Editors' note: Kali is the consort of Shiva, the passive force of God. In Hindu households she is worshipped as the dispenser of good things, the dispeller of fear, and as the protectress in times of famine and epidemic. Ramakrishna prayed to the Earth as Kali. She is believed to have powers both of destruction and regeneration. One of her aspects is that of creator of illusion.