Mary is most closely allied to the Middle Eastern moon goddesses; like them, she is a creator goddess. Associated with both the heavens and the sea or other waters, she is worshiped by Catholics as the Moon of the Church and as “Stella Maris,” the Star of the Sea.
The moment of the annunciation is when she confronts the truth of her own great creativity, symbolized by Gabriel, the angel of truth, made from fire. This is the moment at which she accepts the imperative to create, the need to bring forth life from the very center of her being. Mary is the goddess as womb, as source of all life and of regeneration. She is the mother of mercy and infinite compassion, the one we turn to in times of need. She is a reminder that compassion toward oneself fosters creativity; she reminds us to be gentle with ourselves.
There is a trail along which the Holy Family is said to have traveled in Egypt, and miracles happened all along the way. Wadi Natum was one of the places, and people have spontaneous healings there. Also, there is a tree said to be two thousand years old , and a healing spring. And of course, there were sightings of the Virgin Mary atop the dome of the church in Zeitoun, Cairo, in l978.
Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Medjugorje, Our Lady of Guadelupe. And Mary appeared even in Egypt in l978, atop the dome of the Church of St. Mary, in Zeitoun, Cairo, allegedly at one of the places where the Holy Family lived in Egypt when they were fleeing from Herod. I have been there, to that Coptic church where she appeared.
How about “Notre Dame” cathedral? Means “Our Lady” in French. I have been there,too. Marvelous vibes there at that holy place.