Easter Muse-ings Part 1

Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene and witnessing the shadow

Here we are Good Friday, as a child in I never understood why it was called that!

I thought it was a pretty bad day as Jesus was crucified!

But it turns out In old English "good" meant “Holy" but, I dont remember being told that at school.

The biblical Easter story always stirred something in me, mainly the part about Mary Magdalene knelt at the foot of the cross and her role in the story.

It kind of haunted me, but I knew it was so important.

As Jesus hung there slowly dying, while others fled in fear, Mary practiced the highest form of healing.

Being present, Witnessing.

She did not try to fix the unfixable or turn away from the agony; she simply stayed.

She held space.

She loved.

I was a strange little girl, and I wanted to be Mary!

Her role felt so deeply important to me. And still does.

Maybe the was an indication of things to come for me.

To be in service.

To be the light, to stand strong and gentle when life is rough .

To hold others hands in the darkness to witness a life as it changes or passes.

Today I honour Mary Magdalene for her teachings of love, her strength and courage.

For staying with the pain, being present with it.

For feeling into the shadows.

There is such a beautiful healing here for us when we are able to do this.

Here is a little ritual idea you may like to use.

Light dark coloured candle. (Or a tealight will do)

Ask yourself, where do I feel crucified, lost, or betrayed ?

Ask the flame, the transformative being of fire, to gently lift the sadness or heaviness from your heart and replace it with love ❤️

Like Mary, hold space for your own grief without judgment.

Allow yourself to feel, you may wish to write, draw, doodle. Sing, cry, whatever comes up for you. Be gentle with yourself.

When you feel ready, thank the being of fire and snuff your candle.

You may like to finish with a cup of Rose tea.

Step outside and feel the Earth beneath you.

Take some breathes.

Always with love.

From my heart to yours

#marymagdalene #witness #presence #peace #goodfriday

Art by @clare schild