by Krishna Rose
Woman in Red
Magdalene Speaks
Krishna Rose
© Copyright Krishna Rose 2019
Black Rose Writing | Texas
© 2019 by Krishna Rose
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publishers, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine or journal.
The final approval for this literary material is granted by the author.
Second digital version
All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Print ISBN: 978-1-68433-429-2
PUBLISHED BY BLACK ROSE WRITING
www.blackrosewriting.com
Print edition produced in the United States of America
Thank you so much for checking out one of our
HISTORICAL FICTION novels.
If you enjoy our book, please check out our recommended
for your next great read!
Second Son by Pamela Taylor
“Taylor has done a marvelous job of combining fact, fantasy, and fun.”
–Indie Reader
PRAISE FOR
Woman in Red
Magdalene Speaks
“Millions of The Da Vinci Code readers will feel right at home in the world Rose creates.”
–Kirkus Reviews
“Woman in Red - Magdalene Speaks is truly a treasure trove of wisdom and sparkles with its originality and beautifully written style. Krishna Rose’s depiction is uniquely moving. Masterful storytelling makes Woman in Red - Magdalene Speaks a must-read!”
–Authors Review
“Offers an intriguing premise.”
–BlueInk Review
“Krishna Rose draws on lesser-known ancient documents to present a fresh, sometimes challenging, but always fascinating story of Mary, Jesus and others of their iconic circle.”
–Lynn Picknett, author of Mary Magdalene: Christianity’s Hidden Goddess
“Woman in Red makes numerous essential points about Jesus’s message and spirituality.”
–IndieReader
This book is dedicated to Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayan Maharaja, without whom none of this would have been made possible. He is the reason that I have inspiration, goodness, and creativity in my life. All of my endeavors are an offering unto him in the hope that by my efforts, I might please him and be worthy of being called a “disciple.” He blessed me with firsthand experience of walking in the footprints of a pure and holy master and it is to him that I dedicate this book—eternally grateful.
Krishna Rose 02.20.2020
I wish first and foremost to thank and acknowledge my dear husband, Robert (Radhaji), for his unceasing patience, generosity, and support in all my endeavors. He is my rock in every way.
I also wish to thank my friends Madalene Rhyand (Mukhara), Lynda Boyce-McMullen, Darleen Nash, Malati didi, and Hinano—who have been my sounding board and encouragement for many years as this story developed into what it has become. I am and always will be grateful for their wise and loving friendship.
Thank you to Chie Yoshie, whose artwork we used as the front cover. Your work is exquisite. Bless you Sister.
Most of all I wish to thank my children, Sunayana and Syamali, who ‘willingly’ gave up their Mumma, sometimes for months at a time, for the Lord’s work. I pray He bless and hold them close to His heart now and always.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Recommended Reading
Praise
Dedication
Special Thanks
PREFACE
CHARACTERS
CHAPTER 1 - SACRIFICE
CHAPTER 2 - SECRETS
CHAPTER 3 - RIGHTEOUSNESS
CHAPTER 4 - FORBEARANCE
CHAPTER 5 - RESURRECTION
CHAPTER 6 - BRAVERY
CHAPTER 7 - SURRENDER
CHAPTER 8 - FAITH
CHAPTER 9 - VULNERABILITY
CHAPTER 10 - MERCY
CHAPTER 11 - NOBILITY
CHAPTER 12 - TOLERANCE
CHAPTER 13 - WISDOM
CHAPTER 14 - INITIATION
CHAPTER 15 - COURAGE
CHAPTER 16 - DELIVERANCE
CHAPTER 17 - LIGHT
CHAPTER 18 - CONFIDENCE
CHAPTER 19 - EAGERNESS
CHAPTER 20 - HEALING
CHAPTER 21 - ATONEMENT
CHAPTER 22 - OBEDIENCE
CHAPTER 23 - SOBERNESS
CHAPTER 24 - RESPECT
CHAPTER 25 - DEVOTION
CHAPTER 26 - DUTY
CHAPTER 27 - HUMILITY
CHAPTER 28 - KINDNESS
CHAPTER 29 - STEADINESS
CHAPTER 30 - LIBERATION
CHAPTER 31 - HELL—VEIL ONE
CHAPTER 32 - HELL—VEIL TWO
CHAPTER 33 - HELL—VEIL THREE
CHAPTER 34 - HELL—VEIL FOUR
CHAPTER 35 - HELL—VEIL FIVE
CHAPTER 36 - HELL—VEIL SIX
CHAPTER 37 - HELL—VEIL SEVEN
CHAPTER 38 - HEAVEN—VEIL ONE
CHAPTER 39 - HEAVEN—VEIL TWO
CHAPTER 40 - HEAVEN—VEIL THREE
CHAPTER 41 - HEAVEN—VEIL FOUR
CHAPTER 42 - HEAVEN—VEIL FIVE
CHAPTER 43 - HEAVEN—VEIL SIX
CHAPTER 44 - HEAVEN—VEIL SEVEN
CHAPTER 45 - THE FINAL LESSON
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BRW INFO
PREFACE
Woman in Red – Magdalene Speaks is referred to as a novel, yet it consists of real historical characters who you will meet within the following pages. Many of the situations they face are not fictitious, while some are elaborated upon for your reading pleasure. This is not like an ordinary novel, for this book has been written with the intention of giving its readers an opportunity to receive confidential instructions which convey many solutions to the problems of life.
Today humankind suffers more than ever, despite our so-called progress. Therefore, wrapped inside this epic historical fiction story, you will find many practical remedies which cast new light on the meaning of inward contemplation. Illumining the struggles in our search for freedom from suffering, here presented are the formulas of Saints of old.
This is not a religious book—but a book written for your ultimate lasting benefit. No one can attain total peace through worldly endeavors alone. Therefore, I implore you to read and absorb yourself in the guiding light of truth, which, like an ocean of compassion, is presented here to dispel the darkness and lamentation in the world.
Using the profound languag
e of the soul, Woman in Red – Magdalene Speaks overflows with esoteric secrets, mysterious scandals, and prophecies—all of which take our Messianic heroes Mary Magdalene and Jesus into the depths of the uncharted inner realms. Evidence revealed to me secrets which were aching to be told - and so my debut historical novel was conceived, nourished and birthed by grace.
Writing this book has been a twenty-five year quest into a search for the truth—as well as a ceremonial healing for me, as I pray it will be for you, upon reading it. My most ardent prayer, and the prayer of my spiritual forefathers before me, is that all faithful seekers who desire to rise above the fickle tides of this world, shall be led to their spiritual aim and object. Everything that needed to be said, has now been expressed.
On behalf of my guru-parampara, I bless you,
Krishna Rose
Author & Singer of Woman in Red
The Book – The Music – The Teachings
CHARACTERS
The Holy Royal Family:
The Mary/Miryam: Mary, mother of Jesu, James, Salome, John and Jude.
Yosef: First husband of The Mary, father of James and Salome, stepfather of Jesu.
Cleophas: Second husband of The Mary, father of John and Jude, brother of Yosef.
Elizabeth: Mother of John the Baptist, sister of The Mary.
King Herod the Great: Grandfather, King and ruler of Judea.
Antipater: Eldest son of King Herod the Great, husband, father.
Herod Antipas: Son of King Herod the Great.
Herodias: Wife of Herod Antipas.
Archelaus: Brother of Herod Antipas.
Jesu/Jeshua: Son of The Mary, grandson of King Herod the Great, famed Messianic crucified King known as Jesus Christ, husband of Mary Magdalene, father of three.
John the Baptist: Cousin of Jesu, nephew of The Mary, famed preacher and teacher, first husband of Mary Magdalene, father of Sarah-Tamar.
James: Brother of Jesu, son of The Mary and Yosef, leader of the disciples, head of the Jerusalem Church after Jesu’s crucifixion.
Salome/Mary-Salome: Sister of Jesu, daughter of Mary and Yosef, wife of Lazarus.
John: Brother of Jesu, son of The Mary and Cleophas.
Jude: Youngest brother of Jesu, son of The Mary and Cleophas.
Uncle Joseph/Joseph of Arimathea: Uncle of Mary Magdalene, Lazarus, and Martha.
Anna: Wife of Uncle Joseph.
Lazarus: Brother of Mary Magdalene and Martha, husband of Salome.
Martha: Sister of Mary Magdalene and Lazarus.
Mariam/Mara/Marjan: Mary Magdalene.
Jesus II/Jeshua II: Famously known as Jesus Justus, son of Jesu and Mary Magdalene.
Josephes/Joses: Youngest son of Jesu and Mary Magdalene.
Sarah-Tamar: Daughter of John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene.
Prince Phillip of Compostela: Husband of Sarah-Tamar.
Joshua: Firstborn son of Sarah-Tamar and Prince Phillip of Compostela.
Disciples and Friends:
Nicodemus: Close friend and business partner of Uncle Joseph.
Solomon: Servant of Uncle Joseph.
Arviragus/Caractacus: Business partner of Uncle Joseph.
Maximus: Friend and confidant of Uncle Joseph, protector of the holy family, First Bishop of Saint Maxim, France.
Marcella: Wife of Maximus, friend, maid.
Mary-Jacobi: Disciple of Jesus, friend of The Mary.
Cephas/Simon Peter: Peter, disciple and friend of Jesu, fisherman from Galilee, father of Mark, husband of Mari.
Mari: Wife of Peter, the Apostle.
Andrew: Brother of Peter, disciple of John the Baptist, uncle of Mark.
Thomas: Doubting Thomas. Close confidant and disciple of Jesu. In looks and character, he was very similar to Jesu. He was nicknamed Didymus, or Twin.
Judas Iscariot: Close personal friend of Jesu, confidant, disciple, financial advisor.
Phillip of Bethsaida: Disciple.
Thaddeus: Disciple, friend.
Levi: Disciple.
Bartholomew: Disciple.
Nathaniel: Disciple.
James the Greater: Son of Zebedee, follower.
Matthew: Tax collector, disciple.
Simon: Known as Simon the Zealot, brother of Thaddeus, disciple.
Joanna: Friend, disciple, wife of Chuza, steward of Herod Antipas, rich benefactor.
Susanna: Friend, disciple, rich benefactor.
Saturnius: Bodyguard of Jesu (Jesus) and Mary Magdalene.
Matrial: Bodyguard of Jesu and Mary Magdalene.
Simeon: High priest of the Essene community in Gallia.
Longinus Gaius: Roman soldier, disciple of Mary Magdalene.
Other:
Pontius Pilate: Roman Prefect of Judea.
Emperor Tiberius: Emperor of Roman Empire.
Caiaphas: Head of the Sanhedrin.
CHAPTER 1
SACRIFICE
To sacrifice means to surrender something of value,
to gain something of greater worth.
“It is finished,” I heard him say. His head and body went limp. Death was upon him.
A motionless silence wove its wicked web, devouring me in limitless regret. I trembled, his vacant eyes staring at me from behind such untold sorrow. Falling to my knees, weak with grief, I rocked back and forth, swooning. My voice choked with tears. I had no power to change the course of destiny’s bitter wheel, thus I bore witness to circumstances I had been warned would come to pass.
My world crumbled in those darkest of hours. Time slowed. My heart was broken for all to see. I wanted nothing more than for the pain to end, though I knew there would be no escape from it. Mournfulness bequeathed a cross which I would now bear until I breathed my last, for my love was gone.
The wailing women on the hill behind us began their somber cries, perfectly expressing this most awful juncture of predetermined fate. Despair left me gulping for air. I was entirely overwhelmed. Ashen-faced, Uncle Joseph and The Mary helped me to my feet. My rounded belly, now a stark reminder of my woeful situation—a child without a father, a wife without a husband, a disciple without a master.
I would within one year be married off to my husband’s closest male relative, passed like a cup, a possession—not a free woman.
I had loved Jesu for as long as I had breath in my body. He had been my friend and teacher from the first moment our eyes met. All that I held sacred, was in him.
Frozen, with his mother by my side, we huddled together, holding on to one another as we wept our bitter tears, shared in grief. Her grip on my arm was tight—terrified. The Mary wished more than anything, to squeeze out her own life airs to give breath to her son, my husband. Groaning, she beat her breast hard with her left fist. She had once nurtured her son from that same breast. Yet now, it was agonizingly dry and empty, like her son, who hung limp on the cross before her.
The wind whirled about us like a mighty requiem, a bitter darkness descending on those of us who remained. We were united in our mourning on that hill of ruin. Our terror-struck family, pale and grave, felt something awful stirring in the air. We were transfixed, somber. Side by side, witnessing a most sorrowful torture—of the monumental kind. We would never be the same again.
Memories of those grotesque and twisted moments, brought about by the hands of vulgar men, would forever torment me. Theirs was a fools’ paradise. It had been commercial interest alone which had driven their evil-mindedness to this. Despite
their insidious displays of religious grandeur, I was certain that their future was ill-omened, though it would be my grief which would eventually drive them to their own self-destruction.
I had heard about the dark Roman ritual of crucifixion from the women in the village, who had lost family and friends to the Roman thirst for order. But never had I witnessed one. Now, I remembered their stories and shared in their anguish. I didn’t know it then, but it was to be the beginning of what would become a life dedicated to the eventual ruin of all those who have cause for such vileness. Neither they, nor I could have known—that one day my name would go on to become a force to be reckoned with. From this life to the next, long into the future . . . I vowed that those who are corrupt would fear my name—for I am Mary, who became The Magdalene.
Celestial choirs, harps, and drums, resounded in the air above us, as the angels drenched us in their tears, mingling with our own. I think none of us were prepared for what had come to pass, for we were unable to contain the confusion. A bleak gloom settled on us, as Jesu glanced in our direction with that all-knowing look which I had grown to understand. Now, as his anguished eyes closed for the last time in silent passing, a loud clap of thunder roared disapprovingly overhead. Uncle Joseph shouted commands to the Roman guards, “Bring him down!” he screamed.
The wooden cross . . . such a cursed instrument. The ghastly device by which mankind enchained the bravest of men the earth ever did know. In the recesses of my spirit I perceived the futility of it all.
“It is time” he told them authoritatively, “on the orders of Pilate!”
Torrents of rain fell beneath the backdrop of a blackened afternoon sky. The guards seemed bewildered. In truth, they cared not whether this man lived or died. They never wanted him dead to begin with. They were under orders and orders must be obeyed. They knew my uncle from the council and overlords of the Jewish Kingdom, for he was a wealthy, well-connected man, highly respected by Jewish and Roman leaders alike. He was famous for his patient, wise counsel—as well as his generosity.