.
Revival Gallae may seek to mark the passing of the festivals observed by the ancient galli, including Canna Intrat, Arbor Intrat, Dies Sanguinis, Hilaria, Requito, and Lavatio (all reflect the myth of Attis's death and resurrection). They may also observe the Megalensia, which commemorates the founding of the Metro'on in Rome.
Neo-Pagan gallae may also, if they follow a Wiccan/Celtic observance of the Wheel of the Year, incorporate both Cybele and Attis in these observances. Cybele was (as 'Mother of the Gods') synchronised with Rhea, and so also represents aspects of the divine feminine.
[edit] Gallae Symbols
There are a variety of symbols that may be used by Gallae, each devised by individuals or groups for different needs. Some gallae use existing transgender symbols. As yet there are no overwhelmingly accepted universal symbols; however:
- Cybele has been represented at various times by a key; and
- Attis has been represented by a pine tree.
[edit] A Note on Non-Transgender Followers
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There are followers of Cybele who do not take the transgender path in their worship, but do honor and respect the choices of those Gallae who do. These people, male or female, hetero- or homosexual, all share a similar belief system despite their choice of path.
The particular beliefs in regards of myth are that Attis is the Divine Son of the Magna Mater, Cybele, who impregnanted the nymph Nana with a sacred almond. Attis dedicated His life to honoring His Mother Cybele and vowed to love none before Her. Attis, among the people of Anatolia, became known as the Prince who taught the Mysteries and the paths to enlightenment. He was also renowned for being the embodiment of beauty. During a romp through the woods a boar had attacked Him and a nymph came and tended to His wounds. The nymph, so beautiful and amorous, He took to loving Her. And in the ecstasy of love He castrated Himself for the cost of breaking His vow to the Idaean Mother. Later the Prince Attis was hung/nailed to a Pine tree as due sacrifice. Whereafter He was resurrected by Cybele, Mother of the Gods. And so it is taught that to truly attain enlightenment one must rid themselves of their animal natures and become totally spiritual. Or so, thus goes one interpretation of this faith.
Cybele is seen as the all-pervading Mother and Creatrix, She of the Mountains. She is recognized as the supreme divinity above all gods and goddesses in Her aspect of Mater Deum, Mother of the Gods. She is believed to be Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Earth. She is seen as loving and cruel, as nature is bountiful and destructive. She beats out the rhythms of life as well as pounds the drums of war.
This is one take of many on the Great Goddess, and we are all Her children.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Gallae
- Divine Mother/Female
- Cybelians: First Church of Female Supremacy
- This appears to be a non-transgendered revivalist church, based on discipline.
- The online Temple of Demeter
- The Divine Mother of the Universe
