Creating an Altar Dedicated to Mary Magdalene On July 22 nd we celebrate the Feast day of Saint Mary Magdalene. The Catholic Church have now made Mary Magdalene an honourable woman; in 1969 the Catholic Church declared she was not the penitent sinner she was first portrayed as (although the sigma still remains today). In more recent times, on the 3 rd of June 2016, Pope Francis elevated the rank of Mary Magdalene. As the first to witness Jesus resurrection and as the first messenger who announced the news of the resurrection to the apostles, Mary Magdalene is now beginning to have her true importance brought to light. For the Catholic Church to acknowledge this, we will begin to see the role and the importance of women in the mission of Christ and the Church. She has been given the same rank as the other Apostles in the General Roman Calendar; a step in the right direction and a joyous occasion for women in particular. Mary Magdalene is now said to be the example and role model for women within the church but I think we would all agree, for women as a whole regardless to religion, culture or background.
Not only with the Church now beginning to accept the important role of Mary Magdalene, when we collate all of this new evidence from new found scriptures/texts (such as the Nag Hammadi Texts and The Lost Gospel) and from archelogy findings we begin to see a new story of Mary Magdalene emerge. Even when we look into the church and religious artefacts we can see she has been hidden in plain sight all along. The Gospel of Mary tells us that Mary Magdalene was actually a very important disciple of Jesus. She had vast knowledge and understanding of his teachings. Although she was questioned by Peter, many of that time knew the status of Mary Magdalene and many rightfully respected this. Within the Gospel of Mary, Mary Magdalene tells a story about what Jesus had shared with her, knowledge that he did not share with the other disciples. After the crucifixion, Mary, after Peter s questioning, told them the information. The information was deep, described as strange notions by Andrew. Andrew also understood that Jesus would have shared this with Mary Magdalene rather that the other disciples. It makes one question the real relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Some believe they have found evidence that Mary Magdalene could have actually been a pagan priestess in her own right before meeting Jesus (ancient manuscript found in the British Museum). This would mean Mary Magdalene would have had a lot of knowledge of rituals, healing and already have had her own set of followers. Did Mary Magdalene find her true way once meeting Jesus? It is possible. It leads us to ask many more questions about this special woman.
How else can we get to know the real Mary Magdalene? One of the most magical ways we can get to know Mary Magdalene is it spend some time with her energy! During meditations and prayers, we can work with the Magdalene energy. The more we work with this energy, the more we will hopefully understand the type of woman Mary Magdalene was. During meditations and daily life, signs and symbols may reoccur or come to you. Special signs and symbols which represent Mary Magdalene include: Red rose symbolises love and passion. Alabaster jar/oil/ ointment symbolises the anointing of Jesus feet. Crown Mary Magdalene was a high priestess / goddess. Cross represents the fact that Mary Magdalene was at the crucifixion and the first to see Jesus rise. Bees or honey Mary Magdalene is symbolised by the Queen bee. She was anointed by God with honey. The colour White representing the purity of Mary Magdalene. A skull - Again this reminds us that she was present at the crucifixion. However it is not used in sorrow, it reiterates the fact of life after death. This also symbolises Mary Magdalene s rebirth she had during her lifetime. A book symbolises Mary Magdalene s knowledge and the wisdom she can bring. Look out for these symbols in artwork, Churches and religious artefacts too! Penitent Mary Magdalene By Carlo Saraceni (1579-1620).
By creating our own special altar dedicated to Mary Magdalene this month we can bring her into our own homes. This can then be used as a focal point for prayers, meditation and for relaxing/quiet times throughout the month of July. It will be important to light a candle on your altar in dedication to Mary Magdalene on her feast day, July 22 nd. Setting Up a Mary Magdalene Altar Use a white cloth in your chosen space. Add a picture or statue of Mary Magdalene. Use a white, red or green candle (or a combination of these). Decorate with your chosen symbols/objects to represent Mary Magdalene using the list discussed previously. You may want to add your favourite crystal or a crystals of your choice such as a Rose Quartz to honour Mary Magdalene. Using Your Mary Magdalene Altar Use as a focal point for meditations or time to spend with the Magdalene energy. Listen to the words which may come to you. Write a poem or a letter of what you receive (a letter of gratitude is also perfect). Ask the Magdalene energy to help and support you or simply share your thoughts and feelings with her.
Personally, the more I ve worked with the Magdalene energy, the more passion it illuminates within me. I am beginning to understand the Magdalene energy and the connection I have with her. It has lighted a fire, a desire to find the truth about this woman. The more I find out, the more I fall in love with her. Remember, seek and you shall find, ask and you shall receive. Part of the Magdalene Centre Newsletter for July 2016