Sophia's Children

Tracking & Clearing 'Energy Slime'

Remember in the movie Ghostbusters, when Bill Murray's character has a run-in with one of the ghosts in a hotel and ends up laying on the floor, covered in green slime?

His response, "I've been slimed!"

For many of us who are wired as empaths and energy sensitives -- even if we're not yet aware that we are -- taking in a variety of energies from around us is just part of an average day. And some of it feels pretty toxic, like we've been slimed.

Yuck, and a whole lot worse.

So for those of us who are 'wired' as empaths and energy sensitives, being able to track and clear unhelpful energies is a must.

Read the full entry, "Tracking & Clearing 'Energy Slime', at my Feminine Mojo Blog.

Blessings,

Jamie

The Way of Mary Magdalene

Who was Mary Magdalene, really?

And why is this question important at all given that we're talking about a woman who lived 2,000 years ago, and about whom we have only slender references?

Over the past several weeks, once again, Mary Magdalene has been coming up (along with Lilith), and that's usually a clue to pay attention to what's arising.

Such questions seem to arise in force when the answer is important to the times, it seems. And this seems a question whose time has come, if all of the movies and books offer a clue.

Mary Magdalene resurfaces in our collective consciousness as part of a general rise of the Feminine and the Goddess.

Most of us grew up with the notion that Mary Magdalene was a repenting prostitute, if we heard of her at all. More recently, we've learned that she was a very close companion of Jesus, one of his devoted disciples, 'the apostle of apostles', according to gospel references.

The bible doesn't actually say that Magdalene was a prostitute; we have a sixth century sermon by Pope Gregory 'the Great' to thank for that, and though it 'stuck' for centuries, it's since been debunked as lie or misinterpretation.

The film, The DaVinci Code, brought Mary Magdalene into even greater visibility, raising the possibility and stimulating conversation and debate about whether she was the wife as well as disciple of Jesus. While this is interesting, to me it seems a distraction from the more important question, and greater likelihood, that she was a spiritual adept, priestess, early church leader, and teacher in her own right.

In the preface of The Gospel of Mary Magdalene by Jean-Yves Leloup, David Tresemer, PhD, and Laura-Lee Cannon, write:

"...Mary Magdalene focuses on the inner worlds of initiation. We imagine that, not through outer pomp and pageantry, but through gnosis or direct knowing, she seeks union with the Divine. Hers is the path of the sacred marriage, accomplished within."

They continue, "Her path emphasizes inner preparation, introspection, and inner transformation. Perhaps, in addition, she also represents the feeling world; she carries the sensitivity of sensuality, in the truest meaning of the word, finding the divinity in the senses."

She's also seen, in the various gospels, as one who 'gets it' -- one who has truly understood and experienced the teachings of the wisdom master, the rabbi Jesus. The scholar John Lamb Lash has explored this indepth in his writings on Mary Magdalene and the resurgence of the Feminine.

Yet Mary Magdalene, according to the gospels and more recent scholarly writings about her, was one who, in addition to an emphasis on the inner Mysteries, engaged in the world.

She is portrayed as a teacher and adept, yes, but also as one who is devoted in action -- it is she, with two other women, for example, who don't flee the threats at the crucifixion.

They remain there, present, witnessing, and perhaps 'holding the space' through their attention and devotion. It is Magdalene who goes to the tomb with the sacred oils, and it is to her that the risen Jesus first appears and gives the instruction to 'go tell the others what you have seen'. Because Mary Magdalene is one who has seen.

Joan Chittester, OSB, in her book The Friendship of Women: The Hidden Tradition of the Bible, writes this of Magdalene:

"The Magdalene quality of friendship is what distinguishes those who walk with us through the shallows of life from those who take the soundings of our soul and follow us into the depths of them...Intimacy, the Magdalene quality, is about appreciation, affection, and warmth...it is about being deeply valued, reverently respected, lovingly tended, and warmly received." (p. 83)

In these reflections we begin to see why the question of who Mary Magdalene really was is important -- why these ways and qualities are so needed in our lives and in our world now. We see how the path of inner transformation and devotion to wisdom enlivens these beautiful qualities of sensuality, devotion, intimacy, dignity, wisdom, and deep respect and reverence for all as Divine expressions of sacredness.

Who was Mary Magdalene, and what does she offer us now? The explorations continue...

Wild & Beautiful Blessings,

Jamie

Join us in the The Academy of the Divine Feminine - Explore Magdalene and other Goddess-Feminine energies and archetypes, and reclaim & express your Feminine Mojo ... Learn more...

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Listen to the Feminine Mojo Show on BlogTalkRadio, with guests talking about Mary Magdalene, Sophia, the Mysteries, the Divine Feminine, and more.

* Image Credit: Leonardo Davinci's Mary Magdalene; Mary Magdalene by Richard Stodart (purchase the print here).

Announcing the SophiaLogues

After quite a gestation and incubation, I'm pleased to announce the birth of the SophiaLogues -- a series of audio dialogues that explore the re-emerging Feminine, and the Wisdom of the Feminine, with a variety of wonderful women and men from different paths and traditions.

It seems fitting to announce the SophiaLogues on the Pisces new moon, since the inspiration and deep wisdom of the Feminine can guide our way to wise, insightful action in the next cycle.

The SophiaLogues explore:

• What is the Wisdom of the Feminine?

• What does 're-emerging Feminine' mean?

• What are the gifts, traits, and facets of the Feminine?

• How does the Wisdom of the Feminine foster (and why is it necessary for) conscious living, relationship, work & leadership?

The SophiaLogues will offer perspectives and insight on these and other questions. You'll also find inspiration and wisdom for living & leading more consciously and authentically in these times of great shift, and bringing our innate Wisdom to life in wise, inspired action.

You'll find more on the project, the work, and the SophiaLogues in the Ivy Sea-Sophialon SophiaLogue gallery.

Enjoy the SophiaLogues...

Blessings on the Way,

Jamie

*Photo taken at the Episcopal Church Center, New York City, 2/27/10

Wisdom from the 13 Grandmothers

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a gathering of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers this past weekend in New York City. I'd heard of the Grandmothers and their wisdom-sharing work before, but to experience their presence in person was a true gift.

The Council of the 13 Grandmothers came together in 2004, following a common vision received by the Grandmothers and Jyoti Jeneane Prevatt of the Center for Sacred Studies. The Indigenous Grandmothers come from Africa, Central America, Mexico, Nepal, Tibet, and the United States.

Since 2004, the Grandmothers have shared the wisdom of their ancestors to help light the way through these times, and to foster a renewed connection to and respect for the Earth, and the traditional/Indigenous cultures and their vital knowledge and wisdom.

The Grandmothers are Wise-Woman voices for prayer, connection to the Divine, sustainable living, and conscious Feminine action. Many spoke of the importance of women stepping forward to be 'voices for the voiceless' and to bring the Wise Women ways into all that we do.

This weekend, I had no idea of what to expect from the gathering. As I sat and observed their presence and listened to their messages, all delivered in their own unique ways, what I noticed first was a collective strength and resolve, a deeply centered wisdom that seemed rooted in the Earth. 

In alignment with the traditional ways, we were encouraged to listen with our bodies rather than taking notes, because we'll remember what we're really there to hear. Usually, I'm a note-taking diva, but I put my notebook away and let my body take the notes that were most important for me.

What stood out for me, and stayed with me, were messages from Taowhywee, Grandmother Agnes Baker Pilgrim, and Takelma Indian elder; and Mazatec Elder and Curandera, Grandmother Julieta Casamiro.

Amidst all of the considerable wisdom and humor of these inspiring elders, it was Grandmother Aggie's message of being a 'voice for the voiceless' -- the Earth, the animals and creatures, the children -- and reconnecting more intimately in conversation with the Earth, with water; and Julieta Casamiro's message that it's vital to keep faith, to keep hope alive, to continue with our spiritual practice, and to use the power of prayer for healing, that found a home in me.

Their presence and way of being reminded me that strength doesn't have to be loud, flashy, and complicated; that spiritual practice, prayer, and stillness are powerful forms of service and spiritual activism; and that each of us is a vessel and voice for the Earth and greater healing.

I invite you to visit with their teachings yourself, and see what of their messages finds a home in you.

Blessings on the Way,

Jamie

Photo courtesy of the Grandmother's Council web site.