“The Divine Feminine isn’t returning… We are. She has been here all along. She never left.” ~ Shiloh Sophia
Guardians: Red Madonna Painting by Shiloh Sophia 2020
The Red Madonna Sanctuary
Spiritual Sisterhood for Women
In the Cosmos Online for 13 Moons
Starting on Equinox, March 20th 2023
Guided by Shiloh Sophia, Dr. Havi Mandell and the Red Madonna Faculty
A University Course for those pursuing a degree with Intentional Creativity yet open to all women called to Explore the Divine Mother through Painting, Community and Sisterhood!
The Song of Sophia by Shiloh Sophia – Red Madonna Painting, 2017-19
CALLED to MA
A Letter from Shiloh Sophia
Shiloh and her mother Caron praying together
Dear One,
Over ten years ago, with my mother Caron McCloud, I dreamed up a sacred sisterhood for women on my knees in prayer. I remember the exact moment the words ‘Red Madonna’ came to me and how it felt in my body and heart. Never could I imagine how much the Red Madonna was needed in the hearts of so many women called to the Blessed Mother, (or however each woman experiences their relationship with the feminine) and what an incredible journey this would be…
There are times I wonder if we will keep going, yet am inspired to continue with the amazing women who have nurtured this community for so long. Like our director Havi Mandell who was the very first person to register when I offered this teaching back in 2011, who is now co-leading Red Madonna 2023 – with a focus on Sanctuary and our relationship with Creation and the elements.
As a spiritually focused leadership the diversity of the cultural and historical teachings include the Divine Feminine, the Black Madonna, Judaism, Kabbalah and the mystical roots of Christianity. All of this is very rooted in the elements of the earth. With that said, in this community there is LOTS of room for many views. We are free women, returning to serve within the frameworks we have come to understand in new ways. The revolution we seek is within the heart….and lives in the Great Mystery.
Cathedral of the Heart by Mary Ann Matthys
We invite you to the Red Madonna Sanctuary this year, consider exploring “Sanctuary” and what it means to you. Is it your studio, a place of worship, or a space at your altar? Is it the wide open spaces of expansive land? What do you sense in your sanctuary? Is it holiness, safety, protection, source of help, relief, comfort, or connection? And what, if any, traditions are practiced or held for you while in the sanctuary; prayer, dance, chants, song, or silence?
Build an altar, pray with sisters, paint with prayer, bring poetry to your practice, expand your view, and engage with the Divine in a rich and colorful way. This is an experience of sacred connection in the red thread. A place to pray, be nourished, and find a deeper intimacy with Creation and the Divine.
As Havi and I explored what we wanted to bring to the sanctuary at this time. We looked for common ground between us. That common ground is literally, the ground. The earth itself, our relationship with the wheel of the year, cycles, and seasons, the elements, her understanding of the tree of life and creation, and my relationship with the divinity I find in nature.
The painting that we’ll be working with is rooted in each one of our relationships with the Divine Feminine. Again, however, you term HER, we will focus on the elements; earth, air, fire, water, and several more as we each orient our relationship with Her and with creation itself. We are inviting you to reorient yourself to the place where you’re living, including land acknowledgment, the phases of the moon, and the eight seasonal points of the year.
Sanctuary by Havi Mandell
Over the years my relationship with what I understand as Creation and Creator has changed dramatically and yet I find myself called to the idea of Ma. How each one of us needs this primary relationship with Ma and with mother. In addition to Havi, I am delighted that Mary Ann, Sue and Anasuya will also be joining us again this year to bring their wisdom. With support from Hobby, Katie and Olivia.
The Red Madonna is an archetypal framework for She who appears in the sanctuary of your heart. The Red Madonna should be able to weave seamlessly with anytradition that you’re currently involved in. That said, we definitely challenge structures and invite new possibilities. The sanctuary will be defined as a space together and to gather for all of us.
We would be honored to welcome you to the Sanctuary.
With love,
Shiloh Sophia and Havi Mandell at MUSEA Sonoma for VIVID 2022
This year we will also have Intentional Creativity community leader, Anasuya Isaacs, bring us new teachings on The Black Madonna, which I’m really excited about!
Join us for an experience of sacred connection in the red thread. A place to pray, to be nourished and find a deeper intimacy with creation and the Divine.
She Who Listens – Red Madonna 2015 Queen of the Cosmos, Valerie Kravette
