I think there's an innate power whenever something has been the object of focus of a huge number of people - particularly an object of worship. For me it definitely doesn't have to be something I'm familiar with I've gotten the same kind of vibe from Egyptian and Mayan artifacts in a museum as holy relics in a cathedral.
I suspect (but can't prove) that time plays in here somewhere. A place or object that has been venerated over centuries must carry an immense amount of energy.
Guadalupe and Black/Brown Madonna imagery in general has always had a hold on me. I’ve never understood it either as I also am not Catholic. I think with Guadalupe in particular, her depiction always seems much more blatantly mystical than some of the other images of our Lady. I did spend my formative years in Tucson and was surrounded by a lot of the mysticism of folk Catholicism which may account for some of it also. With the European Black Madonnas, I have always been intrigued by theories linking her to Isis/Aset veneration.
I can see how living in Tucson would put you in close proximity to Our Lady of Guadalupe as well as other long-standing mysticisms! I know almost nothing about the Black Madonna, but I did see one when I was in Italy a couple of years ago. She was beautiful.
While not a “religious” icon, I am drawn to Joan of Arc. And not a bit of the French lineage shows up on my DNA, nevertheless she overcame huge obstacles to become a symbol of fighting for the cause she believed in.
I think there's an innate power whenever something has been the object of focus of a huge number of people - particularly an object of worship. For me it definitely doesn't have to be something I'm familiar with I've gotten the same kind of vibe from Egyptian and Mayan artifacts in a museum as holy relics in a cathedral.
I suspect (but can't prove) that time plays in here somewhere. A place or object that has been venerated over centuries must carry an immense amount of energy.
Our Lady of every place speaks to us, at least, that is my experience! Wherever we are, there also She is. How can we other?
I think you may be right! I love the thought of Our Lady of Every Place . . . something for me to ponder. Thank you.
Yes! She is always there. I tend to call her Earthmother, but she is more than that.
I suspect she is the One of Many Names. But all the same. xo
Guadalupe and Black/Brown Madonna imagery in general has always had a hold on me. I’ve never understood it either as I also am not Catholic. I think with Guadalupe in particular, her depiction always seems much more blatantly mystical than some of the other images of our Lady. I did spend my formative years in Tucson and was surrounded by a lot of the mysticism of folk Catholicism which may account for some of it also. With the European Black Madonnas, I have always been intrigued by theories linking her to Isis/Aset veneration.
I can see how living in Tucson would put you in close proximity to Our Lady of Guadalupe as well as other long-standing mysticisms! I know almost nothing about the Black Madonna, but I did see one when I was in Italy a couple of years ago. She was beautiful.
There’s an interesting book called, The Black Madonna in Latin America and Europe: Tradition and Transformation by Małgorzata Oleszkiewicz-Peralba
Thanks for the recommendation!
While not a “religious” icon, I am drawn to Joan of Arc. And not a bit of the French lineage shows up on my DNA, nevertheless she overcame huge obstacles to become a symbol of fighting for the cause she believed in.
Of course I wonder if that's a past life connection, or an inspiration??