by Guest Author Yeshe Matthews
Yeshe Meryemana Matthews Robles is Priestess & Sibyl of Tsogyal Lhamo Drayang Ling, the Mount Shasta Goddess Temple.
Today was the Festival of Santa Sara, Sara-Kali, in Saintes-Maries-de-La-Mer, marking the 90th anniversary of this particular devotional event.
The power of the annual ritual was as strong as ever, but some gun violence earlier in the day erupted in the marketplace and subdued the spirit of celebration. Saturn in Aries brought forth a fiery martial energy as police in riot gear surrounded the proceedings.
At the same time, many of the faithful felt brave enough to clamour into the streets and touch the hem of the miraculous one’s robe. And the tears of both sorrow and joy flowed freely into the salty sea.
Pilgrimage isn’t only about what’s beautiful- it’s about what is human. May our human tendency toward violence be purified, may our human tendency to belief in miracles be strengthened, may all injuries heal, and may all hearts know peace. #saintesmariesdelamer#sarakali#saralakali#camargue#goddess
Saint Sarah, also known as Sara-la-Kâli (“Sara the Black”; Romani: Sara e Kali), is the patron saint of the Romani people. She is venerated as a symbol of refuge for the marginalized and persecuted. She is believed to be a servant of one of the Three Marys who arrived in the Camargue, Southern France, with the saints.
Some see Saint Sarah’s image and name as a syncretic representation of the Hindu goddess Kali, a fierce warrior goddess. The Romani people, originating from Northern India, have a connection to Kali, and this connection is seen in Saint Sarah’s veneration.
Some view Saint Sarah as a symbol of hope and resilience for the Roma people, who have faced historical persecution and displacement.
This enigmatic figure inspires thousands of pilgrimages in southern France.
“Sara is a powerful woman, a symbol of femininity and fertility, and a protector who is really taking care of the most oppressed, the marginalized, those who are at the periphery,” says Mirga-Kruszelnicka. “She is the archetype of a Roma woman.” National Geographic Meet Sara-la-Kali, the patron saint of displaced people
For statues visit Portland Mary on Etsy
For more information, circles, events and resources that honor the sacred feminine, visit the divine feminine app
