The Mystic Knight in Symbolism
In esoteric tradition, from time immemorial, the greatest truths have been conveyed and preserved in allegory and symbolism. Not to be kept secret from the masses of humanity, but to preserve the sacred nature of their contents. The divine nature and mission of The Sovereign Order of the Mystic Knights of St Mary Magdalene was given in just that manner, in iconic symbology.
The image above is not a representation of the Order itself, but a symbolic representation of the individual Mystic Knight.
To truly understand the nature and mission of the Mystic Knight, you have only to decipher the symbology of the Mystic Knight iconography. This image was given in direct vision by Mary Magdalene to the founder of the Order as Mary Magdalene commissioned the Order to be created.
Every individual aspect within this iconic image has a very precise purpose for being included and a very specific meaning. Like a grand puzzle, you cannot see the entire picture, or in this case, the entire message, until each individual piece has been identified and understood. Once all the pieces have been put into place, Mary Magdalene's ideal of a Mystic Knight becomes crystal clear.
The Mystic Knight Motto - "Spiritualizing the Material"
As Mystic Knights, "Spiritualizing the material" means elevating the physical world and everyday experiences into a higher, more conscious spiritual state. It’s about recognizing the divine or the sacred in everyday life, and transforming mundane actions, objects, or experiences into something that reflects a deeper spiritual truth.
In esoteric and spiritual contexts, this could involve practices like mindfulness, ritual, or intentional living, where you see the divine in everything and aim to align your material existence with spiritual values. It’s kind of like infusing the physical realm with spiritual awareness, so that every action and object becomes a conduit for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Intentional living is about consciously choosing how you live your life and making decisions that align with your values, beliefs, and goals. It means being mindful and present in your everyday actions, rather than just going on autopilot. This can involve things like setting meaningful goals, being aware of your thoughts and emotions, and making deliberate choices about how you spend your time and energy. Ultimately, intentional living is about creating a life that feels authentic and fulfilling to you.
The Mystic Knight Oath
This is the oath of a Mystic Knight and should be for all of us to take to heart.
I will develop my life for the greater good. I will place character above riches, and concern for others above personal wealth. I will never boast but cherish humility instead. I will speak the truth at all times and forever keep my word. I will defend those who cannot defend themselves, I will honor and respect women and refute sexism in all its guises. I will uphold justice by being fair to all, I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship. I will abhor scandals and gossip-neither partake nor delight in them. I will be generous to the poor and to those who need help. I will forgive, that my own mistakes will be forgiven. I will live my life with courtesy and honor every day to the fullest and highest extent that I am capable.
Deciphering the Puzzle - The Mystic Knight Rule
The Rule of the Mystic Knights of St. Mary Magdalene stands as a sacred framework guiding every member on their spiritual journey. Rooted in ancient wisdom and inspired by the legacy of the Templars and the teachings of St. Mary Magdalene, the Rule is more than just a set of guidelines. It is a path to higher consciousness, a commitment to living with integrity, compassion, and wisdom. It exists to unify the order, ensuring that each member embodies the core values and principles that foster both personal and collective enlightenment. In this way, the Rule is a beacon, illuminating the path of spiritual growth and unity for all who walk it.
As members of the Sovereign Order of the Mystic Knights of St Mary Magdalene, Mary Magdalene is not only our patron saint. She is also the literal guiding force and influence within the Order. The iconic image above was given in perfect vision to the founder of this Order. It is symbolic of Her ideal of the Mystic Knights of Her Order. Every aspect of the image is significant in that it precisely identifies the attributes and qualities of Her adherents.
The depictions are identified as follows.
- Mary Magdalene: Mary Magdalene embodies the divine feminine, wisdom, contemplation, healing, and transformation. She represents spiritual awakening, redemption, a connection to deep spiritual truths, compassion, the nurturing of the soul, and the transformative power of love and forgiveness.
- Joan of Arc: Joan of Arc embodies courage, divine purpose, and righteous action. She symbolizes honor, vision, and a willingness to battle for a higher cause.
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Joan of Arc and Mary Magdalene, together, represent both the active and passive aspects of the divine mission. Joan’s warrior spirit contrasts yet complements Mary Magdalene’s contemplative, intuitive nature. This pairing brings together strength and wisdom, action and understanding, offering a balanced approach to embodying the principles of the Order of St Mary Magdalene.
- The Per Bend Shield: The diagonally split shield with a darker shade on the lower left and the lighter shade on the upper right represent the duality of the physical world and the spiritual world - human and divine, mortal and eternal.
- The Chalice: Represents the Holy Grail, divine femininity, and sacred wisdom. The light around it suggests enlightenment and divine presence emanating from it. It represents the repository of divine knowledge and hidden wisdom within each of us. The emanating light further represents the transmission of that sacred knowledge and hidden wisdom consciously within us as we are ready to receive it.
- The Heart: represents the nous, the seat of spiritual perception and the highest faculty of the soul, capable of both receiving and discerning divine truth. The heart is not just a physical organ but the core of a person's spiritual and mental being, a center for divine intellect and the point where one can directly experience spiritual reality, leading to enlightenment. The nous is considered the spiritual "eye" of the heart, and represents the deeper, intuitive, and transformative connection with the divine.
- The Pinecone: represents the pineal gland, the "third eye," and is associated with higher consciousness, intuition, deeper empathy and heightened inner vision. It symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and awakening. The flames emanating from the pinecone represent the open, active third eye.
- The Royal Crown: represents spiritual sovereignty, authority, and the high calling of the knights. The red rose emerging from the crown is a powerful symbol of the mystic's quest for and realization of divine love and purification. Within Alchemy, it is symbolic of the "mystical marriage" of opposites (spirit and flesh) and the achievement of the philosopher's stone.
- The Rainbow Colors: represents the seven distinct qualities or aspects of Pure Divine Consciousness, and how they influence creation, human consciousness, and spiritual development. Together, they symbolize the multi-facetted nature of man and the divine.
- The Crown of Stars: arching above all other aspects of the image, they symbolize ultimate divine authority and spiritual enlightenment, bridging the earthly and celestial realms, the culmination of inner transformation, and embodying sovereignty over the self and the universe. Twelve is the number of divine completion and divine perfection. It represents the highest achievement of our spiritual path within this mortal life. And most importantly, the stars represent each of the individual Mystic Knights. If nighttime is analogous of the darkness in the world, the stars are analogous of the Mystic Knights, the innumerable shining lights of divine embodiment glowing brightly amid the darkness, providing clear guidance to those seeking their way as they navigate their mortal life and their spiritual path.
- Charity: Placed directly under the Holy Grail, it aligns with the idea of selfless giving, love, and grace. It’s a reminder that the flow of divine wisdom and light, as represented by the Holy Grail, is meant to be shared and extended to others in compassion.
- Understanding: Seen as the wisdom emanating from the heart and the flames. It speaks to deeper insight and the ability to see things through a compassionate, enlightened lens. It connects to the spiritual awakening symbolized by the rainbow and the light from the Holy Grail.
- Unity: Positioned as the foundation, it reflects the ultimate goal of the Order—to unite the divine with the human, the earthly with the heavenly, and all souls in their shared divinity. It mirrors the harmonious arc of the rainbow and the divine order represented by the stars and the crown.
The unity of all of these elements in the logo mirrors the unity the Order seeks to embody in its members and their spiritual work. Each figure and symbol speaks to the different layers of divine purpose—both internal and external, both active and passive—coming together to uphold the highest ideals of charity, understanding, and unity.