The Magdalene: Wild and Wounded, Anointress, Beloved - A Retreat for Wisening Women debuted on July 20, 2018. It was a profound and intimate experience, the seeds of which, I am quite sure, will be producing sprouts of growth, and ripened fruit for months to come for all of us who were present! I intend for you,also, to experience some of the ripples of that magical weekend! Let them roll over you in a refreshing and moving kind of way!
And men - please stay tuned! An idea is gestating for a co-ed retreat - probably next Fall! What I have to share applies to you too!
The weekend was, indeed, Magical! With moments, and teachings, and synchronicities that spoke what mere words and even purposeful action struggle to relate. Let me share a few lessons about Magic that I learned, and created space for.
THE MAGIC OF TRUST
You know those moments when you really have no choice but to trust? Or any other choice will send you into a tailspin, a frenzy, or a freak-out? I felt those moments as the retreat was drawing near.
Early in the week prior to the opening day of the retreat, my computer crashed. It wasn't like there was anything critical to the workings of the retreat on it, but anything I may have wanted to print out, etc. - just to be organized and professional - wasn't going to happen!
There were also those little extras that I had wanted to include - symbols of Mary Magdalene, artwork. Details that I hadn't tended to. I was feeling guilty about a "lackadaisacal" part of me that I thought may have taken over.
And such a small group we had - would the participants feel like they were receiving a complete experience without more people to add their energy?
Deep within, though, I heard a Feminine voice calling me to trust Her. I recognized that voice as Mary Magdalene.
She did not disappoint!
There are many symbols associated with Mary Magdalene - symbols that appear over and over in the artwork, writings, and legends. Among these are the chalice, the pomegranate, the fleur de lis, the unicorn. One by one, throughout the weekend, the symbols began appearing, even though I had not collected them like I intended. Pomegranate chocolate from HEB. The fleur de lis printed on the front page of one woman's journal. A unicorn on the angel card I drew the first night. The "unicorn thread" that had been used for knitting a hat by one of the participants all weekend. The use of "unicorn" as a term of endearment from another. Upon reflection, we could all see how Mary Magdalene had been whispering to us throughout our time together. Always guiding and supporting, always loving and encouraging.
Our group of 4 women - a magical group to be sure! Not to diminish how others could have or would have added beautiful energy - but it was clear that, as we are always invited to trust, the group was divinely formed. The number 4 was perfect! A number of bringing something into consciousness. A number of stability and strength. Those who participated, mature in their healing and spiritual journeys, came together, creating a nurturing and strong womb within which new life could be incubated.
For me, all of these signs and symbols, as well as witnessing how our little group came together, each one, was a little voice saying - "See - I told you. This is all a part of a greater energy than yours. It's all taken care of. Just trust me."
You may not be planning a retreat, or any other event. But chances are you have something going on in your life that needs you to take a step back, stop believing that it all relies on your energy or control, and trust. Look around for the signs and symbols that leave no doubt that there is a greater energy supporting and guiding you.
There were at least two other themes of Magic in the weekend - I'll share those before too long - in Parts II and III of this blog post. In the meantime, open yourself to what and how you might be invited to trust!
I mentioned that new life was/is being incubated. Because it was immediately clear that this retreat does not stand alone - it is the beginning of something much bigger! I can't say exactly what that "bigger" is yet, but it has to do with bringing men and women, masculine and feminine, strength and vulnerability, together. It has to do with promoting the healing arts, as well as opening to a deep spirituality. And it has to do with creating space to foster intimate partnership, and conscious relationship - with Mary Magdalene and Jesus as our guides.
While that idea is baking, I already have the next The Magdalene - A Retreat for Wisening Women retreat on the calendar! I can't wait to share the experience with more amazing women who are looking to deepen their own healing and connection with the Divine - however it chooses to show up!
Alisa Carr/Eye of the Heart, Spiritual Director, DreamWorker, LCSW