Editing The Cult of Astarte (section)

== The Cult ==
[[File:Occult Symbol.jpg|alt=Occult Symbol|thumb|Occult Symbol]]
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.