Margaret Barker, Julienne McLean and Rev. Michael Gartland

Margaret Barker is a biblical scholar, who has spent many years researching the mystical traditions of the Jerusalem temple. They have almost disappeared from the Bible and yet are the root of later Christian mysticism. The Holy Wisdom was the Mother figure in this ancient faith. She gave her children spiritual vision, and her oil anointed the Messiah. Memories of this Lady shaped the later veneration of Mary.

Margaret is a past president of the Society for Old Testament Study and a Methodist local preacher. She has published more than 15 books, including An Extraordinary Gathering of Angels (2004), The Gate of Heaven (2008), The Hidden Tradition of the Kingdom of God (2007) and Temple Mysticism. (2011). www.margaretbarker.com

Julienne McLean is a psychologist, Jungian analyst and spiritual director in North London.   She has had a lifelong involvement in the Christian mystical tradition, and teaches, writes and runs retreats on Jungian psychology, prayer and Carmelite spirituality. She co-facilitates a contemplative school of the heart programme. She is the author of ‘Towards Mystical Union’ (2003, 2013, 2017), a commentary on St Teresa of Avila’s book, ‘The Interior Castle’.

Rev Michael Gartland is an Anglican priest and psychotherapist working mainly in the NHS, leading a multifaith mental health chaplaincy and counselling service in West Yorkshire. He has research and teaching interests in fourteenth century English mysticism and Theravada Buddhist psychology. He has extensive experience in leading retreats and of involvement in Buddhist-Christian dialogue.