In this special Christmas episode of Hidden Wisdom, Meghan is joined by scholar and author Donna Nielsen for a breathtaking exploration of Mother Mary’s true identity, her lineage, her temple upbringing, and the ancient traditions that honor her far beyond the biblical text.
Drawing from Christian apocrypha, Islamic scripture, German folktales, early temple traditions, Renaissance iconography, and Middle Eastern lineage records, Donna reveals a side of Mary rarely talked about. This is a beautiful, expansive, and deeply reverent journey into Mary’s life and mission—the perfect Christmas episode for anyone wanting deeper spiritual understanding.
Timestamps
00:00–04:00 | Introduction
04:00–06:00 | Protestant vs. Catholic Mary
06:00–13:00 | How stories honor real people without always being factual
13:00–16:00 | Maternal lineage
16:00–27:00 | Prophecy of the tree, branch, flower, and fruit of light
27:00–29:00 | Story of Anna and Joachim
29:00–32:00 | Early childhood portrayals of Mary
32:00–35:00 | Temple customs, Mary’s purity traditions, and symbolic upbringing
35:00–38:00 | Presentation of Mary at the temple: Christian and Muslim narratives
38:00–40:00 | Mary’s weaving
40:00–43:00 | Annunciation symbolism
43:00–46:00 | Women at wells
46:00–48:00 | Mary entering the Holy of Holies
48:00–50:00 | Oldest image of Mary
50:00–53:00 | Mary in Islam
53:00–56:00 | Islamic art and symbolism
56:00–59:00 | Mary the New Eve
59:00–01:03:00 | Nativity traditions
01:03:00–01:06:00 | The three Marys
01:06:00–01:10:00 | Dormition, Assumption, and ancient beliefs about Mary’s death
01:10:00–01:12:00 | Mary in Latter-day Saint tradition and limited portrayal
01:12:00–01:16:00 | Mary as the Virgin in the Book of Mormon
01:16:00–01:19:00 | Virgin: meanings beyond sexuality
01:19:00–01:23:00 | Colors, flowers, fruits, and symbolic art of Mary
01:23:00–01:28:00 | Shell and pearl symbolism
01:28:00–01:32:00 | Medieval chants and Mary’s collaborative role with Christ
01:32:00–End | Closing symbolism: milk, blood, tears, and divine compassion
Additional Resources:
The Protoevangelium of James - Reading by Meghan Farner
Holy Child Jesus by Donna Nielsen
Learn more at donna-connections.blogspot.com
Thank you for listening to Hidden Wisdom!
For more classes, writings, and upcoming events, visit meghanfarner.com.
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