The Rose Garden Of Mary

Preface

The idea for this meditation came from visions from the Divine Mother I received at her altar in my home. This should be done as a devotional practice to connect with Mary. The meditation is ultimately non-denominational, and is open to any and all who adore Mary. Nothing is required, but a rosary, prayer card/icon/statue of Mary, a glass of water placed before it, a white candle and rose incense/oil are all welcome aids.

​

Opening

Sit comfortably in your space and slowly begin to draw your attention to your heart. Breathe deeply in, and out slowly. As you do so, begin to feel light enter your body, going straight to your heart. Let your heart be calm, and brightened by this divine essence. As you do this, whisper a prayer to Mary, that she may guide you, empower you and be the one who gladdens your heart with joy.

Once you have finished, begin to visualize yourself in front of an altar to Mary. What is the altar like? Where are you? Are you in a chapel, perhaps a cathedral? Maybe you’re outdoors. What time of day is it? Observe, acknowledge, move forward. See this altar before you, and see Mary on that altar. Say to her: “I wish to enter your rose garden” and await her response. Let it wash over you, without judgment or contemplation. Raise your rosary (physically and/or visually), and begin the next section.

​

The Pool of Sweetness

Begin to recite one decade of the rosary. Pray whatever version you are most comfortable with. As you do so, feel your heart begin to open, like a rose in the sunlight. With each completed prayer, you are becoming more and more open, and draw closer and closer to Mary Most Holy. Once you reach the 10th prayer, turn your eyes to the altar. The altar has gone, and in its place stands a vast pool of water. Instead of a rosary, you hold a bouquet of 10 roses. Approach the pool, and gently place the roses in, sealed with a prayer. Watch what the roses do, see how they interact with the water.

Once you feel ready, enter into the pool gently, feel its coolness surround you. Take a deep breath, and as you exhale see all that restrains you, holds you back, and any burdens you carry wash off into the pool of her sweetness. Submerge into the pool.

​

Entering The Garden

After a period of time, feel yourself emerging on the other side. Pull yourself out of the water, notice that you are dry, but clean. You are in a dimly lit room, made of cool stone. Before you, there is a table, your roses placed neatly on it. Approach this table, note anything else you see. To your right, you notice an open door, light streaming from it. As you cross the threshold, feel the warmth of the Sun on your skin. Listen to the sound of birds, the gentle breeze, and all other sounds you may hear. Behold: You have entered the Garden of Mary.

Wander through the field of roses, breathe in the sweet smells all throughout. Take note of the path, the colors of the roses, and see the angel guardians tending this sacred place. They may speak to you, or they may not. Do not disturb them from their task if they haven’t approached you. Take your time and fully explore this place of immense beauty.

Once you have explored to your heart’s content, make your way back to the room you were in before. As you near the door, you see a figure standing at the threshold. The closer you get, the clearer she becomes. Mary awaits you.

Run to your mother and let her embrace you. Bless her, honor her, and give thanks to her for letting you journey to her most precious garden. Listen to her voice, and let her speak to you in this precious moment. Talk with her, bring her your thanks, your joy, but also your needs, your pains. Speak, listen, grow, all in her presence.

From this point, let Mary take over your meditation, and allow her to guide you through the rest of it.

​

Exiting The Garden

Once you have finished all that you need, thank Mary once again, and tell her that you must go. Listen to any parting words she may have, and return to the pool. If she provides another option for departure, follow her guidance.

Slip back into the pool, gently and slowly. Breathe in the sweet air, letting it fill you. Allow the water to empower you, and slowly dip into the water.

Find yourself in front of the altar again, and see a rose on the altar. Observe it, and thank Mary for your time in her garden, and for this sacred rose. Spend as much time as you desire at this altar, and once you are ready, focus in on your heart once more.

​

Closing

Inhale deeply, and slowly exhale. As you do, focus on your body, how it feels. Remember all that you achieved, what your Mother told you, and how she aided you. Carry back with you everything from this experience. Slowly begin to return to your space, and after three or more rounds of breath, gently open your eyes.

Thank Mary, and close with the Hail Holy Queen prayer, or any others you feel called to say.

 

Short Notes

After repeated visits to this place, you may find other ways to enter the Garden. Know as you enter that each rose you see, is a prayer given unto Mary. This is a space that is best to just converse with The Queen of Heaven, not necessarily make petitions or requests. You may ask her though if you need to. On the physical altar, you can provide her with a glass of water, a white candle dressed in Holy Oil, Rose Oil, or another sacred oil dedicated to her. You may also have Rose or other appropriate incense burning. You may anoint her statue and yourself before beginning, and you may do any opening prayers you’d like. Three Hail Marys would be a good option.

You may ask her questions you have, about her, her angels, and other pertinent mysteries. The main goal here is communion with the Mother of All. Let her guide you and what you ask, and above all, honor her with due homage.

​

❀ Aiden Rhys Blackheart ❀