Jennifer Harper often receives musical inspiration from water, but her acoustic adult contemporary “Mary Magdalene” in particular is a stand out moment for her. While at the pool ready to do her laps, her mind drifts to the song prompt of the week in her songwriting circle. She was set on doing the assignment about Joan of Arc, but suddenly, she received different messages. She heard the words “I want you to know who I am. I want you to know who I am. I’m Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene. It’s time that you know my name. It’s time that you know my name, complete with melody as it is in the finished version. Taken by surprise, she shared it with the songwriting circle where it was well received. Although quite a spiritual experience to receive the message, she didn’t think it was enough to stand alone as a musical piece. She sang it to a spiritual mentor who encouraged her to share the message she was given. “Well, it took me a long time to do anything about it,” shares Jennifer. “What did I know of Mary Magdalene? Not much honestly. What the message meant to me, however, I did know. It felt like a message about the power of women being hidden for so long. And it was time now to bring that to an end. It was Mary saying to all of us – I want you to find this power within: ‘Know who I am.’ Don’t hide your power anymore: ‘say my name.’” It’s a message to believe in our power. Speak out. And know we are all connected in love. “I am more of a messenger,” she continues. “For other women like me who are only dipping their toes in. Not quite ready to take the plunge into the cold water.” 

Story behind the song: I was at the swimming pool where I always do laps. Ready to swim my mile. Toes dipped in the water to test the temperature, about to ease myself in slowly. It’s always a peaceful moment for me where everything slows down as I switch gears out of a busy day. I often go at sunset and it feels blissful and magical. On this particular day, I turned my thoughts for a moment to the song prompt of the week in my songwriting circle. To write a song about a historical figure. I had decided on Joan of Ark. No sooner did I turn my thoughts there – I hear a voice that was clear as day seeming to almost shine down on me. “I want you to know who I am. I want you to know who I am. I’m Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene”. “It’s time that you know my name. It’s time that you know my name”. Complete with melody as it is in the finished version. Oftentimes I receive musical “downloads” in water – but this one really took me by surprise as I had the full intention to write about Joan of Ark. This felt like a direct transmission from Mary Magdalene. When I brought it to my song circle, the women were deeply moved and encouraged me to record the song. Although quite a spiritual experience to receive the message, I wouldn’t have thought to record it. When I sang it for a spiritual mentor of mine at the time, her response helped me understand the potency more fully and that others needed to hear it. However, I was swayed by my inner voice – who am I to bring a message from Mary Magdalene? It’s taken a lot of courage to share this with the world and I put it off for quite a while. Although I’m not well versed on her life and teachings, I do know there are a lot of women on spiritual paths at this time – connecting with her, channeling her and following her ancient wisdom. It’s clear she has been misunderstood, slandered, and her influence hidden throughout history. I started reading a bit about her historical role and was fascinated by stories of her sacred sexual powers. Perhaps she came to me as I am not on a spiritual path following her. I can’t help but notice the symbolism and wonder if it’s a message for women like me who are dipping toes in. Not quite ready to take the plunge into the cold water. It felt like a call to connect with divine feminine energy. Mary saying to all of us – I want you to find this power within: “Know who I am”. Don’t hide your power anymore: “say my name”. Personally, the healing frequency permeated my being and has continued to grow. So here I am – embodying the wisdom that it’s safe to be in my full power – which includes guiding others, overcoming fear and speaking out about my experiences. I chose Tom Rossi to produce the song as he is a music healer. He brought the delicate touch I was hoping for. We added cello, bass, synths and beautiful backing vocals to complete the musical message. Tom encouraged me to add more lyrics which I’m grateful for. I brought it to him as a mantra – and left with a much more complete song. He gave me lyric ideas, but I was quite clear what message Mary was bringing and what she wasn’t bringing. So even then – I felt her guiding me. Ultimately, I trust what came through and I’m happy with the sound we created. It is my hope that you feel the purity of the frequency as it was transmitted to me. And perhaps it will inspire you to illuminate your own Magdalene light.