The Cave of Mary Magdalene at la Sainte-Baume

The Cave of Mary Magdalene at la Sainte-Baume

View of Sainte-Baume Monastery

Looking towards the Monastery and Grotto at la Sainte-Baume

Postcard view of la-Sainte-Baume with sheep grazing in the foreground

View of la Sainte-Baume landscape

We are staying at the wonderful abbey hostelerie in Saint Maximin, next to the Basilica, thinking of the message from Alcheringa and him saying we would visit the cave. Today I am at first in some doubt, for it is pouring with rain this morning (although I am given insight that the weather will clear later in the day).

We have booked another night here at Saint Maximin and found, with some difficulty, our way out of town for the 35 minute drive to first the little abbey at Plan d’Aups and then Sainte Baume, which means cave or grotto. It is also the name of the mountain. Half the journey is climbing a dangerously narrow road up the mountain from Saint Maximin. My heart is in my mouth the whole time as we have a large hire car even though we would have preferred a smaller car to travel around the narrow streets in the little villages of Provence.

According to the ancient Gypsy legend Saint Marie Madeleine (Mary Magdalene) arrived by boat with her exiled companions at Saint Marie de la Mer in the Camargue. She then traveled with Maximin and her brother through Provence on a mission of evangelization. True to her beliefs and ideology she decided to spend her last years in contemplation in the Saint Baume mountain cave.

There is a long history of what has happened to the cave over the years. The 13th century saw the peak of pilgrimages in Christian Europe. “The Kings Way” is the road through the Sacred Forest to the Cave. Thousands of pilgrims have come to this holy site over the centuries, including eight popes and eighteen kings. (Hence the name Chemin des Roys, or, The Kings Way.) Four Dominican monks still live up there.

We arrive at Plan d’Aups at 700 metres. The wind is so strong as we alight from our car – we are nearly blown off our feet and it begins to pour with rain. Umbrellas are out of the question – they will easily be blown inside out.

We decide to have a cup of hot coffee at the little store and wait to see if the weather will improve. When we finish our coffee, we hear a bell ringing, calling people to a service to be held at the little chapel next door.

The chapel has wonderful paintings on the wall depicting the three Marys and others arriving by boat from the Holy Lands after fleeing danger after Jesus had been crucified.

Madeleine’s hair is painted long and red. Looking more Celtic than Arab-like. Didn’t our ancestors know more than what has been recorded? I am reminded of the Scottish research into the early royal family where the Mother Mary’s grandmother was said to be married to a Scottish king. (refer: http://www.sacredconnections.co.uk

Painting of Mary Magdalene inside the small chapel at Plan d'Aups

Painting of Mary Magdalene inside the small chapel at Plan d’Aups.
This first photo reminds me of the simple white buildings
where the Essenes lived in the Holy Lands

Scene of Mary Magdalene inside the small chapel at Plan d'Aups

Scene of Mary Magdalene inside the small chapel at Plan d’Aups

Painting of Mary Magdalene inside the small chapel at Plan d'Aups

Painting of Mary Magdalene inside the small chapel at Plan d’Aups

Painting of Mary Magdalene inside the small chapel at Plan d'Aups

Painting of Mary Magdalene inside the small chapel at Plan d’Aups

The priests conduct the morning ceremony wearing robes of white with green chasubles and on the robes is the symbol of the Chi-Rho.

Chasuble with Chi Rho

Chasuble with Chi-Rho

Inside the small chapel at Plan d'Aup - an orb is visible in the photo

Inside the small chapel at Plan d’Aup – an orb is clearly visible on the right.

It is clear we are meant to stay for the service – for by the time it finished the weather clears a little and we begin walking through and up into the Sacred Forest. We almost don’t make the climb, but John changes his mind and we go.

Signpost to the Grotto of la Sainte-Baume

Signpost – to the Grotto of la Sainte-Baume

We reach the entrance of the wonderful ancient forest. Just as we do, there arrives two young men and a woman dressed in medieval garments. John greets them in French and they call out they are going into the forest to collect ‘truffles’. It seems strange, as if we have stepped into a parallel universe. Another time completely and as John is speaking to them, I am experiencing a feeling of familiarity as if I have walked this place before.

Quietly shaking within myself I remember the body as a Pope. I have been here before, in another life. I don’t like that life memory, but I am part of it. It is in my Soul memory. I will speak of it more, but not now. I ask John to walk with me on the original path that leads up the mountain to the cave. Where the young people walk is along “The King’s Way” but I choose not to walk that path again.

Pathway through the forest to the Grotto la Sainte-Baume

Pathway through the forest to the grotto la-Sainte-Baume

(To the left is the wider path, wide enough for carriages and if you look closely you can just see a full length, high collared, black flaring cloak disappearing into the distance)

Pathway through the forest to the Grotto la Sainte-Baume

Steps through the forest to the grotto la Sainte-Baume

The photo on the right is the original path the monks used, and I like the idea of becoming close to the nature spirits that exist in this magical forest.

We walk for 90 minutes, up and up—still cold, windy, wet and slippery under foot. Some of the trees are down – let alone small branches. As we reach about half way up the mountain through the forest everything becomes peacefully calm, almost as if we are walking in a different dimensional frame, yet again, with no sign of the three young people collecting truffles this time.

John about to climb the steps on the pathway through the forest to the Grotto la Sainte-Baume

John about to climb the steps to the grotto la Sainte-Baume

Entrance to the Abbey at la Sainte-Baume

The Entrance to the Abbey at la Sainte-Baume

Eventually we come to changes made to the entrance of small abbey. I say ‘changes’ for I am still remembering that other time I visited. 150 steps, representing the Psalms of David or the 150 Hail Marys of the Rosary, are built up to the doorway with a sign showing the different order of monks that have been in residence over the centuries.

Showing the different orders of religious and monks who have maintained the grotto for centuries

Showing the different orders of religious and monks who have maintained the grotto for centuries

Doorway to the grotto at la Sainte-Baume

Doorway to the grotto at la Sainte-Baume

To the left, before you enter the doorway is the scene of the three Marys kneeling at Jesus’ feet as he hangs from the cross. Mary Magdalene is still showing long red hair.

Crucifixion showing the three Marys

Crucifixion showing the three Marys at the entrance to the Grotto

Looking back towards Plan d'Alps showing just how far we have climbed

Looking back towards Plan d’Alps showing just how far we have climbed

I take a photo past the wall showing how far we have climbed and then we enter into the abbey. There are no monks insight, or anybody else for that matter; we are alone.

Stained glass at the entrance to the grotto at la Sainte-Baume. An orb is visible on the left of the doorway

Stained glass at the entrance to the grotto at la Sainte-Baume. An orb is visible on the left of the doorway

Overwhelmingly Magdalene’s presence is here – very strongly. The Church is inside a massive cave where water is still dripping from the ceiling. John is the first to kneel in prayer and I am so touched – usually he just waits to see what I do. The moment is very special and bonding for us. Bless him!

Votive candles lit before a statue of the Virgin and Child in the grotto

Votive candles lit before a statue of the Virgin and Child in the grotto

Main altar in the grotto at la Sainte-Baume

Main altar in the grotto at la Sainte-Baume

Statue of St Mary Magdalene being raised up by angels at la Sainte-Baume

Statue of St Mary Magdalene being raised up by angels at la Sainte-Baume

View of the statue of St Mary Magdalene being raised up by angels at la Sainte-Baume

View of the statue of St Mary Magdalene being raised up by angels at la Sainte-Baume

Former location of the relics in the grotto at la Sainte-Baume

Former location of the relicts at la Sainte-Baume

(These relics were moved back to the Baslica in Saint-Maximin)

It has been a difficult drive up from 300 metres to 700 metres and then the walk is a real challenge not to slip in the mud. Heel, then toe keeps us safe; John tells me that is how he was trained to walk in the army.

We feel truly uplifted up here – what a walk (and me not well after a bout of flu- with cough and chest noises). It is 1,000 metres above sea level.

Coming back down, John is wobbling a bit at the base of our walk – I have used a bush walking stick lifted from the forest – it has definitely helped to steady me. It is muddy, slippery and hilly to say the least, but beautiful.

Tree blown down by strong winds on the pathway to the grotto la Sainte-Baume

John negotiates his way past a fallen tree on the pathway

A wonderful, picturesque forest

A wonderful picturesque forest

Logs on the pathway from the grotto la Sainte-Baume

Logs on the pathway from the grotto la-Sainte-Baume

Another fallen tree on the pathway from the grotto la Sainte-Baume

Another fallen tree on the pathway from the grotto la-Sainte-Baume

Valerie and her walking stick, suitably clothed against the elements!

Valerie and her walking stick, suitably clothed against the elements!

It is a relief to arrive back at the chapel and the shop at Plan D’Aups to have another hot cup of coffee and a very appropriate madeleine cake! We meet a grateful forester whom John is able to advise, in French, about the trees falling down.

Now finally, we are driving back down the narrow road (easier on the inside this time – next to the mountain wall) and returning to the warmth and dryness of the Royal Convent Hostelerie at Saint Maximin.

A Miracle Photo?

It is only when this photo was uploaded onto the website that I can see Mary Magdalene’s effigy of her ‘remains’ appear on the roof of the cave entrance.

Reversal of photo of entrance to Grotto

Turn the photo upside down; it suggests a body in a shroud, lying in a sarcophagus (Below the line)

Can you see it ? Her long hair is still intact although her face is reduced to a skeleton, and she is wrapped in a shroud.

Visit to Saint Maximin and la Sainte-Baume

Visit to Saint Maximin and la Sainte-Baume

Replica of the reliquary of Sainte Madeleine , St Mary Magdalene

Replica of the Reliquary of St Mary Magdalene
carried in procession

Valerie Barrow and her husband John spent the end of September, all of October and the early part of November 2010 travelling through the UK, France and parts of Egypt. What follows is Valerie’s record of their visit to the Saint-Maximin la Saint-Baume region, where Mary Magdalene resided after her flight from Egypt. There has been a constant monastic presence here preserving the tradition (and the relics) of Mary Magdalene since the Fourth Century.

Map of Saint-Maximin la Saint-Baume Region

Map of Saint-Maximin la Saint-Baume Region. Click to see a larger map

The area is well known for a geological formation known as Massif, which will come into play in the story which is to unfold.

The region, as evidenced by some archaeological finds, was already a religious center some 3000 years ago. The existence of a huge reserve of water which is fed by all the rivers of the region explains that since prehistoric times, the pagan cults dedicated to the goddesses of fertility were developed there. Some historians believe that the forest has been frequented by the “Druids” at the time of the presence of Celts from the fourth century BCE.

Geological formation known as Massif at Sainte-Baume

Geological formation known as Massif at Sainte-Baume

The attractive market town of Saint-Maximin lies 300 metres above sea level, surrounded by vineyards and sheltered by the three great ranges of Mont Aurelien, Mont Sainte Victoire and the Massif Sainte Baume.

Originally a Gallo-Roman site north east of Marseilles and The Camargue, this ancient town owes much of its fame to that part of its rich history touched by the mystique and legend of Mary Magdalene.

Basilica of St Mary Magdalene surrounded by the Royal Convent

Basilica of St Mary Magdalene surrounded by the Royal Convent

The relics of the saint were discovered here in 1280, in a crypt dating back to the fourth century AD, and thenceforth preserved in a primitive local church. Later, in order to accommodate the ever burgeoning influx of pilgrims, Charles II of Anjou, Count of Provence and nephew to Saint Louis of France ordered, with the blessing of Pope Boniface VIII – the construction of the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene and Convent on the same spot.

Original plan of the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene showing the location of the crypt

Original plan of the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene showing the location of the crypt.
The Basilica was never completed on account of the Black Death,
and so the entry of the Basilica shows the unfinished face

John Barrow standing in front of the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene; the unfinished front is visible

John Barrow standing in front of the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene; the unfinished front is visible

John and I are entranced with being able to stay in the Royal Convent, once occupied by Dominican monks but now converted to comfortable accommodation and restaurant.

View of the Dining Room of the Royal Convent at Saint-Maximin

View of the Dining Room of the Royal Convent at Saint-Maximin.
Note the white orb overlaying the bunch of roses, top right

A Dominican monk overlooks the menu in the dining room of the Royal Convent

A Dominican monk overlooks the menu in the dining room of the Royal Convent

We soon begin the short walk, virtually next door, to explore the magnificent Basilica. I know the remains of Mary Magdalene are kept in the crypt and I am anxious to view them.

Entrance to the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

Entrance to the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

Just after we arrive, the crypt is closed because a sacred ceremony – a Confirmation of Children – is taking place. John and I decide to wait until the ceremony (which lasted about hour) was over.

Confirmation Mass was taking place in the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

Confirmation Mass was taking place in the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

The High Altar in the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at St Maximin

The High Altar in the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

While waiting for the Crypt to re-open after the Confirmation, I was led to the following photo in the Cathedral, Trilogie, which is believed to be the spirits of the Three Marys.

Trilogie, depicting the spirits of the Three Marys at the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

Trilogie, depicting the spirits of the Three Marys at the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

 


 

At the Crypt

View of the Crypt at the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

View of the Crypt at the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

When the Crypt is opened I ask if I can take a photo of the shrine of Mary Magdalene with the skull inside. (see Jehanne/Judith half sister of Issa – Jesus.) I ask my mentor if it is really she? He replies,

“It It is indeed, my dear, for all have come to recognise her and bless her for her work – the ones that understand and know from the origins from which she came.

Valerie's photo of the Shrine in the Crypt at the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

Valerie’s photo of the Shrine in the Crypt
at the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

The photo that you have – IS – an extra light my dear, so do not question it. It is in acknowledgement of your presence and she is very pleased to see you. Understand her spirit is not just in the crypt, but is omnipresence – and it will follow you to the mountain cave. “

Notice at the Shrine in the Crypt at the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

Notice at the Shrine in the Crypt
at the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

Altar in the Crypt at the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

Altar in the Crypt
at the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin

Shrine with skull of Mary Magdalene

Shrine with Skull of Mary Magdalene

The Crypt also houses the sarcophagi of Saint Maximin, Saint Sidoine, Saint Marcelle and Saint Suzanne—companions of Saint Mary Magdalene on the boats.

Replica of the reliquary of Sainte Madeleine , St Mary Magdalene

Replica of the Reliquary of St Mary Magdalene
carried in procession;
The Feast Day of St Mary Magdalene is July 22nd

Where we witnessed the evocation of the Marys landing at the Camargue along with six other members of Jesus’s family, it was said Saint Maximin was also one of them. It would seem he moved on to the mountain area with Mary Magdalene to spread the teachings.

Cover of the Annales Ecclesiastici by Cardinal Caesar Baronius

Cover of the Annales Ecclesiastici by Cardinal Caesar Baronius

There is another legend written by Cardinal Baronius, curator of the Vatican Library, in his “Annales Ecclesiastici” (ecclesiastical annals from Christ’s nativity to 1198), consisting of twelve folio volumes, is a history of the first 12 centuries of the Christian Church) giving a complete list of passengers who were said to travel to Marseilles to escape the danger that existed after Jesus was crucified: I am prompted by spirit to research the Web about Joseph of Arimathea and this is the website I am led to: Web Archive (archive of a web page that has since disappeared after creating this page)

Joseph, with many disciples traveled from the holy land by Phoenician boat and landed at Marseilles (a Phoenician trading post), in the Vienoise province of the Gauls (France) in the year 35 AD. From there Joseph went on to England, to establish seminaries and send out missionaries. Cardinal Baronius, Curator of the Vatican library, in his “Ecclesiastical Annals“, gives this account. “In that year the party mentioned was exposed to the sea in a vessel without sails or oars. The vessel drifted finally to Marseilles and they were saved. From Marseilles, Joseph and his company passed into Britain and after preaching the Gospel there, died.”

Here is Cardinal Baronius’ complete list of passengers:

  • St. Mary, wife of Cleopas
  • St. Eutropius
  • St. Salome
  • St. Martial
  • St. Trophimus
  • St. Cleon
  • St. Saturninus
  • St. Maximin (the blind man)
  • St. Sidonius (Restitutus)
  • St. Joseph of Arimathea
  • St. Mary Magdalene
  • St. Martha
  • St. Lazarus
  • Marcella, the Bethany sisters’ maid

Other records state that James and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were also in the boat. Philip was waiting for the travelers in France. There is testimony asserting his commission in Gaul, all of which say that he was received and consecrated Josephus the Apostle to Britain, prior to his journey there.”

Alcheringa, (who often speaks on behalf of Cosmic Sai Baba) has advised that there were many ships that came with the refugees from Egypt. The Camargue is not far from Marseilles. The Camargue gypsies hold the legend as told about in my article “Les Saintes Maries de la Mer” that St Salome, St Jacobe and Sarah, along with St Maximin landed at the Carmargue and Alcheringa says, St. Mary Magdalene, Mother Mary and her 2 daughters also landed there along with Joseph of Arimathea and Jesus’ brother James. There were others not mentioned.

Those Saints who have sarcophagi nearby the reliquary of Mary Magdalene at the Basilica here at the village Saint Maximin, are St. Maximin, St. Sidonius, St. Salome, St. Suzanne, who are the same people who are mentioned in the previous list (with the exception of St. Suzanne)

2000 years later, the records of antiquity are difficult to decipher. A companion or disciple is often referred to by name, or from where they came from, or a son of – in different ways so that it is difficult to know when it is the same person being recorded in manuscripts written by different scribes.

There were many who left the Holy Lands via Egypt for safety reasons, after Jesus was crucified. Those, particularly the women, who traveled to and stayed in South of France (then known as Gaul) were still in danger and had to go about their mission of spreading the teachings quietly and almost secretly.

Joseph of Arimathea traveled with others to his familiar territory in the Britannic Isles and began his teaching there. He went on to establish the first Christian Church at Glastonbury. It was not so dangerous there, even though it was still part of the ancient Roman Empire.

In my next article I will be speaking about our visit to Glastonbury, U.K.

Returning to our visit to Saint Maximin, we later walked around the old town, noting how narrow many of the streets were.

Illustrating the narrow byways of Saint-Maximin

Narrow byways of Saint-Maximin; not much room to pass the car!


John Barrow  illustrates the narrow byways of Saint-Maximin

Narrow byways of Saint-Maximin; the room in the corner behind John looks like it is about to fall away.

Cakes in shop at Saint-Maximin

Some of the lovely cakes we saw on our walk around Saint-Maximin

Go to PART TWO: Our visit to the grotto LA SAINTE-BAUME

Jehanne D’Arc and Jesus-Issa

Continuing the Story from the Ghost of Jehanne D’Arc

The Blue Planet Venus
The Blue Planet Venus

I am the Cosmic Sai Baba and I have come to help you to connect to Judith, a half sister of Jesus ……..

I am Judith, Judith of Judea, my parents are known as Joseph and Mary. There are others in the family. Our eldest brother, Issa (pronounced Eesa) was the first born and he tells us that his father is in heaven. We understand that…we know of the immaculate conception and we know also how that happens. My mother had other children with Joseph …. James, Phillip and John … then there was me and my younger sister Ruth and then another two. In fact the family of the Essenes knew and understood about other worlds.

“We know of the Star Worlds and other Beings who existed, we also know of our connection to them. In particular to the Beings who had come from Venus.

I am speaking now from the Angelic Realms … and I am known as Val in the Angelic Realms, and I would like it known that Jehanne D Arc, or Joan of the Arc, who was well known for her abilities and her serving of God … came to France at a very dark time, to try to help people to understand how they could lift, or ascend into a Higher state of Consciousness, and find God within. This was a Mission Impossible at that time.

Joan of Arc
Jehanne D’ Arc

But I would like people to know that Jehanne D’Arc is an aspect of myself, Judith, the half sister of Jesus. And as a family we all came from the tribe of Essenes in Love and Peace.

The Wise women, when they reached an initiated state of Cosmic Consciousness, were known as the Maha-rees (click to read a channelling about Maha-reees) which later became abbreviated to the word ‘Marys’. It is a state of consciousness, it is linked with the angelic realms.”

The Family of Issa

I had been sitting opposite a friend Rosemary and assisting her to reach an altered state of consciousness for a ‘Past-life Regression’. She and her husband had arrived on a friendly visit but with us both being ‘Mediums’ we each felt spirit was prompting us to work together.

Rosemary is easy to work with, and on this day, she quickly slipped into an altered state of consciousness which enabled her to connect with her soul consciousness. We asked her soul consciousness if she could be taken into the Hall of Records and be led to the life she knew she had at the time of Jesus.

When I work with somebody, I feel I slip into a time warp with them, making it easier to ask appropriate questions about what they are experiencing with their inner eye, inner feelings, and inner hearing. In fact all their inner senses and emotions come into play when they experience being there …. just like a movie … not watching it, but being int it, experiencing the life of that past time.

whitewashed stone houses

Rosemary knew the scene was before the birth of Jesus. (For the full Text of her Regression please see here.) She could see a farmer working with oxen, plowing a field. She was told it was Joseph, the soon to be husband of Mary, who was going to be her father. There were little white-washed stone houses. She later said they belonged to the Essenes. Just a very ordinary life of country people.

She was then shown Mary carrying a child in her womb and Joseph walking with her. They had a fair way to go. She was given details about the birth and how it was long awaited, for many know the child is the prophesized one. They are rejoicing.

I asked her if she knew the date … but I have come to realize that at that time different calendars were used by different races. The facts are they were in the country of Judaea and that after Issa was born, Joseph and Mary were married.

I asked, “Do you mean the marriage hadn’t been consummated up until then?” and she answered, “Yes.” Issa was the first born, but Joseph was not the father. A Light from God had impregnated Mary and Issa was born from that. So that she, Ruth, was not of the lineage of Issa but rather after his birth the family lineage came from Joseph. Joseph and Mary’s children were James, Phillip, and John; then they had a girl Judith, and then Ruth (that was Rosemary), then there were another two children.

The house was communal living, and the children belonged to everyone. It was tribal.

I asked Rosemary-Ruth to move on in her memory. She said Issa (she now referred to him as Jesus) was 18 years older than her. He had light brown hair and beautiful eyes. She loved him. Something had happened in the past three years. He was always talking to men and going away to other places a lot. He no longer had time to play with her. He spent time teaching and told her, “I come straight from the Father, little one”.

It was like a dark cloud had descended. People were always talking about soldiers, sickness and death and dangerous times. They wanted her brother to be the King. To set people free. He would say, “But this is not my work. That is not what I have come to do. You will be set free”. (Rosemary-Ruth is very upset here.) She believed what he had come to do was not going to happen and she was sad. (Rosemary-Ruth was crying now.)

Flight into Gaul

I asked her to move on in her memory – after Issa was crucified. She said there was great danger for all of them, they had to get away. The Marys knew – and the Marys got together to leave that country. They knew the teachings and they took the teachings with them to France.

saint maries de la mer
Shrine to the Saint-Marys-on-the Seas

There were several boats. She was now 16 years old and said she was a handmaiden to the Marys. There was Mary Magdalene, Mary, mother of Jesus, and there is one called Miriam – she is a Mary also. She is a cousin to Jesus. And there is another Mary, there are four altogether, and her name is Judith. She was startled to find (in her memory) that they had the Holy Grail with them.

Rosemary-Ruth spontaneously came out of her altered state saying it was time to come back. I asked if she knew where the Chalice is now? and she replied, “The Chalice has been de-materialized. It had to return to its real world, but it can be gifted back”.

It was while we were still sitting together, that I was over-lighted by Cosmic Sai Baba who said,

“I want to introduce the Mary known as Judith of Judea, and link that personality with Jehanne D ‘Arc.”

There is a French legend recorded in the 4th Century that says that Mary Magdalene along with other women arrived at the Bay of Marys in South of France from Egypt carrying the Holy Grail. There is a festival and ceremony re-enacted about their arrival in a boat on the Bay of Marys which is still celebrated to this day. (This is televised and I happened to see this recently.)

Procession of Saints Maries de la Mer
Procession of the Saint-Marys-on-the-Seas

When many of the family of Issa came to South of France, they were welcomed – they were known – for they had visited before. They knew that Issa was the prophesised one. The teachings of the Essenes were already known to the Gauls as they were in many of the Arabic countries. Similar teachings were known by the Gnostics and later by the Cathars in the South of France.

In fact some of the tribes were becoming so strong in their following, the Catholic Church became very worried about their power and the teachings that did not concur with many of their Church teachings. By the 11th century the Cathars had spread to many places. In particular, to Mt. Segur in Languedoc, France, where it was said that the original manuscript, written by John the Divine, was held and that it would be found.

St John, the Cathars and Mary Magdalen

(Digressing here, my mentor, White Eagle, had visited me before we visited France in 1990 saying that he had been John the Divine in another life and that he had written a manuscript, and that God had told him to, “Eat it”. He had named it The Book of Love. and he wanted us to find it. I believe as an Instrument I am being used to re-tell the information that was in it.)

The Cathars taught about the God of Love. They taught that Earth was hell, that there was a spark of divine light in mankind – that there was nothing to fear after death, save perhaps rebirth, but that one could dedicate one’s life to following the example of Jesus Christ, who they believed was spirit, and his Apostles. The movement was becoming so strong and spread so wide, there was an edict put out by the Pope in 1147, to arrest the progress of the Cathars. By 1260 to circa 1300 another Pope came to power and resolved to deal with them, using the inquisition. This concern was maintained with many Cathars being persecuted, tortured and/or killed. From May 1243 to March 1244 the Cathar fortress of Montsegur, was besieged by troops. On the sixteenth of March in the year 1244, a large and symbolically important massacre took place, where over 200 Cathar pure ones were burned in an enormous fire near the foot of the castle. Many surviving Cathars went underground or to other countries and their descendants still exist today.

monolith marking the massacre at Montsegur
Stele marking the massacre at Montsegur

Mary Magdalene was said to continue the teaching of Jesus, and was considered to be the Apostle of the Apostles, knowing Jesus intimately. She was the first, with the other Marys to be at Jesus’s feet while he hung on the Cross, she was the first to go to the Cave where he was taken after his Crucifixion. She was the first to see him after he reappeared at his Resurrection. Later in France her teachings were uplifting and visionary. She later retired to a cave in the mountains at the Convent les Dominicans … she then disappears on the stage of history and from of any mention in the New Testament.

Dominican Convent the cave where Mary Magdalen retired
Entrance to the Dominican Convent
built where Mary Magdalen retired

The Black Madonna Tradition,
The Knights Templar and Mary Magdalen

There is a Basilica of Mary Magdalene, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume which holds a Black Madonna which, when you lift her mask, it is said to hold the original skull of Mary Magdalene. Another wooden Black Madonna and child in the Lot is in the Chapel of Notre Dame at Rocamadour, seated on a throne and looking more like the Egyptian Goddess, Isis with her child. Also the popular Black Madonna of Czestochowa (Poland) with fleur-de-lis on her garment …. is it another symbol connected to the Templars?

Shrine with skull of Mary Magdalen
Shrine with Skull of Mary Magdalen

There is strong evidence in France that Mary Magdalene was worshiped (somewhat secretly) right along side the Virgin Mary up until the Albigensian Campaigns (persecution of the Cathars) in the late 13th Century. Afterwards her worship was forced even further underground.

Black Madonna of Rocamadour
Black Madonna of Rocamadour

There are hundreds of Mary Churches dedicated to Mary Magdalene presented as the Black Madonna, particularly in the South of France. The Knights Templar, were champions of Mary Magdalene and funded many Cathedrals; up until the French wing of the Knights Templar were dissolved in 1291.

Black Madonna of Czestochowa
Black Madonna of Czestochowa
with fleur-de-lis

Of the many cathedrals dedicated to Our Lady, Notre Dame, in the middle ages, it is unclear which ‘Our Lady’ they were dedicated to. In the 14th Century the Catholic Church made a concerted effort to clarify that the only ‘Our Lady’ was Mother Mary. In doing so, they made Mother Mary, “Bride of Christ”, although it was emphasized to be a spiritual union only. However, there are still many churches worshipping the Black Madonna as Mary Magdalene. Was she “The Bride of Christ”? For over a thousand years the church had claimed she was a whore.

Mary Magdalen as a Saint was defined penitent; penitent for her sins (the seven deadly sins and thus the association as woman of ill repute was attached to her, and by extension, she was commonly alluded to as a whore). In 1969, the reissue of the General Roman Calendar removed mythological saints (e.g. St Christopher, and others) and Mary Magdalen was declared disciple of Christ and her Commemoration (Feast Day) was downgraded to local celebration only. This was done to ensure that celebrations of Saints did not overshadow worship of Jesus. Her feast day is July 22nd.. In so doing, Pope Paul VI clarified her role in the history of the church, and this may be a fortuitous clarification as it authenticates the Apostle to the Apostles status of Mary Magdalen, and therefore her work (teaching) and the Book of Love will both be authentic transmissions of the teachings of Jesus.

Stained Glass image of Issa and Mary Magdalen in Kilmore Church, Dervaig, Scotland
Stained Glass image of Issa and Mary Magdalen
in Kilmore Church, Dervaig, Scotland.
This work was done by Stephan Adam in 1906

There is a belief that Mary Magdalene was married to Issa and carried his child, and that there were many secrets supressed by the Christian Church. A stream of esoteric symbolic knowledge was guarded and passed down by generations of Templars, Artists, Artisans, Poets, and Alchemists.

The Family of Issa, Gaul and Holy Scotland

After my book, The Book of Love by a Medium was published in 1995 (and blessed by Sai Baba), I received in the mail a gift of a book from Barry Dunford, The Holy Land of Scotland. This book is described as A Lost Chapter In The Gospel Of The Grail Tradition. (Please see the website www.sacredconnections.co.uk)

Sai Baba with the Star of Bethlehem Flower
Sai Baba with the Star of Bethlehem Flower

The same photo of Sathya Sai Baba, who lived in Central Southern India, whom many believe, both in the East and the West, is the Avatar of Divine Incarnation of this Age, is the same photo that is in my book also and is probably what prompted Barry Dunford to send his book to me. Sathya Sai Baba is holding a Blue Star of Bethlehem flower. I found it very interesting, particularly as I am told by my mentor that not all information can be given to one person. Rather a piece of the puzzle is given to one messenger and another piece to another messenger and so on, so that the combination of all the pieces come together to reveal the truth. (Upstairs confirms this is so.)

The borders of modern France are approximately the same as those of ancient Gaul, which was inhabited by Celtic Gauls, up until 1st century AD. The Essene Teachings were robust from the 2nd century BC until 1st Century AD. It is interesting the Essenes have never been mentioned in the New Testament, and yet when I first came across the word Essenes, I cried and cried although I did not understand at the time, why I was crying like so.

(Digressing here, I have a strong connection through my father, and his father, grandfather, and great grandfather of being Grand Masters of the Templars, in Scotland. Quite by accident I came across my family heraldry; but what interested me was on the Clan Badge the fleur-de-lis is shown upside down. I have always felt our Scottish family had a distant historical connection to France. Now I understand the Celtic Gaul connection. What the flower was showing me was how connections can be illustrated so easily, purely by symbols and this is the way teachings and knowledge have been passed down through ancient time through Masonic Templars etc. and ancient Egypt. Just of interest the tongue and the claws of the Lion on the family Clan Badge are painted bright blue – more to come about the colour blue!)

In many respects Scotland is a chosen land; there is a Greek tradition that Abaris was a Caledonian, and visited Greece in the days of her early mysteries, and brought to the Druids and others some knowledge of the Ancient Wisdom … Furthermore, many of the traditions are steeped in Ancient lore, derived from the dim past, and even from Atlantean days. Some of the sacred spots seem still to be alive with the spirit of the old gods and initiates … let Scotland prepare the way of the Lords of Wisdom Theosophy in Scotland (August 1910)

There are many websites available to answer questions people may have arise within them – there is an enormous amount of material out there available for them to consider – discernment is needed …

There are records that the Bethany family travelled as refugees to South of France and also, led by Joseph of Arimathea, Jesus’s uncle, to the British Isles and further east to Scotia – although they had traveled to all of these places before.

Mount Schiehallion, Central Highlands of Scotland
Mount Schiehallion, Central Highlands of Scotland

The Highlands of Scotland are ancient mountains, similar to the Himalayas and are said to exist even before the Fall of Atlantis. At that time land sunk, and land rose, water disappeared from some land and reappeared elsewhere, reshaping the boundaries of the land existing pre Atlantean times. There is strong evidence that the Druids were highly cultured having advanced schools of Astrology, Astronomy, Sacred Geometry and Esoteric Teachings – knowledge which was used by the early Stonemasons and Carpenters in Egypt, and elsewhere.

Mt Kailash in the Himalayas
Mt Kailash in the Himalayas

The Sacred Geometry used to build the Pyramids were astounding and linking with the mathematical sums of the Earth’s circumference, and distances to the sun, the moon, and other galaxies. There had been interaction with the teachings and philosophers from India, their Brahmins, and the monks from Tibet with the Pythagorean Essenes and the Druids also, all ready to embrace the early Christian Teachings. In the early days there was really no difference, except that Jesus was the prophesised one, and had come to help set people free.

Pyramids in Giza
The Pyramids of Giza, from left to right:
Khufu (Great Pyramid), Khafre, Menkaure and the smaller Pyramids of Queens.

The Brahmins from India would have spread the Ancient Vedic knowledge and the teachings from the 6th century BC Siddhartha Gautama, the Prince who had attained enlightenment, becoming known as the Buddha. His mother Queen Maha Maya was said to have conceived the child by experiencing Immaculate Conception. Maha means great; was that where the title “Maharees” first came?

On the same note, whenever Sathya Sai Baba was asked about his birth, he always told questioners to ask his mother, Easwaramma. Easwaramma told everyone that a bright blue/white light had entered her stomach and that the baby had begun to grow who was born Sathya Sai Baba. So Sathya Sai Baba was born of an immaculate conception also.

There was a close relationship with the Scottish Royalty of the time BCE and after, with certain philosophers from both Egypt and Spain, Greece and India. And in fact, it is believed that Jesus’s mother was related through her grandmother to the Scottish Royalty before the Common Era. Certainly the true life-like picture of Issa created by Sathya Sai Baba in the 1980’s had a more celtic appearance than a middle-eastern image of Jesus.

Issa-Jesus meditating in the Himalayas
Issa – Jesus meditating in the Himalayas

Israel, Holy Blood and the Star People

A Jewish friend of mine had sent an email asking, “What were the cosmic origins of the Jewish race”? The printed word stood out from my computer screen and I just had to immediately ask my mentor, Alcheringa.

He told me they were the children, the ancestors of the Is-Ra-Lites (Isis, Ra the sun God and Light) who had been born from the mating of the Angels with the Earth women, in the same way that has since been understood as an ‘Immaculate Conception’. This took place at a time pre Atlantean days, and is referred to in The Book of Jubilees.

Hathor relief from Egypt

They were known as the Hathors, by the Egyptians. An advanced race of Light Beings who occupied this Earth, for 200,000 or 300,000 years, at a time before the Fall of Atlantis – it explains many ancient and advanced highly technical artifacts that have been found. They were very tall beings, with larger heads, compared to the earth beings. The Hathors would have influenced the Earth peoples all over the earth before the Fall. After the catastrophic Fall of the earth, when the planet nearly died, some of their off-spring survived and continued the advanced knowledge from the Hathors as the Pharoahs in Ancient Egyptian times. Images of the Pharoahs with the larger heads are recorded. Even then they inter-married so that their Star Blood (referred to as The Holy Blood) would not be infiltrated, to lower the consciousness of their race.

The Hathors had come from Venus, later referred to as the Morning Star, or the Blue Star… They came with guidance and an edict from the Angelic Realms and Hierarchy of the Cosmic World to help lift the energy and the consciousness of all things upon this Earth and this corner of the galaxy. Until they came this corner of the Galaxy was lost in shadow. They were extremely advanced in technology, esoteric knowledge and unlimited psychic abilities. They had already been attempting to bring Light to this corner of the galaxy when they lived on the planet of Venus. When Venus had gone through a cycle of evolution – there was a need for them to transfer to Earth.

Image of Venus captured by the Gallileo spacecraft
Image of Venus captured by the Galileo spacecraft

The indigenous races of the Earth people had survived the catastrophic Earth changes by living in caves and had actually evolved to some degree upon this earth, but the star people, came again, remaining in the 4th/5th dimension and the inter-action of their genes lifted the human consciousness yet again. I think it is interesting that we have red arterial blood and the blue/red blood that is referred to as our ven(o)us blood circulation. Over the thousands of years of evolvement of humans since the Fall, and even before that, all Earth people have been inter-changing their genetic pool and are gradually lifting in consciousness, from the 3rd dimension, away from the animal blood that is in humans. We all have the “blue blood” within us. This is the Wholly Blood, the raised consciousness to Holy Blood. What may seem like difficult times in our life’s journey, is an opportunity to throw off the negative side (the animal reactive side) of ourselves that manifests as a shadow covering our Light and move forward in a positive way to a renewed understanding of who we really are. Our true identity is a God Being of Compassion and Universal Love.

Those are the 5th/6th Dimensional Star People that teach of One God and they still embrace all religions in their original form. They have always taught the earthlings to Love one another and to respect and care for one another. They have taught that this 3rd/4th dimension is not the only reality, and that the truth lies within the God Conscience in each one of us.

I wanted to connect to Cosmic Sai Baba and ask his advice about the message from the three articles I have been asked to write. As we have commenced the third article in this series, it seemed appropriate for Him to close with a message. When I had begun typing the letters on the keyboard, they would not register on the computer page – I kept typing but no letters would show – until I realised Cosmic Sai Baba wanted to introduce the 3rd article. Then using me as an instrument, he introduced the channeling from Judith of Judea.

He confirmed for me there is a genetic family connection to Mother Mary’s grandmother through the Celtic-Gallic royal blood stream way back to the times before the Common Era. When I asked what was his message to all of us, this is what he said:

The ancient Teachings, have been suppressed over a period of time and now they are being revealed, it is that simple.

Also the Holy Blood is connected to the Star People and that flows through every being who is upon this Earth … now.

With changes that are taking place over thousands of years, everyone who is upon this earth has been enchristed from the World of Crystal, this is the bi-ocular field, like the eye of God, that mirrors the shadow that humans need to uncover to let their inner Light shine.

It is a level of Light that all mankind has within them – it is a level of Light that needs to be raised within them, to co-join with their Christ Light, their God Conscience that is within them.

This is the message My Dear.

The Blue People


Blue Buddha

Blue Buddha

Blue Thoth

Blue Krishna

Blue Krishna

Blue Krishna

Blue Tara

Blue Yamataka

Blue Samajya

Blue Nisargadatta

Blue Shiva

Blue Shiva

Blue Rama

Blue Sai Rama

Blue Ammachi

Blue Sai Baba

Blue Sai Baba

Blue Sai Baba