Lakshmi

Abide by us forever, great Lakshmi, owl-rider, Goddess of the three worlds. All wealth, fortune, and beauty in the physical and spiritual realms are hers. With her consort Vishnu, she governs the exalted realm Vaikuntha, as well as the Ocean of Milk from whence she came. Others may claim material wealth and security mean nothing to them, but she knows better. The fortune and prosperity she brings are no mere luxury, but bulwarks against hunger, disease, thirst, and exposure. In a world concerned with high-minded ideals and heroic ventures, she has to look out for the masses’ health and safety.

As Queen Sita, Lakshmi endured indignity after indignity — exiled by her wicked stepmotherin-law, kidnapped by the Demon King Ravana, and ultimately doubted and rejected by Vishnu’s avatar Prince Rama himself — but kept her grace, composure, and courage through all of them. As Rukmini, she engaged in an epic romance with Lord Krishna.

Her avatars include the prudent farmer, the daring investor, the keeper of elephants, the pediatrician, the sports-team manager, and the economics professor. She often hangs out with Òshun of the Òrìshà to discuss economics, fashion, and politics; they even swap gold outfits from time to time. Like the lotus that sprouts from foul water, she sees no prayer as beneath her notice.

While others focus on heroic ends, Lakshmi’s Scions balance budgets and make sure there’s enough money in the pot to keep everyone in nectar and ambrosia through the next adventure. She commands her Scions to never forget the common folk; their great power can vanquish terrible foes, to be sure, but can also aid vast populations when parceled out amongst them.