Who was Mary Magdalene? Local Woman Leads International Prayer Day
Is this the face of Mary Magdalene? Scientists were able to reconstruct a face based on an ancient skull—whether it belonged to the Biblical figure remains a mystery. Photo Credit: National Geographic
A Magdalene Path Spirituality Column
by Claire Sierra
Who was Mary Magdalene? And why is she Important?
Each year, on the 22nd of July, Mary Magdalene’s life is celebrated. The Catholic Church refers to this as her Feast Day, but that may not have meaning for you. Think of it as her holy day.
What is important is that 6 years ago Mary Magdalene's honor was officially restored by the same political/religious institution that claimed her a fallen prostitute for over 1,400 years.
For centuries she was revered through Europe and the Middle East. (Did you know all of the French Notre Dame Cathedrals were originally in honor of Her?) Her story was perverted, turning her from a leader in Jesus’s ministry to sinner in one fell swoop by Pope Gregory in 591 CE.
In 2016 Pope Francis recanted this grotesque mistake and instead crowned her “The Apostle to the Apostles.” Quite a promotion! In doing so, he began to heal the damage done to women and the Divine Feminine in her name.
Lately there's an upsurge of interest in her, as women (and men) find her a compelling guide, teacher and role model—someone who models the way to awakening the power of the Divine Feminine within. But who was she really? And why is she being highlighted now?
A depiction of St. Mary Magdalene by Br. Robert Lentz, OFM.
Artwork Narrative by Br. Robert Lentz, OFM:
“This icon was commissioned for Grace Cathedral in San Francisco to commemorate the election of Barbara Harris, the first woman bishop in the Anglican communion. As women begin reclaiming their ancient rights in the Church, Mary Magdalene challenges all Christians to reexamine their cultural prejudices about sex and leadership.
The inscription at the bottom of the icon reads: "Saint Mary Magdalene" in Syriac, a dialect of the language spoken by Jesus. The Gospel comes to us, not from Rome or Greece, but from the deserts of the Middle East. We owe our faith to Semitic Christians like Mary Magdalene. With this debt in mind, we should hear her voice in Palestinian cries for justice in our day.”
Read the full artwork narrative explaining why Mary is holding an egg here.
Photo Credit: Pixels.com
What we know about Mary Magdalene is being pieced together from various sources: academic, religious, historic, and spiritual or intuited. Ancient and contemporary texts (such as The Magdalene Path, and the non-canonical gospels) reveal Mary Magdalene as an archetype and icon of feminine power.
The gnostic (or wisdom) gospels of Mary and Thomas (which were mainstream teachings removed from the Bible in the 4th century Council of Nicaea, for political purposes) reveal her important role in the early Christian movement. A powerful teacher, leader, healer and financial supporter--a priestess--in her own right, She was central in the ministry Jesus led, known as The Way of Love.
But even if we use the main 4 gospels of the Bible, (Luke, Matthew, Mark & John) without looking to the older gospels, we know that Mary Magdalene was at present through the entire trial, torture, execution, and burial of Jesus. She prepared his body with other members of his family—something only a wife would be allowed to do in their culture.)
Mary Magdalene by ANdrea Solari circa 1524.
Magdalene was the witness to the resurrection and charged with bringing his disciples this “good news.” For this she is named “Apostle to the Apostles.” She was his anointer, thus he became named Christ which means “the anointed one.” And called Mary the Magdalene, a title which means “the tower, stronghold, or keeper of the flock.”
When she was removed from the story the divinity of women was stolen. For centuries religious and political leaders have mistakenly claimed the feminine as unworthy, unholy, sinful, and delegated subservient to the masculine. This has brought us to life in peril.
One day we may know the “true story” of Jesus or Mary Magdalene from a fully documented, historical perspective. There is vast, varied and conflicted opinion where these matters are concerned. History is always written by the winners, shaped by the era as well one’s perspective because of age, class, gender and life experiences.
(c) 2022 Magdalene Priestess, Claire Sierra, MA
Yet, if we were to actually enact the Way of Love teachings—as Jesus decreed— we would live Heaven on Earth. Many women (and men) today are rebalancing this long-standing misogyny. Finding paths to wholeness through the awakening of Feminine soul, to balance with our Masculine power. This restores compassion, community and care, bringing balance and healing to the planet, to seed the new earth that our hearts know is possible.
Her upcoming Feast Day, hosted by the Magdalene Path is a perfect time to honor and connect with her energy and message of the Magdalene Path. There are countless on-line and in person gatherings to do so.
But even if you miss this moment, we gather each month to Pray the Magdalene Rosary on the 22nd. The Magdalene Rosary is an on-line opportunity to drink in Her nurturing, replenishing, soothing and calming Light. It's very powerful. You can join the ceremonial celebration at the www.MagdalenePath.com/Rosary.
This year, after 2 + years of global hardship and trauma, the theme will be a practice of turning to Love and Gratitude, certainly the heart of The Way of Love.
Claire Sierra, MA, LFT, author/founder of The Magdalene Path, is an Expressive Arts Therapist, Spa Priestess, and Reiki Master on the path of Feminine Soul since 1989. She uses creative, intuitive practices to connect women with Divine guidance and the lost wisdom of Mary Magdalene. Claire sees clients on-line and at her boutique Spa Sanctuary at the Balch Hotel: an elegant, award-winning inn in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, where she lives with her hotelier husband.
To learn more about the mysteries of Mary Magdalene and awakening the Divine Feminine within, get a copy of The Magdalene Path, and other free resources at MagdalenePath.com
