July 22 is the feast day of Mary Magdalene. In this article, I explore the spiritual significance of Mary Magdalene, her symbolism, and her significance in astrology. Mary is revered as the first person to witness the resurrection of Christ after his crucifixion.
The meaning of Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene’s unwavering devotion to Jesus earned her a prominent place in the Gospels. Mary Magdalene was the contemplative life, the convert, the glove maker, the hairstylist, the penitent sinner, the fallen woman, the one mocked for her piety, the perfumer and perfumer, the apothecary and the woman Patronus. Her transformation from a life of sin to a life of profound spirituality exemplifies God’s forgiveness and the transforming power of faith.
The Bible does not record that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, only that Jesus freed her from seven demons. Maybe she was a feisty woman but she acted more like a man than the most humble woman of her time, who knows. Some online accounts claim Mary is also the patron saint of addicts. So I would say she is a great saint to pray for for sex and love addiction issues! In addition to this, Mary Magdalene was a wealthy woman, so her sins may have been related to wealth, privilege, and the pride and indulgence that come with it. After her conversion, Mary lived a simple life of solitude and fasting.
The Symbolism of Mary Magdalene in Painting
Throughout the history of art, various symbols in paintings have been associated with Mary Magdalene. These symbols help deepen our understanding of her significance and serve as visual reminders of her devotion and spiritual journey.
perfume bottle: One of the most common symbols is the perfume bottle, representing the act of Mary Magdalene anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. This act of profound love and reverence was reflected in many artistic expressions, symbolizing her devotion to Christ.
Red hair: Mary Magdalene is often depicted with bright red hair, expressing her fiery and passionate personality. This unique characteristic depicts her strength, determination and unwavering faith.
skull: Another symbol associated with Mary Magdalene is the skull, which represents her contemplation of death, resurrection, and the ephemeral nature of earthly existence. It serves as a reminder of her introspective nature and deep spiritual insights.
A red egg. Byzantine paintings often show Mary holding a red egg. When Mary announced to the Roman emperor that Jesus was resurrected, the Roman emperor laughed at her and said that Jesus was resurrected just as the egg in her hand was red. The egg immediately turned red, which was a sign from God. Of course, the egg is also a symbol of resurrection.
for reference only. My asteroid Magdalena is conjunct my Moon and Midheaven. As a twice-divorced fallen woman, former adulterer, re-convert, essential oil enthusiast, hair colorist, and advocate for the Divine Feminine, this woman is my saint!