The term “Black Madonna” refers to statues, paintings and other images of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus with dark skin that you can find all around the world – although most often when people refer to them, they are usually referring to those found in Europe, which began proliferating in the Middle Ages. We’ve explored the Black Madonna from a few different angles in the past, and on the latest episode, we’re diving deep into Her mysteries and wisdom with one of my favorite fellow podcasters. Stephanie Georgieff is the host of “The Black Madonna Speaks” podcast and host of the YouTube channel The Heart of the Black Madonna, podcaster and Youtube contributor whose content focuses on The Divine Feminine. She is also the author of two books: “The Black Madonna, Mysterious Soul Companion” and “The Virgin of Guadalupe, Mysterious Messenger of Destiny.” Stephanie has spoken at numerous Christian Community and Anthroposophical conferences throughout North America and Europe for the last two decades, and in addition to her research into the Black Madonna, she is currently serving with The International Fellowship of St John in rural Bulgaria, working with at-risk Roma Youth. On today’s episode we discuss: • Stephanie's childhood and upbringing in a combined Methodist and Christian Orthodox household, and why she feels like she avoided some of the more oppressive features many people have come to associate with modern Christianity • How Stephanie’s research into the Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route in Spain led her to discover the Black Madonna • Stephanie’s encounter with the mysterious Black Madonna in the form of Our Lady of Montserrat • Stephanie’s background in anthroposophy, and how this connects to her interest in the Black Madonna • The Divine Sophia of the Christian tradition, the first of all creation • What the Black Madonna represents to her