Gaia: Mother Earth Throughout history, the concept of Mother Earth has been a part of human culture in one

form or another. Everybody has heard of Mother Earth, but have you ever stopped to think who (or what) Mother Earth is? The ancient Greeks called their Earth goddess Ge or Gaia. Gaia embodies the idea of a Mother Earth, the source of the living and non-living entities that make up the Earth. Like the Hindus Kali, Gaia was gentle, feminine and nurturing, but also ruthlessly cruel to any who crossed her. Note that the prefix "ge" in the words geology and geography is taken from the Greek root for Earth. Other traditions around the globe had similar concepts, using different names for it. The Gaia Hypothesis Modern scientific minds have put forth the idea that the earth in its entirety is a single, living organism. This idea has been proposed by several scientists over the last several hundred years, the most recent and prominent of which is James Lovelock, who published the book Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth in 1979. Lovelock first put forth The Gaia Hypothesis in the mid-1960s, exploring the idea that the earth functions as a single organism that defines and maintains conditions necessary for its own survival. Countering the conventional belief that living matter reacts passively in the face of threats to its existence, Lovelock argues that the earth's living matter - air, ocean, and land surfaces - forms a complex system which has the capacity to keep our planet a fit place for life. Scientific observations over the last 30 40 years since the Hypothesis was conceived indicate that Lovelock's predictions have already begun to hold true and Gaia has dramatically altered the way scientists view evolution and the environment. It is worthwhile to note that the concept of the earth as a living being was apparently quite obvious to the ancients, as is noted in a study of ancient mythologies, and is still quite obvious to the inhabitants of earth who live closer to the land i.e., not city dwellers. Reports of scientists research out in rural and wild areas are dotted with interactions with locals all of whom laugh at the seriousness of the scientists quest, and respond, well of course! We are Gaia Spirit Circle Gaia Spirit Circle is an earth-centered spirituality group associated with the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn. We seek to uplift our members through thoughtful and meaningful spiritual and intellectual development. We aim to enrich our larger community through education and sharing of our life-affirming spiritual path.

In choosing its name, Gaia Spirit Circle honors both the old and the new: Mother Earth and that web of life that has existed since prehistory, as well as modern scientific understanding of how the earth works to sustain us all. In this, two of the seven UU Principles are specifically recognized: Principle 7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part Principle 4. The free and responsible search for truth and meaning From this springboard, Gaia Spirit Circle will seek to uncover both new and ancient truths in its ongoing mission. Gaia Spirit Circle is open to all individuals who are actively, consciously seeking meaningful inspiration for their spiritual lives. - by Bonnie Swanson For more information about Gaia Spirit Circle and its evolving mission in the congregation, please contact Bonnie Swanson at (917) 232-1557 or leopardlady30@mac.com OR Shadow Lighthorse at p_risingstar@yahoo.com. James Lovelocks books, both the original version and the newly released version, titled Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth are available for checkout at the Brooklyn Public Library.