Aft er the death of her son, Mary Theotokos (Mother of God) retired to Ephesus. In 1950, her bodily assumption into heaven was declared by Pope Pius XII. In 1997, Catholics around the world petitioned Pope John Paul II to proclaim her a “Co-Redeemer, Mediatrix of All Graces, and Advocate for the people of God.” By a vote of 23–0, a Vatican commission advised against this. Mary is not a goddess, but a mother who loves to visit her children—she’s appeared and been seen hundreds of times in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Honor Mary today by buying a glass jar candle with her picture on it. Set the candle on your altar. Add Tarot card III, the Empress, which can represent Mary as easily as it can represent any goddess. Light the candle and contemplate the card and see where your inner vision goes with this mother of a god.