Sukkot: Dwelling in the Sacred Womb of Divine Shelter
Dimensions of Light Creation
When I lived in Egypt, one of the deepest mystical teachings I received was the understanding that the Hebrew-Jewish holidays transcend their physical celebrations. These sacred times are not just historical observances but are portals that exist from the very beginning of creation, offering us an opportunity to access activations, spiritual awakening, and profound healing.
These holy days of Sukkot allow us to align ourselves with the divine rhythms that guide the universe. Each holiday is like an energetic gateway, inviting us to step into a timeless space where the sacred is not bound by the linear constraints of history. As we enter these moments, we tap into the collective memory of the souls who crossed the deserts, wandered the wilderness, and ultimately found their way into the Holy Land.
When the Hebrew people were finally liberated and reached the Holy Land, Alaha (Mother – Father God) gave them a powerful instruction: that to remain free, they must connect with the cycles of the Moon, adhering to the Aramaic-Hebrew calendar. This divine guidance was not merely about following rituals but about deeply aligning with the cosmic cycles, the ebb and flow of life, and the lunar energies that are intertwined with the feminine mysteries.
The Moon, representing the Shekhinah, is the ultimate reflection of the soul’s cycles—times of fullness, times of renewal, and times of reflection. By observing these sacred rhythms, we are reminded that our spiritual growth and liberation are tied to the dance of time itself. The holidays, as portals, offer a way to transcend the ordinary and step into divine time, where healing and transformation await.
In this understanding, the holidays are not just moments in a calendar but living vibrations. Each carries the essence of the divine blueprint, opening us to deeper dimensions of spiritual awakening. Through them, we can heal the layers of exile that our souls may carry and awaken to the freedom that is our birthright, just as our ancestors did.
The Festival of Sukkot calls us to step into a sacred space, a dwelling of impermanence known as the sukkah. In Hebrew mysticism, this temporary structure becomes much more than a fragile shelter, it is a womb of divine presence, where we align ourselves with the eternal cycles of creation. As we dwell within this sacred space, we are not only reminded of the impermanence of the physical world but also invited to reconnect with the eternal source, the Shekhinah—the feminine Divine presence that guides us through the ebb and flow of life.
The sukkah symbolizes the womb of creation, a place of birth, growth, and renewal. Just as a child grows within the mother’s womb, nurtured and sheltered, so too are we, during Sukkot, cradled in the presence of the Divine. It is a time to dwell in divine shelter, to return to the source of our being, and to experience the cycles of life as a sacred dance of renewal.
The Shekhinah and the Sukkah: Divine Feminine Shelter
The Shekhinah, as the indwelling feminine presence of the Divine, is extremely present during Sukkot. In this sacred festival, we are reminded of her presence through the sukkah, which serves as a metaphor for the womb, a space where we can be vulnerable, yet profoundly connected to the divine.
In the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, Mary Magdalene teaches that we must let go of attachments and illusions, reminding us of the temporary nature of this world and the eternal nature of our soul. Sukkot echoes this teaching, as we leave the comfort of our permanent homes to dwell in a structure that is open to the sky, exposed to the elements. This act of stepping into the sukkah symbolizes our willingness to be present with the Divine, to surrender our need for control, and to trust in the protection of the sacred feminine.
Mary Magdalene’s teachings of sacred union, divine remembrance, and the cyclical nature of spiritual growth resonate deeply with the essence of Sukkot. As we sit in the sukkah, we are called to remember our sacred roots, to embody the balance of masculine and feminine energies, just as Mary Magdalene and Yeshua did in their divine union. It is in this balance, this sacred merging of duality into oneness, that we can align ourselves with the rhythms of creation.
The Womb of Creation: Letting Go and Flowing with Life’s Cycles
The sukkah becomes the perfect symbol for life’s cycles, echoing the movement of the womb energy. Just as a mother’s womb holds the potential for new life, so too does the sukkah remind us that life is always in a state of becoming, in a constant process of birth, death, and renewal. The temporary nature of the sukkah reflects the impermanence of our physical existence, yet within that impermanence lies the eternal—an invitation to flow with life’s rhythms rather than resist them.
In Hebrew mysticism, the sefirah of Yesod (on the Tree of Life), often associated with the foundation of the energetic womb, plays a central role during this time. It is the vessel through which divine energy flows, nourishing and sustaining creation. The sukkah becomes an embodiment of Yesod, the sacred womb that holds us and teaches us to let go of what no longer serves, to embrace the new, and to trust in the divine process of life.
Yeshua, in his teachings, emphasized the importance of returning to the heart. He taught that we must become like children again, open and trusting, willing to release the illusions of control and surrender to the divine flow. As we dwell in the sukkah, we are invited to return to this childlike state of trust, to remember that we are always held in the womb of the Divine, no matter how chaotic or uncertain life may seem.
Sukkot: A Time of Sacred Alignment
Sukkot is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Booths, celebrating both the fall harvest and the protection the Israelites received during their 40 years of wandering in the desert after their Exodus from Egypt. Central to this celebration is the Sukkah, a temporary dwelling that serves as a powerful symbol of both physical shelter and spiritual refuge. Understanding the Sukkah and the meaning behind Sukkot allows us to apply its wisdom to our daily lives, regardless of our faith tradition.
What is a Sukkah?
A Sukkah is a small, fragile, temporary structure built outdoors, typically made of wood, branches, and leaves, and open to the sky through the roof. The walls can be made from any material sturdy enough to withstand a light wind, but the roof (called the schach) must be made from organic materials like palm fronds, bamboo, or branches. These materials should provide enough shade to make the inside comfortable but be sparse enough to allow those inside to see the stars through the roof at night.
The Sukkah represents the temporary shelters the Israelites lived in during their 40-year journey through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. These dwellings protected them physically, but the ultimate protection came from the Divine, which sheltered them and guided them during their long journey.
The Origins of Sukkot
The origins of Sukkot are deeply rooted in the liberation from slavery in Egypt and the subsequent wandering through the desert. According to Leviticus 23:42-43, God commands the Israelites to live in sukkot for seven days as a reminder of how He provided for them during their wilderness journey.
In addition to its historical roots, Sukkot is an agricultural festival marking the end of the harvest season in Israel. It is a time to give thanks for the bounty of the earth and the provision of sustenance, both physically and spiritually. The festival spans seven days and culminates in Shemini Atzeret, a day of additional celebration and prayer.
Yet Sukkot is more than just a celebration of physical harvest, it is a spiritual harvest, a time to gather the fruits of our inner work and to align ourselves with the divine cycles of creation. Mary Magdalene’s teachings of sacred union, of embodying both the masculine and feminine energies within, are mirrored in the rituals of Sukkot. As we shake the lulav and etrog, we bring together the polarities of life—the physical and the spiritual, the temporary and the eternal—and align ourselves with the Divine Will.
The lulav and etrog are important ritual items used during this portal, symbolizing unity, growth, and connection to the divine.
- Lulav: This is a bundle of three specific plants:
- Palm branch (Lulav): Represents the spine and symbolizes uprightness, the ability to stand tall and strong, embodying spiritual elevation.
- Two willow branches (Aravot): Associated with the lips and represent the importance of speech, particularly in prayer and praise.
- Three myrtle branches (Hadassim): Linked to the eyes, they symbolize clarity of vision and spiritual insight.
- Etrog: The etrog is a citrus fruit, similar to a lemon, symbolizing the heart. It represents beauty and perfection, as well as the ability to embody the commandments with heart and devotion.
The lulav and etrog are waved in all four directions—north, south, east, and west—as well as up and down, symbolizing Alaha’s omnipresence and the unity of creation.
The sukkah itself, with its open roof, symbolizes our openness to divine blessings, our willingness to receive the Shekhinah’s light into our lives. It is a time to let go of fear, to release the need for permanence, and to trust in the cycles of life. Just as Mary Magdalene taught us to embrace our shadows and transmute them into light, Sukkot calls us to enter the sacred space of the sukkah, to face our vulnerabilities, and to find strength in the shelter of the Divine.
Practices for Sukkot:
- Create Your Personal Sukkah: Whether a physical structure or a symbolic sacred space, allow this to represent the temporary nature of life. Decorate it with symbols of the Divine Feminine, such as flowers, fruits, and light, to honor the Shekhinah’s presence. Step inside to reflect on the impermanence of the physical world and the eternal nature of the soul.
- Womb Meditation: Sit quietly and place your hands on your womb space (women and men). Breathe deeply and connect with the energy of creation within. Visualize the Shekhinah’s light filling your womb space with healing and divine love. This practice aligns with the idea of the sukkah as a womb—temporary, yet holding the infinite potential of life and creation.
- Shelah—Go Within to Pray: Take time each day of Sukkoth to retreat inward. Shela in Aramaic means “to go within” and “to pray.” Use this time to connect with your inner divine wisdom and align your heart with the cycles of creation. Let your prayers arise from the depths of your soul, not just for yourself but for the collective healing of the world.
- Simplify and Live with the Essentials: Sukkoth reminds us to live simply and in harmony with nature. This week, pare down your activities, focus on what is truly essential, and let go of distractions. This practice fosters gratitude and helps us return to the essentials of life—family, community, nature, and the Divine.
- Gratitude Ritual: Each day of Sukkoth, reflect on and give thanks for the blessings in your life. Take a moment at the end of the day to write down or speak aloud three things you are grateful for. This aligns with the festival’s harvest energy, reminding us of the abundance we receive from the earth and the Divine.
- Circle of Prayer with the Ushpizin (Holy Guests): Each day, invite spiritual ancestors and holy guests such as Mary Magdalene, Yeshua, or other light beings into your Sukkah or sacred space. Call upon these energies for guidance and protection, asking for their blessings over your life and purpose.
- Walk Barefoot in Nature: Just as the Hebrews wandered the desert, take time to walk barefoot on the earth. This connects you with the energy of the land and the cycles of life. As you walk, offer prayers for the healing of the earth, asking for its protection and renewal.
- Daily Acts of Kindness: Sukkoth invites us to share our blessings with others. Commit to a daily act of kindness or generosity, whether through helping someone in need, donating to a cause, or simply offering a kind word. These acts reflect the Divine Feminine’s nurturing aspect and invite abundance back into your life.
- Womb Journaling: Each day, journal from the perspective of your womb—what is it creating, birthing, or letting go of? What cycles are you experiencing in your life, and how can you flow with them more gracefully? This practice deepens your connection to your body’s wisdom and aligns you with the cycles of nature.
- Closing Shela (Prayer of Gratitude): At the end of Sukkoth, gather in your sacred space, light a candle, and offer a closing prayer of gratitude. Acknowledge the insights, healing, and blessings you have received. Ask for continued guidance as you move forward, carrying the light and teachings of Sukkoth with you into your everyday life.
The holiday of Sukkot starts on the Eve of October 16th and finishes on the Eve of October 23rd.
If you are interested in diving deep into Womb Work, I recommend the Magdalene 6 Wombs Journey. This is an online experience and once you register you have access to the complete journey. CLICK HERE for more information and to register.
I also recommend the Magdalene Desert Rose Womb Awakening and Practitioner Training. CLICK HERE to register and for more information.
I am wishing you a blessed Portal of Sukkot. I will soon be organizing a Community Gathering so we may gather together and chant and pray for Peace.
AHAVA,
Ana Otero
