Bart Sharp by Bart Sharp
The Path Of Mary Magdalene In The Aude Region Of France
Finding the real history and true path of Mary Magdalene in France is a subtle journey as there is little factual history but more of partial evidence. It is believed that Mary Magdalene came to this area and lived in the vicinity of Bugarach and Rennes Les Bain. Some believe that she was supported by the wife of Pontius Pilate and Claudia Procula who had a villa in Rennes Les Bain, which was at the time a prestigious spa town for the Roman patriarchy. . Others believe she resided with an Essene community around the town of Bugarach.
Many of the places that are revered as having the powerful essence of Mary Magdalene are generally powerful energetic places that have a tendency to possess a quality associated with the divine feminine. Therefore, we can go on a journey to discover the path of Mary Magdalene and the same time open ourselves to a greater awakening of the divine feminine within ourselves. Below is a selection of sites that I consider hold this quality of divine feminine empowerment and are in locations traditionally associated with Mary Magdalene.
The Caves of Mary Magdalene
These three caves are located near Rennes Les Chateau in a woodland area positioned on the cliff side. They are ancient in nature with one of the caves positioned on top of the other and a third only 30 metres away. In my opinion, these caves have a mysterious and powerful nature that can transform anyone in some way depending on their intention and intuitive abilities. The central or feminine cave is particularly popular because it seems to have a female quality of generative power within it. In other words when sitting in the cave the power of the feminine and its generative, fertile qualities to create life forms seems to be very present. People often come to regenerate out of their wounded self. In earlier centuries people may have come to pray for children or to have better crops. I have observed a number of clients whom I have brought to these caves have had powerful changes following the visit..
The two adjoining caves are powerful as well. One connects with more of a masculine journey of evolution and the other connects to something beyond us, the universe itself. These caves are great to visit for at least a half a day to meditate, journal and commune with higher powers within the earth.
Just further up the mountain from Rennes les Bain, following the river Sals, is the Fontaine D’ Amour. A magical forest glade. Some say that the pool here, or one like it very nearby, is where Mary Magdalene did baptisms. Even if this is a legend, the spot is an exquisitely beautiful natural area and a perfect spot to practise baptisms, much as people did in the early days. Baptisms in the sense that we can be cleansed of our limitations so we can be better people.
Mount Cardou is located near Rennes les Bain and is to be Mary Magdalene's mountain. As an intuitive I always feel her presence at the top of this mountain and at the base of it near the town of Serres. I find it to be a good place for prayers and reflections of what Mary Magdalene represents for us.
The Hermitage de Galamus
The Hermitage is not only powerful because of its divine energies strongly emanating in the cave but it is also uniquely beautiful as it is the church which has been built within the cave. Along with Rennes Les Château, It is possibly one of the oldest places of worship in the area.
I have visited the Hermitage over 40 times in the last six years and proclaim it changes you with each visit. When I first began meditating in the Hermitage it always felt like a heart awakening experience of the divine feminine. Psychic friends I have taken there feel that Mary Magdalene must've been here. It is an extraordinary site that must have been known to those who came from Jerusalem and Egypt to live in this magical land. One must assume that they knew of the special qualities of the magical mountain called Pic de Bugarach nearby. It only makes sense that the Essenes and Mary Magdalene came to this special cave too.
The Essenes were probably the earliest worshippers of Jesus and Mary Magdalene in the Pyrenees. It is my belief that when we look into the life of the Cathars we are seeing the people who held the teachings of Jesus taught to them by Mary Magdalene and for me that is why it is important to investigate these early places of worship.
The Cave of Perillios
According to author Lars Muhl this was a cave that Mary Magdalene retreated to for her own periods of prayer and alone time. Perillios cave is located in a desert like area and is somewhat isolated, although it seems to be getting more popular with cave climbers and spiritual groups. When I go to this cave I sense centuries of people doing of profound worship, very likely the Cathars. It also appears to be a site where Mary Magdalene did intense spiritual reflection. Somewhere in the early centuries a Black Madonna was found in the cave and it is said that it is located in the locked church of Perillos.
Cave of Bethlehem
This cave is located near the town of Tarascon high in the Pyreneen Mountains and is well documented as being a sacred place of the Cathars. Although Mary Magdalene probably did not come to this cave it is very powerful.
These are some of the places that I feel are associated with Mary Magdalene, and which are traditionally believed to be so. There are many places in the area that are vibrating in such a way that we feel the divine feminine is very present there. There is a lightness in these power spots and if we meditate at them we often feel a lighter feeling inside us or a white light glowing within our heart or second chakra. Coming on a spiritual tour always has an intention of expanding in this white light.
Discovering the sheer beauty of this forgotten corner of France is already a wonderful thing, and to learn of its rich, fascinating and relevant history. I aim to also bring to your experience here something deeper. An opportunity to have a deep experience that opens up transformation within you.
