Political Post: California's Prop 8, plus...

{Disclaimer: now and again I'm going to comment on what's going on in the greater world. This is a "political post" and I'm expressing my opinion. This is my opinion only; agree or not as you choose. Be advised as well that while disagreement is perfectly expected and acceptable, venemous responses will be deleted. Now, onto the post...}

Proposition 8 (defining marriage) was upheld today in California, my home state.
While I disagree with what Prop 8 represents - more on that in a moment - I agree with the court's decision...THE PEOPLE put the issue on our ballot in the first place, so THE PEOPLE need to put it back on the ballot again if they want to change the choice. I also agree with letting the marriages that have taken place so far stand; no one wants to deal with that bureaucratic headache!

Now, as to the impetus behind Prop 8...it's time for a little truth talk about this whole "marriage" thing.
As I see it, it comes down to two things: sex and power; more accurately, power and control over sex.
"Marriage" was originally a political device deliberately designed to deprive women of reproductive freedom and allow men total domination over women. The "traditional" marriage so many are up in arms about? One man exercising absolute control over many women! Look it up if you don't believe me.
Consider also - in many cultures, those who found themselves attracted to the same gender/sex were not shunned; rather, they were considered to have been "chosen by the Divine" to be individuals holding great medicine, and were often trained to be the shamans of the community. Shamans share power...and in so doing, were regarded as "competition" for those who were looking to hold Power-Over as many people as possible.
How do you foil the competition? Slander them. Portray them as evil, unclean, someone you don't want to hang around "if you know what's good for you"...and when necessary, kill a whole bunch of them just to show "who's in charge."

Fortunately, we have left the Inquisition behind us...yet it still resonates deeply in our group awareness.
Fortunately, this idea called "marriage" has evolved...but there is still resistance to letting this evolution complete its course.
This is because those who are exercising Power-Over don't want to give up their power. Really, is that surprising?
So they go after the one place where they still have a semblance of control: sex. They won't come right out and say it, of course - but the sexual act is how we perpetuate our species, and if they can keep the reins on that, they can maintain a measure of control.
It's very fortunate that the sexual act IS the way we perpetuate our species; for those exercising Power-Over would love to get rid of that as well! After all, sex was/is a significant way to share power equally, and experience spiritual ecstasy without needing an "intermediary" to facilitate the experience! (i.e. - someone else who is in control of the process!)

So what is really the issue here?
Allowing "marriage" to complete its evolution from its bloody past and become a gesture of something sacred, which has been degenerated into something very profane.
Wresting power from those who have hoarded it for millennia and allowing everyone to share power, standing together as equals.
Recognizing that we are ALL sacred, and allowing two people to share themselves completely with each other, in Authentic Wholeness.
Indirectly, returning reproductive freedom to women, so that people can choose together when to create a family.

If you've actually read this, I thank you. Hopefully this will give you a little food for thought.
I'm now jumping off my soapbox and returning to my usual mystical methods. ;-)