Into the Forest discussion

Mary, the mother of Jesus. There are many interesting legends about her.
I myself am partial to all the legends from Latin America, like the Virgin of Guadalupe. I love the visual aesthetics of the art work and the shrines. In New Mexican Folktales the Virgin Mary often appears as a kind of good fairy as in Serafina's Stories by Rudolfo Anaya.
Do you have any favourite stories?

What a wonderful idea to open this thread, Jalilah. The real stories of both Marys is fascinating.

The Testament of Mary is nearly at the top of my TBR list. Has anyone else read it? I'm hoping to fit it in this week coming (during yet another snowstorm :P)

That one looks interesting, Portia. So does Serafina's Stories, Jalilah. I'll check my library for them.

A different Mary, but The Secret Magdalene is high on my TBR list.

Leann wrote: "That one looks interesting, Portia. So does Serafina's Stories, Jalilah. I'll check my library for them."

They are wonderful stories. There are only a few where the Virgin shows up, but it is interesting to note the similarities with European Fairy Godmother stories.
The Virgin is also mentioned in Forests of the Heart by Charles de Lint. The leading character who is a Hispanic "curandera" or healer frequently evokes her and also has a very funny dream about her that made me laugh when I read it!

Here is another book: Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales by Jacqueline Mair I have not read it yet but it looks interesting!
This is the blurb:
This unique collection of fifteen folktales draws on the rich storytelling tradition of Mexicos people and culture. Classic themes and fairytale elements are blended with magic and transformation and infused with Roman Catholic imagery to create a distinctly Mexican flavor and flare. The Virgin Mary plays the role of fairy godmother, devils gamble for souls, and witches make themselves known by dancing at fiestas with horse hooves instead of feet. And as in other folk traditions, cats, dogs, fools, soldiers, and princesses go on quests and have magical adventures. Lively retellings and vibrant, whimsical paintings, based on Mexican folk art, make these spirited tales just right for storytimes and a perfect introduction to this little-known body of folk literature. Introduction, notes on the stories, bibliography

Did anyone get to this one yet? The Testament of Mary I just picked it up from interlibrary loan and the first few pages sucked me in easily!

It's on my TBR.

Although By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept is not my favourite by Paulo Coelho, I still find the idea he brings up very interesting; the worship of Mary as the feminine aspect of God. As a not very observant, but nevertheless still Catholic, it definitely appeals to me.

Alicia wrote: "Some people see goddess worship in the Pagan religions as a variation of Mary worship."

Yes, Coelho addresses this topic in his novel.

The location in Lourdes, France, where many people believe Mary appeared to a young girl named Bernadette was once a place of worship of the Goddess Persephone. People were warned never to go near the grotto because it contained evil but Bernadette stubbornly insisted that "The Pretty Lady" assured her it was all right, so she crossed the little stream. I have positive feelings about Lourdes. It's on my bucket list.

I love that story, Portia. And thanks for suggesting The Testament of Mary. It is fantastic (though painful to read in parts) and probably wouldn't have crossed my radar otherwise. I've already ordered more books by this author!

The pagan connection in these stories makes them more palatable for me. Strong, thinking, relevant women... In the above mentioned title, Mary is mentally strong yet oppressed by the times. I'll wait until more of you read it to say more.

Portia wrote: "The location in Lourdes, France, where many people believe Mary appeared to a young girl named Bernadette was once a place of worship of the Goddess Persephone. People were warned never to go near..."

I did not know the story of Lourdes! Thanks for sharing!

Perhaps because I'm half Hispanic, I have always loved the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe, how she appeared to a young Aztec boy Juan Diego looking "Indio" herself. Here is a link to a Catholic site for more:
http://www.marypages.com/GuadalupeEng..., but I have also read that there are ties to Aztec mythology.

I like the "roses in winter" part of the Guadalupe story best. I also like the fact the The Lady makes Herself visible to Bernadette, who was not extremely smart, and to Juan Diego, who was called "just a peasant." That and the fact that, wherever She appears, She takes on the features of the local women.

Portia wrote: "I like the "roses in winter" part of the Guadalupe story best. I also like the fact the The Lady makes Herself visible to Bernadette, who was not extremely smart, and to Juan Diego, who was called..."

I like that too!

Jalilah wrote: "Alicia wrote: "Some people see goddess worship in the Pagan religions as a variation of Mary worship."

Yes, Coelho addresses this topic in his novel."

A Mary Magdalene novel calledThe Moon Under Her Feet by Clysta Kinstler also takes a Pagan approach.

Thanks for the recommendation, Shomeret. Looks great! Wishing there was an e-edition and checking libraries for a "real" copy. :)

Susan Powers' Grass Dancer is one of my all time favorite books. Now it seems she has a novel out that fits our Mary theme! Sacred Wilderness

Leann wrote: "Susan Powers' Grass Dancer is one of my all time favorite books. Now it seems she has a novel out that fits our Mary theme! Sacred Wilderness"

That looks great Leann! Thanks for letting us know! I've only read one book by Susan Power, The Grass Dancer and I absolutely loved it! I kept thinking about it for days after I finished it!

Me too, and I loan out Grass Dancer often. A friend is reading my copy now, actually. Maybe Sacred Wilderness can be a group read someday soon.