The White Moon Gallery Presents

ST HILDEGARD OF BINGEN

A "Goddess Among Us"


Created by Spiralotus


www.abtei-st-hildegard.de/english/


St. Hildegard of Bingen lived between 1098-1179. Benedictine abbess and mystic called “the Sybil of the Rhine.” She was born in Bockelheim, Germany. Sickly as a child, she was given to an aunt, Jutta, for care in a hermitage near Speyer. She founded Rupertsberg Convent near Bingen around 1147. She was one of the first great German mystics, a poetess, and prophetess.

Her music and poetry have remained popular over the centuries, all part of her recorded mystical experiences. Her best known work is Scivias, written between 1141 and 1151, relating twenty six of her visions. Never formally canonized, Hildegard is regarded as a saint. According to some sources, the paperwork was lost by the Vatican.

Music was extremely important to Hildegard. She describes it as the means of recapturing the original joy and beauty of paradise. Hildegard wrote hymns in honor of saints, virgins and Mary. She wrote in the plainchant tradition. Her music is undergoing a revival and enjoying huge public success. If you purchase some of Hildegards works be sure to read the translations of the latin text of the songs which provide a good example of Hildegard's writing. All her works are sung only by women.

Hildegard had visions of the Shekinah and would describe her visions to a scribe. Many of her herbal healing information came from her visions. Several herbalists and dentists have studied her works, and have found them to be quite sound. She often signed her letters to "stay moist and juicy". Hildegard is considered by some to be a wonderful herbalist and witch.


Here are some of Hildegard's beliefs:

Our eyes are a mirror reflecting the mood of the soul. Bright eyes are signs of life. If someone is physically healthy, he or she has clear and sparkling eyes. Dull eyes are signs of death!

Faulty metabolism may be caused by environmental stress and poor nutrition.

Keep smiling.

No other mental disturbance is as debilitating to a person as rage.

Hildegard's Feastday is September 17.


This illustration is from "Livre des trois vertus," "Book of Three Virtues" from www.yale.eud

Ritual for Herbal Healing Craft:

This is a ritual I created when I am making herbal tinctures, salves, or oils. I invoke Hildegard to my healing crafts. I also put out her picture and play her music when I am teaching herbal craft.

You will need: Green candle A CD of Hildegard's music A picture of the Saint (optional) Your supplies for the herbal craft of your choice.

If it is convenient and practical, create your sacred space before your prayer and work.

Prayer to St. Hildegard:
Holy Mother, bless me as I work with these herbs. Help me to heal using the green's power. Guide me as I create in my herbal craft. And Bless me with your holy knowledge. So Mote It Be.

Create your tinctures, oils and salves, knowing that St. Hildegard watches and guides you. She will answer you with knowledge for healing if you call on her.

When you are finished, open your circle, thanking Hildegard for her blessings.


www.fordham.edu/halsall/med/hildegarde.html



REFERENCES

Herbal Rituals by Judith Berger
www.geocities.com/wholistic_healing/HildegardsMedicine.html
www.newadvent.org/cathen/07351a.htm

Back to Gallery

Join a School