By Sarah Newell

The gender dynamic in the Casa is interesting to analyze. In a place that’s supposed to be fairly equalizing in front of the Entities, there is a lot of reinforcing of typical patriarchal ideas to be observed.

Upon first observation, the translators fall into two categories hypermasculine men, and beautiful women. The male translators all appear to be extremely masculine men, as well as devout followers of John of God. We’ve interacted with three or four so far, and the “type” appears to be overweight middle-aged married men. The female translators/speakers are almost universally thin and attractive.

Men on the stage with Medium Joao

All of the Entities are male figures from past years; John of God, although he was first awakened by a female saint in the form of Saint Rita, does not channel any female Entities. This is always confusing to me, because in the Catholic tradition, so much reverence is paid to the Virgin Mary, and the Ave Maria is said in every Current and Great Hall session. After a few days, I figure that she’s the only woman worth worshipping, as no others ever appear and Saint Rita never expanded beyond her anecdote. Even tough male doctors can learn advanced technological medical advances while in Heaven (ghosts of 1800’s doctors are said to be carrying IV bags and other advanced medicine), no females manage to learn even basic doctor-ing techniques to be welcomed into the phalange.

At the same time, the prescription of crystals follows traditional gender stereotypes. If you are prescribed to hold crystals, you are intended to buy to, a male and a female crystal. The male is larger, and belongs in the right hand. The other is female and smaller, and belongs in the left hand. Neither crystal is allowed to be seen by others, and must be covered by a blue, specially purchased bag from John of God.

Men and women are also separated during trips to the waterfall. Men and women, past the gate at the mouth of the waterfall, are supposed to travel on in separate groups unless they are married. This distinction is fascinating, as is it the first official distinction based on (legal) marriage. As a waterfall attendant, it gives me pause – would the water know if we were not legally married? If I were emotionally married, but not legally allowed to be committed because of a same-sex relationship, would the waterfall know? Would it care?

Author in the kitchen with the all-female work crew.