In this episode of our Goddess series, Kathleen Joan and I explore Mary Magdalene, the woman behind the stories, her place in early Christianity, and why her presence still matters so deeply today.

Mary Magdalene was a real woman who walked the earth. She was a devoted follower and the wife of Jesus, a spiritual leader in her own right, and a powerful presence in the resurrection story. And yet, over the centuries, her role was diminished, rewritten, and in many ways pushed to the edges.

So Kathleen and I ask a different question.

What happens when we bring Mary Magdalene back into the center of the story?

We explore the woman she was, the wisdom she carried, and how she has become such a powerful expression of the Divine Feminine for women who are hungry for a deeper, fuller understanding of the sacred.

My co-host for this series is Kathleen Joan, a priestess of Brigid devoted to the resurrection of the Divine Feminine in today’s world, especially for women with Christian ancestry. Kathleen spent more than 15 years in ministry and holds a dual Master’s degree in theology and ministry. Today, she brings that deep understanding of the Christian tradition into her work helping women reclaim the wild, sacred Feminine through Goddess teachings, channeling, energy healing, circles, and retreats.

Like Mary Magdalene, the Feminine has been erased, softened, and minimized in so many of our sacred stories.

But she was never truly gone. This conversation is an invitation to remember her, reclaim what was pushed aside, and make room again for the sacred Feminine wisdom that has been there all along.

Episode Highlights

00:00 — Introducing Mary Magdalene
Knowing Mary Magdalene from three perspectives: the stories told about her, the historical person who lived, and the spiritual presence many people continue to connect with today.

02:27 — The Apostle to the Apostles
Mary Magdalene is consistently named as the first witness to Jesus’ resurrection. Her role as the person who carried that news forward gives her a foundational place in the Christian story.

06:28 — How Official Religious Narratives Were Shaped
The episode examines how religious authorities established official teachings centuries after Jesus’ death. Many writings associated with Mary and other women were excluded, hidden, destroyed, or lost, leaving gaps in the historical record.

08:39 — The First Message of Resurrection
The central Christian message of life continuing after death was first brought to the community by Mary Magdalene. Her testimony was initially dismissed, revealing how women’s spiritual authority was questioned even when they carried the core message of the faith.

11:48 — Why Her Teachings Were Threatening
The idea that Jesus would teach a woman profound spiritual truths challenged emerging patriarchal leadership structures. Mary’s experience was questioned because it did not fit the belief that divine knowledge should be controlled by male authorities.

12:43 — Connecting with the Divine Through the Heart
Mary’s message emphasizes that people can access the divine through their own hearts. Spiritual connection does not necessarily require an external institution to define or authorize the experience.

18:01 — Reclaiming the Feminine Story
Mary’s message focuses on correcting the narrative around her and restoring the feminine presence in sacred traditions.

20:23 — Seeing the Feminine in the Divine
The divine is described as far more expansive than a solely male figure.

23:19 — Passion as Spiritual Power
Passion, devotion, and deep feeling are described as spiritual powers that connect people with their loved ones, their souls, and the divine.

24:23 — The Divine Power of Devotion
Love is framed as a force that lives within the body, heart, and whole human experience. Devotion can help keep wisdom and connection alive even through loss and separation.

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Mentioned:

Wild Wisdom Goddess Temple is Kathleen’s online circle where Christian-rooted women reclaim their whole selves as sacred through the Divine Feminine. This 13-moon journey will help you return to honoring the Sacred She within as you meet Her in Her many names & forms, supported by a loving circle of sisterhood.

The Wealthy Witch Way is Julie’s membership. Inside we weave together money work, magic, ritual, the Akashic Records, and feminine business wisdom to help you deepen your connection to Source, expand your receiving, and grow the work you’re here to do profitably.