Discuss the Earth Mother and her significance in ADF liturgy. (minimum 100 words)

The Earth Mother is the only significant portion of the Standard Liturgy that may have no historical precedent or basis. No culture or group has been proven to have worshipped an Earth Mother in the manner the ADF Standard Liturgy puts forth, i.e. as a mother of all, as a bearer of all life, or as a creatrix.

The inclusion of the Earth Mother is not entirely baseless, though. Whether She was an ancient goddess or had a cult devoted to Her is moot if you consider that modern Neo-Pagans have been successfully worshipping Her for years, getting results, and, in a sense, creating Her again and again in many new images.

Whether She is seen as Goddess, archetype, or symbol, modern Neo-Paganism identifies itself with reverence toward Her, and this alone gives us reason to acknowledge Her in every ritual. There can be no denying that it is the Earth which sustains us and supports us, and She not only accepts by appreciates all we do to honour Her.

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