tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73422953304333847192024-03-13T05:57:21.668-07:00The French Madonnawww.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna - 'in the discarded, the superfluous, the seemingly unnecessary, lies the Essence, calling forth the highest forms of Love'
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.comBlogger213125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-26176455750587552852018-05-05T06:10:00.001-07:002018-05-05T06:10:43.906-07:00Blog moving<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6dU45NKX6R0/ULtlHxhkbGI/AAAAAAAAQpI/WreFiS8m_nkYs77JoVKHDcBEoOLVmtfOACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/altarassemblage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6dU45NKX6R0/ULtlHxhkbGI/AAAAAAAAQpI/WreFiS8m_nkYs77JoVKHDcBEoOLVmtfOACPcBGAYYCw/s400/altarassemblage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayer box and keepsakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
I have decided that its time to consolidate my blogs. If you are interested in my pilgrimages,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sacred altars, shrines and tarot decks (yes, the second one The Black Madonna tarot is happening)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then please follow me at</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.hergracesacredart.com</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
blessings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_K4Knq9gl8/T85HSe2SwbI/AAAAAAAAQM8/VglX9zJmqCEHQsgmj3LyhIPPxwAPkN8sgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/signature.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-35314011843207124132018-01-28T05:34:00.000-08:002018-01-28T05:34:14.935-08:00The hidden fairytale of Lourdes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVDskjo06u4/Wm3RIp5Hl7I/AAAAAAAAbDM/ynWfsLT0HGs2xI5WWxdttVJX8Tq1uUFKgCLcBGAs/s1600/stockcrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVDskjo06u4/Wm3RIp5Hl7I/AAAAAAAAbDM/ynWfsLT0HGs2xI5WWxdttVJX8Tq1uUFKgCLcBGAs/s400/stockcrown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fairytales are a font of wisdom,;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a secret book of Wisdom and Divine Feminine tales.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In fairy tales the hero is always a woman</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
guided by the supernatural,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
surrounded by magic and miracles</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and a wondrous healing tale for all!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year's Art Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will explore the feminine wisdom and guidance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of fairytales and specifically the miraculous</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
story of Our Lady of Lourdes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the similarities with other fairy tales!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are invited : bring your spinning wheel and broom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and join me from Friday 3 February 2018<br />
at <a href="http://pathofdivinelove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cloister of the Heart.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
be blessed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hettienne</div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-70389753087097544792018-01-23T09:39:00.003-08:002018-01-31T00:28:22.990-08:00Art Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ze1lClg1StM/WGf3xrvgi6I/AAAAAAAASlM/pxHvYs9Cak8GS27oNRnxYw1JAf_Ib8SuQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/lourdes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="1131" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ze1lClg1StM/WGf3xrvgi6I/AAAAAAAASlM/pxHvYs9Cak8GS27oNRnxYw1JAf_Ib8SuQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/lourdes.jpg" width="237" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Art Novena for Lady of Lourdes - an annual tradition on </span><a href="http://pathofdivinelove.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Cloister of the Heart</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> starts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">again on<br />3 February (the day after Candlemas or Imbolc and St Bridgid's feast day) and <br />culminating on the feast day of Our Lady<br />of Lourdes, the Immaculate Conception on 11 February.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4SItkAEl4w/WmdDDZ44k2I/AAAAAAAAbAI/abYLVfkfOuseuUG-ZNVXv433tTIKDNwsQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7485.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4SItkAEl4w/WmdDDZ44k2I/AAAAAAAAbAI/abYLVfkfOuseuUG-ZNVXv433tTIKDNwsQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7485.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Seven years ago I started the tradition<br />of the Art Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes on my blogs.<br />This was part of my very first post :<br /><br />A few months ago I visited the grotto of the Lady of Lourdes. An unforgettable<br />experience which has touched me deeply - beyond religion, beyond concepts, <br />beyond labels. <br /><br /><br />Nine Days for the Lady of Lourdes <br />a novena <br />('novem' the Latin word meaning 'nine') <br />nine days of illuminating art, <br />poetry, <br />and sharing <br />Starting on Saturday 3 February <br />till 11 February <br />the feast day of the Lady of Lourdes. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jB49UmdJW0/Wmc8uSQSpXI/AAAAAAAAa-8/BFZ6bhFNCjExfQWXgt8_UFaLkOcotV3GQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7499.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jB49UmdJW0/Wmc8uSQSpXI/AAAAAAAAa-8/BFZ6bhFNCjExfQWXgt8_UFaLkOcotV3GQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7499.JPG" /></a> <br /><br />When one participates in a ritual (probably any ritual, but when you regard it as sacred, you add a certain 'light' to it) you are transported into a different time and space : colors are different; the light is different; everything has meaning and the ordinary become extra-ordinary. My art novena for Lourdes in particular, highlights my statement that our lives are the altar to the Divine and I strive to capture that numinosity of the sacred ritual in my photographs and altars. I only started creating sacred altars on my return from Lourdes. These small shadowboxes are vignettes, a moment in time in the life of ordinary human beings, lifted out of the mundane into the numinous, merely by seeing life as sacred. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_m7rOHU0kxI/WmdG6PoI6eI/AAAAAAAAbAY/YaO43UO5tgcVo7LcWGYfGEKkVftAhKaLQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7477.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_m7rOHU0kxI/WmdG6PoI6eI/AAAAAAAAbAY/YaO43UO5tgcVo7LcWGYfGEKkVftAhKaLQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7477.JPG" /></a><br /><br />You can read the previous seven years' novena blog posts here :<br /><br /><a href="http://pathofdivinelove.blogspot.co.za/search/label/ART%20NOVENA%20FOR%20OUR%20LADY%20OF%20LOURDES">Art Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes on Cloister of the Heart</a><br /><br />This year I am creating Our Lady of Lourdes Amulet Blessing Sets<br />based on the Benedicaria way.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXCpbrWC--A/WmdB1qKGtlI/AAAAAAAAa_8/wpzM4kVoakAxDQAJJBz3JVFGJXijMO5KgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7502.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXCpbrWC--A/WmdB1qKGtlI/AAAAAAAAa_8/wpzM4kVoakAxDQAJJBz3JVFGJXijMO5KgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7502.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />The Amulets of Mary Blessing set is a two-fold oracle, blessing <br />and healing set incorporating various ancient traditions including the Benedicaria, <br />the sacred path of the pilgrim and priestesshood in the Temple of Mary<br />and the sanctification of the ordinary through the blessing way.<br /><br />I am creating only a few Our Lady of Lourdes Amulet sets for use<br />in the annual novena and for every day!!. All amulet sets<br />that I create complement the Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FbeikZZqJ8g/WmdAG4pVilI/AAAAAAAAa_o/y8JNbk5UKxwsZco-yiYGMjsF4cOlB6VywCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7493.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FbeikZZqJ8g/WmdAG4pVilI/AAAAAAAAa_o/y8JNbk5UKxwsZco-yiYGMjsF4cOlB6VywCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7493.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Recently I learnt about the ancient tradition of Benedicaria and the work of a Benedetta. Although I am not born into the Italian culture, my journey as pilgrim did start in Italy with the call issued by Archangel Michael to visit his grotto in Mont Sant’Angelo and I see myself as a modern Benedetta, continuously uncovering more. <br /><br /> Benedicaria, The Blessing Way<br />Benedicaria, the Blessing Way, is an ancient Catholic and domestic folk tradition practised by the Italians in Southern Italy. This tradition is fast fading from modern society, but many of its practises are still part of syncretic worship and devotion.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9FY96NCoUA/WmdABjMg1tI/AAAAAAAAa_k/4pz1R2VKn2YuL9rJg7yM8hadPy0efImjACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7499.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9FY96NCoUA/WmdABjMg1tI/AAAAAAAAa_k/4pz1R2VKn2YuL9rJg7yM8hadPy0efImjACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7499.JPG" /></a><br /><br />One who practices the Benedicaria, is known as a Benedetta, or a Wise Woman and a Benedetto, a Wise Man . Benedicaria is a private form of practising your religion and it blends with many domestic practises, such as the blessing of animals and herbs, infusing oils and elixers, creating an altar, using flowers and holy cards for blessings and wisdom.<br /><br />Benedicaria is predominantly a woman’s practise. <br />A Benedetta has much in common with the goddess archetypes of <br />Demeter, Hestea, Bridgit and even Athena. <br />She is the homemaker, mother, herbalist, gardener, chef and healer. <br />This role is not regarded as of any importance <br />in modern society, but for one who is spiritually aware and <br />who undertakes these tasks with great intent, <br />she understands the spiritual force that is being wielded. <br />The preparing of food is not only a physical act, but a spiritual one. <br />If this is done in love it will bless the family; <br />if done in anger and ignorance, it will curse the family. <br /><br />The physical life and its objects are manifestations and representations of the life and existence of the spirit. Taking care of our physical life is a sacred task and when performed with intent and awareness we realise that the ordinary is indeed sacred.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oKYIuwQOwdE/Wmc_0nFIz4I/AAAAAAAAa_c/XQXAVDJ3qxsP5UAFOthrv_IMg4Mf-yLWwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7492.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oKYIuwQOwdE/Wmc_0nFIz4I/AAAAAAAAa_c/XQXAVDJ3qxsP5UAFOthrv_IMg4Mf-yLWwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7492.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The Lady of Lourdes amulet sets will contain<br />items that I collected during my annual visits to Lourdes,<br />hand cast resin holy medals (including<br />a cast of the Holy Chemise of Our Lady charm)<br />charms, holy cards, a miniature Lady of Lourdes resin<br />statue, a tiny vial of the healing waters of the Lourdes<br />spring, as well a set of 46 charms applicable to the story of Lourdes<br />and the Mysteries of Mary<br />(some of these charms will be the same as in the Amulets<br />of Mary set but some are completely unique)<br />and a Our Lady of Lourdes casting sheet with different<br />sections to the Mary and Goddess sets.<br />(All sprinkled with waters from the Lourdes spring and touched<br />to the relic of the Chemise of Our Lady.<br /><br />The Lady of Lourdes amulet sets will be available in<br />my shop The French Madonna @etsy.com in the next fortnight.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEbT-d3t4m4/Wmc_72gn1gI/AAAAAAAAa_g/LjHa9Ke7eDQzCHVcWG5LJYgIQpXO8Zi8wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7494.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEbT-d3t4m4/Wmc_72gn1gI/AAAAAAAAa_g/LjHa9Ke7eDQzCHVcWG5LJYgIQpXO8Zi8wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7494.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Be sure to visit my blog <a href="http://pathofdivinelove.blogspot.com/">Cloister of the Heart</a><br />on 3 February and follow the art novena to Our Lady of Lourdes<br /><br /><br /><br />blessings<br /><br /><br />Hettienne</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-52545135391957856402018-01-23T09:37:00.000-08:002018-01-23T09:37:14.059-08:00Pilgrimage to the Black Madonna and Divine Infant of Prague<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8HWZISwkqiw/WmAiHwDGkwI/AAAAAAAAafc/RlUf_SXK7EMR86sYq_ta8y3FuD-qBTiZwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8HWZISwkqiw/WmAiHwDGkwI/AAAAAAAAafc/RlUf_SXK7EMR86sYq_ta8y3FuD-qBTiZwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7428.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I spent Christmas with my family in Prague and although I had</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my own list of must-visits, Prague surprised with a few</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hidden secrets of her own!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I discovered the Casa Loreto in Prague.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although it is a copy of the shrine in Loreto in Italy,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this entire convent, shrine and grounds were beautiful<br />
with amazing artwork and emanating</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
powerful Divine Feminine energies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4gxjc48qiM/WmAiZRfcVfI/AAAAAAAAaf8/eTBOaRpRa6U0m6NA4i_wEkQeUjP9CNbxQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4gxjc48qiM/WmAiZRfcVfI/AAAAAAAAaf8/eTBOaRpRa6U0m6NA4i_wEkQeUjP9CNbxQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7433.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will share the story with you in another post with many pictures.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will also tell you about the incredible holy card exhibition that I also </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stumbled upon in Prague! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have returned filled with visions, dreams and new inspiration and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
am working on amulet blessing sets based on the Benedicaria</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
way of living.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FVbOQCCtf8g/WmAijsvqDFI/AAAAAAAAagE/miySUJ6t_dYUMdMP-uQgIkF90oy_DPZogCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FVbOQCCtf8g/WmAijsvqDFI/AAAAAAAAagE/miySUJ6t_dYUMdMP-uQgIkF90oy_DPZogCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7427.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each one of these sets are unique.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are not simply a collection of mass produced charms</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thrown together into a pouch. Yes, there are mass produced</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
charms in as well, but there are also unique pieces</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
such as the hand carved skull, from a nun/s rosary;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tiny Mary statues collected on my many pilgrimages;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
holy medals brought back from sacred places and dipped</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
into holy wells, sacred rivers and miraculous places of healing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5PMjHlDCSok/WmAis_RO03I/AAAAAAAAagM/pGpP1CLHKeEoqi7kYZcMfJ3Dg_EkdBgQACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5PMjHlDCSok/WmAis_RO03I/AAAAAAAAagM/pGpP1CLHKeEoqi7kYZcMfJ3Dg_EkdBgQACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7424.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also cast both in sterling silver and in polymer clay copies</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of sacred relics and special statues. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each casting sheet is printed onto linen cloth by myself and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sprinkled with holy water and salts from many places</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
such as Lourdes, St Terese of Lisieux and the grotto of St Michael</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in Mont Sant'Angelo. You can read more about my pilgrimages</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
here : http://pathofdivinelove.blogspot.co.za/p/sacred-journeys-pilgrimages-from-2000.html</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sets include a collection of new and old prayer cards; each</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
set contains one very special and old prayer card</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and some are copies of cards which are now in</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
private collections.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the amulet sets correlate to the Mysteries of Mary tarot deck</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and can they can be used together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They can also be used in healing sessions. I am working</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on a set that can be used with a chakra reading as well as</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
an astrology and colour reading.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It takes days to create one amulet set and it is the result</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of years of collecting relics and water from sacred sites. Each set is prepared</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on my sacred altar of dedication and devotion to the highest principles</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of unity and oneness with the focus of restoring the principle of the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
feminine to our consciousness and awareness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I share many pictures and updates on Instagram @thefrenchmadonna.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
blessings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hettienne</div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-39367778728333137762018-01-23T09:35:00.001-08:002019-01-20T09:03:29.937-08:00Reading with the Amulets of Mary Blessing Sets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHQGMrnIKAs/WhgECDwFk_I/AAAAAAAAZv4/JGJO46vKUgUhmvpJUz2VU4j0v8_z8KGOACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_6408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHQGMrnIKAs/WhgECDwFk_I/AAAAAAAAZv4/JGJO46vKUgUhmvpJUz2VU4j0v8_z8KGOACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_6408.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Reading with cards, charms, tea leaves or any object</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is an intuitive inner journey that takes practise.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is a skill to hone your subtle senses and also a skill</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to trust your intuition and your inner voices and prompts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life is a journey filled with markers and pointers for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each life has a theme and certain archetypes and we can</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
create within those limits and parameters. To become</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
really in touch with your subtle senses, demand a certain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
amount of humility and your own personal shadow work</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is so easy to pretend to ourselves that 'all is as it should be'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and to shift all responsibility onto a Higher Power.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The truth is that we have been dealt a hand of cards, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
black and white and red and we are accountable</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and responsible for getting to know both the positive</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and negative of our own personal hand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is where amulets, charms and tarot becomes so valuable.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you combine it with Jungian shadow work, you can uncover</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
your own projections and hidden perceptions - you can take </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the power back from unruly emotions and the pain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of dysfunctional personal relationships.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dpu06cZNtiE/WOTfhqboijI/AAAAAAAATO4/3hcIaaAvw-cpkZ0kgMMtaG5OMEcAU0PJgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/marymagdaleneskullreliquary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="640" height="218" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dpu06cZNtiE/WOTfhqboijI/AAAAAAAATO4/3hcIaaAvw-cpkZ0kgMMtaG5OMEcAU0PJgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/marymagdaleneskullreliquary.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Skull of Mary Magdalene in procession at Sainte Maximin -la-Ste-Baume<br />
France during feast day celebrations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Amulets of Mary comes with a booklet describing the fundamental</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tenets of Benedicaria, The Blessing Way, an ancient Southern Italian spiritual</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
path. According to those who have made a study and practice of Benedicaria</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is the most pure form of Catholicism. It restores many practices</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which have been classified as 'occult' to its rightful place in a spirtiual</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
path that integrates both ancient traditions, folklore and modern</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
consciousness enlightenment work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I suggest that you keep a book in which to record your readings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and also your own interpretation of the charms and their positions</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on the charts. With time you can create your own casting sheet as</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you develop your own understanding of what it is that you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
want to ascertain from these readings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fRZixZRNz8/WM6-J6B4R3I/AAAAAAAATDk/UmYrJC8o-qAIonhhk5ONdD5NMb_gUB0OwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fRZixZRNz8/WM6-J6B4R3I/AAAAAAAATDk/UmYrJC8o-qAIonhhk5ONdD5NMb_gUB0OwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_2086.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you have followed the guidelines for creating your</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
own altar and you have asked the question, you can</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
take a handful of amulets from the pouch and drop</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
them onto the casting sheet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sheet has been divided into four quadrants.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These represent the four suits of the Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or any tarot deck. I have allocated the four sections of mind,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
body, soul and spirit and the attributes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are handwritten onto the casting sheet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can add your own with a sharpie onto the linen cloth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can allocate the four seasons, the four elements</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of earth, air, water and fire. On the new sheets I have added</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Past, Present, Future and Unknown. You can do the same.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have also added a YES and NO section</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The section of the sheet that applies, depend on your question. If</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you asked a simple yes or no question, then look to see where the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
charm fell. If you randomly picked some charms and you choose the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yes and no sections, then it is important to see which charms fell</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on the yes and which fell on the no - then read their meanings, look</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at their meanings and story in the tarot guide book and add your</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
own intuitive meaning to it all. Sometimes one needs to allow</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all the information to settle down into the unconscious and reveal</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
its deeper meaning to you over time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes the answers are just so obvious and right there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the new sheets I have added key words to the four sections.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For instance, in Body you can add</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
earth, embodiment, physical, manifestation</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you want to see a bigger picture than Yes or No, you can</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cast the charms over the entire sheet. This will then show you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which areas of your life is affected and what your inner guidance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is trying to draw your attention to.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iM_wyJiMN9c/WhfkxWHX3XI/AAAAAAAAZmE/rk6hGZJx02MkuPWTuBT9NjBF-idv9AgHQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_6414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iM_wyJiMN9c/WhfkxWHX3XI/AAAAAAAAZmE/rk6hGZJx02MkuPWTuBT9NjBF-idv9AgHQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_6414.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sample reading :</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chalice fell in Mind (Suit of Distaff)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Star landed on Heart (Suit of Vessels)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mermaid landed on Body (Suit of Roses)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Chalice</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Chalice is seen as a sacred and holy object in ancient Grail legends, Arthurian myth, Mary Magdalen myth and in a Christian hymn Mary is called the Chalice. The Chalice is also regarded as the holy grail and there are many theories : some believe that it is a physical cup in which Jesus’ blood was collected after the crucifixion by Mary Magdalene; others believe that the the Holy Grail is a women or the strength of a woman. In the Mary Mysteries, she is the Chalice and the Holy Grail. She is the strength and compassion that floods our soul; she is the Waters of Consciousness that flow everlasting from the Chalice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tarot Card : Queen of Vessels : Mary Magdalene anointing the feet of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Meaning : sacred vehicle; when you get the chalice in a reading it indicates the vehicle in which your blessing will appear; it also points to the direction in which you have to go; it shows in which area of your life you have to pay attention to your dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Add your own connotations and meanings to the chalice and even the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">stories and legends in which it appear. Chalice fell on</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">the Mind section. Mind is thinking, thoughts, ideas, conscious mind,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">rational mind, logic, neural pathways</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
This placement could mean that you have to pay more attention</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
to your ideas and thoughts: they will take you to the Chalice and Holy Grail of</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
your search. The Queen of Vessels card</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
is of the suit of the Heart and waters. I interpret this as telling</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
you that your mind should be in service of your heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
When you become aware of the way that your mind reacts</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
to the prompts of your heart and its inner whisper,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
you will become aware of an important message.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
Let's see how the other charms relate to the reading.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Star<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The tale of Esther (Star) is an allegory of a feminine majesty who once stood as equal to her spouse the king and was the instrument through which her own blood relatives and all of the nation were saved. This echoes the place of Sophia who was present to God at the creation itself and helped it all come into being through her assent to the plan. This story of Esther may be a “fossil” that remains in the Bible and allows us to see how Israel first regarded the feminine, before the patriarchal powers purged the nation of all forms of the ancient Goddess known as the Shekina, partner to the masculine manifestation of God. “Esther” is another form of the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, (Star) who was also called “Queen of Heaven” as was the Egyptian Mother Goddess, Isis and as Mary is yet called today. “Esther” is another form of the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, (Star) who was also called “Queen of Heaven” as was the Egyptian Mother Goddess, Isis and as Mary is yet called today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tarot Card : Stella Maris and 2 of Holy Rood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Star landed in Heart and seen in the light of the placement and meaning</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">of Chalice, this makes it pretty clear that this querent is not</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
giving her heart and desires, equal status. The emotions and the heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is a feminine quality and often neglected or suppressed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a reality of our modern culture and religion : the feminine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is suppressed to benefit the masculine properties of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
achievement, logic, rational thinking, goal setting and so on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To listen to our inner guidance, we need to make time to play,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to meditate, contemplate, spend time alone and more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mermaid<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mermaids are regarded as mythical creatures. They appear in many folk and fairytales. In the story of Ariel, the mermaid, many parallels can be seen in her story and that of the goddess and specifically the story of Mary Magdalen. The mermaid is also symbolic of a woman’s ‘watery’ nature and her intense emotional body. Through the ages the emotional and feeling nature of women has been demonised and women have been institutionalised for ‘hysterics’. Her spiritual nature has been suppressed in many ways and many have made sure that women have lost their ability to have both a mermaid tale and a pair of legs to walk on land when needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tarot Card : 9 of Vessels – Our Lady of Regla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meaning : you need to find a strong sense of balance within yourself; get to know your own nature and you will be able to master the world around you; pay attention to your feelings; unknown waters; value your own feeling nature; feelings speak of your intuition; inner wisdom; </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And Mermaid in Body sums it all up. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
p.s. This was a real reading for someone and these are extracts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from the booklet and additional information sheets. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you have bought a set of Amulets of Mary from me, feel free</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to send me an email at hettienne@telkomsa.net and I</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will send you jpegs of new and updated casting sheets</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which you can print at home.<br />
<br />
blessings<br />
Hettienne</div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-45636900427753056342017-11-26T07:51:00.002-08:002019-01-20T09:03:04.655-08:00Amulets of Mary Oracle and Blessing Set<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UyDMiz4Q4Vw/WhgD1YmgDYI/AAAAAAAAZvg/0F-7eWTRYTIxkvmLg0EW3s7p4Tt-Pq55gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UyDMiz4Q4Vw/WhgD1YmgDYI/AAAAAAAAZvg/0F-7eWTRYTIxkvmLg0EW3s7p4Tt-Pq55gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6414.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Blessing Amulets of Mary Oracle Set<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Amulets of Mary Oracle is a two-fold oracle, blessing and healing set incorporating various ancient traditions including the Benedicaria, the sacred path of the pilgrim and priestesshood in the Temple of Mary and the sanctification of the ordinary through the blessing way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Amulets of Mary Oracle and the Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck are a culmination of my own conscious spiritual journey of the past 25 years. It incorporates the practise of Sacred Altarmaking, the devotion of the pilgrim to sacred places, the use of holy waters and relics, the creation of sacred oils and elixers and my work as Diksha giver (Blessing giver) and Guru in the Shaktipat tradition of the Great Mother and my devotion to the Blessed Mary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Recently, through various books (all listed in the Bibliography of the accompanying booklet) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I learnt about the ancient tradition of Benedicaria and the work of a Benedetta. Although I am not born into the Italian culture, my journey as pilgrim did start in Italy with the call issued by Archangel Michael to visit his grotto in Mont Sant’Angelo and I see myself as a modern Benedetta, continuously uncovering more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Amulets can be used with and alongside the Mysteries of Mary Tarot cards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1uXGg9rtcE/Whf6pIzCw3I/AAAAAAAAZqc/AfzegESBhS4XmFWWrBvqPv3ilJMd5VAaACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1uXGg9rtcE/Whf6pIzCw3I/AAAAAAAAZqc/AfzegESBhS4XmFWWrBvqPv3ilJMd5VAaACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6411.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Benedicaria, the Blessing Way, is an ancient<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Catholic and domestic folk tradition practised by the Italians in Southern Italy. This tradition is fast fading from modern society, but many of its practises are still part of syncretic worship and devotion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">One who practices the Benedicaria, is known as a Benedetta, or a Wise Woman and a Benedetto, a Wise Man . Benedicaria is a private form of practising your religion and it blends with many domestic practises, such as the blessing of animals and herbs, infusing oils and elixers, creating an altar, using flowers and holy cards for blessings and wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDw-45CyOnI/Whf7Cd4IuuI/AAAAAAAAZqo/L415aAV6tPYYfnT1HLzf7dSWV5J816Q_gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDw-45CyOnI/Whf7Cd4IuuI/AAAAAAAAZqo/L415aAV6tPYYfnT1HLzf7dSWV5J816Q_gCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_6402.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Benedicaria is predominantly a woman’s practise. A Benedetta has much in common with the goddess archetypes of Demeter, Hestea, Bridgit and even Athena. She is the homemaker, mother, herbalist, gardener, chef and healer. This role is not regarded as of any importance in modern society, but for one who is spiritually aware and who undertakes these tasks with great intent, she understands the spiritual force that is being wielded. The preparing of food is not only a physical act, but a spiritual one. If this is done in love it will bless the family; if done in anger and ignorance, it will curse the family. The motto ‘cleanliness next to godliness’ means much more than meets the eye. When you keep your spiritual space, ie the home clean, you also keep your spirit and its physical space clean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The physical life and its objects are manifestations and representations of the life and existence of the spirit. Taking care of our physical life is a sacred task and when performed with intent and awareness we realise that the ordinary is indeed sacred.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElLwSrFiCFY/Whf7KX7rlPI/AAAAAAAAZqw/WGS43DqrTXMWxIcXV3JEkLa-Bls1n940gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElLwSrFiCFY/Whf7KX7rlPI/AAAAAAAAZqw/WGS43DqrTXMWxIcXV3JEkLa-Bls1n940gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6416.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Every Benedetta will have a home altar and a personal altar.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Amulets of Mary Oracle set can be placed on your altar along with the Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;">With the Amulets of Mary blessing set you will receive guidelines for</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;">creating an altar, using coloured candles, how to use the casting cloth,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;">the holy cards and more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WD0AgSDZQFY/WhgD8G_Y_5I/AAAAAAAAZvs/GSXnHg0hEeELdJjoeE-SfJ0JCuq-DvUBgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WD0AgSDZQFY/WhgD8G_Y_5I/AAAAAAAAZvs/GSXnHg0hEeELdJjoeE-SfJ0JCuq-DvUBgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6419.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The novena prayers are an important part of the Benedicaria.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">A novena is a prayer that is said for nine days consecutively.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is said that the first Apostles prayed for nine days between Jesus’ Ascension and the descent of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The number 9 is a very powerful number in numerology (the science of numbers).</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Usually a novena is accompanies by candles, rosaries and ritual such as sacred shrine making (see my blog </span><a href="http://pathofdivinelove.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-size: 12pt;">http://pathofdivinelove.blogspot.com</a><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">) for my art novenas to Our Lady of Lourdes.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The ancient novena prayers are used in conjunction with all of the above as well as an image of the Saint and those who you are praying for.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It is also practise to include the colour of the Saint or Holy One that you are asking for help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;"><b>The Amulets of Mary Blessing set consists of a blessed casting cloth, a set of 45 charms in a small bag, nestled in a tin; a set of holy cards in a linen scapular bag;</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;"><b>an accompanying spiral bound guide book; a small statue for the altar and other options.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;"><b>Each set is completely unique and one of a kind and cannot be replicated exactly as I use vintage charms, hand cast silver charms and vintage holy cards amongst others.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">There are various sets available : some are dedicated to a particular saint or saints; others to Mary and Her apparitions or a specific apparition, etc. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">You will find more information on the various available sets at The French Madonna on Etsy.com or on my blog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHQGMrnIKAs/WhgECDwFk_I/AAAAAAAAZvw/ln3g5QKTwU8Wi0fT4vPqTxiXeA2t4Ls2gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHQGMrnIKAs/WhgECDwFk_I/AAAAAAAAZvw/ln3g5QKTwU8Wi0fT4vPqTxiXeA2t4Ls2gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6408.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The casting cloth has been blessed by touching it to the second and third holy relics of Mary’s sacred chemise and roses from St Terese’s sacred garden, as well as roses from the garden of St Francis and other holy relics. It has also been sprinkled with holy water from Lourdes and Ngome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">On the casting cloth is a hand drawn diagram. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Hail Mary, full of grace,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Lord is with thee<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Blessed art thou among women<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">and Blessed is the fruit of thy womb<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Holy Mary, Mother of God,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">oh Rose Queen<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Bestow your Blessing upon us<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now and Forever<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43Bsr89f8M8/WhgEIcEvOYI/AAAAAAAAZv8/LUaJZMCU3-stkM5isUNfGdx1IR920-ZIgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43Bsr89f8M8/WhgEIcEvOYI/AAAAAAAAZv8/LUaJZMCU3-stkM5isUNfGdx1IR920-ZIgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6406.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Blessings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Hettienne</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;">The French Madonna</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;">www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iM_wyJiMN9c/WhfkxWHX3XI/AAAAAAAAZmA/wyzBkX8xEpITf_ny8dF7WVMEiSuQUZLuACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iM_wyJiMN9c/WhfkxWHX3XI/AAAAAAAAZmA/wyzBkX8xEpITf_ny8dF7WVMEiSuQUZLuACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6414.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-1179131797673377392017-08-26T00:39:00.002-07:002019-01-20T08:47:22.560-08:00Mary Magdalene as Black Madonna<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_Mnnsl0dKE/WaEk4dwBTHI/AAAAAAAAXWc/TznJIByhg60rEcYgTLBS9Ki2OaYJpsh0QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_Mnnsl0dKE/WaEk4dwBTHI/AAAAAAAAXWc/TznJIByhg60rEcYgTLBS9Ki2OaYJpsh0QCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_4750.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Tree of Choices<br />
Mysteries of Mary Tarot<br />
www.hergracesacredart.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
VI TREE OF CHOICES<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Traditionally The Lovers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
‘God planted trees in a garden. Humans lived among those trees, they were not yet divided when they were told: Eat from this tree or do not eat from it.’ Logion 94, The Gospel of Philip<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The tree plays an important role in the Mysteries. In this card we are confronted with the Tree of Choices. In the Biblical and Judaic stories there are different versions of the trees of Paradise. It would seem that there was in truth only one tree, the Tree of Life. This is an ancient symbol of the self-sustaining and regenerating power of a spirit filled world. In the story, this tree was later split into two, the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. After the split of the trees we see that they are now in opposition to each other. After the fall of Adam and Eve, caused by their eating from the fruit of the tree of Knowledge, humanity was cut off and banned from the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life promised eternal life and humanity was now doomed to a mortal and exiled life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In this shrine I compare the metaphor of the two trees with the way in which our culture have split value and worthiness of masculine and feminine and then still further dividing the feminine into the ‘good girl/virgin/wife/mother and the bad girl/lover/wise woman. This split is reflected in the way that the stories of Mariam of Nazareth and Miriam of Magdala, is interpreted and held up as image of the two aspects of woman .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Popular legend has assigned the apple tree to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The apple is a powerful symbol of woman and her feminine sexual nature. (Also see V Holy Rood, The Handless Maiden for more on the symbolism of the apple tree). In this version of the story of the Fall of Man, woman and her sexual nature is held responsible for their eviction from Paradise. So right at the onset a woman has been forbidden from getting to know and understand her complex sexual nature. There is an inherent sexuality in physical bodies; one could say that the soul radiates its mystical and sexual nature through its physical cloak. But humanity has been severed from this mystery and all its gifts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In the Christian story we are only told the story of Mary the Virgin-Mother, the one who conceived immaculately and who remained a virgin even after the birth of her son. We never really meet Mary the Beloved of Jesus, the Bride of the Bridal Chamber, the one who is called the Magdalene. Mary the Mother of God is indeed a Bride without a Bridegroom as She is the Bride of the Spirit, but there is another sacrament in the mysteries, that of the Bride and the Beloved Bridegroom.. This brings us to Mary Magdalene and the various interpretations of her role in the story of Jesus and the three Marys. Few accept Mary Magdalene as the beloved or the bride of Jesus the Bridegroom. Mary Magdalene has been blackened in reputation by various authors of religion through the centuries and mostly she has only been seen as an unholy woman who indulges in pleasures of the flesh. Religion has always separated the life of the flesh and the life of the spirit and especially in the treatment of women as wives, lovers and mistresses. And we see this split right at the start of the story with the two trees in the Garden of Paradise. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In this card we see Mary the Mother with the rosary in her hands and we see the black Mary as she is depicted in the poem ‘The Thunder, Perfect Mind’ in the Nag Hammadi library. In this shrine she represents Mary Magdalene and ultimately both together represent the Feminine Soul and aspect of the eternal feminine. Both these women carry the name Mary and to me it is an important indicator that there is an important hidden message for those with ears to hear. The split between the Madonna and the whore is active in many layers of our cultures. Women are demonised for the expression of their sexuality, whereas men are honoured and revered for their sexual prowess. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In the traditional Lovers card we often see a male hero struggling for a choice between two women. In the Mysteries card we have the female version of the choices card. Women are mostly compared to men and masculine pursuits and rarely in relation to other women and themselves. This creates an imbalance in women and a suppression of womanly ways and feminine relational values.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Hecate, goddess of choices, is often shown with three roads behind her. One plus one equals three: new life is born from struggling and discord. Living with the tension of the opposites, allowing disagreement and another's voice that differ from yours, to be heard, brings awareness to the glassy mind, of the awesome beauty of creating a life that has meaning. There is a place where all the rivers converge and that place is the Sacred Heart of humanity. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Through the union of the opposites, that is, through the marriage of two opposing forces, a third force is born. This is the meaning of creativity and the magical nature of the number three. (This card is a six and thus contains two threes). On the path of divine love, the magical child of love and hope is born from the marriage of the opposites.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The braid of life contains three strands which can be symbolised by the colours white, red and black. In the ancient cultures the hawthorn tree was regarded as a sacred tree. Today the hawthorn tree is sacred to Mary and the goddess as well. This specific tree contains all three elements of the thread of life and even more importantly, they overlap. The white blossoms start to form whilst the red berries and black seeds are still hanging on the thickly leaved branches.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The white is regarded as the 'virgin', the cycle of spring and new beginnings; the red berries represent summer and the fullness of the season and the physical acts of sensuality and joy and loving and the black seed contains the potential of fathering the new life and it also is the end of the life of the berry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
As we dance and weave with the tension of desire and repulsion between the opposites of life, we discover new possibilities, new experiences and we weave a new story.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
This shrine and card represent choices. The Tree of Choices invites you to consider the choice to say ‘both’ instead of the black and white rationale of ‘either/or’. You will be given the opportunity to make a decision and you are reminded that it is possible to find a new way and a different way of reacting and of doing things. You are reminded that it is only fear that will force you into a corner, and thereby denying half the picture. When you are willing to keep an open mind and an open heart, it is possible for a new vision to be born.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
blessings</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Hettienne</div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-34373117836997641702017-08-26T00:38:00.000-07:002017-08-26T00:38:13.607-07:00Mary Magdalene as Black Madonna<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_Mnnsl0dKE/WaEk4dwBTHI/AAAAAAAAXWc/TznJIByhg60rEcYgTLBS9Ki2OaYJpsh0QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_Mnnsl0dKE/WaEk4dwBTHI/AAAAAAAAXWc/TznJIByhg60rEcYgTLBS9Ki2OaYJpsh0QCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_4750.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tree of Choices<br />Mysteries of Mary Tarot<br />www.hergracesacredart.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
VI TREE OF CHOICES<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Traditionally The Lovers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
‘God planted trees in a garden. Humans lived among those
trees, they were not yet divided when they were told: Eat from this tree or do
not eat from it.’ Logion 94, The Gospel of Philip<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The tree plays an important role in the Mysteries. In this card we are confronted with the Tree
of Choices. In the Biblical and Judaic
stories there are different versions of the trees of Paradise. It would seem that there was in truth only
one tree, the Tree of Life. This is an
ancient symbol of the self-sustaining and regenerating power of a spirit filled
world. In the story, this tree was later split into two, the Tree of Life and
the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. After the split of the trees we see
that they are now in opposition to each other. After the fall of Adam and Eve,
caused by their eating from the fruit of the tree of Knowledge, humanity was
cut off and banned from the Tree of Life.
The Tree of Life promised eternal life and humanity was now doomed to a
mortal and exiled life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In this shrine I compare the metaphor of the two trees with
the way in which our culture have split value and worthiness of masculine and
feminine and then still further dividing the feminine into the ‘good
girl/virgin/wife/mother and the bad girl/lover/wise woman. This split is reflected in the way that the
stories of Mariam of Nazareth and Miriam of Magdala, is interpreted and held up
as image of the two aspects of woman .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Popular legend has assigned the apple tree to the Tree of
the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The
apple is a powerful symbol of woman and her feminine sexual nature. (Also see V
Holy Rood, The Handless Maiden for more on the symbolism of the apple tree). In this version of the story of the Fall of
Man, woman and her sexual nature is held responsible for their eviction from
Paradise. So right at the onset a woman
has been forbidden from getting to know and understand her complex sexual
nature. There is an inherent sexuality in physical bodies; one could say that
the soul radiates its mystical and sexual nature through its physical
cloak. But humanity has been severed
from this mystery and all its gifts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In the Christian story we are only told the story of Mary
the Virgin-Mother, the one who conceived immaculately and who remained a virgin
even after the birth of her son. We
never really meet Mary the Beloved of Jesus, the Bride of the Bridal Chamber,
the one who is called the Magdalene.
Mary the Mother of God is indeed a Bride without a Bridegroom as She is
the Bride of the Spirit, but there is another sacrament in the mysteries, that
of the Bride and the Beloved Bridegroom..
This brings us to Mary Magdalene and the various interpretations of her
role in the story of Jesus and the three Marys.
Few accept Mary Magdalene as the beloved or the bride of Jesus the
Bridegroom. Mary Magdalene has been
blackened in reputation by various authors of religion through the centuries
and mostly she has only been seen as an unholy woman who indulges in pleasures
of the flesh. Religion has always
separated the life of the flesh and the life of the spirit and especially in
the treatment of women as wives, lovers and mistresses. And we see this split right at the start of
the story with the two trees in the Garden of Paradise. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In this card we see Mary the Mother with the
rosary in her hands and we see the black Mary as she is depicted in the poem
‘The Thunder, Perfect Mind’ in the Nag Hammadi library. In this shrine she represents Mary Magdalene
and ultimately both together represent the Feminine Soul and aspect of the
eternal feminine. Both these women carry
the name Mary and to me it is an important indicator that there is an important
hidden message for those with ears to hear.
The split between the Madonna and the whore is active in many layers of
our cultures. Women are demonised for
the expression of their sexuality, whereas men are honoured and revered for
their sexual prowess. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In the traditional Lovers card we often see a male hero
struggling for a choice between two women.
In the Mysteries card we have the female version of the choices
card. Women are mostly compared to men
and masculine pursuits and rarely in relation to other women and
themselves. This creates an imbalance in
women and a suppression of womanly ways and feminine relational values.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Hecate, goddess of choices, is often shown with three roads
behind her. One plus one equals three:
new life is born from struggling and discord. Living with the tension of the
opposites, allowing disagreement and another's voice that differ from yours, to
be heard, brings awareness to the glassy mind, of the awesome beauty of
creating a life that has meaning. There is a place where all the rivers
converge and that place is the Sacred Heart of humanity. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Through the union of the opposites, that is, through the
marriage of two opposing forces, a third force is born. This is the meaning of creativity and the
magical nature of the number three.
(This card is a six and thus contains two threes). On the path of divine
love, the magical child of love and hope is born from the marriage of the
opposites.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The braid of life contains three strands which can be
symbolised by the colours white, red and black.
In the ancient cultures the hawthorn tree was regarded as a sacred tree.
Today the hawthorn tree is sacred to Mary and the goddess as well. This
specific tree contains all three elements of the thread of life and even more
importantly, they overlap. The white blossoms start to form whilst the red
berries and black seeds are still hanging on the thickly leaved branches.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The white is regarded
as the 'virgin', the cycle of spring and new beginnings; the red berries
represent summer and the fullness of the season and the physical acts of
sensuality and joy and loving and the black seed contains the potential of
fathering the new life and it also is the end of the life of the berry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
As we dance and weave with the tension of desire and
repulsion between the opposites of life, we discover new possibilities, new
experiences and we weave a new story. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
This shrine and card represent choices. The Tree of Choices
invites you to consider the choice to say ‘both’ instead of the black and white
rationale of ‘either/or’. You will be
given the opportunity to make a decision and you are reminded that it is
possible to find a new way and a different way of reacting and of doing
things. You are reminded that it is only
fear that will force you into a corner, and thereby denying half the picture. When you are willing to keep an open mind and
an open heart, it is possible for a new vision to be born.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
blessings</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Hettienne</div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-25547225570666100672017-08-25T10:37:00.000-07:002017-08-25T10:37:09.787-07:00The Black Madonnas of the deck<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWvMtwMB_CE/WZxtnSPR66I/AAAAAAAAXMM/2dDjicf3-tsV4qB4AMwW6WjjelHQgFovwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWvMtwMB_CE/WZxtnSPR66I/AAAAAAAAXMM/2dDjicf3-tsV4qB4AMwW6WjjelHQgFovwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4720.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">XI Holy Wisdom from Mysteries of Mary tarot<br />www.hergracesacredart.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mirror of Justice, Seat of Wisdom – Litany of Loreto</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are many streams of understanding of Holy Wisdom as
the Lady of the Mysteries. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the Litany of Loreto She is called the Seat of
Wisdom. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Black Madonna, the ‘Notre
Dame Sous Terre de Chartres’; </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our Lady Underground in Chartres is the
representation of the Divine Woman </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">as Holy Wisdom in the deck. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The background
tapestry in this shrine I drew and stitched myself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is a replica of the one that hangs behind
Notre Dame Sous Terre in the </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">underground chapel of Chartres. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you enter the
chapel you pass underneath ‘the Hand of God’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and it is as though are being
blessed as you enter the hidden </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">underground chamber of Dark Wisdom. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZr0Co9ac-o/WZxuAaZPFyI/AAAAAAAAXM4/_6CD1YLhy9g73d8anJ6UE5U1ovePZHkjwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZr0Co9ac-o/WZxuAaZPFyI/AAAAAAAAXM4/_6CD1YLhy9g73d8anJ6UE5U1ovePZHkjwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4723.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame Sous Terre de Chartres<br />XI Holy Wisdom<br />Mysteries of Mary Tarot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The hidden
Black Madonna under the earth is seated on the throne of wisdom </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One has to descend through the Chartres
Cathedral to access these </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">underground passages and chapels, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">all of which are
dimly lit and often only by candle light. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can only visit this chapel under the guidance of an appointed tour
leader and you are not allowed to linger in the chapel to pray or meditate. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Holy Wisdom is veiled behind the appearance and noise </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">of the external world and
it is necessary to enter the </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">subterranean cave in order to find her ‘still’
voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Greek for Holy Wisdom is Hagia Sophia. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sophia is the Wisdom of the divine deity. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She
has been revered as the Wise Bride of Solomon </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in the Judaic tradition; as
Athena, the Queen of Wisdom and War </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in the Greek pantheon and as </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our Lady
Wisdom by Christians. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She is known as
Chokmah in Hebrew, and Sapientia in Latin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When Holy Wisdom is seated on the throne of your inner
world, then you are ensured of a wise voice of intuition and discernment. Following Lady Wisdom is a skill that needs
commitment to be developed. She does
not often speak in a loud voice, but often through the words of others, images,
nature and your soul. You are surrounded
by the voices of Wisdom, you only have to open your ears and eyes. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">blessings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hettienne</span></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-64357924707081194992017-08-23T09:39:00.000-07:002017-08-25T23:45:31.049-07:00Looking at the Black Madonnas in the deck<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqeW6sqJ6kA/WZxhHjdrQHI/AAAAAAAAW9M/PHyyNxDdqscZ83tLXdFZS2K3SAgnhFy7QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqeW6sqJ6kA/WZxhHjdrQHI/AAAAAAAAW9M/PHyyNxDdqscZ83tLXdFZS2K3SAgnhFy7QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4715.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady of Regla, Mysteries of Mary Tarot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />There are more than one Black Madonna in the Mysteries of Mary tarot deck.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our Lady of Regla is the ninth card in the suit of Vessels.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Black Madonna
of Regla is revered by thousands. Tradition tells us that her statue was buried
under a fig tree to safeguard it against an invasion, and it was miraculously
rediscovered. (Notice the importance of the fig tree in her story – we see her
in relation to trees in many other stories in the deck) The rediscovery of the
hidden image, chalice and lamp led to the revival of the devotion to the Virgin
of Regla. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XG4_dobUuGU/WZxhn5PFsSI/AAAAAAAAW-c/pxulfiJ_euQ14n9KDka_G4QAd4pD5EEkQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XG4_dobUuGU/WZxhn5PFsSI/AAAAAAAAW-c/pxulfiJ_euQ14n9KDka_G4QAd4pD5EEkQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4718.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IX Vessels - Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This Black
Madonna has many attributes in common with the African goddess Yemaya. Her
colours are blue for the ocean and silver for the moon. She is represented by the
crab, fish, mermaids and shells. As is often the case with a new religion, it
assimilates the culture and religion of the land and many African slaves were
brought to Spain, bringing their devotion to Yemaya with them. And in Our Lady
of Regla, we see the Great Mother as the protector of the mariners, seaports,
provider of the abundance of the oceans and its tides. Our Lady of Regla is
associated with the astrology sign Cancer known for its mothering nature and
family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Black
Madonna symbolises the dark matter, of both the Earth, our physical mother, as
the darkness of matter in the process of alchemy. And the white Divine Child is
very obvious in this shrine, symbolising the Light which humanity can
potentially give birth to through spiritual transformation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5heNFa__LuM/WZxh_bNfUaI/AAAAAAAAW_E/nsGobOW76CYayhsss87GLm1OfdKjtr4XACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5heNFa__LuM/WZxh_bNfUaI/AAAAAAAAW_E/nsGobOW76CYayhsss87GLm1OfdKjtr4XACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4719.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you
receive this card, you can expect a period of fulfilment and attainment. It may herald the end of a cycle and the
happy and fulfilling conclusion of undertakings and projects. It speaks of
integration and synthesis as well as happiness in family and home. You will enter a time of peace and spiritual
harmony and you may expect many blessings to flow to you. You have continued from the VIII Vessels and
are integrating this new level of spiritual enlightenment and bliss.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hettienne</span></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-51730019245466701692017-08-21T07:48:00.000-07:002017-08-21T07:48:41.967-07:00Pouches and scapulars and Labour Day Sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvUADKpb-0g/WZrx8pbJkBI/AAAAAAAAWeg/kMmrFQXlbYAQUBLLvx3n9Vhn0qVDoa62gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvUADKpb-0g/WZrx8pbJkBI/AAAAAAAAWeg/kMmrFQXlbYAQUBLLvx3n9Vhn0qVDoa62gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4655.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-coy5hbWmmz4/WZrtOFgpGeI/AAAAAAAAWTM/2ZFy9LtqAtwOCctJLca00hu9Na-fPcnXQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-coy5hbWmmz4/WZrtOFgpGeI/AAAAAAAAWTM/2ZFy9LtqAtwOCctJLca00hu9Na-fPcnXQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4662.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scapulars on linen pouches<br />The French Madonna www.hergracesacredart.com<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
Have a look at the beautiful new tarot rosaries and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
scapular pouches that they are presented in</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in The French Madonna</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGAneMueF-o/WZruyf1qflI/AAAAAAAAWXA/nmVSU_Ae5V8U9qpko11m-tDgtVb7mct2QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGAneMueF-o/WZruyf1qflI/AAAAAAAAWXA/nmVSU_Ae5V8U9qpko11m-tDgtVb7mct2QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4675.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_cvF_T487k/WZrvSCBdDDI/AAAAAAAAWYw/wn-bmP6ULJcBQoXueT3980NjgY4E0Kf_gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_cvF_T487k/WZrvSCBdDDI/AAAAAAAAWYw/wn-bmP6ULJcBQoXueT3980NjgY4E0Kf_gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4675.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French Madonna<br />www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
I just love these retro bubblegum colours</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Clcx5JZag0/WZrvkQ6kkbI/AAAAAAAAWZE/NPPwDO2_eUkkq2rD5_oVU9q3CVeuCqDpwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Clcx5JZag0/WZrvkQ6kkbI/AAAAAAAAWZE/NPPwDO2_eUkkq2rD5_oVU9q3CVeuCqDpwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4679.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French Madonna<br />www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Many items in the shop will be discounted during</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>the Labour Day Weekend Sale from 31 August to 4 September 2017</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am also adding a few of the original art works that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
make up the Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I heard that the tarot deck is on display at</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the Museo dei Tarocchi in Italy, I went for a visit</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(read my post on www.hergracesacredart.com)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and handed over the shrine of the Three of Vessels,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Three Daughters of Anna to Morena, curater of the museum.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1pPW8HqZoo/WZrwrSEWDhI/AAAAAAAAWb8/rbXpfET4TBUJ5glyRjkmfJBI8_jzI3R9gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1pPW8HqZoo/WZrwrSEWDhI/AAAAAAAAWb8/rbXpfET4TBUJ5glyRjkmfJBI8_jzI3R9gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4377.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three daughters of Anna<br />Mysteries of Mary tarot deck<br />www.hergracesacredart.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNU7ELH-cHk/WZrxKLAQwXI/AAAAAAAAWcs/a7O_M7Q9OA46VcfN5N1pF1UL8UhQfNXpgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNU7ELH-cHk/WZrxKLAQwXI/AAAAAAAAWcs/a7O_M7Q9OA46VcfN5N1pF1UL8UhQfNXpgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4567.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coronation of Mary Ten of Roses<br />Mysteries of Mary Tarot<br />www.hergracesacredart.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lIqVFcetEbs/WZrxRS9gJDI/AAAAAAAAWdA/_bT7BsUXCbA17GOpRlVOBJAyL6oMNnGSgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lIqVFcetEbs/WZrxRS9gJDI/AAAAAAAAWdA/_bT7BsUXCbA17GOpRlVOBJAyL6oMNnGSgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4641.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archangel Michael, Servant of the Distaff<br />Mysteries of Mary tarot deck<br />www.hergracesacredart.com<br /><br /><br />blessings<br />Hettienne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-65142280101414590332017-06-11T09:31:00.000-07:002017-06-11T09:31:00.660-07:00Love of the Mother<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-24Cs-LzyORg/WT1ve0pbGyI/AAAAAAAAUNQ/7mF0XwVIqW4RmtifqdZAldNkOTeliKFgwCLcB/s1600/scapular1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-24Cs-LzyORg/WT1ve0pbGyI/AAAAAAAAUNQ/7mF0XwVIqW4RmtifqdZAldNkOTeliKFgwCLcB/s400/scapular1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French vintage scapular and relic<br />www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love of the Mother</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
French cloth scapular relic pendant and keepsake</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MckBkqrn4jw/WT1vtimnxHI/AAAAAAAAUNU/qGV2C86Wuskl0f4SRdMSPj3Y1n-cGNfEgCLcB/s1600/scapular2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MckBkqrn4jw/WT1vtimnxHI/AAAAAAAAUNU/qGV2C86Wuskl0f4SRdMSPj3Y1n-cGNfEgCLcB/s320/scapular2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Part of a french cloth scapular with a tiny miraculous medal set under glass - ready to hang on a chain or use for decoration - suspended from a hand dyed black vintage ribbon, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MyhFs9Glt8/WT1vzswmi-I/AAAAAAAAUNY/JHdn3lH0vSoYT6bRBVlKNoBp5tg6SuThQCLcB/s1600/scapular3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MyhFs9Glt8/WT1vzswmi-I/AAAAAAAAUNY/JHdn3lH0vSoYT6bRBVlKNoBp5tg6SuThQCLcB/s320/scapular3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Packaged in a matching box, in a small black bag plus an extra cloth scapular for your projects or keepsake</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zb9mH5JRCZo/WT1v7jb0aYI/AAAAAAAAUNc/_AkN4MkDhQAorzScABaSpJe_MlHVof23wCLcB/s1600/scapular4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zb9mH5JRCZo/WT1v7jb0aYI/AAAAAAAAUNc/_AkN4MkDhQAorzScABaSpJe_MlHVof23wCLcB/s320/scapular4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- scapular relic pendant tied to a piece of black vintage hand dyed ribbon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- small holy card matching box</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- black voile bag</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- french cloth scapular</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8llV7CEADRI/WT1wEICKbHI/AAAAAAAAUNg/pgjieKNibu46WBwyV1SfVjOaKYLlRyevACLcB/s1600/scapular5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8llV7CEADRI/WT1wEICKbHI/AAAAAAAAUNg/pgjieKNibu46WBwyV1SfVjOaKYLlRyevACLcB/s400/scapular5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For your adoration</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
blessings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hettienne</div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-41889181818762911242017-06-10T04:51:00.003-07:002017-06-10T04:51:23.361-07:00Sacred altar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St Theresa the little flower</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This beauty is still available at The French Madonna.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be sure to visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna" target="_blank">The French Madonna</a> and see the new look, the new</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
inspiration and the new items for sale!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVzUD92GmQ0/VjTwtQBR6dI/AAAAAAAAQYo/qB1AcMblPHw/s1600/therese4.jpg"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVzUD92GmQ0/VjTwtQBR6dI/AAAAAAAAQYo/qB1AcMblPHw/s400/therese4.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St Therese the little flower whose life spoke of many miracles and continue to do so after her death. This is a shrine depicting the miraculous power of love, hope and faith as seen in St Therese's life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ7cn5OTRvc/VjTxOc7SzEI/AAAAAAAAQYw/thyveZoWczI/s1600/therese5.jpg"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ7cn5OTRvc/VjTxOc7SzEI/AAAAAAAAQYw/thyveZoWczI/s400/therese5.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“God would never inspire me with desires which cannot be realized; so in spite of my littleness, I can hope to be a saint.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">― St. Thérèse de Lisieux, Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c98W-lvZI6g/VjTxbkVX5QI/AAAAAAAAQY4/A-Vmjb9DjBM/s1600/therese6.jpg"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c98W-lvZI6g/VjTxbkVX5QI/AAAAAAAAQY4/A-Vmjb9DjBM/s400/therese6.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the right hand corner of the shrine is a crucifix that have sprung into bloom, covered with roses. In the background is a beautiful holy card of the flowering sacred heart. The shrine is filled with fabric roses and hand made cold porcelain roses and rosebuds. You will receive the small bottle of blessed salts that is in the picture. Read below how I make these. Both the St Theresa medals that I used in the shrine I brought back from her cathedral and the oil that I used for the blessed salts, is rose oil that I brought back from Lisieux. The shrine comes ready to hang. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZA_4u6QSBA/VjTxtmthPJI/AAAAAAAAQZA/rT8m_FGTidM/s1600/therese3.jpg"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZA_4u6QSBA/VjTxtmthPJI/AAAAAAAAQZA/rT8m_FGTidM/s400/therese3.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">'For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">it is a simple look turned toward heaven, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">it is a cry of recognition and of love, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">embracing both trail and joy. - St Theresa of Lisieux </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I visited the hometown and cathedral of St Therese in Lisieux in France and it was a very powerful experience. The whole town of Lisieux has great flowering rose shrubs and her shrine is set in a magnificent rose garden. The fragrance is unbelievable. I visited her convent, the house where she grew up in and of course, her immaculate body. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7d3h1TW_Xnc/VjTyJewY_uI/AAAAAAAAQZQ/4DsPa4zI6YA/s1600/therese5.jpg"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7d3h1TW_Xnc/VjTyJewY_uI/AAAAAAAAQZQ/4DsPa4zI6YA/s400/therese5.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Images of the Divine carry enormous energy and Presence. There are various ways of explaining it, but the ancients believed that the Spirit of that aspect of the Divine lives in Its image and form. Those of us who can see light around living beings, can see the light around sacred objects. In holy places of pilgrimage one can often smell the fragrance of the Divine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Each one of my pendants, shrines, paintings and other sacred art are first infused with holy water from Lourdes (which I brought back), and then infused with holy relic oil of more than 53 Saints & pure essential oils. A mixture of one hundred oils are used, including frankincense, myrrh, spikenard, agarwood and rose. It is also immersed in blessed pink dead sea salts, infused with rose petals steeped in holy oil of a third relic of St Therese of Lisieux and it is packaged with blessed salts, frankincense and sprinkled with holy water collected form many sacred places in the world. So it becomes a holy object to be handled with reverence and care. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UOWW3QoKDU/VjTyUONaXII/AAAAAAAAQZc/TFpgI7WqScQ/s1600/therese2.jpg"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UOWW3QoKDU/VjTyUONaXII/AAAAAAAAQZc/TFpgI7WqScQ/s400/therese2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This shrine comes with a small bottle (seen in the foreground of the pictures) of salts. I carry pink salts in small containers with me when I visit sacred places. These salts carry the blessing of the holy place and for the St Theresa salts I mixed some of the rose petals that was steeped </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in the third relic oil of St Theresa and then dried- together with </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">some of the holy oil and rose petals - all crushed together. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“When I die, I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens,I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">― St. Thérèse de Lisieux </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">blessings</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hettienne</span></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-52376599642128414262017-06-02T07:48:00.000-07:002017-06-11T07:31:41.358-07:00The Sea Journey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIP02TpjLyc/WTF6J3PkAjI/AAAAAAAAUFU/sWCfcX1p4lMUPc8Dlf0fO3lUvLjldF2ZACKgB/s1600/IMG_3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIP02TpjLyc/WTF6J3PkAjI/AAAAAAAAUFU/sWCfcX1p4lMUPc8Dlf0fO3lUvLjldF2ZACKgB/s320/IMG_3456.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sea Journey tarot card rosary<br />
www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Sea Journey is the VI of Distaff in the Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck (listed elsewhere in my shop). This is a unique handcrafted rosary necklace with the image of Mary under a glass bubble in a bohemian style - lightweight frame and a lightweight rosary - with a vintage holy medal dangling at the bottom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uScbJAjVDXI/WTF6WHAh92I/AAAAAAAAUF8/B8sMFtZPuGIFzydG32A3EoVnqGA6I0vOACKgB/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uScbJAjVDXI/WTF6WHAh92I/AAAAAAAAUF8/B8sMFtZPuGIFzydG32A3EoVnqGA6I0vOACKgB/s320/IMG_3455.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Sea Journey card is Mary on a barge in the tradition of Isis, crossing the river Styx or metaphorically the waters of consciousness. This tarot card is a major initiation taking you deeper into life and the Sacred Mother's mysteries. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OjLwW0yJ2qw/WTF6akf_auI/AAAAAAAAUGI/S2K8M7wnf7Qua7nxWj_6QX8pyRiksA2DwCKgB/s1600/IMG_3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OjLwW0yJ2qw/WTF6akf_auI/AAAAAAAAUGI/S2K8M7wnf7Qua7nxWj_6QX8pyRiksA2DwCKgB/s320/IMG_3440.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Mary is the bridge between heaven and earth, between the human and the divine worlds, between human and divine justice.' - Andrew Harvey</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZnkW4ijykA/WTF6fo9U04I/AAAAAAAAUGU/nV8UbCyFSCk9R8csYK_af2BIRGX46nSgACKgB/s1600/IMG_3454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZnkW4ijykA/WTF6fo9U04I/AAAAAAAAUGU/nV8UbCyFSCk9R8csYK_af2BIRGX46nSgACKgB/s320/IMG_3454.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This card depicts the tradition of carrying an image of Mary in a boat on a sea or river journey in a sacred procession and celebration. This ritual reminds one of the processions of Sante Sara la Kali as seen in the card V Vessels in the Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck. An image of Mary is sanctified with prayers, incense, candles and flowers and placed on a boat. It is a Sea Journey to new shores, both within and without.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
These rosary pieces are created in the practise of the making of sacred altars and they contain the healing energies of both the image, the meaning of these cards and the spiritual energy that they were created with. Here is one of many testimonials : 'I received our Lady of Lourdes, mystical healer stunning wearable shrine today. The moment Hettienne shipped it, I saw a white light with a white flame in its centre. Throughout the shrine's travel I would keep visions of it. I can firmly attest that this is more than a necklace, but carries divine consciousness which is transferred powerfully through the artist's love and devotion. The package arrived fully intact, filled with frankincense and myrrh and tiny shells and pebbles, the precious necklace safely wrapped. Thank you! Arathi Ma.'<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5EyEjVvIh8/WTF6kje5YRI/AAAAAAAAUGc/JJBP5ocVWoclemsQADejyNjpMB4pqMqvQCKgB/s1600/IMG_3441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5EyEjVvIh8/WTF6kje5YRI/AAAAAAAAUGc/JJBP5ocVWoclemsQADejyNjpMB4pqMqvQCKgB/s320/IMG_3441.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Mysteries of Mary tarot deck took four years to complete. Each card is a print of a handmade three dimensional shrine depicting the Mysteries of the tradition of Isis-Maryam-Mary. It fits together the myth and metaphor as contained in Egyptian, Jewish, Greek, Christianity and the various Gnostic teachings (amongst others) of the feminine and masculine Christ and the inner Sacred Marriage. The deck is at once an artistic and mystical vision of the sacred mysteries of the Soul and its unsung feminine path. Each card is an individual shrine dedicated to an archetype, an initiation, a Mystery in the Great Mystery and a vignette of one of the stories woven into the tapestry of Mary. You can read more about my tarot deck and book at www.hergracesacredart.com.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now in The French Madonna at www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
blessings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hettienne</div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-54478182139752402872017-02-28T02:51:00.002-08:002017-02-28T02:51:16.772-08:00Mystical Rose<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKsu9_Df7oA/WLVRMz4YiII/AAAAAAAASqU/zp_T0kIQZqs2hcF5yw75yFbS_TQXuYdAwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKsu9_Df7oA/WLVRMz4YiII/AAAAAAAASqU/zp_T0kIQZqs2hcF5yw75yFbS_TQXuYdAwCLcB/s320/IMG_7092.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacred Altar<br />http://hergracedevata.blogspot.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This gorgeous vintage <span style="text-align: left;">St T</span><span style="text-align: left;">é</span><span style="text-align: left;">r</span><span style="text-align: left;">è</span><span style="text-align: left;">se of Lisieux</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rosary box set with small garnets reminded me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of my recent out-of-this-world encounter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with the <a href="http://www.hergracesacredart.com/2017/02/pilgrimage-to-lady-of-ngome-lourdes-of.html" target="_blank">honeyrose fragrance of the Great Mother of Love</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and inspired me to make this one-of-a-kind<br />
sacred altar necklace.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used a double garnet rosary and combined it with unusual</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
vintage rose carved bakelite beads, as well as gentle rose coloured</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
glass beads and gorgeous rose carved glass beads<br />
and luscious fresh water pearls, both gold and oyster.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKpc1EZPEqo/WLVRwAQW4GI/AAAAAAAASqY/fegkLe7PcPcq9jX0fe5AuoGsEw91jbj1QCLcB/s1600/sster2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKpc1EZPEqo/WLVRwAQW4GI/AAAAAAAASqY/fegkLe7PcPcq9jX0fe5AuoGsEw91jbj1QCLcB/s320/sster2.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacred Altar<br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">http://hergracedevata.blogspot.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I added a beautiful old holy medal, a French Notre Dame</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
sacred heart and at the back, a tiny swallow and a very old red mercury holy medal!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HRcy3E1pBws/WLVScOcK2QI/AAAAAAAASqg/pve3oRPNFC89z90bH6YQQE6_E3gEbpGSACLcB/s1600/sster3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HRcy3E1pBws/WLVScOcK2QI/AAAAAAAASqg/pve3oRPNFC89z90bH6YQQE6_E3gEbpGSACLcB/s320/sster3.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacred Altar<br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">http://hergracedevata.blogspot.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaorK_PpvKM/WLVSprVkysI/AAAAAAAASqs/lnF_rKQ6Qx0g6iOq1Oajq8olCt5b_0THwCLcB/s1600/sster5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaorK_PpvKM/WLVSprVkysI/AAAAAAAASqs/lnF_rKQ6Qx0g6iOq1Oajq8olCt5b_0THwCLcB/s320/sster5.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacred Altar<br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">http://hergracedevata.blogspot.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Inbetween is a gorgeous red intaglio of St Terese set on a gold</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
background.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iG_OReSDxDk/WLVTCyYPppI/AAAAAAAASq0/zO0H-bc1A0Q8U0mTv4c7vg_bWL7OrJ1xgCLcB/s1600/sster6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iG_OReSDxDk/WLVTCyYPppI/AAAAAAAASq0/zO0H-bc1A0Q8U0mTv4c7vg_bWL7OrJ1xgCLcB/s320/sster6.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the end of the piece that hangs down the back,<br />
is a beautiful St Anne and Mary mercury red<br />
bubble holy medal - very old.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can shorten it into a choker length or wear it longer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The rosary case can open and you keep something</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
valuable inside.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
blessings<br />
Hettienne</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-59110534122235419342017-02-05T00:30:00.000-08:002019-01-20T08:30:34.826-08:00Sacred altars in an ancient lineage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6hbMBe9aP0/WJRKrBfIM-I/AAAAAAAASnY/NlYeRPdA-6YHTil7w5GSC998f4DAYROiACLcB/s1600/knots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6hbMBe9aP0/WJRKrBfIM-I/AAAAAAAASnY/NlYeRPdA-6YHTil7w5GSC998f4DAYROiACLcB/s320/knots.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Lady Untier of Knots<br />
IX Roses<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
An Ancient Sacred
Tradition<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
I follow an
ancient sacred tradition that used to belong to the Great Mother and her
devotees. This tradition was
incorporated into religion by the nuns and convents. I call it Sacred Altars
and it is my offering on the Altar of Life. Thirteen years ago I changed my
focus from being a spiritual healer to becoming a pilgrim to sacred places on
the Earth and especially to where the Divine has<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
manifested through
the veil to reach us and where Mary have appeared to others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfNqihTgT-4/WJRLBA-VuZI/AAAAAAAASnc/4WI_lvEvFBgIGHQDrZInMjobpBXN5Cm5ACLcB/s1600/portrair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfNqihTgT-4/WJRLBA-VuZI/AAAAAAAASnc/4WI_lvEvFBgIGHQDrZInMjobpBXN5Cm5ACLcB/s320/portrair.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
My Sacred Altars
has various levels to the work. I return
from my pilgrimages with waters from the holy springs and rivers; oil and salts
sanctified by the Presence of the energies at these sacred places.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
And I bring back
my own direct experiences and my own transformation. These are some of the elements of altars and
shrines which I make in devotion to the Great One appearing as the Divine
Feminine Mary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
These altars and
shrines have great healing ability and this has been proved through the
transformation of those who meditate with them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ywqJQRHpJ8/WJRLwf3wycI/AAAAAAAASnw/TMHOds7was4PEWsEdlmE5JGGG2lbeOoaQCLcB/s1600/sacredheart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ywqJQRHpJ8/WJRLwf3wycI/AAAAAAAASnw/TMHOds7was4PEWsEdlmE5JGGG2lbeOoaQCLcB/s320/sacredheart1.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
The wearable
shrines and altars are to be worn as an altar. Each piece is unique and
individual and an original creation carrying some part of the sacred site and
the divine Presence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
These items carry great
spiritual and healing power and many healings and even miracles have been
attributed to them. Through these altered assemblages and altars,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
I set out to
demonstrate my vision that every loving and joyful act of living<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
is a sacred altar
to the Divine. We are forged and fired in the crucible of the heart<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
and art gives life
and meaning to our stories.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
As a visionary
artist, I attempt to show how the sensible, material realms and the imaginal
realms work together to show forth the glory of the Divine hidden in the
ordinariness of everyday living.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
I create from the eye
of the heart, rather than the eye of the mind and hope to illuminate and show
the underlying image and Divine Presence in the vignette of our personal
stories.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
The child within me
is still fascinated with miniatures and their reflection of the vastness and
eternity of life and living. As an artist I regard myself as an artisan and midwife
of the Divine becoming, moving between two worlds and hoping to reveal that the
inner life is a sacred life and the outer ordinary life is filled with messages
and confirmations of the Great Story of Divine Love within each and every human
being. I focus on images and stories of The Western Christian traditions and
Mysteries.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
'Art to me is a
Grace, a healing and transformation. It brings transformation to the artist and
to all those who behold the expression through the artwork'.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
A few months ago I
completed and published The Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck and Book. You can read more about this deck in detail
at <a href="http://www.hergracesacredart.com/">www.hergracesacredart.com</a> Each card is a handcrafted three dimensional
shrine depicting the archetypal story of the tarot in the lineage of the
Feminine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
blessings on your
journey<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
Hettienne Grobler<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-25733897138643629402016-12-02T08:10:00.000-08:002016-12-02T08:19:38.504-08:00Christmas Sale at the French Madonna<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4G9pQHPfe3k/WEGc8YVXleI/AAAAAAAASbc/BpzUJgOZPVQtpwGSXIbk_igurvDHzY6twCLcB/s1600/french1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4G9pQHPfe3k/WEGc8YVXleI/AAAAAAAASbc/BpzUJgOZPVQtpwGSXIbk_igurvDHzY6twCLcB/s320/french1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i>Christmas Sale now happening</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i>at The French Madonna</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i>all jewellery and shrines</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i>less 25%</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i>till Christmas Day</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i>Come and visit</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i>blessings,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i>Hettienne</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inf6ImlL554/WEGe9Qrk59I/AAAAAAAASb0/IhfNR16D2EMXvA3o-f5bWrR_6PxJcebPACLcB/s1600/french6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inf6ImlL554/WEGe9Qrk59I/AAAAAAAASb0/IhfNR16D2EMXvA3o-f5bWrR_6PxJcebPACLcB/s320/french6.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-5066125218293874642016-11-28T05:35:00.000-08:002016-11-28T05:35:42.330-08:00The Miller's Daughter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7GpS6PkGB4/WDwxXI7svqI/AAAAAAAASYM/Rz3NPT9KKPMJGwRQI1U7tdhVu9J-oSCkwCLcB/s1600/blogmillersdaughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7GpS6PkGB4/WDwxXI7svqI/AAAAAAAASYM/Rz3NPT9KKPMJGwRQI1U7tdhVu9J-oSCkwCLcB/s400/blogmillersdaughter.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Miller's Daughter<br />Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck<br />www.hergracesacredart.com<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
The Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck and Book</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
has been published and is now available on</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
my website <a href="http://www.hergracesacredart.com/">www.hergracesacredart.com</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
and also in my shop The French Madonna</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
at Etsy.com <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna">www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna</a>.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
You can subscribe to my blog</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.hergracesacredart.com/" target="_blank">The Mysteries of Mary Tarot</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
for regular updates.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
A few fairytales are included in the Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck. Some of them were chosen as they relate to a specific archetype in both the tarot and the stories of Mary.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
The fairy tale of the Handless Maiden was chosen because Mary</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
appears in an Eastern European folktale version of the story. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
In some versions an angel or a being of light appears to help the </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
Handless Maiden, but in this particular folktale, Mary herself appears</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
to help the maiden.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
The story of the Handless Maiden and her powerful symbology is told over a sequence of three cards in the deck. Links</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
to different versions of the fairy tale is included</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
in the bibliography at the back</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
of the book. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
The V of Holy Rood (traditionally Wands) is the first</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
card that depicts a scene from the tale. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
This card is titled The Miller's Daughter </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
and we are introduced to</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
the young maiden, her father, the devil </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
and very importantly, the apple tree.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
The Miller's daughter is standing next to the apple tree with a loaf of bread</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
(food produced by the miller) on her shoulder. She, as well as the significant apple</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
tree represents feminine values and attributes. Feminine qualities and attributes</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
live in both male and female. The story of speaks of the 'miller' and not the maiden's father.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
This demonstrates that great importance is given to his occupation in the world, </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
rather than his role as father.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
From the start we see the focus and emphasis on masculine goals and values.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
In our culture the masculine values and attributes are greatly admired and promoted.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
The emphasis on the miller, his greed for money, his disregard for both the apple tree</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
and his daughter, reflects and highlights the imbalance which exists and</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
the lack of reverence for the less visible feminine principles.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
The apple blossom is a symbol of fertility and sensuality.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
In Celtic lore the apple tree is the Tree of Love.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
At the top of the shrine are two hands. These will take</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
you to the next part of the story which is further developed</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
in VII of Holy Rood,, where the Handless Maiden enters the forest.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
Traditionally this card means conflict and in this deck it refers to inner conflict.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
The really important questions in life you have to find the answers to</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
yourself. Do not rely on the opinion of others. Do not rely</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
on 'the done thing' or the accepted way of doing.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
In other words, do not make a pact with the devil for your most</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
precious feminine feeling and earthy nature.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
Dig deep and feel the discomfort of the inner conflict</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
and may you find peace.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
This is an extract from the discussion of this card in companion book</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
to the Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6FjtTdGPMA/WDsedqdq1mI/AAAAAAAASXU/f_6HOOKWZ70i_ElYzglcOUXzIHArbKvZACLcB/s1600/tarotbook_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #e89fc5; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6FjtTdGPMA/WDsedqdq1mI/AAAAAAAASXU/f_6HOOKWZ70i_ElYzglcOUXzIHArbKvZACLcB/s400/tarotbook_0007.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(159, 197, 232); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="280" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
peace,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
Hettienne</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-85077855621945572692016-10-09T01:47:00.000-07:002016-10-09T01:47:09.229-07:00The nativity of the Holy Child-Daughter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHBdaAspx8g/V_n75L7YufI/AAAAAAAASRw/LsvaAIfh6AY8ujyNH5Zu_6Seiu_rryL6QCLcB/s1600/II%2BRoses1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHBdaAspx8g/V_n75L7YufI/AAAAAAAASRw/LsvaAIfh6AY8ujyNH5Zu_6Seiu_rryL6QCLcB/s400/II%2BRoses1.jpg" width="335" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nativity of Holy Child-Daughter<br />II Roses<br />Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck<br />www.hergracesacredart.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>By honouring and acknowledging the birth of the holy child-daughter, Mary Herself, the masculine story is changed and the daughter and girl-child becomes sacred in the collective unconscious.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>‘A hermit had on a certain night for many years heard music in the heavens. When he asked the cause an angel answered, : the Virgin was born this night, and what is ignored on earth is being celebrated by angels’ – Legends of Mary, Thirteenth Century<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</div>
<i style="font-family: inherit;">In this card we see the birth of the holy daughter, the female bearer of the Christ. When one considers that the term Christ or Christed One is a title and not part of a name, then the sentence ‘female bearer of the Christ’ has a completely different meaning. Mary is the feminine companion to Jesus or Maryam to Yeshua in the original Aramaic. As we saw earlier three Marys always accompanied Jesus one of whom was his mother and one his companion or beloved. Reading these words and stories with the inner mystical eye of vision and understanding, we understand that the psyche has four aspects : two masculine and two feminine and these are referred to as mother, father, daughter and son. The picture reflected a whole psyche is incomplete without the daughter. What would change within both men and women when the Christ appears in female form? Or when the Christ appears as a divine couple? </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the Lost Books of the Bible, The Gospel of the Birth of Mary, Mary’s lineage and birth is described in detail. Mary of Agreda in her book The Mystical City of God which describes the details of the life of the Virgin, calls the child Mary, ‘<i>the true living Ark of the covenant’.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the Koran it is told that in the year 16 BCE, the people of Jerusalem are awaiting the birth of the son of Imran (Anna in Greek). Instead of the much-anticipated "Messiah", a girl is born to Imran and Anna. The latter names her Mary, which means "Servant of God". Did they miss the birth of the Messiah through their expectation that he has to be male?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i>In the Gospel of the Birth of Mary, it is described that the angel visited both Joachim and Anna (Mary’s parents) on two separate occasions. Mary’s conception and birth was a miraculous one. Anna, her mother was barren until the Archangel Gabriel visited her and declared that her barren womb will be opened by God and that the Holy Spirit will descend into the body of her daughter Mary whilst still in the womb. Mary referred to herself as The Immaculate Conception when She appeared to Bernadette at Lourdes. <i> </i>The sanctuary of the nativity of the virgin Mary is in Milan and her tiny effigy wrapped in lace and swaddling clothes is known as Santa Maria Bambina. Her nativity is on 8 September and is one of the twelve major feast days in the liturgical calendar. In the years between 1720 and 1730 a Franciscan nun from Todi (Sister Chiara Isabella Fornari) created wax statues of Mary as a baby. One of these dolls was donated to the Capuchin Sisters of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Milan. Eventually the statue arrived at the General House of the Sisters of Charity of Lovere , in Via Santa Sofia in Milan, and these sisters are called "Maria Bambina" .</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The miraculous image of Maria Bambina was made prior to 1730 by a Franciscan nun who afterwards entrusted Her to others. During the ensuing years, she came into the care of the Sisters of Charity at Lovere, Italy. In 1856, these Sisters of Charity were asked to take over the management of the Hospital of Ciceri in Milan and, in 1876, this waxen image was carried to their Mother House there at Via Santa Sofia 13, where she has remained ever since.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The beautiful image of the Maria Bambina was exposed for veneration only on the 8th of September, the Feast of Mary's Nativity. In 1884, those who were devoted to the Maria Bambina received a reward for their devotion. Due to paralysis in her arms and feet, Sister Josephine Woinovich was bedridden and in unbearable pain. On the 8th of September, she begged the Mother General to get Maria Bambina and leave the image near her overnight. The following morning the Mother General was inspired to take the image, so old, worn and grayish colored to the other sick Sisters in the infirmary so they could kiss her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There was in the infirmary a good novice, Giulia Macario, who was unable to move because of her serious illness, but who, overcome by her ardent faith, took the image into her arms and pleaded with her in tender and loving words for the grace for her recovery. She was immediately and miraculously cured, for such Faith moves mountains. And at the same time this image itself underwent an amazing transformation from the former dull gray color to the warm flesh hues it has today, as can be seen, where she is enshrined in the Sanctuary of the Mother House in Milan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In this card we see the birth of the holy daughter, the female bearer of the Christ. When one considers that the term Christ or Christed One is a title and not part of a name, then the sentence ‘female bearer of the Christ’ has a completely different meaning. Mary is the feminine companion to Jesus or Maryam to Yeshua in the original Aramaic. As we saw earlier three Marys always accompanied Jesus one of whom was his mother and one his companion or beloved. Reading these words and stories with the inner mystical eye of vision and understanding, we understand that the psyche has four aspects : two masculine and two feminine and these are referred to as mother, father, daughter and son. The picture reflected a whole psyche is incomplete without the daughter. What would change within both men and women when the Christ appears in female form? Or when the Christ appears as a divine couple? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luce Irigaray in her work says that ‘there is no woman God, no female trinity: mother, daughter, spirit. This paralyses the infinite of becoming a woman since she is fixed in the role of mother through whom the son of God is made flesh’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">By honouring and acknowledging the birth of the holy child-daughter, Mary Herself, the masculine story is changed and the daughter and girl-child becomes sacred in the collective unconscious.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3AYMZxDApE/V_n5MqhvAPI/AAAAAAAASRc/kc95RMrNS74QAGuxraOPdgMyM9eyF_MOQCLcB/s1600/bambina2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3AYMZxDApE/V_n5MqhvAPI/AAAAAAAASRc/kc95RMrNS74QAGuxraOPdgMyM9eyF_MOQCLcB/s320/bambina2.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Santa Maria Bambina with golden wool<br />Handmaiden of Suit of Distaff<br />Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck<br />www.hergracesacredart.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These stories of the divine are powerful myths which activate and animate archetypes in our consciousness. Mary calls Herself the Immaculate Conception and as such Her birth is truly a divine birth of a divine female and feminine which has been lying fast asleep like the princess in Sleeping Beauty (Card IV of the Suit of the Distaff). Creating art and seeing images of Mary as the holy girl-child and images of the Sacred Mother and Daughter will change our understanding of the world and our Soul completely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xt2NPh7UQGQ/V_n5vrcOOYI/AAAAAAAASRg/dU2Fw6bIGFg6luyRw5k_0TOviLF_ASwxACLcB/s1600/templedove4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xt2NPh7UQGQ/V_n5vrcOOYI/AAAAAAAASRg/dU2Fw6bIGFg6luyRw5k_0TOviLF_ASwxACLcB/s400/templedove4.jpg" width="330" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Mary serving as priestess in Temple of the Dove<br />Four of Vessels<br />Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck<br />www.hergracesacredart.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I used mainly Western Christian Catholic icons, statues and symbolism, which I combined with the wider vision of the journey of the feminine divine as archetype of the Self. By juxtaposing these well-known images onto a different context and by re-connecting their symbolism to the correspondences found in myths, legend, fairy tale and stories carried down through the ages, a deeper, more meaningful picture unfolds. I set out taking the well-known Christian images of Mary (and really mostly the only ones readily available) out of their Roman Catholic context thus giving them new meaning. As my own personal journey evolved and I immersed myself into the Christian mysteries at the sites sacred to Mary that I visited, I discovered that the numinous emanation of Mary truly still does exist in the Christian art and symbology. I found that She had merely been veiled by dogma and conditioned belief and that when you see with ‘new eyes’, then the true Divine Mary and Goddess is still radiating Her Presence and always has done so. I realised that the Christian churches and copious art works has been the vessel for Her through the dark ages of the suppressed feminine. This awakened the inspiration and resolve within myself to reveal Her to others in the same way that She revealed Herself to me.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A limited edition of the Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck and Book </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">is now available on pre-order</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">at The French Madonna </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and on my website here :</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.hergracesacredart.com/2016/10/the-mysteries-of-mary-tarot-deck-and.html</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">blessings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hettienne</span></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-9145169902635394802016-09-04T03:33:00.000-07:002016-09-05T02:11:22.091-07:00Vintage black rosary assemblage necklace The Black Madonna<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUGTSXV9aFU/V8v1MTrX-sI/AAAAAAAASK8/Y7I0YeARj5sVrzEdUiZ7uzVIH-2bl6C0ACLcB/s1600/first.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUGTSXV9aFU/V8v1MTrX-sI/AAAAAAAASK8/Y7I0YeARj5sVrzEdUiZ7uzVIH-2bl6C0ACLcB/s400/first.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBHLF5KIMXQ/V8v1PtFcmQI/AAAAAAAASLA/RV8fiH-xwAEhea8jhqDiyKGSQy355XiKQCLcB/s1600/detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBHLF5KIMXQ/V8v1PtFcmQI/AAAAAAAASLA/RV8fiH-xwAEhea8jhqDiyKGSQy355XiKQCLcB/s400/detail.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The French Madonna<br />
www.etsy.com/shop/TheFrenchMadonna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I am dark, daughters of Jerusalem and I am beautiful!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Black Virgin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mother of us All</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
teach me to see the beauty in the Mystery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLuynlPlT5k/V8v1kLcldKI/AAAAAAAASLE/pXgus8K5lNUGqnnuUydve3u25lRzJ4PYACLcB/s1600/cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLuynlPlT5k/V8v1kLcldKI/AAAAAAAASLE/pXgus8K5lNUGqnnuUydve3u25lRzJ4PYACLcB/s320/cross.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RcY8I1clgXE/V8v1nw1ITrI/AAAAAAAASLI/bQ1QgLAUq6oHaa9UXgLA_JeaYSPOwcaPgCLcB/s1600/beadsbest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RcY8I1clgXE/V8v1nw1ITrI/AAAAAAAASLI/bQ1QgLAUq6oHaa9UXgLA_JeaYSPOwcaPgCLcB/s400/beadsbest.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The French Madonna<br />
www.etsy.com/shop/TheFrenchMadonna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Help me to relinquish my need to figure out the Holy One</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with the feeble tool of my intellect</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and instead encompass divine truth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with my open heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSWXHKqv8Lk/V8v16tyP7HI/AAAAAAAASLM/SddvpHDGg5M6VZLBnWpkB7qAbVvXiAiTgCLcB/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSWXHKqv8Lk/V8v16tyP7HI/AAAAAAAASLM/SddvpHDGg5M6VZLBnWpkB7qAbVvXiAiTgCLcB/s400/book.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlp4mLUDKfk/V8v2Avhv-0I/AAAAAAAASLQ/WSJ9ZakmV2AmaMhfsT35_ORxu_ZaOtMqwCLcB/s1600/messy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlp4mLUDKfk/V8v2Avhv-0I/AAAAAAAASLQ/WSJ9ZakmV2AmaMhfsT35_ORxu_ZaOtMqwCLcB/s400/messy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of fighting for control.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am ready to lay down my sword</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at your gentle feet, Blessed Mother.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Give me the courage to enter the secret cave</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where you hold the Redeemer nestled in your loving arms.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2417lv9vLdg/V8v2XIJRUjI/AAAAAAAASLU/8vm3WQ5zERsd7lN1_u6Zcz2Ew_61fyM3gCLcB/s1600/medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2417lv9vLdg/V8v2XIJRUjI/AAAAAAAASLU/8vm3WQ5zERsd7lN1_u6Zcz2Ew_61fyM3gCLcB/s400/medal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TtyoiJ_qbs0/V8v2gEb43QI/AAAAAAAASLY/CuAHcaxHZ0Aun2NA7gG_8kpd8E3ArQr2QCLcB/s1600/side.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TtyoiJ_qbs0/V8v2gEb43QI/AAAAAAAASLY/CuAHcaxHZ0Aun2NA7gG_8kpd8E3ArQr2QCLcB/s400/side.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your face radiates from the gaze of the angels that surround you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me find my own true face reflected there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01CfzttEMKw/V8v21fulyII/AAAAAAAASLc/Wp05orVrD8YUNx3ytjhFlgOEIALlzHS7gCLcB/s1600/IMG_6280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01CfzttEMKw/V8v21fulyII/AAAAAAAASLc/Wp05orVrD8YUNx3ytjhFlgOEIALlzHS7gCLcB/s400/IMG_6280.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The French Madonna<br />
www.etsy.com/shop/TheFrenchMadonna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then I will be able to sing with the Bride</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuGuBNOU1GY/V8v3bdH2xGI/AAAAAAAASLo/nsKCeG-Z7AwmGmDPBHtoSx99VSv8YHZDACLcB/s1600/IMG_6275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuGuBNOU1GY/V8v3bdH2xGI/AAAAAAAASLo/nsKCeG-Z7AwmGmDPBHtoSx99VSv8YHZDACLcB/s400/IMG_6275.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French Madonna<br />
www.etsy.com/shop/TheFrenchMadonna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-_kVYvooU0/V802qKZRmSI/AAAAAAAASL4/ULEtPTylvlwVdlpvQlKAMvwX30iRIvw9gCLcB/s1600/il_570xN.1084441697_3881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-_kVYvooU0/V802qKZRmSI/AAAAAAAASL4/ULEtPTylvlwVdlpvQlKAMvwX30iRIvw9gCLcB/s640/il_570xN.1084441697_3881.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Do not see me as only dark: the sun has started in me.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>- Mirabai Starr</i></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-84825291054857274552016-08-25T02:25:00.002-07:002016-08-25T02:25:59.954-07:00Queen of the Gypsies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdCoDTF7fwA/V76zV3NJRGI/AAAAAAAASJg/63B6M_hFvcQ4oBQ83LpnYWBxAXp9u_T-QCEw/s1600/gypsy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdCoDTF7fwA/V76zV3NJRGI/AAAAAAAASJg/63B6M_hFvcQ4oBQ83LpnYWBxAXp9u_T-QCEw/s320/gypsy1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--4PX14kTlUI/V762fG3vnFI/AAAAAAAASJo/hTgzNJAz1js2lKpcTEvK6gWmZfZOwVyYQCLcB/s1600/gypsy14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--4PX14kTlUI/V762fG3vnFI/AAAAAAAASJo/hTgzNJAz1js2lKpcTEvK6gWmZfZOwVyYQCLcB/s640/gypsy14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdCoDTF7fwA/V76zV3NJRGI/AAAAAAAASJc/Fb5pi1erO5wnc9lNtC6qKdThmE6b165PgCLcB/s1600/gypsy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdCoDTF7fwA/V76zV3NJRGI/AAAAAAAASJc/Fb5pi1erO5wnc9lNtC6qKdThmE6b165PgCLcB/s400/gypsy1.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen of the Gypsies<br />www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fN_MP6rAnwg/TkIvdtOXznI/AAAAAAAAAcc/esVzLvrPOGk/s400/France+2011+056.JPG" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gypsy wagon in Saintes Marie de la Mer, South of France</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
during the Sara la Kali pilgrimage</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IEC_hvaqNqU/TkJFMwnBJ8I/AAAAAAAAAds/oKaVLhwdzSg/s400/sara_la_kali.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="243" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sante Sara la Kali in crypt of church at<br />Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer in South of France<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56sqFmpfXys/V763rGfja8I/AAAAAAAASJ0/pSj-uT03zS8TtmcvASHDV5h_ttox1wn-wCLcB/s1600/gypsy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56sqFmpfXys/V763rGfja8I/AAAAAAAASJ0/pSj-uT03zS8TtmcvASHDV5h_ttox1wn-wCLcB/s400/gypsy3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Queen of the Gypsies inspired by the sacred pilgrimage to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Santa Sara la Kali, the Queen of the Gypsies</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the story of Mary Magdalene, Mary Jacobe and Mary Salome</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can read more about my first visit to Sara la Kali here :</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
http://pathofdivinelove.blogspot.co.za/2011/08/sara-la-kali-part-three-in-lourdes.html</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkx_pRuMTWc/V763tedQfUI/AAAAAAAASJ4/arqbc48hvT0txuuJiwaoFi45pb5zWSKKwCLcB/s1600/gypsy7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkx_pRuMTWc/V763tedQfUI/AAAAAAAASJ4/arqbc48hvT0txuuJiwaoFi45pb5zWSKKwCLcB/s640/gypsy7.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">The festival always takes place on Sante Sara's sacred day 25 May. The week before the caravans stream into the small sea side village. As we travelled many motorhomes passed us. The gypsies live in these modern motorhomes and many have enormous trailers behind. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JACyKll-tZg/V764XWKS0fI/AAAAAAAASKA/o_TJHQMxY4QTP3jJl9af4TZjv8cpcekOwCLcB/s1600/gypsy13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JACyKll-tZg/V764XWKS0fI/AAAAAAAASKA/o_TJHQMxY4QTP3jJl9af4TZjv8cpcekOwCLcB/s400/gypsy13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEKjvuoX_-s/V764hYsxKwI/AAAAAAAASKE/GDMs3v-8olYoRW3buUzzObqBilUbeK47QCLcB/s1600/gypsy11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEKjvuoX_-s/V764hYsxKwI/AAAAAAAASKE/GDMs3v-8olYoRW3buUzzObqBilUbeK47QCLcB/s640/gypsy11.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Outside the church of Saintes Maries de la Mer you will find flamenco playing gypsies, dancing girls, small girls handing out images of Lakshmi and older women selling the holy medals of Sante Sarah, indicating that you have arrived at the destination of your pilgrimage! What magic!!</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"></span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(124, 147, 161); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #222222; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvsjVUqz1KQ/TkI2Di0XcVI/AAAAAAAAAck/8gGEO4xTVcg/s1600/lakshmi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5cc2c0; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvsjVUqz1KQ/TkI2Di0XcVI/AAAAAAAAAck/8gGEO4xTVcg/s320/lakshmi.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="236" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth and Abundance<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> Saintes Maries de la Mer is a quaint village known for its white horses from the Camargue, the black bulls and the three Saints : Sara, Marie Salome and Marie Jacobe. Legend has it that they arrived here on the beach with Mary Magdalene.</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E2YnH9hiNsM/V765VQHqdPI/AAAAAAAASKM/4OdFUaKUHjoC6l-jumLKQ8nN9YOlL5GKgCLcB/s1600/gypsy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E2YnH9hiNsM/V765VQHqdPI/AAAAAAAASKM/4OdFUaKUHjoC6l-jumLKQ8nN9YOlL5GKgCLcB/s320/gypsy1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u8hgUrCo67c/V765jEiBBVI/AAAAAAAASKY/9zKOOVXRlrwlfuQXKNdiwqe5Xo-A5l1LwCLcB/s1600/gypsy5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u8hgUrCo67c/V765jEiBBVI/AAAAAAAASKY/9zKOOVXRlrwlfuQXKNdiwqe5Xo-A5l1LwCLcB/s640/gypsy5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-44845462088456720532016-07-29T09:45:00.000-07:002016-07-29T09:45:39.902-07:00Vintage Retro Nativity Rosary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZxj-X993oc/V5uFSWApbQI/AAAAAAAASEk/ay9qxOxoqFYijKgXo1nBL7RU_Mks0zW6QCLcB/s1600/angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZxj-X993oc/V5uFSWApbQI/AAAAAAAASEk/ay9qxOxoqFYijKgXo1nBL7RU_Mks0zW6QCLcB/s400/angel.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYmIakJM3c4/V5uFYBl-vbI/AAAAAAAASEo/QyKGxcIDkCUayhvcoR2LFOTyuxCY5kgSQCLcB/s1600/mary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYmIakJM3c4/V5uFYBl-vbI/AAAAAAAASEo/QyKGxcIDkCUayhvcoR2LFOTyuxCY5kgSQCLcB/s400/mary.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mother of God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rejoice with me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the midst of the petty trials</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the profound sorrows of this life,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
let me catch a glimpse of your face</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and dissolve into laughter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mAkDukQXNuc/V5uGGijJXdI/AAAAAAAASEs/O31XP7mkC3svamYe4ie5xJHeqUxGxolMACLcB/s1600/closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mAkDukQXNuc/V5uGGijJXdI/AAAAAAAASEs/O31XP7mkC3svamYe4ie5xJHeqUxGxolMACLcB/s400/closeup.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzMmRu9wBHo/V5uGKXsjTCI/AAAAAAAASEw/UAtX_OzudnoOPJW7ce6jZ2YnHmwK6ZMEgCLcB/s1600/closeup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzMmRu9wBHo/V5uGKXsjTCI/AAAAAAAASEw/UAtX_OzudnoOPJW7ce6jZ2YnHmwK6ZMEgCLcB/s400/closeup1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me remember that what matters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is not the laundry I have to fold</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but the gurgling of the baby speaking his own new language</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not the bank account that will not balance,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but the miracle of the dragonfly landing on my wet shoulder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as I climb out of the river on a summer day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKCTrEDzf88/V5uG4VxHYCI/AAAAAAAASE4/6fTF4R90qHQl3Uttm60dvF1CaNhZJXraACLcB/s1600/closeup3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKCTrEDzf88/V5uG4VxHYCI/AAAAAAAASE4/6fTF4R90qHQl3Uttm60dvF1CaNhZJXraACLcB/s400/closeup3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWPGbdnkgoU/V5uG-TaC5jI/AAAAAAAASE8/SHYDKR0Ylpooe5B0N7kd-gczBS44hDc_gCLcB/s1600/rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWPGbdnkgoU/V5uG-TaC5jI/AAAAAAAASE8/SHYDKR0Ylpooe5B0N7kd-gczBS44hDc_gCLcB/s400/rose.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like the tender hand of a child</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who spontaneously reaches to comfort his worried mother,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
let me lightly carry the suffering of the world</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vkc1n_cQnqE/V5uH_K1uYoI/AAAAAAAASFE/fscbeCjSfOYe-QFCPTTpD4Oq_xAFlHtzACLcB/s1600/beads1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vkc1n_cQnqE/V5uH_K1uYoI/AAAAAAAASFE/fscbeCjSfOYe-QFCPTTpD4Oq_xAFlHtzACLcB/s400/beads1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a wonderfully retro kitsch rosary made from</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
found vintage nativity scene pieces and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
celluloid roses, rosary, crucifixes and holy medals</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
blessings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hettienne</div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-55565013955527778082016-07-28T09:19:00.000-07:002016-07-28T09:19:16.893-07:00Vessel of Spirit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRd0jIh7mco/V5os2qOIK9I/AAAAAAAASDg/98Is-kVqPuIANhomAkoWJimqBDAWBihdgCLcB/s1600/portrair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRd0jIh7mco/V5os2qOIK9I/AAAAAAAASDg/98Is-kVqPuIANhomAkoWJimqBDAWBihdgCLcB/s400/portrair.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vessel of Spirit www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vessel of Spirit</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from the Litany of Loreto</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The theme of this title is containment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mary is the vessel of safekeeping and incubation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7phr7F1e6zU/V5ngfi7cgbI/AAAAAAAASDI/eVQosXeyMSUnezxc2DAY0Bt5Dq3EDWH2QCLcB/s1600/beads1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7phr7F1e6zU/V5ngfi7cgbI/AAAAAAAASDI/eVQosXeyMSUnezxc2DAY0Bt5Dq3EDWH2QCLcB/s400/beads1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is the baptismal font of new life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is the tabernacle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In Judaism, the tabernacle is womblike and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
contains all of God's revelation that is</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nonetheless continually unfolding.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is not a binder of old texts, but a releaser</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of new and neverending revelations.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jICJ1Fkoyps/V5otRlawvXI/AAAAAAAASDk/_RZ1iTbFphkosSx2m5geaUinh-t68FhvwCLcB/s1600/beadscom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jICJ1Fkoyps/V5otRlawvXI/AAAAAAAASDk/_RZ1iTbFphkosSx2m5geaUinh-t68FhvwCLcB/s400/beadscom.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Great Mother was seen as the container of all that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is. A dark side of containing captivity,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in which the feminine energy ensnares us and inhibits us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the aspect she crushes independence - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a feature taken over, like most of the dark side of the feminine,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by the patriarchy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Egyptian goddess of the sky is Nut. Her image, with embracing arms,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was painted in a sarcophagus so she could 'hold' the dead body</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and thereby prepare it for resurrection.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Great Mother was seen in many traditions as holding us</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the container of a grave, the incubator of rebirth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ19wX1yrMk/V5otn6oNReI/AAAAAAAASDo/OP0i_dYvBh4Y1nU8jM9fRPEDIBJ-nGFGwCLcB/s1600/beads1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ19wX1yrMk/V5otn6oNReI/AAAAAAAASDo/OP0i_dYvBh4Y1nU8jM9fRPEDIBJ-nGFGwCLcB/s320/beads1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In every image of the Great Mother we see Mary.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mary is called a Vessel of Spirit,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a Vessel of Honour and the Singular Vessel of Devotion.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These titles were added to the Litany in medieval times when</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
alchemy was popular. Alchemy was not literally about</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
transforming lead into the gold. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAqSmxik6Cw/V5ouW0AdgvI/AAAAAAAASDw/tBYdHPmxNRIsglKfwIqeD7sA5lo9_MRgACLcB/s1600/closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAqSmxik6Cw/V5ouW0AdgvI/AAAAAAAASDw/tBYdHPmxNRIsglKfwIqeD7sA5lo9_MRgACLcB/s400/closeup.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The vessel in which the leaden ego is transformed into the gold</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
of spiritual wholeness is the spiritual enterprise represented by the</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
science of alchemy. The Litany avers that the alchemical</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
transformation that is our spiritual destiny can happen in the body</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
of the divine feminine, that is, in the cosmos.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTrglInV0Sc/V5ovVC7RzOI/AAAAAAAASD8/-YTkaD_f2oI8E04OKW1NDwfK3lFpvOoPwCEw/s1600/together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTrglInV0Sc/V5ovVC7RzOI/AAAAAAAASD8/-YTkaD_f2oI8E04OKW1NDwfK3lFpvOoPwCEw/s320/together.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the metaphor of the alchemical vessel, we encounter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the two maternal themes of forming and transforming.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We see Mary then as the vessel of gestation of Christ</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and of all of us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The painful process of letting go of self-centredness occurs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so that the gold of God-centred wholeness can appear.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
extract from When Mary becomes Cosmic by David Richo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-11956930827810235972016-07-27T02:47:00.001-07:002016-07-27T02:47:06.412-07:00Michael<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pVfSNP_G1AU/V5h8l5YrqcI/AAAAAAAASB0/oUrTs3u3gwIS0ASKd97s5uRIZMFUAfOmwCLcB/s1600/michblue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pVfSNP_G1AU/V5h8l5YrqcI/AAAAAAAASB0/oUrTs3u3gwIS0ASKd97s5uRIZMFUAfOmwCLcB/s640/michblue.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archangel Michael Protector of the Vulnerable www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left;">The small lead-stained glass windows made blue rainbows of light in my hand. As I turned the icon, the silver wings glistened and the sword reflected gold sparkles. I could sense the essence of the Archangel Michael statue and deep inside of me a part of me welled with a sense of yearning and I declared to all who cared to listen “From wherever this statue has come, that is where I am going!!!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0V8p6WkNlkY/V5h8p1w2bxI/AAAAAAAASCI/l_THLGdevv8PCzLHX_odDS3bknzjRJNJQCEw/s1600/closeup4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0V8p6WkNlkY/V5h8p1w2bxI/AAAAAAAASCI/l_THLGdevv8PCzLHX_odDS3bknzjRJNJQCEw/s640/closeup4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And this is how my very first pilgimage started and my life long passion to discover and uncover</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">more about the power of myth and the our relationship with the sacred.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc8L08kiCKA/V5iBG4QDQ1I/AAAAAAAASCU/Rj86DxrA0sg8fcS5tB2KFZ7cEeAH7he0QCLcB/s1600/michbeads1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc8L08kiCKA/V5iBG4QDQ1I/AAAAAAAASCU/Rj86DxrA0sg8fcS5tB2KFZ7cEeAH7he0QCLcB/s640/michbeads1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> A friend brought me the San Michele (Saint Michael as he is known in the Roman Catholic Church) icon from Italy. The little statue found its way into my hands via another friend. I had no idea where it came from other than somewhere in Italy. I decided that the September school holidays would be a good time. As I had to ask Granny to help with the house-sitting and taking care of my children, I moved the dates a week earlier so as to avoid taking her away from the rest of her family for her birthday!!!! I had no idea at that time how important this shuffling of dates were!!! As to the location of the San Michele sanctuary: that I left up to The Universe.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y7aK_1aF8RI/V5iBr_7w3JI/AAAAAAAASCg/rEO-EtemLs0SlFadRXkmN1IqOn7rXd3nwCLcB/s1600/michcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y7aK_1aF8RI/V5iBr_7w3JI/AAAAAAAASCg/rEO-EtemLs0SlFadRXkmN1IqOn7rXd3nwCLcB/s640/michcloseup.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Three months before my departure date I discovered that the annual San Michele festival takes place on 29 September in a small town called Monte Sant’Angelo in the province of Foggia in Italy. On the same day I discovered that this is indeed the shrine where my statue came from!!! By having moved the dates of my trip to a week earlier, I had given myself three days to travel down to Monte Sant’Angelo to arrive in time for the festival!! The annual festival takes place on the Saint’s day and it is dedicated to the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DacIP88Q3Ew/V5iCBxWRZ7I/AAAAAAAASCs/RyUxYjH4r_MqF0b-7MHeatQwdLNTdOBwQCLcB/s1600/michfront1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DacIP88Q3Ew/V5iCBxWRZ7I/AAAAAAAASCs/RyUxYjH4r_MqF0b-7MHeatQwdLNTdOBwQCLcB/s640/michfront1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Monte Sant’Angelo forms part of the Gargano Pilgrim Way. The Gargano being that part of the Italian continent that looks like the spur of the boot. The landscape, soil and vegetation in this part is completely different to the rest of Italy and it is believed that this section broke off from another continent with the moving apart of the continents.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I visited the sacred grotto in Monte Sant'Angelo where Michael appeared twice to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
many villagers. We participated in the festivities of the Archangel Festival </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and we decided to change our holiday plans and to complete the Gargano Pilgrim Way</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which included the Basilica of Padre Pio.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This wonderfully impulsive act of mine altered the course of my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I learnt about the Michael and Mary leylines and followed Michael</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to England where I continued to follow the leylines for six consecutive years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It meant many changes within myself and challenges to be overcome</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the adventure still continues.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thus, this piece I created in celebration of</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Michael,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saint and Archangel,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Protector of the Vulnerable and Defender of the Feminine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you would like to read more about my pilgrimages</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
please visit Cloister of the Heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
http://pathofdivinelove.blogspot.com</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
blessings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hettienne</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342295330433384719.post-8512118319845135662016-07-25T03:18:00.001-07:002016-07-25T03:18:12.101-07:00Triumph of the Immaculate Heart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPTkOmQ17Js/V5XkJUubYuI/AAAAAAAASAw/eT2BA0KtleAvfq7B9OKl6hfN6jI-JyHSwCLcB/s1600/cross2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPTkOmQ17Js/V5XkJUubYuI/AAAAAAAASAw/eT2BA0KtleAvfq7B9OKl6hfN6jI-JyHSwCLcB/s640/cross2.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.etsy.com/shop/thefrenchmadonna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You who radiate peace, dear Mary,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
help us to break this obsession with war</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and vanquish the culture of death.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHU58bTd58o/V5Xjgbr2SMI/AAAAAAAASAo/IrhA2H8HLFUR21xXTTvH9xRXqStZFGlQwCLcB/s1600/detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHU58bTd58o/V5Xjgbr2SMI/AAAAAAAASAo/IrhA2H8HLFUR21xXTTvH9xRXqStZFGlQwCLcB/s640/detail.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Too many people have died, Blessed Mother,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and no amount of official explanations</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and strategic manipulations</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can possible justify such suffering.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-prP8BptukDM/V5XlaqO-ipI/AAAAAAAASA8/1DE4IaXkr9wHbIuTIAp_T-ggflXgVFtWgCLcB/s1600/beads2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-prP8BptukDM/V5XlaqO-ipI/AAAAAAAASA8/1DE4IaXkr9wHbIuTIAp_T-ggflXgVFtWgCLcB/s400/beads2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
At this very moment, all over the planet,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dozens of battles are raging,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like bursts of flame exploding</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from different zones of a forest on fire.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pEbl9nof19c/V5XljkhBgrI/AAAAAAAASBA/WalD80cg1Woxc-vOo0TrtBcPrMgQPPPFACLcB/s1600/closeup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pEbl9nof19c/V5XljkhBgrI/AAAAAAAASBA/WalD80cg1Woxc-vOo0TrtBcPrMgQPPPFACLcB/s400/closeup2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whether they take the form of the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
massive bloodshed of entire communities</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or single acts of domestic violence,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
your Mother-Heart will not tolerate such hatred.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJ0Xa4bA7aA/V5Xlmb2VCcI/AAAAAAAASBE/rMKgQUBWzkwrYSTsQxvJw0GCzsnT_Wa-QCLcB/s1600/medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJ0Xa4bA7aA/V5Xlmb2VCcI/AAAAAAAASBE/rMKgQUBWzkwrYSTsQxvJw0GCzsnT_Wa-QCLcB/s640/medal.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You break yourself open</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and offer us the only true antidote</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the poison of global strife:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
universal love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYZ2WxqlHUA/V5XnMIzYBgI/AAAAAAAASBg/bU82IaSNoFY6bVNFg_elY_kSXMsZZbA4ACLcB/s1600/cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYZ2WxqlHUA/V5XnMIzYBgI/AAAAAAAASBg/bU82IaSNoFY6bVNFg_elY_kSXMsZZbA4ACLcB/s320/cross.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Triumph of the Immaculate Heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mother of God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Similar to Fire</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mirabai Starr</div>
</div>
Hettienne Groblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06171699855415167735noreply@blogger.com0