4/12/10

Goddess of the Week: Lakshmi

Vishnu and Lakshmi on Shesha Nāga, c. 1870.Image via Wikipedia

Carrie needs a real estate goddess, a goddess who can help her deal with all of the stresses of buying a home. Ok, Carrie. I was torn here. I was tempted to throw you Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, but we just did her. Read here. Instead, I'm recommending Lakshmi, the Indian goddess of wealth and prosperity who also looks out for family well-being.

You know how you can churn cream to get butter? Well, this one time, the gods decided to churn the cosmic ocean to get all the good stuff hidden inside. They used a mountain and a snake to do the churning, and it took them one hundred years, and they did get lots of good stuff, and one of the good things that just popped out of the cosmic ocean was Lakshmi. She was all golden and she had four arms and money just sprouted out of her fingertips, and wherever she went things turned out awesome.

The god Vishnu took one look at her and he was all, "Hey, baby. How you doing?" She married him, but the demons were totally pissed because she was all golden and had four arms and money sprouted out of her fingertips. So they always tried to catch her -- and sometimes they did, and sometimes they do, but no one can hold onto Lakshmi for very long. She's slippery that way. But while she is hard to catch, a few "Hey, babies" work. Lakshmi is actually very willing to hang out with you -- for a while -- if you treat her nice and aren't a jerk, which is why she is one of the most worshipped goddesses in India, where family altars for her are common.

The point being, when buying a home, you need to throw Lakshmi some sugar. Do that, and she will reveal to you the immortal truth churned out of the cosmic ocean alongside her: When investing in real estate, remember: Location, location, location. Plus, check out the neighbors. Good neighbors are priceless.

Good luck.

Need a goddess: I got goddesses! Post a comment detailing your need. I'll see what I can find.


Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

20 comments:

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Thank you, Margaret. I knew you'd come up with a good one for my girl! :o) And I love your sage advice at the end. xo

Watson said...

My neighbour is at this moment building a lattace for my climatis! Good neighbours are invaluable. May you have many, Carrie. and may your new home be full of warmth, love, and all you need.

Bec said...

Great one! We already bought the house but can use this for our remodel/addition that will probably last the next 6 months or so. Glad you're back from your trip!

Cafe Pasadena said...

I Luv de image of this goddess.

Country Girl said...

OK Margaret- we are moving and I have mucho mucho packing to do and sorting out to do,and disgarding of "stuff," etc. Especially in my attic. Are there any goddesses to help out with that?- Barb

Anonymous said...

I don't know why a newpaper isn't making this a weekly column.

Petrea Burchard said...

I agree with Hiker. Or More Magazine, something like that.

I wish I'd known about Lakshmi when we bought our first house. It was like a cute little boat floating in a sea of bad neighbors (one nice couple across the street, many loud and careless people everywhere else). We couldn't wait to move.
Our current home is on a modest street. When we first arrived we thought we'd stay until we made a lot of money, then move someplace fancier. But now we consider our neighbors among our dearest friends. We're not going anywhere, millions or no millions. (I'll be chatting with Lakshmi about that.)

Pasadena Adjacent said...

"because she was all golden and had four arms and money sprouted out of her fingertips"

I like how you repeated that line.

Is that Indian miniature not gorgeous? A while back they had a show on them at the Norton Simon which (I think) they combined with a 20th century artist who was interested influenced by them. A favorite of mine

Rois said...

I think I will add Lakshmi to my alter here at home,and money sprouted out of her finger tips sounds good to me.

Shell Sherree said...

My sister could do with Lakshmi's assistance right now. And ditto to Hiker and Petrea!!

Unknown said...

Right on! I love her!!! Thanks so much - she's perfect! :)

Unknown said...

After The Goddess Lounge gets published, you can write The Goddess Directory.

http://www.margaretfinnegan.com/goddess.html

Shanna said...

Good neighbors are priceless.

Bad ones could force a move, unless you can out-wit or out-vibe them.

Vanda said...

Friends of mine just bought a house. I should tell them about Lakshmi and sugar.

Unknown said...

Okay, I owe you AND Lakshmi some serious karma because I just found out today that I'm getting a promotion at work and a $2/hour pay raise! Thanks, Margaret! :)

Petrea Burchard said...

Okay, Carrie, fess up. Tell us what you had to give Lakshmi to get the goodies.

Curly said...

Lovely Goddess this one... I always think about some of the Goddesses you write about lately before making a decision! ;-) Neighbours are priceless indeed!

Margaret said...

Carrie: Good for you. I wish we could take credit, but this time I think it's all due to your hard work.

Raving Witch said...

Margaret,
I am in desperate need of a goddess. My ex boyfriend is a total jerk and is trying to harass me about our daughter. I just need some extra strength to tell him to back off. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Kris

Margaret said...

Raving Witch: I will get you a goddess -- a really good one! I have to get one for Claire first, but yours will be up next week. In the meantime, hang tough. The goddesses are on your side.