MMagdalene.org - The Renaissance of Mary Magdalene

 

 
 
 
 
   
Current Events:
Candlemas - Gnostic Holy Eucharist, Dance & Class Series on Gnosticism
Gnostic Eucharist - Cobalt Sun Sound and Light Sanctuary Sausalito

Sunday, January 30, 2005
11:00 AM Gnostic Holy Eucharist
2:00 PM Dance with DJ Jane Heaven and Dance facilitator Teya

Tuesday, February 1st 7:00 PM class on “Who are the Gnostics”

Cobalt Sun Sanctuary, 411 A Coloma Street, Sausalito, CA

$15.00 Suggested Donation per event or $22.00 for the Mass and Dance.

Dear Friends & Lovers of Mary Magdalene and the Gnostic Holy Eucharist,

We are fast approaching the cross-quarter festival of Candlemas, a time of moving out of the darkness of winter, into the light and warmth of spring. For the Celtic's, it is their New Year Festival and also the feast of Brigit the Goddess of wisdom, poetry, fire and the hearth. For Christians, it is the feast day of Saint Bridget the Patroness of Ireland and the Purification of Mary the mother of Jesus. The use of candles and fire is an essential element in all traditions.

Candlemas is a time of light, creativity and dedication; a time for a rebirth of the spirit and I know no better way to celebrate then by creating a time to gather in ceremony, prayer and dancing. The Gnostic Eucharist at 11:00 AM is celebrated in the tradition of the Holy Order of Mary Magdalene. It will last approx. 90 minutes; after which there will be a break for lunch when the altar will be cleared in preparation for an afternoon of dancing to the music of DJ and percussionist Jane Heaven of KPFA.

The theme for the dance is "Enlivening the Flame of Our Divinity," and it will begin at 2:00 PM; a portion of the afternoon, will be facilitated by Teya Chavez, an exceptionally creative ceremonial dancer, teacher and healer. The environment at the Cobalt Sun Sanctuary is very beautiful; with high vaulted ceilings, long flowing silks, sublime lighting and an excellent sound system. The only draw back is that the floor is not wood; it is carpet over cement.

This idea of enlivening our inner flame or what the Gnostics would call 'our divine spark' is an important theme through out Gnosticism and is incorporated within the liturgy of the Mass. I will explore more extensively the Gnostic idea of 'spark,' originating from both Egyptian and Kabalistic influences on Gnosticism, in a class that will take place in a class on Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM. I created this course in response to the many inquires I have received asking, 'who where the Gnostics?' I will attempt to give an overview starting with the origins of both Gnosticism and Christianity and how they differed. I hope many of you can attend for it will be helpful in understanding the Eucharist Ceremony and also the Gnostic Impulse that is beginning to emerge again in the hearts and minds of the our collective psyche. The fee for the class is $20.00 and will include visuals.

Sabina Elizabeth and Christy Salo will assist me for the Celebration of the Gnostic Eucharist and for the dance segment I will be supported by DJ Jane Heaven and ceremonial dance facilitator Teya Chavez.

If these three events go well, I am intending to offer a similar series on March 13th & 16th commemorating the Cathars; a Gnostic group who lived in the 12th Century in southern France and are often associated with the Grail Mystery. The Cathars practiced a unique form of Christianity that so threatened the Catholic Church that the Church Fathers, along with the King of France, created the Inquisition.

I hope you can join us for Candlemas in prayer, dance and celebration. As always, I am grateful any support in spreading the word about these events.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Kelley

DIRECTIONS:
FROM HIGHWAY 101 TAKE THE MARIN CITY/SAUSALITO EXIT
TURN RIGHT ONTO BRIGEWAY TO THE THIRD LIGHT (at the Samurai Restaurant).
TURN LEFT ONTO COLOMA STREET AND DRIVE TO THE SECOND BLOCK OF WAREHOUSES
LOOK FOR THE BANNER OF YELLOW SILK ON YOUR RIGHT 411A COLOMA STREET.