goddess, women's empowerment
Annalisa Derr
The Pilgrimage Begins

The Legend of Mary Magdalene post crucifixion is sort of a “choose your own adventure” story. However, what is commonly held as truth, in the South of France at least, is that Mary Magdalene, along with Mary Salome and Mary Jacobe were set assail in a boat belonging to Joseph of Armithea. They were in exile, fleeing the Roman Empire, and . . .

The Pilgrimage Begins
Annalisa Derr
Lessons in Regeneration

Last weekend I enjoyed a magical Journey to the Goddess at the Marian grotto shrine and grounds in Portland, OR. I had begun my journey feeling particularly disheartened by the state of the Amazon . . .

Lessons in Regeneration
Annalisa Derr
Walking the Labyrinth

Spent a lovely afternoon exploring Bainbridge Island with friend and colleague of all things matristic and goddess-oriented, @jessicaspringweappa The secret Labyrinth was definitely a magical moment. The journey to the goddess often takes us

Walking the Labyrinth
Annalisa Derr
Journeying to Empress Theodora

So this week, I took a journey—not to the goddess—but to the Byzantine mosaics depicting Empress Theodora in Ravenna. Theodora was married to Emperor Justinian I, who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire during the 6th c. Due to her intelligence . . .

Journeying to Empress Theodora

women's empowerment

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Finding Home, a Journey Back to Myself 🌻

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Finding Home, a Journey Back to Myself 🌻

One year ago today, my Godmother left her body and went home. When I got the call from her caregivers, it occurred to me that I wanted to honor her transition from life to life-after-death with a ritual. Immediately, I had the idea to decorate her body with flowers.

But, which flowers would she want me to use for this ritual? Believing that she could hear me across the veil, I asked her, “What color flower would you like me to use?” “Yellow!” I heard her exclaim with glee. Her answer caught me by surprise; I thought for certain my Godmother would have preferred purple flowers—after all, historically, purple is the color of royalty— and she was nothing less than royalty!

As it turns out, I’m glad I followed this instinct . . .

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International Women's Day - March 2022

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International Women's Day - March 2022

Years ago, I found myself sitting in a tiny, dark performance venue in NYCs Lower East Side. I was super excited to see the famed Living Theatre perform live! In the 1960s and 70s, the Living Theatre had become known for their experimental and avant-garde style and productions that were anti-war focused and critical of capitalist greed. They were, and remain, theatre for social change.

After their performance, they held a Q&A with the cast. I distinctly remember one of the younger cast-members who, through clenched teeth and shaking fists . . .

Dancing in the Dark - December 2021

Dancing in the Dark - December 2021

Happy solstice, friends! Over the past few days, I’ve been reflecting on the Winter Solstice and the inevitable dance between dark and light.

I recognize my own resistance to prolonged darkness, cold, and the slowdown the winter season not only encourages, but simply requires of me.

My mind’s eye continues to return to the image of a candle flame illuminating the darkness. Such as in the above image, which is a picture I took at the Church of Santa Maria dell’Orto in Rome during Easter Holy Week 2019.

In some traditions, the candle flame represents the soul as an individual emanation of the Divine. Meditation on such an image reminds me that the candle flame is brightest, strongest, and most beautiful when dancing in the dark. And more so still when the candle flame burns bright among a sea of likeminded flames.

It reminds me that no matter how dismayed I may be by the state of the world, I am surrounded by so many luminous souls who are each doing their part to—in the words of a dear friend—“be a part of the healing of this world”.

That brings me to the many illuminating conversations I have had the great pleasure to facilitate on Journey to the Goddess TV. This year. . .

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The Pilgrimage Begins

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The Pilgrimage Begins

The Legend of Mary Magdalene post crucifixion is sort of a “choose your own adventure” story. However, what is commonly held as truth, in the South of France at least, is that Mary Magdalene, along with Mary Salome and Mary Jacobe were set assail in a boat belonging to Joseph of Armithea. They were in exile, fleeing the Roman Empire, and . . .