The Lilith Academy
Shadow Work For The Western Woman
The Lilith Salon Series Presents:
Mary Magdalene in Dystopia
Mary Magdalene in Dystopia:
A Vision of What Could Have Been
Growing up Mexican-American in San Antonio, Texas, I was constantly enveloped by Catholic imagery and symbolism—and yes, surrounded by a hefty dose of guilt. Ironically, I never really felt that guilt. But I witnessed how this guilt oozed out of most community members, people trying so hard every day to be good, to be righteous... to offer their suffering to god.
Seeing all the women in my family devoutly adoring Jesus and the Virgin Mary somewhat repelled me. I felt like an outsider, sent to study and report on the natives in their environment. It was clear to me that much of this display of piety wasn't genuine. While there were a few truly saint-like older women in my family, the others, particularly my aunts, performed but did not embody these ideals.
Most women in my family served as unwitting anti-role models, showing me precisely how not to be.
Thus, my journey as a heretic began at the tender age of five, when I started to see through the facade. I sensed something they weren’t telling me, and, true to my heretic nature, I began asking why.
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In many ways, the performance of virtue by my family members—despite their deep-seated jealousy and betrayal of everything Jesus was supposed to represent—wasn't entirely their fault.
I am a mestiza and come from a lineage of indigenous people, colonized and coerced into abandoning their reverence for nature as the creator to adopt a foreign god they had never known.
This forced pretense, initially adopted for survival, ironically sowed the seeds of actual sin: a deviation from authenticity that perpetuated the belief that survival requires deceit.
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This abrupt disconnection triggered a trauma that has cascaded down through generations, manifesting in my family as mental disorganization, anxiety, and personality disorders- maladapting coping mechanisms we’ve developed to survive merely.
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In stark contrast to the women in my family, my grandfather stood out as a paragon of honesty and authenticity, truly the salt of the earth. He was my role model on how to live authentically. As a young girl, this difference confused me and even made me feel ashamed of being female because being female was to be crazy, I thought. It wasn’t until much later, through my experiences in sex work, that I realized liberation starts with fully inhabiting our bodies. The church teaches that salvation is external, denying that the Savior might reside within us. This contradicts the teachings of the Gnostic Jesus and Mary Magdalene, who revealed a profound, heretical truth: true salvation is found not outside ourselves but within our very being.
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The inspiration for this salon comes from the fusion of my youthful self and my adult self, whose combined experiences have shaped this vision.
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In "Mary Magdalene in Dystopia," we'll explore these themes of embodiment as salvation.
We will dive into Mary Magdalene's Gnostic Gospel and use our imagination to envision a different world shaped by her teachings instead of those of Peter and Paul. Despite her eventual recognition as a saint, the enduring image of Mary Magdalene as a prostitute has left its mark, influencing our culture in ways we may not fully realize or appreciate.
This is why it's crucial to explore who Magdala indeed was. Like Lilith, she represents a primordial force as commanding as thunder in the sky.
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Who is
Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene is a figure shrouded in mystery, woven deeply into Christian lore and beyond. She grapples with themes that touch the very core of human experience—loyalty, redemption, and the profound power of the feminine. Her story, veiled in controversy and intrigue, has been a focal point of admiration and contention, offering a rich tapestry for us to unravel.
The Mainstream Mary
Mary Magdalene emerges as a pivotal character. She is the woman who stood by Jesus when others fled and was the first to witness his resurrection. This alone makes her a figure of immense devotion and courage, challenging the traditional narratives of female subservience.
The Misinterpreted Mary
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Yet, for too long, she was miscast as a repentant prostitute, a narrative mistakenly perpetuated by a sixth-century sermon. It took centuries for this to be officially corrected, but the image of Mary as the penitent sinner has stubbornly lingered in the collective psyche.
The Mystical Mary
Enter the Gnostic Gospels, with the Gospel of Mary portraying her in a radically different light—as Jesus' intellectual and spiritual counterpart. Here, she's not just a follower; she's a visionary, imparting Jesus' teachings with a depth that suggests she understood them more profoundly than his male disciples ever did. ​ The "What If" Mary ​ The plot thickens with theories pushing traditional narratives' boundaries—speculations of Mary as Jesus' wife or even the mother of his descendants, notions that challenge the foundations of Christian orthodoxy. Then there's the idea of Mary as a representation of the divine feminine, a thread connecting her to ancient goddess traditions, positing her as a sacred unity and balance figure. ​ However, in the Gnostic Gospel of Mary, Mary Magdalene emerges as the inheritor of Jesus's authentic message. This text suggests that Peter and Paul overshadowed her solely because she was a woman. Let us take a look!
From Follower to Leader:
The Journey of Mary Magdalene
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene is like stumbling upon a secret passage in an ancient cathedral—it opens up a whole new perspective on early Christian thought, revealing Mary not just as a mere follower of Jesus but as a pivotal spiritual powerhouse.
Found tucked away and almost forgotten until the late 19th century, this gospel has sparked intrigue and admiration despite its fragmented condition. It whispers of a time when Mary Magdalene shared Jesus' teachings, offering a direct, intimate glimpse into their spiritual discussions, something the more widely accepted gospels don’t quite touch on.
What’s It All About?
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At its essence, this gospel dares us to look inward for spiritual growth, pushing the idea that true enlightenment comes from mastering our inner turmoil and not merely adhering to external practices. Mary Magdalene stands tall, a beacon of wisdom and strength, guiding the bewildered disciples through their darkest hour with a clarity and understanding they seem to lack.
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Stirring the Pot
Introducing Mary Magdalene as a figure of authority and deep spiritual insight was bound to ruffle some feathers. The text challenges the long-standing, male-dominated narrative of Christian leadership, hinting at a more inclusive early Christian community where women’s voices and leadership were valued. ​ Fuel for Thought ​ The intimate portrayal of Mary’s relationship with Jesus in this gospel feeds into various speculative fires about her role in his life and the early church. While it stops short of defining their relationship, it certainly paints a picture of a special bond that goes beyond the conventional disciple-teacher dynamic, inviting us to question and wonder about the true nature of their connection. ​ All of the above sets the groundwork for the critical inquiries made by the Gnostics, the ancient Christians, who doubted the authority and motives of the institutional church, believing that it twisted Jesus's message as a tool for controlling the masses and consolidating power.
What is Gnosticism?
Exploring Gnosticism and its fascinating texts, such as the Gnostic Gospels, is like discovering a hidden passage within the grand architecture of early Christianity. These texts, brimming with universal wisdom, reveal a spiritual landscape that is far richer and more varied than the more familiar territories of mainstream Christianity.
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Unearthing Mary's Voice
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In 1896, the Gospel of Mary was discovered near Akhmim, Egypt. The discovery of her sacred, ancient text signaled that the scapegoated feminine voice in Western consciousness was poised for a profound revival.
A return to consciousness.
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A Discovery in Nag Hammadi
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Forty-nine years later, in 1945, a farmer stumbled upon a jar crammed with thirteen leather-bound manuscripts in Nag Hammadi, Egypt. These were no ordinary texts; they were the Gnostic Gospels, a collection that would widen eyes and minds with alternative takes on early Christian beliefs, including works like the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Philip.
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So, What's Gnosticism Anyway?
Gnosticism is like the indie film of ancient religious movements—esoteric, profound, and underground. It champions personal, direct experience of the divine over the mainstream, one-size-fits-all spirituality. Gnostics advocate for a spiritual awakening that transcends the physical and connects directly with the Divine through the acute observance of one's lived experiences. ​ The Gnostic Gospels: Flipping the Script ​ These texts are the road less traveled, offering narratives and teachings of Jesus that you won't find in the Sunday school version of Christianity. They’re all about the inner journey, suggesting that our divine spark is real and that salvation is about waking up to this profound inner truth. These gospels are ancient texts and revolutionary tracts that question authority, deconstruct hierarchies, and hint at an inclusive and liberating spirituality. ​ Why Dive Into These Waters? ​ For those yearning for more than traditional narratives, especially women seeking to reclaim their place in spiritual history, the Gnostic Gospels are like a breath of fresh air. They invite us to ask bold questions, seek our own path to the divine, and embrace a more personal and direct connection with spirituality. Through the Gospel of Mary and the Nag Hammadi library, we are not merely exploring ancient beliefs but reconnecting with the sacred feminine rites of passage that guided those who walked the path before us. By rediscovering these myriad ways to connect with the divine, we reshape our understanding of faith and find reflections of our own spiritual journey in the stories and sacred practices of the ancient Christians, who, above all, understood that Jesus's message, echoed by Mary Magdalene, was to pay attention to the initiatory, inner journey, the quest of the soul, and not to the false authority of those in power.
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene's Blueprint for Feminine Sacred Initiation
Embracing Life's Sacred Initiations
Embracing the Gnostic view that life's challenges and joys are sacred initiations can profoundly deepen our understanding of personal experiences. Each milestone, whether overcoming an obstacle or reveling in a moment of pleasure, is considered a spiritual initiation. This significant event teaches us and aids our growth. These are not just fleeting moments but profound, soul-shaping experiences that often go unrecognized next to society’s more visible achievements.
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The Practice of Soul Retrieval
Understanding these experiences as personal rites of passage is similar to the practice of soul retrieval. This process involves reclaiming your unique personal mythology and the deep, experiential knowledge—what Mary Magdalene refers to as embodied gnosis in the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. It’s about retrieving the parts of your spirit that contain your wisdom and strength, which are crucial for guiding you on your spiritual journey.
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Reviving Our Spiritual Heritage
We can learn to distinguish these actual spiritual experiences from mere cultural milestones by acknowledging how dominant cultural narratives have overshadowed sacred feminine rites. This discernment is vital for reviving our rightful heritage's ancient, holy paths, allowing us to connect more deeply with the earth's wisdom and the spiritual realms.
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The Lilith Academy holds incredible power in unveiling how life experiences have primed us for the Great Work. This innate knowledge resides within each of us, waiting to be discovered.
Chriselda serves as our guide, facilitating the journey to unearth this wisdom and enabling us to have the audacity to reach for our fullest spiritual potential.
- Laura Varela, Award-Winning Filmmaker:
Graduate of Mary Magdalene in Dystopia, 2023
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Integrating Spiritual Initiations
Recognizing and actively incorporating these spiritual initiations into our lives is essential. They are key to our growth and pursuit of balance, deepening our spiritual heritage and understanding of our role in the world. This recognition must go beyond academic exercises; it's a reclaiming of our rooted embodiment—a rediscovery of the profound wisdom inherent in each of us, fueled by Mary Magdalene's transformative teachings. ​ Understanding Sacred Contradictions In nature, nothing inherently contradicts itself. Every element has its unique intelligence, effortlessly reconciling what may seem contradictory to us—often because we view the sacred without full understanding. Grasping what lies behind the veil takes more than mental effort; it requires genuine sacrifice and dedication! Looking closely at the Marys' archetypes within this framework, we see they work together perfectly.
Beyond Dichotomy: Embracing the Full Spectrum of Feminine Experience
Complementary Feminine Archetypes:
The Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene
The Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene are often portrayed as opposites in contemporary spiritual and feminist discourses. Yet, they symbolize two complementary facets of the feminine experience, reflecting different aspects of the same entity.
The Complexity of Identity
Our identities are multifaceted, but our understanding is frequently limited by a dichotomous worldview of good versus evil, obscuring reality's full complexity. Such oversimplification often causes us to overlook the nuances within ourselves.
Historical Advances Meet Modern Challenges
As highlighted on the Welcome page of The Lilith Academy, Western women have achieved significant milestones through the efforts of previous generations. Our great-great-grandmothers won the right to vote; our grandmothers and mothers witnessed the rise of modern feminism. These material advancements in the exoteric world are indeed inspiring, yet they underscore the need for parallel progress in the esoteric or immaterial realms of our lives. To fully address the spiritual and societal undercurrents that shape our experiences, we must focus on advancing our inner worlds with the same vigor we've brought to external reforms. This balanced approach is essential for true and holistic transformation.
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Transcending Political and Cultural Dialogues
This discourse transcends mere politics, important though they are, to address a deeper imperative to move beyond traditional cultural and political dialogues about femininity. This approach does not reject past progress but seeks to enhance it with greater depth, intellectual integrity, and an expanded appreciation for philosophical and spiritual subtleties.
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Resurrecting Feminine Philosophy
A revitalized philosophy inspired by Mary Magdalene aims to celebrate and harness the varied energies of the feminine spirit. It endeavors to recognize, embrace, integrate, and liberate these energies, reducing the conflicts that have historically divided them.
Revealing the Gospel:
Mary Magdalene's Mission to Reclaim the Feminine and Uncover Jesus's Authentic Teachings
The Lilith Academy is a synthesis of Chriselda seeking out truths not just agreeing to what everyone else says it is.
I’ve told my daughters if they are seeking insight from places or people they need yours because you are coming from experiencing it firsthand. That has always been a thing for us; respect for the people who actually go through the fire, who are saying the words out loud.
When I’ve brought Chriselda up to my daughter's friends it’s usually brought up in talks about identity or figuring out the world they’re walking in. I tell them about what she's doing and to check it out because she breaks it down better than I could think to tell it.
Chriselda does this.
She takes these big concepts and simplifies them to their raw origin. And that’s how I can tell a real motherfucker from a piggybacker. Chriselda's work doesn't seek validation.
I thank her for living the life she has and for throwing us some of those breadcrumbs.
- Davina Moreno, Mary Magdalene in Dystopia student
Mary Magdalene in Dystopia challenges us to actively explore the sacred inner journey that Mary Magdalene describes in The Gospel of Mary Magdalene. It embraces an ancient Christian philosophy that diverges sharply from today’s institutional church, which long ago dismissed this wisdom as unworthy of inclusion in the canonical Bible.
This salon course at The Lilith Academy delves deeper into themes explored in our premier long-term mentorship program, "Unveiling Lilith," focusing on Lilith, the West's most marginalized, scapegoated feminine figure.
This Salon is particularly suited for those moving away from organized Christian religion or working through the inherited shame and fear associated with the feminine, passed down through generations.
Imagine this course experience as a healing balm, a potent remedy applied with love and compassion, its essence reminiscent of rose dew in a green forest. It's designed for anyone who reveres the feminine and seeks to understand it within—not apart from—a Christian framework, exploring paths Christianity might have taken had Mary Magdalene's voice not been stifled by Jesus's male disciples and later by Pope Gregory, who mislabeled her a prostitute. This deliberate misrepresentation has had profound repercussions on Western women, subtly infiltrating our society.
As a mestiza who comes from a long line of indigenous grandmothers and who has navigated the shadows of societal judgment as a sex worker, I bring a unique, personal insight into these explorations. It was in the shadow that I discovered the sacred and the holiness in whoredom.
This salon isn't just a course; it's a journey to uncover and appreciate the feminine in ways that could redefine our spiritual landscape.
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And we start with YOU...
