Following Mary Magdalene Through Southern France: A Journey of Healing and Awakening

Following Mary Magdalene Through Southern France: A Journey of Healing and Awakening

October 2026 | Occitanie and Provence, France

What happens when you travel halfway around the world in search of sacred history and discover that the greatest treasure may be something within yourself?

I recently returned from an extraordinary Mary Magdalene pilgrimage through southern France. What began as an opportunity to explore the history, mysteries, and sacred places associated with Mary Magdalene became a deeply personal journey of healing, spiritual awakening, and reclaiming my worth.

There were ancient castles, mysterious churches, sacred caves, healing waters, and fascinating stories of people who had lived centuries before us.

There were also vivid dreams, unexpected emotional releases, new friendships, delicious French food, and more than a few moments of laughter.

But perhaps the greatest gift of the journey was something I brought home with me: a deeper sense of my own worth, greater confidence and gratitude, and a renewed commitment to living a joyful life.

I kept a journal throughout the pilgrimage to capture the places we visited, the teachings we received, and the experiences that touched me. I’d love to take you along on this journey.

The Journey Begins: A Château, New Friends, and a Mischievous Water Bottle

Our pilgrimage was led by Lee Carroll, who has channeled the spiritual entity known as Kryon for decades, and his wife, Monika Muranyi in conjunction with Cameron and Glen Broughton of Journeys with Soul. I’ve followed the work of Kryon for many years and was excited to experience these sacred places with them.

Our group included 34 travelers from around the world, including Australia, Italy, France, Canada, South Africa, the UK, Hungary, Slovenia, and the United States. Everyone was familiar with Kryon’s teachings, and there was a wonderful sense of connection from the beginning.

I was especially happy to share the experience with my dear friend Elizabeth.

I departed Chicago on October 3, 2026, and arrived in Toulouse the following day.

I also discovered that my water bottle had a mind of its own!

On the airplane, pressure had built up inside it, and when I opened the spout, I accidentally sprayed the people sitting beside me. Thankfully, they had a good sense of humor.

The bottle continued its mischievous behavior after I arrived, eventually spraying water in front of Lee and Monika. They affectionately nicknamed me the “Water Squirter.”

Not exactly the sacred name I was expecting to receive on a spiritual pilgrimage!

Our first destination was the beautiful Château des Ducs de Joyeuse in Couiza, a Renaissance 16th century château in the Occitanie region.

Elizabeth and I explored the little town and walked along the Aude River. The peaceful surroundings felt like a wonderful invitation to slow down, become present, and open myself to whatever the journey might bring.

That evening, we gathered for our first Kryon channeling and enjoyed dinner together in the stunning château courtyard.

We also received Mary Magdalene oracle cards, which I would use throughout the pilgrimage to reflect on some of my more unusual experiences.

I had no idea just how meaningful those cards would become.

Sacred Waters, the Black Madonna, and Mysterious Dreams

On October 6, I woke from an unusually vivid dream.

I had felt pressure on my feet and legs, almost as though someone were touching me. It seemed incredibly real.

I’ve experienced similar dreams before, sometimes with a sense that another presence is in the room. Although I often find them frightening, I’ve been working on responding with greater awareness rather than fear.

In this dream, I initially wanted the presence to leave. But then Elizabeth appeared in the dream and reassured me that the presence was there to help me heal.

I woke wondering what it meant.

Was my subconscious processing something? Was there a spiritual dimension to the experience? I couldn’t say for certain, but it stayed with me.

Later that morning, I walked to the Aude River, stood in the water, and meditated along its banks.

There was something deeply peaceful about being beside the river, surrounded by the natural beauty of southern France.

Later, we visited the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Marceille near Limoux, known for its Black Madonna and sacred well.

Black Madonna traditions have fascinated spiritual seekers for centuries, and for some, these figures symbolize the sacred feminine, mystery, protection, and the nurturing presence of the Divine.

I touched water from the sacred well to my heart and third eye, asking for a blessing.

Later, during a Kryon channeling, Lee shared a message encouraging us to pay attention to our dreams and remain open to unexpected experiences.

I found the timing intriguing.

Another woman on the trip had also experienced what she interpreted as a healing dream.

I began to wonder whether this journey was opening something within me that I hadn’t fully understood.

Rennes-le-Château: Ancient Mysteries and an Unexpected Emotional Release

On October 7, we traveled to Rennes-le-Château, a small hilltop village famous for its mysterious history and connections to Mary Magdalene.

Our guide shared stories about the Knights Templar and Bérenger Saunière, the priest who restored the village church and grounds (now called the Domaine de l’Abbe Saunière) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Saunière’s unusual wealth and building projects inspired enduring legends about hidden treasures, secret documents, and religious mysteries. Although many of these stories remain unsubstantiated, they have made Rennes-le-Château a fascinating destination for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts.

The church is dedicated to Mary Magdalene, and the surrounding grounds include the striking Tour Magdala, or Magdalene Tower.

As I explored the buildings, I noticed that different spaces seemed to evoke very different feelings in me.

In one area associated with the priest’s residence, I experienced an unexpected sense of discomfort and sadness. In the Magdalene Tower library, however, I felt a distinct sense of joy and peace.

I wondered whether my reactions reflected the stories I had heard, my own intuition, or something about the atmosphere of those spaces.

Whatever the explanation, I found the contrast fascinating.

We also experienced a beautiful piano meditation and sound healing with David Bailey, pianist and owner of Le Bistro des Amis, followed by an individual session that I found especially meaningful.

But the most profound experience of the day came during a Kryon channeling.

The Message That Brought Me to Tears

The atmosphere in the room was welcoming and loving.

Everyone was familiar with Kryon’s work, and there was a sense of openness, trust, and connection among the participants.

As the channeling began, I felt the energy in the room shift and deepen.

Kryon spoke passionately about the equality of women and men, the historical devaluation of women, and the importance of recognizing our inherent worth.

One message suggested that the biblical account of Eve being created from Adam’s rib had replaced an earlier account in which she, like Adam, was created from the dust of the earth. (This was channeled information, not an established historical finding. There is no known manuscript evidence supporting that proposed change to Genesis.)

Kryon also shared a claim that Pope John Paul II had privately wanted to create a path toward women’s priesthood but had been opposed by the Roman Curia. (That account is not supported by established historical evidence. In fact, Pope John Paul II publicly affirmed the Catholic Church’s opposition to ordaining women in his 1994 apostolic letter Ordinatio Sacerdotalis. I include the claim because it was part of the channeling we heard, not because I can verify it as historical fact. That being said, remember that history is written by the victors and the powerful. Draw your own conclusions.)

The larger message, however, was unmistakable:

Women are equal. Women are worthy. And we were never born carrying shame or inferiority.

Something deep inside me responded.

I began to sob.

I could feel the emotions intensely in my heart. There was pain, sadness, and an extraordinary sense of relief.

Other women in the room were crying, too.

It felt as though something ancient and deeply personal was finally being acknowledged.

I thought about my own experiences as a woman working in the male-dominated banking industry, and about the countless women throughout history who had been silenced, dismissed, or taught to question their worth.

The experience felt like a salve on a deep feminine wound.

An Unexpected Conversation with a Nun

There was another moment that made this experience especially memorable.

A Catholic nun was among the participants.

After the channeling, Elizabeth asked her what she thought about the experience.

Her response was simple and beautiful.

“It brings me so much peace.”

I found that fascinating.

The Catholic Church has traditionally rejected attempts to seek spiritual knowledge through channeling or mediumship. Yet here was a woman devoted to religious life who found profound peace in these messages.

It reminded me that our individual spiritual experiences don’t always fit neatly within the boundaries of religious institutions.

And perhaps the most important question isn’t always whether we agree with every belief or interpretation, but what an experience invites us to examine within ourselves.

For me, the message was one I desperately needed to hear.

You are worthy. You always have been.

I explore this experience and its broader significance in my companion article, Mary Magdalene and the Rise of the Divine Feminine: Reclaiming Women’s Power [insert link].

The Cathars, Ancestral Healing, and Releasing the Past

The following morning, October 8, I woke from another vivid dream.

This time, I dreamed about a former boyfriend from high school, someone with whom I had shared both meaningful experiences and difficult times.

In the dream, I realized he was struggling and that I could no longer remain in a romantic relationship with him.

Yet I still cared deeply about his well-being.

When he was injured, I comforted him and held him as he cried. I could actually feel his tears falling against my chest.

The dream felt incredibly real.

When I woke, I wondered whether I had experienced some kind of emotional healing related to that relationship.

Perhaps it was about learning that I could love someone without sacrificing my own boundaries.

Perhaps it was about forgiveness, compassion, or releasing old pain.

Then I remembered another part of the dream.

I had seen a box ready to be mailed.

I knew that inside it were the burdens of my past.

And the box was sent away.

When I reflected on what I might have been releasing, it felt like everything: old relationships, feelings of unworthiness, emotional pain, and patterns I had carried for years.

I didn’t need to identify every item inside that imaginary box.

I simply knew that I was ready to let it go.

The Cathars and a Prophecy of Renewal

Later that day, we visited a retreat center in the historic Cathar region.

     

The Cathars were members of a medieval Christian religious movement whose beliefs were condemned as heretical by the Catholic Church.

The Albigensian Crusade began in 1209, and the persecution of the Cathars continued through the 13th century and beyond. One of the most significant events was the fall of Montségur in 1244.

We had hoped to hike Montségur, but the weather prevented us from doing so.

At the retreat center, we heard a fascinating story associated with Guillaume Bélibaste, a Cathar religious figure executed in 1321.

According to a tradition attributed to him, the Cathars would return after 700 years, when the laurel turned green again.

The story has taken on great symbolic meaning among those interested in Cathar history and spirituality, although the precise wording and historical authenticity of the prophecy are uncertain.

Our host shared an account of laurel trees that had been severely damaged by insects and then began producing new green growth around 2021, 700 years after Bélibaste’s execution.

For some, this was a striking fulfillment of the prophecy.

I found the symbolism beautiful.

Something that appeared dead was coming back to life.

And I couldn’t help thinking about the personal transformation I was experiencing.

Perhaps we, too, can regenerate after difficult periods in our lives.

Perhaps something within us that has been dormant is simply waiting for the right conditions to grow again.

The Green Mist Meditation: Allowing Myself to Be Fully Loved

During our visit to the retreat center, we also heard Lee Carroll share stories about his spiritual journey.

He described attending a healing service led by Christian evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman in 1975, where he witnessed what he believed were extraordinary healings, including that of a woman who had used a wheelchair.

Lee interpreted the experience as an example of the power of collective belief and spiritual coherence.

We also discussed teachings from Kryon’s The Twelve Layers of DNA, which explores DNA through a metaphysical framework, describing humanity as having both physical and spiritual dimensions.

Another discussion reminded me of the work of Masaru Emoto, whose experiments with water crystals have inspired many people to consider the relationship between intention, consciousness, and water.

Later, we participated in a Green Mist meditation, a spiritual practice associated with Kryon’s teachings.

During the session, I felt a powerful sense of connection with my ancestors and with people from my past.

At times, I experienced chills and a sensation of expansion around my heart.

I had the impression that something important was being released.

A feeling of unworthiness.

And perhaps an old resistance to allowing myself to be fully loved.

It was profound.

I also found myself envisioning more time on the water, kayaking and canoeing, enjoying nature and the simple pleasures of life.

The channeling included a message about the importance of laughter, joy, and remaining open to living a long and fulfilling life.

That idea stayed with me.

What if joy isn’t something we should postpone until everything else in our lives is resolved? What if cultivating joy is part of how we heal?

The Red Veil, the Isis Chair, and Choosing My Power

On October 9, we visited a remarkable site near Rennes-les-Bains associated with an ancient stone chair often referred to in local esoteric traditions as the Isis Chair.

Our group approached the site in silence.

Before we entered, we were blessed and anointed with oil, and each received a small piece of Scottish-dyed yarn.

We were invited to sit in the chair, release what no longer served us, and call in our dreams and intentions.

Afterward, we tied our yarn to a nearby tree or bush as a symbolic offering of those intentions to the Universe.

For me, this ceremony was especially meaningful.

I had brought a red scarf with me, and I felt inspired to wrap it around my head like a veil.

As I did, I felt a connection to Mary Magdalene and the energy of the Divine Feminine.

A few people remarked that I looked like Mary Magdalene.

But what mattered most wasn’t how I looked.

It was how I felt.

I was consciously choosing to step into my power.

I felt a sense of grace, strength, and connection with the Divine Feminine through Mary Magdalene’s symbolism.

It wasn’t about becoming someone else.

It was about remembering and honoring something within myself.

A Beautiful Moment of Compassion

Something unexpected happened during the ceremony.

Two women approached our group. One appeared to be carrying tremendous physical and emotional pain.

Rather than asking them to wait or turning them away, our group welcomed them and made space for the woman to sit in the chair.

Her companion sang over her in another language while we quietly held space.

It was a touching moment.

There was no need to know her story or fix what she was experiencing.

We simply offered compassion, presence, and the opportunity for her to participate.

She seemed deeply grateful.

To me, this was a beautiful expression of the Divine Feminine in action: compassion, community, and honoring another person’s humanity.

The Hermitage at Gorges de Galamus

 

Later, we visited the extraordinary Gorges de Galamus, where a small hermitage and chapel are tucked into a dramatic rocky gorge.

The setting was breathtaking.

Our guide shared stories connecting the site with religious hermits, Franciscan traditions, and the turbulent history of Christianity in the region.

We also heard alternative accounts about sacred manuscripts supposedly preserved during periods of religious persecution. Such claims are part of the area’s mystical storytelling rather than established historical findings.

During our visit, Elon read the Lord’s Prayer in Hebrew, and we experienced another Kryon channeling.

One of the messages encouraged those of us working in healing and service professions to embrace new forms of technology.

Many of us initially thought the message referred to artificial intelligence.

But Lee later explained that the intended meaning was broader: the development of intuition and our capacity to work more consciously with spiritual principles.

I found that interesting, especially as someone who continually explores new ways to support people in their personal growth.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: Sacred Traditions by the Mediterranean

On October 10, we traveled to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue region along the Mediterranean coast.

The town is associated with an enduring Christian tradition that followers of Jesus arrived by boat after fleeing persecution in the Holy Land.

Regional accounts differ, but the tradition particularly honors Mary Salome and Mary Jacobe, while broader Provençal legends also connect Mary Magdalene to the journey.

The church also contains a shrine to Saint Sarah, or Sara-la-Kali, who is especially revered within some Romani communities.

The stories surrounding these women are rich in symbolism, devotion, and mystery.

I loved seeing how these traditions have continued to shape the spiritual identity of the region.

Elizabeth and I also enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a restaurant along the beach, with fresh fish, sunshine, and beautiful Mediterranean views.

The weather was perfect.

After days of intense spiritual experiences, it felt wonderful simply to relax, enjoy good food, and appreciate the beauty around us.

That evening, we arrived in Aix-en-Provence.

At first, I was a little disappointed by the change from the quiet countryside to a much larger city.

But then we walked into the historic old town.

And I fell in love.

The architecture, fountains, winding streets, shops, and lively atmosphere were enchanting.

Elizabeth and I enjoyed exploring, shopping, and soaking up the charm of Provence.

I began to realize that this pilgrimage wasn’t only about sacred ceremonies and ancient history.

It was also about allowing myself to experience pleasure, beauty, friendship, and joy.

Sainte-Baume: Following Mary Magdalene into the Sacred Cave

On October 11, we traveled to one of the most significant destinations of our pilgrimage: the forest and grotto of Sainte-Baume.

According to a longstanding Provençal tradition, Mary Magdalene spent the final years of her life in prayer and contemplation in a cave in these mountains.

The historical evidence for her presence in Provence is uncertain, but the site has been an important destination for Christian pilgrims for centuries.

We hiked through the beautiful forest toward the sanctuary.

The climb was challenging, but the setting was extraordinary.

The cave itself is maintained as a Catholic sanctuary associated with the Dominican tradition.

Inside, there are sacred spaces for prayer, water features, and a relic traditionally attributed to Mary Magdalene.

I spent time in meditation, allowing myself to be present with the atmosphere of the place.

Once again, I noticed a sensation around my heart, almost as though it were expanding.

I felt a deep connection to the spiritual significance that generations of pilgrims had brought to this sacred site.

Whatever one believes about Mary Magdalene’s historical presence there, it is moving to stand in a place where people have prayed, reflected, grieved, and sought connection with the Divine for so long.

I found myself thinking about the importance of solitude, contemplation, and making space to hear our inner wisdom.

Sometimes we are so busy doing, striving, and accomplishing that we forget to simply be.

Sainte-Baume felt like an invitation to remember.

Saint-Maximin: Two Very Different Images of Mary Magdalene

On October 12, we visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.

The basilica houses relics traditionally believed to belong to Mary Magdalene, including a skull displayed in a reliquary.

But what fascinated me most were the different artistic depictions of her inside the church.

In one painting, Mary Magdalene appeared partially unclothed, covering herself with her arms, evoking the traditional image of a repentant sinner.

In another, she was shown reading a book, suggesting wisdom, contemplation, and spiritual understanding.

I was struck by the contrast.

Here was the same woman, represented in profoundly different ways. (Note: Some believe that the second picture is of Mother Mary due to the blue veil. Either way, you can still see the contrast of how women close to Jesus can be so differently portrayed.)

One image seemed to emphasize shame and repentance.

The other suggested intelligence, spiritual knowledge, and dignity.

It reminded me how deeply the stories we tell about people can shape how they are perceived for generations.

And how important it is to question narratives that diminish someone’s worth.

I explore this theme more deeply in my companion blog about Mary Magdalene and the rise of the Divine Feminine.

The basilica also houses a magnificent historic organ, and the architecture and artwork were remarkable.

During a final Kryon channeling, we heard another message about the rise of the Divine Feminine and the growing interest in Mary Magdalene.

One idea especially resonated with me:

God is love. Not male. Not female. Love.

That is a spiritual understanding I hold close to my heart.

A New Commitment to Joy

As our pilgrimage drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on how much I had experienced in such a short time.

The vivid dreams.

The emotional release during the channeling.

The feeling of stepping into my power while wearing the red veil.

The sacred sites and fascinating history.

The new friendships and shared moments of compassion.

And, of course, the beauty of France itself.

I began thinking about my health and well-being, particularly the chronic neck and back discomfort I had experienced over the years.

I remembered the message about joy and longevity.

And I had a thought that felt both simple and profound:

Perhaps cultivating joy in my life is one of the healthiest things I can do for myself.

Since returning home, I’ve noticed some meaningful changes.

My physical pain and digestion have improved moderately. My energy and outlook feel stronger.

I can’t know exactly how much of those changes can be attributed to the pilgrimage, but I know that something has shifted within me.

I feel more confident.

More grateful.

More excited about my life.

And more committed to choosing experiences that bring me joy.

I don’t want to spend my life waiting for everything to be perfect before I allow myself to enjoy it.

I want to live fully now.

One Last Gift from the Universe

Our pilgrimage ended with a farewell dinner and the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to people with whom we’d shared such extraordinary experiences.

On October 13, I was preparing to fly home when I received an unexpected message.

My flight had been delayed, and the airline had rebooked me on a rather dreadful itinerary that would have left me spending the night in the Dallas–Fort Worth airport.

No, thank you!

Instead, I rearranged my flights to depart 24 hours later.

That meant one more day in Aix-en-Provence with Elizabeth and some of my new friends, who had already planned to stay longer.

I couldn’t help smiling.

I had fallen so completely in love with Aix-en-Provence that I chose to see the unexpected delay as a gift from the Universe.

One more day to explore.

One more day (and night) to enjoy France.

           

That unexpected extra day in Aix-en-Provence brought one more beautiful spiritual experience. After a delightful day exploring the open-air market, shopping for treasures, and enjoying time with friends, Elizabeth and I stopped at Église du Saint-Esprit, an early 18th-century church in Old Town. Elizabeth was the first to notice something special about the atmosphere. As I became still and tuned in, I felt what seemed like swirling energy around my throat. My immediate intuition was that I was experiencing healing energy directed toward my thyroid, an area of my body that has needed support. We each lit a candle to St. Rita, often called the “Saint of the Impossible,” and spent time in prayer and meditation. I believe this may have been the first time I had ever prayed to a saint! I was so moved by the experience that I wanted to honor the sacredness of the moment and deepen my connection with Spirit. What a beautiful and unexpected way to conclude my pilgrimage.

One more day to practice what I had been learning throughout the journey.

Choose joy.

What I Brought Home from France

I traveled to southern France to learn more about Mary Magdalene, the mysteries surrounding her life, and the sacred places associated with her story.

I came home with much more than historical knowledge and beautiful memories.

I came home with a deeper appreciation of my own worth.

A greater willingness to release the burdens of the past.

A renewed connection with the Divine Feminine.

And a commitment to living with more joy, confidence, gratitude, and love.

I don’t claim to have all the answers about the mysteries of Mary Magdalene, the Cathars, channeling, or the spiritual experiences I encountered.

I share these experiences because they were meaningful to me and because I believe personal stories can invite us to explore our own lives more deeply.

Perhaps you don’t need to travel to France or visit an ancient sacred site to experience a transformation of your own.

Perhaps it begins with asking yourself:

• What burdens from my past am I ready to release?
• Where have I forgotten my own worth?
• What would it feel like to consciously step into my power?
• How can I invite more joy into my life, starting today?

I hope my journey inspires you to explore those questions.

Because one of the greatest lessons I brought home is something I believe is true for every one of us:

You are worthy of a life filled with joy, love, and possibility.

And you don’t have to wait to begin living it.

Explore the Rise of the Divine Feminine

If you’d like to learn more about Mary Magdalene’s history, the changing narratives surrounding her, and why I believe her growing recognition is connected to the rise of the Divine Feminine, I invite you to read my companion article:

Mary Magdalene and the Rise of the Divine Feminine: Reclaiming Women’s Power

Ready to Begin Your Own Journey of Transformation?

As a Mind Body Spirit Coach and founder of Live Life Spiritual Direction, I help people identify limiting beliefs, reconnect with their inner wisdom, and move toward more authentic, joyful, and fulfilling lives.

If you’re feeling called to release old patterns, reclaim your confidence, or create meaningful change, I’d love to explore how I can support you.

Schedule a complimentary 30-minute discovery call.

Live the Song of Your Soul.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever visited a place that profoundly affected you? Or experienced a moment that changed how you saw yourself? Share your story in the comments.

Author’s note: This is a personal account of my experiences and the teachings shared during a spiritual pilgrimage. It includes documented history, regional traditions, personal interpretations, and channeled spiritual information. Channeled messages and metaphysical teachings are not presented as established historical or scientific facts. My descriptions of physical and emotional changes reflect my own experiences, not medical claims or promises of similar results.