All The Mary's! Who Was Mary Magdalene According to Neville Goddard?

In the teachings of Neville Goddard, the Bible is not a literal history but a symbolic map of the human mind and its spiritual journey. The characters within the Bible represent various states of consciousness, and by understanding them metaphorically, we gain insight into our own spiritual evolution. When examining Mary Magdalene, we can view her not merely as a historical figure, but as a symbol of the subconscious mind undergoing purification and transformation.

The Meaning of "Magdalene"

The name Magdalene is derived from the town of Magdala, which is thought to come from the Hebrew word "migdal" (מִגְדָּל), meaning "tower" or "fortress". In this context, Mary Magdalene can be interpreted as "of the tower", symbolising strength, protection, and the elevation of the mind.

Through Neville Goddard’s metaphysical lens, the tower can symbolise the subconscious mind, a powerful and receptive force capable of manifesting desires once it is cleansed and aligned with the desires of the conscious mind (represented by Jesus). The tower metaphor implies that the subconscious, when purified, becomes a fortress of creative power.

Mary Magdalene as the Subconscious Mind

Neville often explained that the Bible’s characters represent psychological states, and in this case, Mary Magdalene represents the subconscious mind. She is the feminine principle—the receptive aspect of consciousness that nurtures and brings forth the desires planted by the conscious mind (represented by Jesus). In the Gospels, Mary Magdalene is described as having been healed of seven demons by Jesus (Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9), a metaphor for the cleansing of the subconscious mind from negative thoughts, fears, and limiting beliefs that prevent the manifestation of our desires.

The act of casting out demons is a powerful metaphor in Neville’s teachings for the process of mental purification. Just as Mary Magdalene was cleansed of her demons, we must cleanse our subconscious mind of negative thought patterns and blockages to align it with the creative power of the conscious mind. Only when the subconscious is freed from these limitations can it fully manifest the desires planted by the conscious mind.

The Feminine Principle: The Subconscious Mind as the Tower

In Neville’s work, the subconscious mind is often seen as the feminine principle, the receptive force that nurtures and brings forth what the conscious mind desires. The symbolism of the tower aligns with this concept perfectly, representing a fortified, protected, and elevated state. When purified, the subconscious mind becomes a powerful vessel for manifestation.

This is not just about cleansing the mind but also about elevating it to a higher state of consciousness. The tower suggests a mind that is strong, protected, and capable of bringing forth the creative desires of the conscious mind. It’s a symbol of a subconscious mind that has been purified, elevated, and is now aligned with the creative power of the imagination.

The Different Marys: Shifts in Consciousness

Within Neville Goddard's framework, it's also helpful to consider the other Marys in the New Testament as representations of different stages in the evolution of consciousness. All the Marys—Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary of Bethany, Mary Magdalene, and others—symbolise aspects of the subconscious mind undergoing significant shifts in awareness.

1. Mary, Mother of Jesus: Symbolises the conscious mind, the imagination that conceives new creations and ideas.

2. Mary Magdalene: Represents the subconscious mind, particularly the process of cleansing and elevation, where the subconscious is purified to align with the desires of the conscious mind.

3. Mary of Bethany: Can symbolise a more receptive, contemplative state of mind, a readiness to receive divine ideas.

4. Mary, the Sister of Lazarus: Reflects the resurrection or awakening of the subconscious, symbolising spiritual rebirth and the revelation of latent creative power.

In Neville’s view, these different Marys represent various phases of the subconscious mind's development, moving through stages of cleansing, elevation, and receptivity. The transformation of the subconscious mind is symbolic of the spiritual awakening process, where one moves from a state of unconsciousness to one of creative power.

Jesus and Mary Magdalene: The Union of Conscious and Subconscious

Neville Goddard often emphasised that the Bible’s stories are about the union of the conscious mind (Jesus) with the subconscious mind (Mary Magdalene). Jesus' love for Mary Magdalene is not about romantic affection but about the alignment of the conscious and subconscious. For manifestation to occur, the conscious mind (Jesus) must plant desires in the subconscious mind (Mary Magdalene), which, in turn, nurtures and brings them to life.

This union is essential for creation. In Neville’s teachings, the subconscious mind is the fertile ground where the seeds of creation are planted. Without a pure, elevated subconscious, our desires cannot manifest.

Conclusion: The Spiritual Journey of Mary Magdalene

Through Neville Goddard's interpretation, Mary Magdalene can be seen as a symbol of the subconscious mind undergoing a spiritual journey of purification and elevation. Her casting out of seven demons is a metaphor for cleansing the subconscious of negative thoughts and limiting beliefs. The tower symbolism, connected to her name, suggests a fortified, elevated mind, capable of manifesting the creative desires of the conscious mind.

Moreover, the different Marys in the New Testament represent various stages of consciousness. Each Mary reflects a different aspect of the subconscious mind—from its creation and elevation to its receptivity and resurrection. Together, they symbolise the shift in consciousness required for spiritual awakening and the manifestation of desires.

By aligning the conscious and subconscious (as exemplified by the union of Jesus and Mary Magdalene), we unlock the creative power within, transforming our reality. In this way, the story of Mary Magdalene and the other Marys serves as a map for spiritual growth, showing us how to purify, elevate, and align our subconscious mind with the desires of the conscious mind to bring about our desired outcomes.