mysticism

Challenging Falsehoods

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / 1 Comment

It never ceases to amaze me how many out there are hocking theories, mythologies, and fantasies related to Mary Magdalene and passing them off as fact. I’m equally dumbfounded by those who swallow these stories hook line and sinker without a single question to the source of these stories, if they are verifiably true, or even possible.

As it relates to Mary Magdalene, there is very little we can state as fact.

I feel as if I have spoken on this topic ad nauseum, and yet, every day I run into another self-proclaimed “Magdalene” claiming hearsay and folklore as fact. One of the most dangerous, in my opinion, is the fantasy of a “Holy Bloodline” and those of modern time who are claiming to be direct descendants of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, and therefore of “Higher Spiritual Ranking” than other human beings.

Anyone else hearing notes of a supremacist ideology here???!!!!!

Worse than the ideas themselves are the sources to which these “facts” are ascribed. When I recently asked one “influencer,” the source cited was (I’m not kidding): GAIA TV!!!!! 

COME ON!!!!!!!!!!

GAIA TV is NOT a legitimate source of biblical or historical scholarship!  Neither are YouTube videos (especially the highly-stylized AI videos), works of fiction (ie The DiVinci Code), channeled writings, self-proclaimed modern Templar Knights, already debunked “best-sellers” basing conclusions on conjecture, or a multitude of other charlatans who have jumped on the Mary Magdalene bandwagon for nothing other than their own self-aggrandizement.

In my work with the Magdalene, proper research methods and academic rigor matter, as does a solid background in biblical study including historical and critical analysis, scriptural exegesis, a working knowledge of related archeological, sociological, anthropological, geographical, and historical studies, etc. Finally, to truly grasp the universal application of the Jesus story (and Mary’s story with him), and its proper meaning for the world, one must incorporate all that has been previously stated to the principles of Judeo-Christian mysticism.

In other words, even if the stories are not literally true, how are they pointing us to the core message of Jesus’ ministry:

  • Love God. (The “kingdom of God” is within.).
  • Love your neighbor. (Everyone is your neighbor.)

and the virtues that arise when living these commands:

  • Humility
  • Zeal
  • Generosity
  • Love
  • Mercy
  • Fortitude
  • Temperance

In short, if you are interested in Mary Magdalene, don’t take my word for it, and for the love of all things Holy, do not take the word of shiny objects. Do your own research and quadruple check your sources, making sure they are firmly rooted in sound academic scholarship and then weigh it against its peers.

Finally, bring it into prayer. If it leads you to Love, and away from the temptations of pride (ie: Holy Bloodline or Higher Spiritual Ranking), then it might be the “duck” you were looking for.

Albert (ne’ Fiona) photo credit: Gracie Gruetzmacher

The Mystic’s Return

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.
After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.

Being thrust back into the “real world” is the true test of mastery. It’s one thing to be safe in one’s enclosure, free to explore the mysteries of the universe and coming to know “God.” It’s another thing entirely to be forced into the mud, the slop, and the unrest of humanity. Nowhere else will we come face to face with every possible expression of our own demons, becoming excruciatingly aware of what we’ve not yet healed.  Here we come to understand that the refiner’s fire is not in the silence of contemplation; it is in the writhing depths of the human experience. The silence of the cave is merely where we go to examine ourselves, integrate what we’ve learned and recover enough to return to the fray.

To Evelyn Underhill’s traditional “phases of the spiritual journey:”

  • Awakening
  • Purgation
  • Illumination
  • Dark Night of the Soul
  • Union

I would add:

  • Abandonment
  • Descent into the VOID
  • Embodiment
  • Return

With about 25 additional “Dark Night’s” thrown in.

Where are you currently finding yourself on this journey?

New Program Launch Special

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

The Magdalene Order of Melchizedek

The Primordial Tradition of Mysticism and Magic

Ancient tools and practices for attaining Divine Union.

The Magdalene Order of Melchizedek, created and facilitated by Lauri Ann Lumby, OM, OPM, MATS, is a two-year training program with the goal of supporting participants in attaining and maintaining Divine Union. Drawing from the ancient mystical system of the Kabbalah, participants will gain knowledge and effective tools for healing the deep inner separation that prevents them from knowing their true nature and origin in Love. Remembering union with Love, participants become a vessel through which wholeness and Love are made manifest in our world.

The Magdalene Order of Melchizedek is made up of six individual courses completed in succession and includes 6 one-on-one mentoring sessions with Lauri Ann Lumby.

Program Value: $3700.00

Two payment options:

Single payment of $3000.00

Payment Plan: 18 payments of $189.00 each.

Go here to learn more and make your purchase

Kabbalah

Tarot

Divination

Ritual

Mysticism

Mindfulness

Shamanism

Magic

Not Your Celebrity’s Kabbalah

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

Welcome to the official launch of my newly revisioned Order of Melchizedek Training!  This is a training that has been around for awhile, but which needed to be reconfigured – certain courses removed, and others added. Additionally, as times have changed, so too have the images related to this intensive training program. Without further ado, let me introduce you to the newly envisioned Magdalene Order of Melchizedek – the primordial tradition of mysticism and magic.

In short, the Magdalene Order of Melchizedek training is a comprehensive and intensive dive into the most ancient systems of personal growth and transformation which later influenced and inspired Hebrew, Gnostic, Coptic, Orthodox, and Christian schools of mysticism. Whereas these ancient systems bear no identifiable origin or name, they have been most clearly articulated through the Jewish Kabbalah.

The Magdalene Order of Melchizedek, however, is not your celebrity’s Kabbalah. This training bears no resemblance to the “red string” Kabbalah that has been lauded by pop stars and the Hollywood elite. We do not promise wealth, outside power, or fame.  

Neither is this training an attempt to appropriate the closely guarded Jewish mystical schools. As I am neither Jewish, nor have I studied with modern Jewish masters, it would not be appropriate for me to claim knowledge of their methods.

Instead, drawing from (as close to as possible) original source material and incorporating my lifetime(s) of cross-cultural mystical and theological studies, this training gets to the heart of the mystical intention which is, and has always been – UNION. Union with Source (that which some might call God), Union with our truest Self (what some might call our “God-self”), and Union with all of Creation.

LOVE is the ultimate goal of this training. LOVE, not of intellect or emotion, but LOVE that is embodied. Embodied Love is arrived at through a thorough and deep process of identifying, healing, and transforming all that is within us that has forgotten we are Love.

To support and facilitate Embodied Love, the Magdalene Order of Melchizedek guides you through ancient symbols, tools, and practices that illuminate the woundedness within us that seeks to be healed, while providing the foundation for healing those wounds. You are additionally supported through one-on-one mentoring.

The Magdalene Order of Melchizedek is not for the faint of heart. Neither is this a shiny object to be claimed. Instead, it is a deeply personal, intimate, and often challenging process for catalyzing change with an eye toward empowerment that endures. As creator and facilitator of this training, I will hold your feet to the fire, while providing comfort and encouragement through that fire. The Magdalene Order of Melchizedek is not a process to do alone, but only in the company of one who has walked that fire before you.

Learn more here