Summary
In the midst of her impending nuptials to Howard Hollister, socialite Laura West finds herself enthralled by the mystique of Gaia, the East Indian goddess of Nature, courtesy of the enigmatic Stephen Rhodes. As Laura's fascination deepens, she becomes increasingly torn between her duties as a wife and her allure to the cult, which threatens to upend her life. Upon marrying Howard, Laura's fixation on Gaia persists, fueled by vivid daydreams where she envisions herself as the cult's revered leader. The blurred lines between reality and fantasy reach a boiling point when Laura's slumber is punctuated by a haunting dream, in which she assumes the role of the cult's queen, only to realize Rhodes's true intentions are rooted in self-serving desires. Jolted back to reality, Laura awakens with a renewed sense of purpose, embracing her roles as a mother and wife, while renouncing the cult's influence.
Synopsis
Shortly before her marriage to Howard Hollister, socialite Laura West meets Stephen Rhodes, who introduces her to the cult of the East Indian goddess Gaia - the personification of Nature, the Eternal Mother. Though Laura is fascinated, she shies away from Rhodes's efforts to initiate her and make her his earthly personification of Gaia. Laura and Howard marry, and they spend happy newlywed days, but Laura's continued interest in Gaia and frequent daydreams of herself leading the cult upset Howard, who angrily urges Laura to return to reality and her work in the tenement slums. Falling asleep after their quarrel, Laura dreams that she becomes queen of the cult - richly adorned and ardently worshiped. She comes to realize that Rhodes's purpose is his own sensual gratification and decides that life is no longer worth living. Rhodes's attempts against the life of her child cause Laura to awaken, screaming. After she awakens, Howard comforts Laura, who assures him that her only desires are motherhood and his love.
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