“Saint Hildegarde" - Mystic & Healer

In an era when women were generally considered “inferior,” and often restricted in what they were allowed to do, the German Abbess Hildegarde of Bingen (1098-1179) marched to the beat of her own drum. She founded a convent in Rupertsberg and corresponded with some of the most influential men of her day, including four popes and two emperors. She was widely sought after for her advice on everything from theology to medicine.

A Benedictine nun from the age of fifteen, Hildegarde had been taught the ancient medical doctrine of the “Humors,” which states that illness is caused by imbalances of the bodily fluids, such as blood and bile. To this she added a broad knowledge of folk-medicine, a deep interest in nature, and her own highly developed powers of intuition.

Hildegarde had been subject to “visions” since childhood, but had kept these experiences secret during her early years. In middle age, however, her visions commanded her to “Write what you see and hear”… And so she did, creatively and prolifically! She also wrote poetry, composed music, and painted pictures of what she saw and heard.

As well as being an important mystic, Hildegarde of Bingen is regarded as one of the pioneers of Natural Science. Her literary works include much on the natural world and herbalism. One of her best known (and heftiest) tomes, which is titled the Book of Healing Herbs, describes a wide range of plants, their uses in healing, and the origins of and treatments for numerous and varied diseases.

Although a fascinating woman, and a strong candidate for sainthood, Hildegarde was never officially canonized. However, she was so well admired and respected that she is often referred to as “Saint Hildegarde.”

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