The Cult of Astarte

Astarte was worshipped from the Bronze Age through classical antiquity, and her name is particularly associated with her worship in the ancient Levant among the Canaanites and Phoenicians, though she was originally associated with Amorite cities like Ugarit and Emar, as well as Mari and Ebla. She was also celebrated in Egypt, especially during the reign of the Ramessides, following the importation of foreign cults there. Phoenicians introduced her cult in their colonies on the Iberian Peninsula.

The Cult

In the early 2010's, the deity Astarte was becoming popular again, especially among young women in the adult sex industry. Born from a sect of feminism that prioritized independence and taking control of your life, these women were fighting for their right to be as sexually liberated as any male counterpart. The Daughters of Astarte are feminists at heart, but believe traditional feminism to be too rigid and unwilling to accept the chosen profession of adult/sex work. Many members have faced judgement and harsh treatment from other feminists. This led to the split and the initial formation of the Cult of Astarte.

During the Trump administration of the 2020's, many women, especially immigrants, were constantly in fear of arrest and deportation. This led to a high number of members coming from foreign backgrounds. During this time, tariffs and global trade wars intensified the wealth gap. This intensified wealth gap often pushed vulnerable populations, particularly women, to the economic fringes, where adult/sex work became a means of survival and independence.

These women do not engage in the traditional movement of feminism; instead, they opt to practice their professions and faith in private. In Ridgeview, the cult operates openly. The Municipality's laws allow them to do so freely.

Symbology

The members of the Cult of Astarte often wore a talisman of raw garnet, encased in copper wire. Other symbols for members are the horse & chariot, the lioness, or a dove in flight. Jade & silver are also used often in works of art and jewelry. Jade is also reflected in the clothing of women who are members of Astarte. Usually worn woven into the fabric of their skirts or dresses.

History

In various cultures, Astarte was connected with some combination of the following spheres: war, sexuality, royal power, beauty, healing and — especially in Ugarit and Emar — hunting; however, known sources do not indicate she was a fertility goddess, contrary to opinions in early scholarship. Her symbol was the lion and she was also often associated with the horse and by extension chariots. The dove might be a symbol of her as well, as evidenced by some Bronze Age cylinder seals.

The only images identified with absolute certainty as Astarte are these depicting her as a combatant on horseback or in a chariot. While many authors in the past asserted that she has been known as the deified morning and evening star, it has been questioned if she had an astral character at all, at least in Ugarit and Emar. God lists known from Ugarit and other prominent Bronze Age Syrian cities regarded her as the counterpart of Assyro-Babylonian goddess Ištar, and of the Hurrian Ishtar-like goddesses Ishara (presumably in her aspect of "lady of love") and Shaushka; in some cities, the western forms of the name and the eastern form "Ishtar" were fully interchangeable.

In the story-verse

Ridgeview, is a haven for individuals and groups that were seeking a place to practice their faith in the way they chose. And to do so away from the public eye. Away from the scrutiny that groups all over the world were facing more often. The Cult of Astarte was part of that migration. They established themselves in a four acre compound in West Ridgeview.

Practices

The women who were members most often came from prostitution or some other form of sex work. These were women who were confident in themselves and boasted no shame. More often than not, they held great pride in their chosen profession. Members of Astarte are often called "The Daughters of Astarte".

Seasoned members are always available to those who recently joined or have an interest in joining. The Daughters of Astarte don't recruit; instead, they maintain an open-door policy for any woman seeking refuge or information. At the headquarters and satellite locations worldwide, the cult offers seminars and conferences that engage with sex workers and other adult entertainers. These events provide information and resources.

Members often utilize Cult resources whenever they purchase cars or homes. This assistance makes sure no Daughter of Astarte is taken advantage of at the negotiation table.

Information regarding legal rights, literacy, financial growth and management, and health are all touched upon during these events. The administrative branch of the cult relies upon its members and their extensive contacts to gain special advantages for members. Housing and transportation are major aspects of their efforts. The cult also maintains several properties worldwide for the permanent and temporary housing of its members.

The Cult has safe houses and bunkers underneath most of their satellite locations that offer protection for any woman that asks. They work alongside groups and organizations that assist women who are facing domestic violence or have "pimps" that are violent.

Members

Members of Astarte are often young women who've sought out camaraderie and safety. Members of the cult are never in public alone. Sticking to groups of two or three individuals whenever they travel. These women work in the adult industry as either escorts/prostitutes, webcam performers, or erotic dancers.

The Daughters of Astarte are very racially diverse. Any woman over the age of 18 who wishes may join. High numbers of women of Latina, Caribbean, and African American descent are active members, as those are the same women who primarily turned to adult/sex work in times of economic struggle.

Headquarters

The Cult of Astarte calls their compound in West Ridgeview as their headquarters. The exterior of this compound is constructed in the style of a Southern plantation home surrounded by a wrought iron fence. The grounds have natural Oak and Pine trees along with other native bushes. On the western side, a large green house contains a variety of native and imported plant species that the cult uses for medicines, balms, and rituals. To the east is a small 2000 sq foot library containing classics and modern offerings in a variety of subjects. The backyard is cordoned off by a barrier of evergreen trees and contains a Olympic sized swimming pool, a bath house and other recreational features.