The Christian interpretation of the story of Mary and Joseph, particularly in the Garden of Eden, has had a profound impact on how we relate to ourselves and our bodies, especially through the lens of shame. For centuries, the narrative of Adam and Eve’s "fall" has been interpreted as a story of original sin—a moment of shame that defines human nature. The idea that human beings were born into a state of guilt for simply being human creates a deep dissociation from the natural, instinctual aspects of who we are. We are taught to view our desires, sexuality, and bodily experiences as inherently flawed or sinful, fostering a disconnect from the sacredness of our own existence. This interpretation places a heavy burden on our relationship with ourselves, where self-acceptance feels impossible and even our simplest human needs are tainted by the belief that they are wrong or shameful.

My teacher, Jalaja Bonheim, author of Aphrodite’s Daughters, and other works, speaks to this disconnect, highlighting how this traditional reading of the biblical narrative has disconnected us from the wisdom and vitality of our bodies, the intuitive parts of ourselves that are linked to the divine. By seeing the human body and its desires through the lens of sin, we’re taught to distrust our own bodies, feelings, and instincts. Instead of embracing our desires as natural and sacred parts of being human, we internalize a sense of shame that distances us from our deeper selves. We begin to feel that parts of our very essence—our sensuality, creativity, and intuition—are "unholy," leading to self-rejection and emotional fragmentation. The sacredness of being a full, embodied human is lost in the veil of guilt and disconnection.
This dissociation from the body and its needs extends beyond just our sexual selves; it seeps into our relationship with our emotions and spirituality as well. Under the weight of this interpretation, we often suppress or deny our feelings—particularly those that are seen as "messy" or "imperfect." Anger, sadness, and desire are dismissed as negative emotions that should be avoided or eradicated. Instead of allowing these emotions to flow freely and teach us something valuable, we shut them down. This leaves us feeling fragmented, as if we are living in a constant battle between our inner truth and the expectations imposed on us. This creates an emotional repression that is spiritually and psychologically damaging, leaving many feeling disconnected not just from their bodies, but from their core essence and their connection to the divine.
Bonheim also points out that this view of human nature—as intrinsically flawed and disconnected from the divine—has profound implications for women, in particular. The story of Mary and Joseph, interpreted as a tale of guilt and shame, has historically reinforced the suppression of feminine energy, intuition, and creativity. Women, in many traditions, have been taught to repress their innate sensuality and spiritual power, instead seeing themselves as “fallen” or “unworthy” because of societal and religious doctrines. This diminishes the feminine as sacred, intuitive, and whole, reinforcing feelings of inadequacy and self-judgment. The work of reclaiming the mandala, as Bonheim teaches, is one path back to wholeness—a path that leads us to embrace the fullness of our being, unashamed of our desires, our sensuality, and our connection to the divine, reclaiming our power and vitality in the process.
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