Makeda, the Black Queen of Sheba
Date: Saturday 22nd June 2024 Location: Online
Start time: 2:00pm End time: 3:45pm Type: Webinar
Speaker: Tricia Harragin
“I fell because of wisdom but was not destroyed: through her I dived into the great sea, and in those depths I seized a wealth bestowing pearl … I marvelled at that light and grasped it, and brought it up to the sun. I laid hold upon it and will not let it go.” Words spoken by Makeda the Queen of Sheba found in the Kebra Negast, the sacred text of Ethiopia.
Taking seriously the promptings of the unconscious as manifested in dreams, in particular one which was synchronous with the finding of an Ethiopian silk scarf, I began to research the Queen of Sheba. I had found a story and an archetype that I felt wanted attention.
The images of that scarf tell the story of the Queen of Sheba’s visit to the Court of King Solomon. In this presentation I will use the orientation of Jungian depth psychology to shed some lunar light into the Biblical, mythical and historical remoteness of this Queen. I hope to respectfully lift a veil and offer a hint of this feminine divine archetype.
The Queen of Sheba is described as an ‘explorer of heart’, it is clear from the story that she has the courage of a lion and yet there is also an obvious humbleness as she searches for wisdom. I believe she underlies inner feminine nature of the heart’s desire and stirs the heart of both men and women therefore needs to be lovingly attended.
In the legend printed on the scarf the Queen of Sheba initiates a meeting with King Solomon, they meet as equals and from their union, a conjunction, new life is born.