Conferences
Annual research conferences will be held on July 22. Take a look at our previous very interesting meetings. And come to the next one July 22nd 2022!
MMMSA CONFERENCE JULY 2022
THE MARY MAGDALENE CONFERENCE – ST MARY MAGDALENE’S DAY –
JULY 22, 2022
On July 22nd 2022, the Mary Magdalene Studies Association will be holding our 7th Annual Mary Magdalene Conference from the Musee des Muses in Central France. We have a range of excellent speakers who will be sharing with us their thoughts on this enigmatic figure who is at the heart of what came to be called “Christianity”. We therefore invite scholars, historians, theologians, mystics, artists, scientists, writers, polymaths, interested friends, students and colleagues to attend this event on-line covering many different aspects of Mary Magdalene’s life and work. Among other things we shall be discussing what role MM has in today’s churches, and among modern Gnostics. What does contemporary scholarship say about the actual person hiding behind the legends? Was Mary Magdalene really a pagan from an ancient Goddess tradition who initiated and anointed Jesus as their Holy Osiris figure ? As the first person to bear witness to the risen Jesus after the resurrection, she convinced the other disciples to take seriously what she had seen. Without Mary Magdalene, perhaps no Christian church would ever have come into being. Did she then perhaps have the knowledge of real secrets of Christianity and act as its guardian ? It is for these reasons that IIPSGP brought the Mary Magdalene Studies Association into being at our founding conference in 2017.
PROGRAMME FOR THE MARY MAGDALENE CONFERENCE, ST MARY MAGDALENE’S DAY – JULY 22, 2022
Dr. Joanna Kujawa on ‘The Other Goddess – Mary Magdalene and the Eros of Secret Knowledge’. Dr. Joanna Kujawa has a PhD from Monash University, and MA and BA from the University of Toronto. She is the author of “The Other Goddess: Mary Magdalene and the Goddesses of Eros and Secret Knowledge” (April 2022); she has published many short stories (Best Australian Stories 2004 and 2005), and essays, as well as an academic volume on spiritual travel. She describes herself as a Spiritual Detective who asks difficult questions about spirituality, such as: who is the real Mary Magdalene and can spirituality and sexuality be experienced as one? https://www.joannakujawa.com
Wencke Johanne Braathen – “Towards a wider understanding of this complex and fascinating woman who was part of shaping the belief system that has permeated the western world for 2000 years” Wencke Johanne Braathen has looked for material about Mary Magdalene for over thirty years. Originally Norwegian, she lives in Chicago with her husband, and her novel "Mary Magdalene: Rituals in Sacred Stone" is the result of a lifelong journey. She is also a playwright of the book and lyrics to the musical; "Hell is Canceled!" with music by Gerald H Bailey.
Dr. Anne Baring on “Mary Magdalene: Her Legacy to Us” Dr. Baring is a well known mythographer and Jungian thinker, author of The Dream of the Cosmos, The One Work: A Journey Towards The Self, Soul Power, The Mystic Vision, The Myth of The Goddess, The Divine Feminine, The Birds Who Flew Beyond Time https://www.annebaring.com/
Lauri Ann Lumby on “The Teachings And Protocols For Human Development Begun By Jesus And Continued By The Magdalene And Their Implications In Our Dying World” Lauri runs Soul School, and has over twenty-five years of experience as an educator, facilitator, soul-tender, and guide. She has supported hundreds through her one-on-one guidance, books, workshops, retreats, online courses etc. Lauri is the author of seven books focusing on personal development, including Authentic Freedom – Claiming a Life of Contentment and Joy. She is also the author of two poetry collections, and a novel. Lauri earned her master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology from Sofia/ITP University, is a trained Spiritual Director in the Ignatian tradition and has certificates in Adult Education and Psycho-Spiritual Development. Lauri is a Reiki Master Practitioner and is an ordained interfaith minister. Lauri has also studied and been trained in shamanic practices under the tutelage of Dr. Stephen Schmitz. www.lauriannlumby.com
Sophie Strand on “Rewilding the Beloved: The Gospel According to the Senses “ Who was the Magdalene? Why does Jesus repeatedly refer to himself as the Bridegroom, recalling the famous biblical lover of The Song of Songs? How can we use ecology to expand our ideas of gendered union? Looking to the ecological underpinnings of the Jesus tradition, Gnostic texts, and a long tradition of Magdalene folklore, we finally reweave the Magdalene into embodied, sensual existence. Sophie Strand is a writer based in the Hudson Valley who focuses on the intersection of spirituality, storytelling, and ecology. Her first book of essays The Flowering Wand: Rewilding the Sacred Masculine will be published by Inner Traditions in Fall 2022 and is available for pre-order. Her eco-feminist historical fiction reimagining of the gospels The Madonna Secret will also be published by Inner Traditions in Spring 2023. www.sophiestrand.com. and https://sophiestrand.substack.com/
Krishna Rose on “Oracle of the Grail, Prophetess, Priestess of the Magdalene” Founder of The Sisterhood of the Rose. Krishna Rose is a leader in the field of Mary Magdalene activation, knowledge and wisdom. Author of award-winning historical novel “Woman in Red - Magdalene Speaks”, she propounds that after thirty years of research this could well be the closest to true story of Christ you will ever witness. In honor of the Magdalene, Krishna Rose will create a sacred space for healing and divine activation. Please bring a candle, sage or incense to burn and a prayer shawl if you can. Together we will pray, chant and lift the collective soul out of illusion and darkness, using practical methodologies from within the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. https://krishnarose.com
Dr. Annalisa Derr on Finding Mary Magdalene: A Pilgrimage and Homecoming for the Soul. Annalisa is Mary Magdalen Studies Association Journal Co-editor, a Goddess Educator & Scholar, Mary Magdalene Devotee & Pilgrimess, Ritual Theatre Actress, & Period Mythologist. Founder and Producer of Journey to the Goddess TV. She has a PhD from the Pacifica Graduate Institut on the psychological and spiritual meanings of menstruation as revealed in mythological systems. www.journeytothegoddess.voyage
Dr Thomas Clough Daffern on Further Updates From The Land Of Mary Magdalene Studies; Druid-Christian philosopher, historian, teacher, author, peace studies expert, poet and religious studies specialist. He was awarded his PhD from the University of London for a thesis which explores the history of the search for world peace from 1945-2001, and which proposes a new field of historiography, Transpersonal History. He has completed detailed commentaries on the 6 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Thomas and Mary Magdalene) as well as on the Ketuvim and the Holy Quran, and the Hermetic texts (see www.globalgreenuniversity.con) and has published over 60 books on philosophy, spirituality, history, literature and peace (see www.lulu.com/spotlight/iipsgp_ He has taught in schools and universities for over 30 years and is founder and academic director of the MMSA. He lives in France.
Dr. Megan Rose on “Mary Magdalen: Priestess of Sacred Sexuality.” Megan Rose, Ph.D., has a doctorate in East-West psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a master’s degree in religion in society from the Graduate Theological Union. She is an initiated ceremonial magician, a Shakta Tantric practitioner, and a senior seer in the House of Brigh Faery Seership Institute. She serves as an ecospiritual minister and psycho-spiritual counselor and is the executive director of the Entheosis Institute. https://www.drmeganrose.com/
Gretchen Cornwall on Ancient texts, Ancient Wisdoms Gretchen Cornwall, has been examining and researching medieval carvings and artefacts for decades and studying the architecture of great cathedrals, castles and Templar fortified sites. She has lived in England since 2002 and has traveled extensively in the UK and Europe on the trail of the Knights Templar.and their links to Mary Magdalene. Author of The Secret Dossier Of A Knight Templar Of The Sangreal (2015) and The Stars of the Magdalene. https://gretchencornwall.com/author/gretchen5298/
Jolie Booth Mary Magdalene and Jesus as Fools in a troupe of Dionysos worshippers? A recorded talk / performance Jolie is an actress, theatre professional, witch, magical spellcraft expert, astrological therapist, eco-spiritual activist, tarot magician, and lives on the Isle of Sark in La Manche. http://kriyaarts.co.uk
Attendance is open to all those interested in advancing Mary Magdalene Studies. This event starts at 2.30PM French time and runs till 23.30 French time. Please visit our website at: https://marymagdalenestudiesassociation.weebly.com
There will be time for quesiotns and discussions on the themes raised by our speakers. If you wish to get involved in the work of the MMSA and join our steering group, please email us at [email protected]
Just click on the following zoom link to join us on 22/7: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87530708993
THE MMSA 2022 CONFERENCE
Sophie Strand is a writer based in the Hudson Valley who focuses on the intersection of spirituality, storytelling, and ecology. Her first book of essays The Flowering Wand: Rewilding the Sacred Masculine will be published by Inner Traditions in Fall 2022 and is available for pre-order. Her eco-feminist historical fiction reimagining of the gospels The Madonna Secret will also be published by Inner Traditions in Spring 2023. Subscribe for her newsletter at sophiestrand.substack.com. And follow her work on Instagram: @cosmogyny and at www.sophiestrand.com.
Dr. Joanna Kujawa has a PhD from Monash University, and MA and BA from the University of Toronto. She is the author of “The Other Goddess: Mary Magdalene and the Goddesses of Eros and Secret Knowledge” (April 2022); she has published many short stories (Best Australian Stories 2004 and 2005), and essays, as well as an academic volume on spiritual travel. She describes herself as a Spiritual Detective who asks difficult questions about spirituality, such as: who is the real Mary Magdalene and can spirituality and sexuality be experienced as one? https://www.joannakujawa.com
Krishna Rose is founder of Founder of The Sisterhood of the rose. and a leader in the field of Mary Magdalene activation, knowledge and wisdom. Author of award-winning historical novel “Woman in Red - Magdalene Speaks”, she propounds that after thirty years of research this could well be the closest to true story of Christ you will ever witness. In honor of the Magdalene, Krishna Rose will create a sacred space for healing and divine activation. lease bring a candle, sage to burn and a prayer shawl if you can. Together we will pray, chant and lift the collective soul out of illusion and darkness, using practical methodologies from within the Gospel of Mary Magdalene
Dr. Annalisa Derr is Mary Magdalen Studies Association Journal Co-editor, a Goddess Educator & Scholar, Mary Magdalene Devotee & Pilgrimess, Ritual Theatre Actress, & Period Mythologist. Founder and Producer of Journey to the Goddess TV. She has a PhD from the Pacifica Graduate Institut on the psychological and spiritual meanings of menstruation as revealed in mythological systems.
Megan Rose, Ph.D., has a doctorate in East-West psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a master’s degree in religion in society from the Graduate Theological Union. She is an initiated ceremonial magician, a Shakta Tantric practitioner, and a senior seer in the House of Brigh Faery Seership Institute. She serves as an ecospiritual minister and psycho-spiritual counselor and is the executive director of the Entheosis Institute
Dr. Thomas Clough Daffern is a philosopher, historian, poet, author, lecturer, musician, thinker, educator, consultant, philologist, bibliophile, Druid-Christian, and peace studies specialist. He is Director of the International Institute of Peace Studies and Global Philosophy (IIPSGP). He founded the Mary Magdalene Studies Association in 2017 when he moved to France from Scotland as the first academic fellowship to examine her life and works.
Gretchen Cornwall, has been examining and researching medieval carvings and artefacts for decades and studying the architecture of great cathedrals, castles and Templar fortified sites. She has lived in England since 2002 and has traveled extensively in the UK and Europe on the trail of the Knights Templar.and their links to Mary Magdalene. Author of The Secret Dossier Of A Knight Templar Of The Sangreal (2015) and The Stars of the Magdalene.
Dr. Anne Baring is a well known mythographer and Jungian thinker, author of The Dream of the Cosmos, The One Work: A Journey Towards The Self, Soul Power, The Mystic Vision, The Myth of The Goddess, The Divine Feminine, The Birds Who Flew Beyond Time
Wencke Johanne Braathen has looked for material about Mary Magdalene for over thirty years. Originally Norwegian, she lives in Chicago with her husband, and her novel "Mary Magdalene: Rituals in Sacred Stone" is the result of a lifelong journey. She is also a playwright of the book and lyrics to the musical; "Hell is Canceled!" with music by Gerald H Bailey.
Jolie Booth is an actress, theatre professional, witch, magical spellcraft expert, astrological therapist, eco-spiritual activist, tarot magician, and lives on the Isle of Sark in La Manche.
Lori Anne Lumbi runs Soul School, and has over twenty-five years of experience as an educator, facilitator, soul-tender, and guide. She has supported hundreds through her one-on-one guidance, books, workshops, retreats, over thirty online courses, and online community. Lauri is the author of seven books focusing on personal development, including Authentic Freedom – Claiming a Life of Contentment and Joy.
SOME TOPICS BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE MARY MAGDALENE STUDIES ASSOCIATION
Mary Magdalene in modern scholarship and Goddess teachings Gnostic traditions about Mary Magdalene, including references in Manichean texts How might the teachings of a Mary Magdalene church differ from conventional Christian theologies? Jewish understandings and attitudes to Mary Magdalene: was she Lilith reborn ? Was she a proto-Kabbalist? The church’s teachings on sacred sexuality and Jesus and Mary as a “wisdom affair”– is Gnosticism a kind of Christian Tantra” ? Tracing Mary’s image in the history of Christian art: painting and sculpture, design, jewellery, icons etc. Researching the changing images of Mary Magdalene’s image in literature, poetry, drama and fiction Is it possible to publish a new comprehensive edition of the Judaeo-Christian Bible with all the lost gnostic texts included in it, including the Books of Enoch and the Gospels of Mary and Thomas and the Pistis Sophia? Mary Magdalene has a long tradition of being honoured among French, European and American occult and esoteric groups – why ? What is the history and context of this ? Which PhD & DD students worldwide are currently focusing on Mary Magdalene for their researches ? What is the role of Mary Magdalene in the canonical New Testament ? What does St Paul say of her ? Was she close to John and Thomas but more distant to Peter? Why? Mary Magdalene in the Nag Hammadi Corpus: what do we learn here about her role and teachings ? Islamic teachings on Mary Magdalene: why is she is not mentioned once in the whole Quran - and what does this tell us about the differences between Christian and Islamic theology and history ? What is the history and provenance of the sites associated with Mary Magdalene in France ? How important is Mary Magdalene to Romani (Gypsy) culture and spirituality, what is the history of this tradition on the South of France ? Among the self-identified contemporary Mary Magdalene churches, what is their history and provenance? Among the churches of Africa (Ethiopia, Coptic, Sub Saharan Africa, African diaspora churches, Rastafarian) what is and was the status of Mary Magdalene ? What was the status of Mary Magdalene among Arian, Nestorian, Gnostic and other forms of Christianity? Did the Cathar church have special teachings about Mary Magdalene and if so, what were they ? Was the equal status given to women in Cathar Christianity connected to its persecution by the mainstream church ? What do Dominicans say about MM? Why is she their “Patron Saint”? Gnosticism, Cathars and reincarnation: what facts can we establish regarding reincarnation theory and transpersonal history ? Do souls re-incarnate in different genders over cyclical time? How can we know? Does Mary present the possibility of reconciliation between exoteric and esoteric forms of Christianity ? What about between Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and Gnostic churches? Researching Mary Magdalene feature films and documentaries that tell part of her story Mary Magdalene and pagan teachings – was she a secret “pagan” and if so, of what lineage ? Mary Magdalene and the church’s teachings on peace: what does the Magdalene tradition say on peace ? How genuine are recent “found texts” or “channelled texts ” about MM? Can they be proved “real”? How? What is the view of Mary Magdalene among Templars and freemasonic teachings? Among theosophists? Where did Mary Magdalene go after the crucifixion of Jesus? Can we “prove” she came to Gaul?
Active Zoom codes for 22 July, 2022:
Topic: MMSA - ANNUAL SUMMER MEETING JULY 22, 2022
Time: Jul 22, 2022 02:30 PM Paris
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87530708993
Meeting ID: 875 3070 8993
Conference 2019
Conference 2018
Conference 2017
