The Three Graces near Garibaldi, Oregon.

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This black Madonna from Schönau Abbey, a monastery of Friars Minor Franciscans Conventual, is a replica of the Virgin Mary of Altöttingen, a place of pilgrimage in Bavaria.
A Reflection on Black Virgins:
Among the miraculous Marian images are the so-called “Black Madonnas.” Many of these images are quite popular among the faithful. Of the hundreds which presently exist at various shrines, one of the better known is Our Lady of Altötting, Bavaria, Germany.
A number of these black Madonnas still require explanation :
the images were darkened to illustrate a text from the Song of Songs: “I am black but beautiful.”
and “The Black Madonna is the ancient earth-goddess converted to Christianity.”

In the context of esoteric tradition, she represents a collection of all the Feminine Qualities that are hidden but ready to express through an individual. This kind of energy has the qualities of Demeter, Aphrodite, Isis, Marie Magdalena and so on, all in one. The meaning of this important feminine symbol becomes obvious and we can relate and understand her power intuitively when the “inner energies” unfold their varied characteristics allowing the possibility to become more intuitive and transforming grosser feelings and mental processes to more refined and spiritual ones.
The Black Virgins are usually placed in strategic ley-line paths and points where the earth’s power radiates its most potent energies. Each one of these power points has a unique quality that affects the subtle bodies of pilgrims. These specific energies of the earth penetrate and are activated in their subtle bodies, thus harmonizing the chakras of the earth with that of prepared and sensitive pilgrims.
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The litlle chapel built to conmemorate Maximilian I of Mexico on the hill Cerro de las Campanas in Querétaro.

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Sometimes driving across the untouched roads of the cold arctic can be just as exciting as the destination.

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