In this retreat series, we will explore the teachings and themes from Cynthia Bourgeault’s book “The Meaning of Mary Magdalene: Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity.” Each retreat session will focus on one of the three parts from her book blending a time of teaching, embodied practice, interactive reflection—encouraging you to bring your own questions, intuitions, and self-concept models into creative encounter with Mary Magdalene’s legacy—and time for sharing what arises.
September 27th: Witness at the Threshold — Mary Magdalene as Apostle
In this session we will look at approach Mary Magdalene as a visionary at the boundary between the seen and the unseen, a witness to dying and rising, loss and transformation. We will look at her unique apostolic role: holding both the heartbreak of the tomb and the mystery of resurrection in one gaze. We will ponder her presence among the disciples to sense how authentic spiritual authority is born through vulnerability, paradox, and the willingness to step outside collective storylines. The invitation is to investigate our own “thresholds,” those inner places where old patterns dissolve and new sight may appear.
October 25th: The Path of Conscious Love — Mary Magdalene as Beloved
This session will draw us into the heart of intimate relationship, not only as eros or longing, but as a transformative principle. We will revisit the stories of anointing and the bridal chamber: images of love that reach beyond possession and drama, into the territory of conscious union. We will reflect on the difference between reactive love and "chosen love," asking what it means to meet another from the fullness of self rather than from the impoverishment of need. We will explore how romantic energies in life can be redirected and transmuted, becoming a force for integration, healing, and authentic selfhood.
November 22nd: Integrating Wisdom — Mary Magdalene as Wise Alchemist
Our final session will focus on wisdom as a felt synthesis. We will turn to Mary Magdalene as the embodiment of unitive feminine consciousness: a voice that weaves together split aspects of self, holding paradox and possibility. We will explore how our spiritual and psychological energies (the “higher” and “lower” principles) might come into dialogue, fostering renewed self-awareness and whole-heartedness.
Heather Ruce, M.A. is a Wisdom Spiritual Director and longtime student of the Christian Wisdom tradition and Cynthia Bourgeault. Drawing on the deep roots of this lineage and the guidance of spiritual ancestors Yeshua and Mary Magdalene, she weaves together three-centered contemplative practices, the Gurdjieff Work, systems theory, trauma-informed modalities, and psychological and ecological frameworks. She guides Wisdom practice circles, groups, classes, retreats, and schools that nurture embodied, surrendered presence and an awakened heart, inviting seekers to walk the Wisdom path in the midst of daily life and to meet the world’s challenges with courage and compassion. To learn more, or to join her Daily Online Collective Contemplative Pause, visit heatherruce.com.
Fee: $100, $75, $50, $25, $0 Pay as you are able – thank you.
Registration Link to come. Zoom link for Online Sessions will be sent upon registration.
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St. Thomas Anglican Church