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The Wandering Witch

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Washington DC has a massive shrine to the Goddess

Washington DC has a massive shrine to the Goddess

Last updated on: May 8, 2018 at 9:06 am by Julia Penelope

Washington DC has a massive shrine to the Goddess 2018-05-08T09:06:57-04:00 Julia Penelope

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Washington, DC is a city full of secrets. Just watch National Treasure (I actually hate this movie but whatever). It’s a place steeped in symbolism, Masonic legend, and hidden meaning. And it also happens to be full of secret references to the divine feminine.
On my most recent trip to the city, I visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (thanks to a recommendation from a friend on Instagram!).

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Opened in 1959, it is the largest Roman Catholic Church in the United States and the eighth largest in the world. It also happens to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary and houses over 70 shrines in her honor.
It’s basically a giant cult site for the goddess. Cue massive excitement on my part 🙂

It’s a giant labyrinthine structure that’s easy to get lost in. The lower level features the crypts and despite it’s relative youth, it manages to feel very ancient.

Francis and I

I was beyond elated to find that there were several representations of very famous Black Madonna’s; including the Black Madonna of Czestochowa, the Virgin of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, and Mary, Queen of Africa.

Shrine to the Black Madonna of Czestochowa

Shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe-Hidalgo

Shrine to Mary, Queen of Africa

It’s a stunningly beautiful cathedral and absolutely worth the visit if you happen to be in the D.C. Metropolitan area. I would allow at least an hour to see everything and anticipate large crowds as it’s a very popular pilgrimage site.

The incredible ceiling mosaics in the main basilica.

The basilica is located at 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017 and is open 365 days a year, 7AM-7PM (April 1-October 1) and 7AM-6PM(November 1-March 31).
Check out their website for more information about visiting.

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