Every October and into early November
San Diego’s Old Town celebrates Dia de Los Muertos - Day of the Dead. Altars are set up throughout the area, and music from the kids’ movie Coco drifts over the Plaza. Most everyone is invited to leave a photo of a loved one on an altar, or a offering (ofrenda) that won’t draw bugs or other critters. I’ve left photos of family for years, along with mom’s favorite Snicker’s bar.
At some point in the celebration I’ve walked past the wooden depiction (above) of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I take her photo every time, no matter how many times I’ve been there. Weird, as I know virtually nothing about her, save for the fact (according to my friend, Patti) that she is considered to be the Virgin Mary as she appeared to Juan Diego, in 1531 Mexico.
Why I feel such a pull to her is a mystery. As a never-been-Catholic, and a non-organized religion person, the draw is a mystery. To top it off, just the other day, Erika bought me a copy of The Way of the Rose, The Radical Path of the Divine Feminine Hidden in the Rosary.
I’ve always (half-jokingly) said my past lives were either as priests or warriors. Maybe I wasn’t that far off.
Of course the Lady of Guadalupe image
made it into my Sidewalk Oracle. And now that I’ve told you my backstory I’m wondering what yours would be?
Is there imagery you’re drawn to, perhaps people, or even religions, without understanding exactly why?
Thank you in advance for leaving a comment - I’d like to know how many of us woo-woo peeps have lived another life, especially if it’s one we wouldn’t even consider living today.
What do you think?
xo
Nancy
I think there's an innate power whenever something has been the object of focus of a huge number of people - particularly an object of worship. For me it definitely doesn't have to be something I'm familiar with I've gotten the same kind of vibe from Egyptian and Mayan artifacts in a museum as holy relics in a cathedral.
Our Lady of every place speaks to us, at least, that is my experience! Wherever we are, there also She is. How can we other?