What a gift you just shared, Ella! This truly is a centerpiece. Protect your spiritual essence? Yes, but the work you do is bringing your essence directly into the experiential, embodied, physical world. I do feel your life story offers your readers insight into your life/soul experience, which is deeply moving and beautifully valuable. 🙌🪬🌀🕊️
Heather ❤️ Thank you beautiful. I so appreciate you. Abuse is a funny and nuanced thing. I am grateful to finally find a space where I can really begin to pull back the curtains. So much love sister ❤️
A powerful post. I felt many of the same feelings when so late in life I was enlightened by "Mary Magdalene Revealed" by Meggan Waterson. It shook my world. Thanks for sharing and validating. xo
Powerful essay. Thank you for sharing. I learned much of this in my 20's, studying theology in the early 70's, a young woman ignored by the church teachers who were men. But I did not learn about these writings from them. I came across them in theological libraries and bookstores, and dug in deep, keeping them near to my heart for decades until others began to write and talk of them. But no one spoke of them during my theological training. In fact, one of the male teachers was very dismissive of Elaine Pagels, who had just written "The Gnostic Gospels," calling her deranged. I read the book anyway, and it opened my eyes. I was young, but the middle aged nuns who poured into theological institutions pushed back. Even then. They would not be silenced. I learned from them. I taught theology for two and a half decades, until I could no longer teach what I no longer believed. In the nearly two and half decades since, I have freely pursued my own studies and readings and have met kindred souls.
Olga, thank you so much for reading and for your beautiful comment. I’m so inspired by your story. The amount if strength to be in theology as a woman in the 70’s- not on the path of being a nun. Don’t get me started on the nuns! Catholic school gave me a good lesson. Im so glad you listened to that inner voice and kept searching for the truth. I imagine we would have a brilliant conversation if we ever get the chance to. I’d like that. ❤️
Thank you for your kind words. It was interesting to begin studying theology neat the end of Vatican Ii when everything seemed possible. Luckily I was largely educated by Adrian Dominican sisters, the most progressive order I know and many mentored me. And I would love to have that conversation as well!
Ella, my own journey feels so similar to yours! Thank you for writing about it. I look forward to reading more and wondering how to find us in our individual local communities? Would be wonderful and also powerful
Kristyn, thank you so much for reading and for taking time to comment. This post has gotten so much response across all social media. It makes my heart swell and gives me such hope. it would be amazing to find women locally ♥️
When I made my confirmation in the Cathlic Church I chose Mary Magdalene as my saint, much to the confusion and dismay of the priest and others. I did not believe she is as she was presented. Even in their scriptures the church does not say she was "fallen". St Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus have been guides and comforters along my way.
Thanks so much for this. My own journey to this place and this understanding has been quite different. I think that might be the most inspiring aspect. As women, we have come here from such a vast array of experiences and backgrounds, yet we have been led to this same, suppressed information. I pray that we, as women specifically and as a society in general, finally acknowledge the immense, transformative energy we contain. If it weren’t so powerful, why would the suppression have taken place? And why has it emerged now? Much love🙏🏻✌🏻🙌🏻
Hi Lorena, thank you for reading and leaving such a nice response. I see women from all backgrounds finding themselves in this same space now. It’s an awakening that is growing and I’m so here for it. ❤️
Ella, I know experientially what you are speaking of, I too have a difficult time sharing about my spiritual path. I too had a deep knowing, now about 50 years ago, while reading Biblical texts concerning Miriam of Magdala that there was more to her story and I hungered for that knowledge. Let us keep lifting her up allowing her to take residence in her rightful place in our hearts and consciousness’.
So powerful. I am sorry to say I let my church path keep Mary’s voice silent for way too long! I too found the beginnings of true connection in Mary’s Gospel. Grateful to have found her (and your writings) now.
Rhea, it breaks my heart when I think about how many women, and men, have been denied the voice and brilliance of Mary. You can’t keep something this powerful hidden. I’m so glad to hear that you, like me, have found her anyway. ❤️
What a beautiful post. There's so much to think about I've saved it to read again. I'm currently writing a novel that touches on some of the things you've talked about and it resonates very deeply with me. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself ❤️
I grew up Catholic. Every time they got to stuff about Mary Magdalene, even as a kid it just didn't sit right with me. But we weren't allowed to question, not back then. Especially not the one priest who came in to prepare us for confirmation.
I felt the same way when I first heard about Lilith. The stories they told about here didn't sit right with me.
Later, my ex and I ended up in some non-denominational churches over the years. Most, if not all, held the "don't question the pastor or scripture" mentality. Only one ever talked about The Sophia, the feminine aspect of god. And the majority of them preached submissiveness. And I...I just could not do it.
I used to joke the my ex expected me to be a combination of June Cleaver and Betty Crocker. It took many years for me to realize I was in an abusive situation because it wasn't physical, but it was escalating in that direction, I believe. And several more before I got out.
Lisa, first of all thank you for reading and for you amazing comment. I feel like we have walked a similar path in regard to the church. And then the abuse. The divine feminine is still speaking and she is a guiding force for so many women. It’s truly incredible to see he showing up in so many women. These times are calling on her more than ever. ❤️
I’m sorry you have been marginalized by the male dominated church. It’s still prevalent in many Christian traditions and it’s wrong.
This article is a preview to a video that I’m making about Mary Magdalene in art and the Bible. It’s about what the gospels tells us we should really remember her for. Subscribe so you’ll see the video posted. Should be sometime next week. In the meantime…
I am not a Catholic but Jesus has always guided me. I have always loved Mother Mary, and Mary of Magdala has been building in energy and understanding for quite a while now for me. And I feel truths that are not found in the Bible. I have been delving head long into Sophia, Gospel of Mary, Gospel of Thomas (as a witness to Jesus' love for Mary), the Ethiopian story of Eve - gee - all the women who have been deleted and ignored through the patriarchal system. And I feel her rising in me. The recent Pope leading the Mary procession, the veneration of the Mother - brings great joy to my heart. I have been drumming and singing to the Mother for a few years and recently in great pain, I meditated and had a most wonderful vision of Jesus and the two Marys giving me a blessing and I felt an instant healing. I am getting out of bed each morning and praying and meditating to my Marys. They guide me. I love that the Nag Hammadi library is continuing to bring forth its fruits of knowledge. I believe that Mary was the complement of Jesus - he the Divine Masculine, she the Divine Feminine. I read recently that something was found that the Disciples asked Jesus 46 questions and Mary answered 39 of them. That, for me, says it all. Co-messengers. They have told us how to - time to do it. :)
Hi Evania, thank you for taking time to read and for your comment. I just loved reading how the Mary’s continually show up for women across then world from all faiths. It’s so incredible. ❤️
What a gift you just shared, Ella! This truly is a centerpiece. Protect your spiritual essence? Yes, but the work you do is bringing your essence directly into the experiential, embodied, physical world. I do feel your life story offers your readers insight into your life/soul experience, which is deeply moving and beautifully valuable. 🙌🪬🌀🕊️
Heather ❤️ Thank you beautiful. I so appreciate you. Abuse is a funny and nuanced thing. I am grateful to finally find a space where I can really begin to pull back the curtains. So much love sister ❤️
A powerful post. I felt many of the same feelings when so late in life I was enlightened by "Mary Magdalene Revealed" by Meggan Waterson. It shook my world. Thanks for sharing and validating. xo
Mary thank you for reading ❤️. Mary Magdalene Revealed is a beautiful book. I have it on my nightstand always. ❤️
Powerful essay. Thank you for sharing. I learned much of this in my 20's, studying theology in the early 70's, a young woman ignored by the church teachers who were men. But I did not learn about these writings from them. I came across them in theological libraries and bookstores, and dug in deep, keeping them near to my heart for decades until others began to write and talk of them. But no one spoke of them during my theological training. In fact, one of the male teachers was very dismissive of Elaine Pagels, who had just written "The Gnostic Gospels," calling her deranged. I read the book anyway, and it opened my eyes. I was young, but the middle aged nuns who poured into theological institutions pushed back. Even then. They would not be silenced. I learned from them. I taught theology for two and a half decades, until I could no longer teach what I no longer believed. In the nearly two and half decades since, I have freely pursued my own studies and readings and have met kindred souls.
Olga, thank you so much for reading and for your beautiful comment. I’m so inspired by your story. The amount if strength to be in theology as a woman in the 70’s- not on the path of being a nun. Don’t get me started on the nuns! Catholic school gave me a good lesson. Im so glad you listened to that inner voice and kept searching for the truth. I imagine we would have a brilliant conversation if we ever get the chance to. I’d like that. ❤️
Thank you for your kind words. It was interesting to begin studying theology neat the end of Vatican Ii when everything seemed possible. Luckily I was largely educated by Adrian Dominican sisters, the most progressive order I know and many mentored me. And I would love to have that conversation as well!
Ella, my own journey feels so similar to yours! Thank you for writing about it. I look forward to reading more and wondering how to find us in our individual local communities? Would be wonderful and also powerful
Kristyn, thank you so much for reading and for taking time to comment. This post has gotten so much response across all social media. It makes my heart swell and gives me such hope. it would be amazing to find women locally ♥️
When I made my confirmation in the Cathlic Church I chose Mary Magdalene as my saint, much to the confusion and dismay of the priest and others. I did not believe she is as she was presented. Even in their scriptures the church does not say she was "fallen". St Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus have been guides and comforters along my way.
That's a beautiful thing. I love hearing that. ❤️
And not alone.
Well said, and true. Raised a Catholic I felt the women were always missing.
I know i am not alone on this one!
Thanks so much for this. My own journey to this place and this understanding has been quite different. I think that might be the most inspiring aspect. As women, we have come here from such a vast array of experiences and backgrounds, yet we have been led to this same, suppressed information. I pray that we, as women specifically and as a society in general, finally acknowledge the immense, transformative energy we contain. If it weren’t so powerful, why would the suppression have taken place? And why has it emerged now? Much love🙏🏻✌🏻🙌🏻
Hi Lorena, thank you for reading and leaving such a nice response. I see women from all backgrounds finding themselves in this same space now. It’s an awakening that is growing and I’m so here for it. ❤️
Ella, I know experientially what you are speaking of, I too have a difficult time sharing about my spiritual path. I too had a deep knowing, now about 50 years ago, while reading Biblical texts concerning Miriam of Magdala that there was more to her story and I hungered for that knowledge. Let us keep lifting her up allowing her to take residence in her rightful place in our hearts and consciousness’.
Catherine, thank you so much for reading and for sharing your journey with Miriam of Magdala. What a rich and beautiful journey it is. ❤️
So powerful. I am sorry to say I let my church path keep Mary’s voice silent for way too long! I too found the beginnings of true connection in Mary’s Gospel. Grateful to have found her (and your writings) now.
Rhea, it breaks my heart when I think about how many women, and men, have been denied the voice and brilliance of Mary. You can’t keep something this powerful hidden. I’m so glad to hear that you, like me, have found her anyway. ❤️
What a beautiful post. There's so much to think about I've saved it to read again. I'm currently writing a novel that touches on some of the things you've talked about and it resonates very deeply with me. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself ❤️
Hi Elizabeth, thank you so much for taking the time to read and leave me a note. I’d love to hear more about your novel. ❤️
Great and powerful post Ella!!!
Thank you Lisa! I so appreciate your support ❤️
I grew up Catholic. Every time they got to stuff about Mary Magdalene, even as a kid it just didn't sit right with me. But we weren't allowed to question, not back then. Especially not the one priest who came in to prepare us for confirmation.
I felt the same way when I first heard about Lilith. The stories they told about here didn't sit right with me.
Later, my ex and I ended up in some non-denominational churches over the years. Most, if not all, held the "don't question the pastor or scripture" mentality. Only one ever talked about The Sophia, the feminine aspect of god. And the majority of them preached submissiveness. And I...I just could not do it.
I used to joke the my ex expected me to be a combination of June Cleaver and Betty Crocker. It took many years for me to realize I was in an abusive situation because it wasn't physical, but it was escalating in that direction, I believe. And several more before I got out.
Lisa, first of all thank you for reading and for you amazing comment. I feel like we have walked a similar path in regard to the church. And then the abuse. The divine feminine is still speaking and she is a guiding force for so many women. It’s truly incredible to see he showing up in so many women. These times are calling on her more than ever. ❤️
I’m sorry you have been marginalized by the male dominated church. It’s still prevalent in many Christian traditions and it’s wrong.
This article is a preview to a video that I’m making about Mary Magdalene in art and the Bible. It’s about what the gospels tells us we should really remember her for. Subscribe so you’ll see the video posted. Should be sometime next week. In the meantime…
https://substack.com/@artandthebible/note/p-207700337?r=8p7w7d&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
This is Very interesting to me. I've not heard of this before!!
Hi Melissa, thank you for taking the time to read. I hope that maybe this gives you an itch to scratch … something to discover for yourself. ❤️
I am not a Catholic but Jesus has always guided me. I have always loved Mother Mary, and Mary of Magdala has been building in energy and understanding for quite a while now for me. And I feel truths that are not found in the Bible. I have been delving head long into Sophia, Gospel of Mary, Gospel of Thomas (as a witness to Jesus' love for Mary), the Ethiopian story of Eve - gee - all the women who have been deleted and ignored through the patriarchal system. And I feel her rising in me. The recent Pope leading the Mary procession, the veneration of the Mother - brings great joy to my heart. I have been drumming and singing to the Mother for a few years and recently in great pain, I meditated and had a most wonderful vision of Jesus and the two Marys giving me a blessing and I felt an instant healing. I am getting out of bed each morning and praying and meditating to my Marys. They guide me. I love that the Nag Hammadi library is continuing to bring forth its fruits of knowledge. I believe that Mary was the complement of Jesus - he the Divine Masculine, she the Divine Feminine. I read recently that something was found that the Disciples asked Jesus 46 questions and Mary answered 39 of them. That, for me, says it all. Co-messengers. They have told us how to - time to do it. :)
Hi Evania, thank you for taking time to read and for your comment. I just loved reading how the Mary’s continually show up for women across then world from all faiths. It’s so incredible. ❤️
Beautiful Ella! 🤍
Patricia, thank you so much. Your posts file me so much love and hope. ❤️
That means so much to me sister! Sending you lots of love from Paris 🤍
Sending you lots of love right back to you sister, from the beach on the east coast of the US. ❤️