Physical union with the female remained the sole means through which man could become spiritually complete and ultimately achieve gnosis~ knowledge...

Legend tells us the Holy Grail is a chalice - a cup. But the Grail's description as a chalice is actually an allegory to protect the true nature of the Holy Grail…The Grail is literally the ancient symbol for womanhood and the Holy Grail represents the sacred feminine and the goddess, which of course has now been lost, virtually eliminated by the Church.
The Da Vinci Code
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The Church needed to defame Mary Magdalene [making her out to be a prostitute] in order to cover up her dangerous secret - her role as the Holy Grail.
The Da Vinci Code
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Sophie moved closer to the image [The Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci]. The woman to Jesus' right was young and pious-looking, with a demure face, beautiful red hair, and hands folded quietly….
"Who is she?" Sophie asked.
"That, my dear," Teabing replied, "is Mary Magdalene."
The Da Vinci Code
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The marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is part of the historical record.
The Da Vinci Code