Big Love

Seeing the world so in need of love has been the fuel for a lifelong spiritual quest.

My hungry heart asked, where is there a powerful enough well of compassion to hold me? To hold all of us and these times? 

Nine years ago, I traveled to study with my dance teacher Laura Shannon at Milelia Inselgarten on the island of Lesvos in Greece. Hanging on the wall of the dance studio I found a face of the love I was seeking.

I love this icon so much. I love the blessing posture, the angles, and the way Jesus emerges from Mary in a mystical way.

I love how dark she is; she is a Black Madonna. 

The Black Madonna is a Christian tradition with deep roots in the pre-Christian worship of Mother Earth, according to artist and scholar Alessandra Belloni. 

She is an important and powerful face of the Sacred Mystery of love, healing, and transformation.

The darkness of autumn and winter create urgency to ground in sacred stories that hold the cycle of life in love. In previous years I’ve taught classes grounded in the myths of Demeter or Innana because symbols from these stories are entwined with the dances I share.

This year I’m excited to offer an introduction to the mystery of the Black Madonna. 

This is part of a series of programs designed to help you prepare for a renewing winter season.

Honor the vast web of ancestors in a beautiful natural setting at the Ancestor Celebration (Nov. 2).

Connect with the Black Madonna’s embrace and align with the dark of winter through the Early Winter session of Grandmother’s Garden (Nov. & Dec.) 

Welcome the return of light at the Winter Solstice Dance Celebration (Dec 19)

With Big Love,

Emily