THE MAGDALEN CIRCLE SERIES
Online and in-person offered by the McGregor Wisdom School
Online introduction to our enquiry and process on Zoom:
Wednesdays 6- 7.30 pm
5 Mar, 12 Mar, 19 Mar, 26 Mar 2025
In-person retreat Weekend at the Wisdom School:
Friday 5 pm to Sunday 12 am
4 to 6 Apr 2025
Bi – monthly online meetings are an ongoing option.
Pay as you can minimum donation:
The suggested donation to cover costs ranges between R2,000 and R4,000. This includes facilitation, resources for the introductory sessions and retreat experience, care of our venue, and three delicious, locally prepared meals.
Please note that accommodation and breakfast are not included.
The Magdalen Circle Series is a response to a contemporary phenomenon – a renewed search for ‘gnosis’ and a recovery of ancient ways of knowing. The Magdalen Circle serves this search as a community of contemplative practice and sacred enquiry.
We use the word ‘Magdalen’ to contemplate the timeless and universal archetype of sacred marriage. We contemplate texts and icons to recognise the mythic power of this yoking together of Mary the Magdalen and Jesus the Teacher. We seek to ground this joining of the sacred lover and the one loved; both within ourselves and between us as beloved companions.
Image Source: schoolofmary.org
The Hebrew title ‘Magdalen’ carries meaning and qualities of ‘ a high tower’. This speaks of ancient understandings of ‘high wisdom’ of initiation journeys of spiritual descent and ascent, of dying and new life rising. We contemplate wisdom texts – parables, myth, poetry and visionary writings to recognise these truths within us.
Image Source: africame.factsanddetails.com
Mary the Magdalen connects us to light and dark faces and forces of the divine feminine. The retreat is themed as “Anointed and Anointing : a sacred drama”, faciltated by Vivien Claire. Tharien Pieterse guides us in Ayurvedic healing practices in our use of oil, fragrance and touch.
Image Source: shutterstock.com
Our work is underpinned by the lifetime of research and scholarship by Michael O Brien, founding member of the McGregor Wisdom School. This includes an overview of the history of human mythmaking, the radical shifts in perception and language, the evolving psychic splits and ways of restoring balance between masculine and feminine ways of knowing. His writing and recommended readings will be available.
Image Source: konouzeg.com
Our shared practices and conversations are led by Vivien Claire. She brings a background in practical theology and a deep interest in the genres of sacred art as resources for healing and awakening. This series includes practices to use sacred design, geometry, iconography, and the poetic language and gesture of ritual. Vivien draws on ways of knowing described by Spanish Renaissance mystics – Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Francisco de Osuna.
Image Source: iconrussia.ru
Our ‘tower’ Magdalen-like perspective suggests a first-witness view of what is dying away and what is dawning on the spiritual horizons of this time, right now. Our indigenous and gnostic-informed understandings help us keep a discerning watch. We find resonance with many pioneering scientists and technologies – from biology to cosmology. So the overall purpose of our contemplation and creative work is to train us in integrative, holistic thinking and intuitive seeing.
Image Source: worldhistory.org
That which oppressed me has lost its power,
that which encircled me has vanished
and my fearful craving has faded.
I am free from my ignorance
I am this freedom and love.
