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This ground-breaking contribution to medicine and healing contains translations of Hildegard text which reflect the high point of medieval, alchemical, and healing science. Commentary by the authors who have worked clinically with Hildegard’s wisdom for over thirty years includes information on ways to treat nervous disorders, indigestion, heart problems, and cancer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

BABS Bakery dedicated to Hildegard von Bingens works
www.babsbakery.com
http://www.babsbakery.com/hildegard.html

List of suggested Hildegard books to read:

Hildegard of Bingen's Medicine, by Dr. Wighard Strehlow & Gottfried Hertzka, M.D. unwinds a major twelfth-century mystic and prophet who wrote about healing through a multidimensional approach, especially in medicine now related to our modern ailments are found within the pages of this book. Clinical levels of healing from sophisticated ancient methods come together in a harmony of explanations. Karan Schneider, PhD., MS., BBA, GC-C, CH-C, SC-C -Founder BABS Bakery.

Handy
Everyone is borrowing this book from me constantly!

I wish they had more information in it, more items. I also bought Physica, but it's on back order for 1/2 year!!! That book has everything in it. But this is a good handy reference guide and definitely helps. I had a cold and followed her advice and it went away swiftly.

This is one to keep with your reference books, (or in a medicine cabinet!)

Hildegard's essentials
A fascinating and very helpful book.There is much of great value in it. Highly recommended

Great Book !!!
If you are interested in your health and nutrition with a spiritual element to it, this book is perfect! I loved this book and have recommened it to many of my friends. I have used alot of the nutrition recommendations, spelt, fennel,and almonds and have seen an improvment in my health.

Useful for Those Interested in Herbal Medicine
If the aspect of Hildegard of Bingen's work that you are interested in is her medicinal lore, then this work will save you hours of wading through her theological writings hunting for her specific recommendations on herbsand health. The main reason I don't give it a higher rating is that theauthors deliver Hildegard's writings as if they were prescriptions, and sherecommended some dubious (but acceptable to Medieval thinking) substancessuch as whale meat and vulture beak powder! ... Read more

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Hildegard of Bingen, twelfth-century German nun, mystic, prophet and political moralist, was widely consulted as an oracle and wrote prolifically on doctrinal matters, as well as on secular matters like medicine, She publicly preached monastic reform, founded two nunneries, and was embroiled in the politics surrounding popes and anti-popes.

Scivias, her major religious work, consists of twenty-six visions, which are first set down literally as she saw them, and are then explained exegetically. A few of the topic covered in the visions are the charity of Christ, the nature of the universe, the kingdom of God, the fall of man, sanctification, and the end of the world. Special emphasis is given to the sacraments of marriage and the Eucharist, in response to the Cathar heresy. As a group the visions form a theological summa of Christian doctrine. At the end of the Scivias are hymns of praise and a short play, probably an early draft of Ordo virtutum, the first known morality play. Hildegard is remarkable for being able to unite " vision with doctrine, religion with science, charismatic jubilation with prophetic indignation, and longing for social order with quest for social justice." This volume elucidates the life of medieval women, and is a striking example of a special form of Christian spirituality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Outstanding female prophet
Hildegard was one of the most famoust mystics of the medieval period.A rarity amoung women of that time, she conversed with learned theologians and even the pope, was given considerable autonomy to learn and teach, and was a very gifted writer, poet, theologian, mystic, and scientist.

Hildegard's visions, which are included in this collection, form a larger set of works of hers which include poems, songs and music, and various encyclopedias.Hildegard was a very learned woman for her time.

Her visions are very complex and involve many elements and themes.Some deal with classic theological motifs from the medieval period, such as the Church, Christ, heaven and hell, the last judgement and the fall.Others deal with the relationship between man (the microcosm) and the universe, while others deal with the mysteries of the Triune God and God's prescence in nature.

Most striking in Hildegard's visions is the intimate connection between man, God, and the creation.Mathew Fox rightly said Hildegard is a creation mystic; for her, the divine spirit fills and energises the universe, and the Earth itself is seen in terms as our mother and as sacred.Hurting creation is in fact a way we hurt ourselves, an ecological ethic which can certainly say a lot to us in this time, where our greedy carelessness towards the world and its resources threatens to imperil our very survival as a species.Hildegard also quite rightly and perceptively understands the goodness of creation in terms of the goodness of God, whose abundance is given to us freely out of love.Our sin in Hildegard's system very much boils down to our selfish tendency to only see ourselves and our wants, rather than our relationship with the creation and the creator.In this way, Hildegard speaks to us today as the prophet, who warns us of the spiritual and material destruction and doom that will come to us if we continue to live in our wicked ways; demythologized and interpreted in our context, this can be read as a prophecy to our own destruction if we do not turn from our sinful selfishness which manifests itself in the reckless way we hurt and exploit other people and the environment merely to sate our own desire.

Hildegard's work is filled with beauty and colour and is greatly enjoyable also as fine art, and indeed, Hildegard is as much a great artist as she is a prophet and mystic.

This collection of her works is quite good and takes us through the main cycles of prophetic visions.

Hildegard of Bingen: Scivias
Rather astonishig how it pulls old testament and new together making excellent sense of items that formerly seemed to make little sense.It told me things I was not even aware of dealing with my own Catholic faith.

A Deep Spiritual Book and to Increase Faith in God.
This book is very deep.I have found it to be an inspiration to live a better andmore holy life.To love others increasingly.
God shows his control of the world, yet, we believe we have control, we do to an extent.A profound book ready to get you on track with faith in HIM.

Highly Recommended !

An approachable translation
Hildegard von Bingen, one of the prominent German mystics in the Middle Ages, stands as an anomaly amidst the whole host of Christian mystics. One reason to account for this is the fact that instead of advocating reform of the church in a confrontational manner, she often deflects it by recourse to God's voice. The voice that speaks in Scivias is more often than not the 1st person voice of God, and the persona of Hildegard the receptor of the visions occupies technically the position of a third person glossator and observer. On top of that, the chief focus of her 'reform' is of 'ordo virtutuum', a reform that works from within as opposed to the outright opposition(or confrontational gestures) offered by English Lollards in their translation of the Latin Vulgate into the vernacular Middle English tongue, or the Beguines' usurpation of the Catholic church's monopoly to Biblical interpretation.

Another reason to account for her special status as a medieval mystic is the absence of any so-called phenomenon of stigmata, trance-like swoonings, fleshly ecstasies like those of Margery Kempe or Teresa D'Avila. Hildegard received these purported visions without the influence of drugs and she transcribed them in a state of clarity unlike any other female mystics of her time.

What I appreciated about this edition was that they placed the pictorial depiction of her visions side by side with her writings and expositions of their meanings. The pity however is that these pictures(illustrated plates in the original medieval manuscripts) are not coloured, and one suffers from disappointment since he is not able to re-construct exactly the details(right down to the colour and shade Hildegard mentions) as in the original. Barbara Newman's introduction was extremely helpful, owing to her academic expertise in the field of medieval mysticism. Personally speaking, I bought this for the sake of an academic paper, but anyone else who is interested in the background of medieval mysticism and esoteric wisdom will find Newman's introduction enlightening and useful to set the whole work in the right context.

A book of wisdom a Christian should not ignore
Scivias is a book that unfortunately is not very well known. This is a work a Christian should not ignore, as well as all the work of St. Hildegard von Bingen. The whole book shows that this is really heavenlyinspiration, no doubt that Saint Hildegard had the gifts of the HolySpirit, since she had the gifts of prophecy, healing, etc. She is one ofthe most amazing persons born in the world. ... Read more

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Hildegard, the "Sybil of the Rhine," was a Benedictine nun and one of the most prolific and original women writers of the Middle Ages. Arranged thematically, this new edition of her work brings together selections from her visionary trilogy, her treatise on medicine and the natural world, and her songs and correspondence.

This unique volume includes a chronology of her life and times, bibliography, select discography, explanatory notes, glossary, and connecting commentary. It shows Hildegard as a wide-ranging thinker who touched on many themes that concern us today, including: the relationship between human beings and the natural world, mutuality between men and women, and the importance of a holistic approach to life.

Translated with an introduction by Mark Attherton. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A good collection
This is a good overview of Hildegard's work. Hildegard was in fact NOT canonized after her death.

Excellent introduction to the Sybil of the Rhine
As a composer, poet and writer on theological, scientific and medical subjects, Hildegard von Bingen has bequeathed us a rich legacy. She is one of the few female medieval composers whose work is generally known and performed today. My favorite interpretation of her music can be found in four tracks on Meredith Monk's album "Monk and the Abbess" Atherton's book provides selected texts from her visionary Scivias trilogy, her medical writings, songs and letters. Interestingly enough, Hildegard is known today in Europe by followers of holistic and herbal medicine on the one hand, and by lovers of classical and medieval music on the other. She is also admired for her life story and for having been a popular and influential author during a misogynist era. Although she was orthodox in belief and criticized the Gnostic Cathars to my dismay I still admire her spirituality and the feminine expression of it (she saw man & woman as equals) and her understanding of humanity's unity with nature and the universe. Atherton provides explanatory introductions to her writings, and the book has a chronology of her colorful life, a discography of her music, notes, and a glossary.

Mystical music for one's ears
Hildegard, the "Sybil of the Rhine," was a Benedictine nun and one of the most prolific and original women writers of the Middle Ages. Arranged thematically, this new edition of her work brings together selections from her visionary trilogy, her treatise on medicine and the natural world, and her songs and correspondence. Interwoven with beautiful ease, Atherton manages to write with the exactness of an academic but with clearness of a good storyteller. The translations are illuminating and musical in themselves, and a corner-stone for any Hildegard enthusiast.This unique volume includes a chronology of her life and times, bibliography, select discography, explanatory notes, glossary, and connecting commentary. It shows Hildegard as a wide-ranging thinker who touched on many themes that concern us today, including: the relationship between human beings and the natural world, mutuality between men and women, and the importance of a holistic approach to life. Much can be learned! ... Read more

Product Description
Synthesizes the holistic wisdom of Hildegard of Bingen to offer the modern reader her spiritual and psychological healing principles.
* Takes a holistic view of psychological or spiritual illness and its physical repercussions.
* Shows how to incorporate healing words into thoughts in order to prevent negative energy.
* Companion volume to Hildegard of Bingen's Medicine, a collection of remedies for physical ailments (30,000 sold).

A 12th-century mystic, visionary, and healer, Hildegard of Bingen recognized what the holistic health movement has only recently restored to our consciousness: that full health can only be experienced in a state of spiritual balance. Psychological trauma, emotional distress, and other maladies of the soul often lead to illness and chronic diseases. Healing the body begins with the self-healing of the spirit.

Dr. Wighard Strehlow explains the natural methods used by Hildegard of Bingen to treat weaknesses of the soul--problems that are today treated by drugs such as Prozac. Based on his clinical work with this effective energetic medicine for more than 20 years, Dr. Strehlow gives readers a complete program for a lifestyle of "spiritual fitness." His practical suggestions are based on the integration of 35 spiritual forces of the human soul in order to "cure the soul within," which he synthesized from five of Hildegard's books on spiritual and psychological healing principles. He suggests that the recovery of Hildegard's insights into cultivating the health of body and spirit may even provide solutions to the challenges currently frustrating Western medical science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A little doctrinaire, but very interesting
Wighard Strehlow has provided a good look at the writings on human health of Hildegard of Bingen, the famous twelfth-century Benedictine nun and mystic.

The focus of this work is basically on attempting to understand the social prblems we are faced with today in terms of the modern Western way of life and how it fails to satisfy what he sees as basic human needs. Essentially, whilst Strehlow does directly refer a good deal to the writings of Hildegard herself, the greater part of this book by far is concerned with his own interpretation of what there things mean for people today. Strehlow certainly believe that the charatceristic remedies proposed in Hildegard's writings - fasting, wearing rough and scratchy clothing and hard physical exercise - will solve the spiritual problems that undoubtedly do plague our culture today. The tone of the book indeed is extremely modern, even postmodern, in the manner it exaplains the body's function and relates them to the way we live our daily life in terms of quite advanced science, especially relating ot bodily chemistry such as that of free radicals.

However, it is fair to say that the book tends to apply Hildegard's findings in a quite literal manner that moves from its generally modern character to a very different world - which Strehlow however does seem to appreciate. He manages in a quite interesting, even thought-provoking way to link up Hildegard's work to the most modern physics and biology, as well as study the findings of dietitians very clearly.

It is fair to say though, that for all its scientific postmodernism, Strehlow is very doctrinaire, at times resembling a Vatican spokesperson. However, the book is still worthwhile reading for the way in which it illustrates a very different system of understanding both physical and spiritual disorders that plague our culture today.

Practical application of ancient healing wisdom
Hildegard of Bingen, also called the Sybil of the Rhine, was a great mystic, poet, musician and healer in 12th century Germany. An early holistic practitioner, she used stones, crystals, herbs, words and music in her healing art. Strehlow's book is based upon Hildegard's Book Of Values In Life, in which she discusses 35 risk factors that are harmful to humanity plus the 35 healing forces that counteract these negatives.

The book makes the connection between physical illness and the sickness of the soul and recommends Hildegard's spiritual remedies instead of surgery, chemical treatment and radiation. The mind controls the body, in particular the autonomic nervous system and all major systems like digestion, sexuality and the immune system.This ties in with modern theories on spiritual healing, like psycho-neuro-immunology. Hildegard's wisdom connects the 35 vertebrae of the spinal cord to the aforementioned 35 spiritual forces of the human body, making clear the connection to every organ.

These 35 factors are discussed in chapters 3 - 7: The Eastman, The Westman, the Northman, The Southman and The New Elders' Ascent To The Summit under sections titled Crystal Therapy, Harmful Words, Healing Words, Organ Relationship and Spiritual Healing. Chapter 6: Fasting, deals with fasting as a way to discover one's true personality. Throughout, the importance of the unity of the body, mind, and soul is stressed. Good health is the result of the right ordering of the relationship of the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual dimensions into a harmonious whole.

For a general introduction and overview of Hildegard's various writings, I recommend the book Selected Writings: Hildegard of Bingen (Penguin Classics) by Mark Atherton. I would also like to recommend the CD Monk And The Abbess. This remarkable album contains four of her compositions: O Quam Mirabilis (Antiphon for the Creator), O Ecclesia (Sequence for St. Ursula), O Clarissima Mater (Responsory for the Virgin) and Tu Illustrata (Antiphon for the Virgin), exquisitely performed by the great musician Meredith Monk. Monk and the Abbess is a highly inspiring album and should appeal to those who appreciate vocal medieval and classical music.

In The Spiritual Remedies, Strehlow succeeds in making accessible the wisdom and insight of this medieval visionary in a practical and useful manner, highly relevant to our time. The text is enhanced with plenty of black and white illustrations. The book contains biographical notes on the author and on Hildegard and concludes with an extensive bibliography and a thorough index. ... Read more

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Twelfth-century Rhineland mystic Hildegard von Bingen records her exquisite encounter with divinity, producing a magnificent fusion of divine inspiration and human intellect. Hildegard von Bingen’s Mystical Visions is perhaps the most complete and powerful documentation of mystical consciousness in recorded history. Now after 800 years, these visions are again available for those seeking to reawaken mystical consciousness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

BABS Bakery dedicated to Hildegard von Bingens works
[...]

List of suggested Hildegard books to read:

Hildegard von Bingen's Mystical Visions, Translated from Scivias by, Bruce Hozeski. The author is a Professor of English, past president, and founder of the International Hildegard von Bingen Studies in 1984. He is an inspiration to anyone in this area of study. The powerful documentation in this book is translated from one of the most evolved visionaries for individuals to experience as it creates a paradox within the soul struggling for more knowledge to the existence on how the visions celebrate wisdom and insight to understand the truthful simplicity within them. Hildegard's artwork correlating to the writings is a phenomenon to the 'material' art world. Karan Schneider, PhD., MS., BBA, GC-C, CH-C, SC-C -Founder BABS Bakery. [...]

incomplete
I was disappointed to see that not all Hildegarde's visions have been translated and included.The editing seems primarily to eliminate those visions popularly believed to refer to the future "end times".Almost the entire section of "vision eleven", dealing with that subject, has been edited out.
The book is definitely useful as a reference for the character of St. Hildegarde, and the "language" of dreams & visions, however I was, as I said, disappointed with what seems to be a "censoring" of the material.

An Awesome, thought provoking book
I don't remember reading a book before that provoked such awe of God. Her visions are vivid and her words invoke realistic mind pictures. She interprets a lot and sometimes writes what she heard God say. Some of thethings she believes God told her, I am not sure I accept, but all in allthe work inspires me to want to make God the center of my life. It is notalways the easiest reading, but is understandable -- the translator did anadmirable Job. I will look for more of her work. ... Read more

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Drawing on contemporary sources, the text unfolds Hildegard's life from the time of her entrance into an anchoress's cell to her death as a famed visionary and writer, abbess and confidante of popes and kings, more than seventy years later. Against this background the author explores Hildegard's vast creative work, encompassing theology, medicine, natural history, poetry, and music. This new edition includes: a new preface, additions to the biographical sections which reveal new discoveries about Hildegard's life, updated references to the latest critical material on Hildegard's writings, and a new bibliography and discography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Hildegard for experts
This book was well written and readable.I have 2 problems:not enough information was given about life in convents at that time, and the author assumes the reader knows as much as she does about her subject.Both of these are probably due to the author's enthusiasm and depth of knowledge about her subject.But I need the Intro to Hildegard, not the advanced version.

Interesting and informative biography of Hildegard of Bingen
Sabina Flanagan's book provides a clear, coherent, and interesting account of Hildegard's life, without veering toward excessive speculation or sensationalism - always a temptation when dealing with topics like "vision" or "prophecy" or "faith healing." The book opens with a biographical overview of Hildegard's life, and of the context in which she lived. Succeeding chapters deal with the various dimensions of Hildegard's ministry. For the most part, the material is well-chosen; my only complaint would be the amount of attention given to her role as "healer." This chapter of the book has a certain arcane interest insofar as it reflects the culture and beliefs of the Middle Ages, but it is not an edifying or relevant discourse. For the most part, it is a somewhat belabored description of Hildegard's very non-scientific advice for healing various disorders. This was decidedly not her major contribution to human history. Other chapters deal with more significant and/or inspiring topics: Hildegard's role as administrator and pastoral theologian of sorts; her considerable contributions to the field of music; her writings and preaching; and her role as spiritual counselor.
The book takes a bit of a downturn in the final chapter, when the author, albeit somewhat cautiously, hazards an interpretation of Hildegard's visionary experiences as being rooted in migraine headaches. Granted, the author admits that it is a major step from visionary to prophet, and that Hildegard's status as prophet cannot be reduced to neuro-physiological phenomena. Nevertheless, the thesis is forced, and highly speculative, since there is no objective evidence to indicate that Hildegard even suffered from migraines, much less that she confused them with divinely inspired visions. I personally suffer from migraines - and believe me, I'm in no danger of confusing them with divine revelations.
Overall, it is a well-written book, although clearly intended for an educated audience. It is not an academic treatise, but neither does it fall into the genre of what we might call "popular biography." For motivated readers, it is a solid investment of time and energy - but read the last chapter with a few grains of salt.

very useful introduction to Hildegard
This is a very insightful book written from the perspective of a historian. Each chapter breaks down Hildegard's legacy in several given areas: her music, writings, medicinal and healing abilities, art, etc. Thisbook is very useful as a well thought out introduction to the life of thisintriguing saint.

A very nice biography on Hildegard.
Hildegard certainly was a fascinating person, and this is a very informative book about her life and works. The book is written in a scholarly manner, and is very clear and readable. The author speculates abit on why Hildegard was as she was, but never in an unreasonable way, andthe argumentation is never gets absurd. ... Read more

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An introduction to the life and work of Hildegard.Reveals the life and teachings of one of the greatest female artists and *intellectuals of the Western Mystical Tradition.*Contains 24 full-color illustrations by Hildegard of Bingen.*Includes commentary by Matthew Fox, author of Original Blessing (250,000 sold).

Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was an extraordinary woman living in the Rhineland valley during most of the twelfth century. Besides being the abbess of a large and influential Benedictine abbey, she was a prominent preacher, healer, scientist, and artist. She also was a composer and theologian, writing nine books on theology, medicine, science, and physiology, as well as 70 poems and an opera. At the age of 42, she began to have visions; these were captured as 36 illuminations-24 of which are recorded in this book along with her commentaries on them. She also wrote a text describing these visions entitled Scivias (Know the Ways), now published as Hildegard of Bingen's Mystical Visions.

Author Matthew Fox has stated, "If Hildegard had been a man, she would be well known as one of the greatest artists and intellectuals the world has ever seen." It is a credit to the power of the women's movement and our times that this towering genius of Western thought is being rediscovered in her full grandeur and autonomy.

Virtually unknown for more than 800 years in Western history, Hildegard was featured as one of the women in Judy Chicago's Dinner Party in the early 1980s and published for the first time in English by Bear & Company in 1982. In addition to her mystical teachings, Hildegard's music has been performed and recorded for a new and growing audience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Excellent
What a trail-blazer!Hildegard led the way in the Middle Ages for spirituality as well as for science.She influenced so many others with her writings and illuminations - Meister Eckhart, Dante, Teresa of Avila, etc.

Hildegard is Great
Hildegard is a hidden female gem. She ranks up there with St. Teresa of Avila and other mystic saints. Her gift is artwork which when focused upon can transcend to higher levels or spheres. And her song are magical also.

A Medieval Amazing Contribution to Apocalyptic Revelations

"I am the breeze that nurtures all things green.
I encourage blossoms to flourish with ripening fruits.
I am the rain coming from the dew
that causes the grasses to laugh with the joy of life."

"All of creation is a symphony of the Holy Spirit which is joy and Jubilation. ...The prophetic spirit orders that God be praised with Cymbals of jubilation and with the rest of the musical instruments..."Hildegard of Bingen



Apocalyptic Visions:
Mythical prophecies for world-ending dreams come out of a collective anxiety about the future of our planet or frailty of the human race. These dreams may be triggered in times of global upheavals and unpredictability. A millennial click may generates such kind of dreaming for some people. Y2K was associated with expected software crashes, which could have caused banking systems chaos, or air flight accidents, which did not materialize anyway. But the damaging news about the earth droughts, water pollution, global warming, and other potential fears for flooding or cosmic collision will continue to be nightmares for others. Whenever instability or insecurity become themes of cultural awareness, apocalyptic dreams for some people become frequent. Interpreting this type of dream may be calling the dreamer to protect their domains against risks that are beyond your secured zone.
Religious or spiritual revelation that heralds the end of the world is a powerful image. Usually, the dreamer will see some significant icons of their faith initiating or withstanding the destruction. Another scenario is that adherents to the mysticism are identified in a particular way and survive the destruction because of their association. In these dreams, the world is often reordered. Many times, these dreams will accompany a time in the dreamer's life when he or she feels that the entire world is against them and only their association with something larger than themselves can provide a resolution.

Feminist 'End Time Kingdom':
With Hildegard the contribution to apocalyptic expectations ceased to be an exclusive male visionary activity on the fringe of Christian belief. Bernard McGinn summarizes her unique view of the end times as, "the picture that she has of the Antichrist, for example, as part of this play or scenario, is one of the most inventive of the entire medieval period. Well, Hildegard of course gives us several pictures of the end times. But the one that was most .. powerful, I think, is the picture in her book Scivias, the visionary book that she wrote in the 1140's. ... a series of visions, many of the connected with the heavenly world, ... the picture of the kingdoms of the end time and the birth of Antichrist from the Church. This is a powerful image of a vast female figure representing the Church, with this horrible monstrous head being born from the woman."

Holistic View of God and humanity:
"It is both fitting and just that such an impressive array of feminine medieval scholars should present this "faithful and unabridged translation" of the Scivias of Hildegard of Bingen. "Fitting," not because Hildegard was a rabid feminist in the modern sense, but because as a woman in a patriarchal age she dared to obey God 'instead of men,' preaching and writing to arouse to Christian responsibility a 'lukewarm and sluggish' clergy and an ill-informed people in what she called an 'effeminate age.' And 'just' because scholars of her own gender may best resonate with some of the struggles Hildegard faced in follower her prophetic calls, a mission that eventually won the support of her contemporary, St. Bernard, and the official endorsement of Pope Eugenius II himself. ... Granted Hildegard's fascinating personality, what is the real value of this particular book of her prophetic visions for us today? ...: "To students of spirituality, Hildegard remains of compelling interest ... as a perfect embodiment of the integrated, holistic approach to God and humanity for which our fragmented era longs" Sr. Helen Barrow, OSB

Medieval Apocalyptic Pantheism?
Hildegard of Bingen is one of the focal figures in the history of apocalypticism to promote its Judeo Christian symbolic prophecies. The brilliant German abbess, obscure but very mystical, a multi-talented woman, and a devoted believer in Biblical prophecy. Her innovation to the tradition was through illumination, presenting her vision, and commentaries on the prophecies, unfolded through paintings in which she employed to capture the core of her visions. The Last Judgment after the reign of the Antichrist penetrated into European culture, in her own day and later. Like other visionaries she felt called upon to reprove rulers; her correspondents included Henry II of England, the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, Pope Eugenius III, and various other prelates.
In "The Illuminated Life," Nancy Mackenzie subtly echoes 'the divine essence present in all things,' as a proof of Hildegard's pantheism ('They speak of spirits in all things .. of poems all composed in the company of trees.') For Mackenzie it is 'the spirits' everywhere present. She echoes Matthew's Gospel (Matt.10:30) statement that 'even the hairs of your head have all been counted' as she takes a hair from her companion's head to fold into her 'book of life', poems written with trees and on the product of trees.

Popularization of Hildegard:
Hildegard's long life stands as testimony to what a brilliant and well-placed woman could accomplish in the medieval century that produced more outstanding women than any other. Virtually unknown for eight centuries of Western history, Hildegard was featured as one of the women in Judy Chicago's Dinner Party in the early 1980s and published for the first time in English by Bear & Company in 1982. In addition to her mystical teachings, Hildegard's music has been performed and recorded for a new and growing audience. Author Matthew Fox has stated, "If Hildegard had been a man, she would be well known as one of the greatest artists and intellectuals the world has ever seen."
"After his challenging presentation, we were walking to dinner through the wet slush of a Chicago January and I told Tom that I was working on a book on Hildegard of Bingen's paintings and illuminations. "Ah, Hildegard!" he said. "A great genius." And he was off expounding on Hildegard. He was the first person I had encountered who knew who she was. And of course his knowledge was of the deepest kind. Thomas Berry helps me to resacralize the gift of curiosity. So many people in our culture and so many clergy appear to be anything but curious. They are complacent. Intellectually complacent. But not Tom." Matthew Fox recalls

M. Fox Criticism:
It is wrong to give uninformed and Curia biased judgement on Matthew Fox theology, which is based on Eastern Churches Cosmology and Soteriology, rather than 'Illuminations book' review, a milestone in Catholic apocalyptic fascination. Fox gave a novel look at the Medieval seer, and made popular her illuminations, and consequently the Scivias. this book was a confirmation of 'Original Blessings' line of Nouvelle Theologie. His reference to Chenu, Master Eckhart, Mircea Eliade, Julian of Norwich, Carl Jung, and the like made his work inaccessible to dogma oriented hard liners.
For those pre Vatican II enthusiasts, let them be shocked out of their misinformation, when they learn that readings from the Apocalypse of John cannot be found in any Eastern Orthodox Lectionary. Visions and apocalypses are not so regarded in the Eastern Church. Even the book of Revelations of (John the Elder, a local bishop and disciple of John the beloved) was authorized by St. Athanasius in 367, to avoid alienating the Roman Church whose faithful admired it, while affirming the epistle to the Hebrews, the Alexandrine favorite, in exchange. Earlier Dionysius the Great, Papa of Alexandria(247 to 264) blamed Napos, Bishop of Arsenoi, ruling that the book of the Apocalypse was a distraction from the good News, which says that eternal life start here (John 17:3). Dionysius concluded, on his textual criticism, that the stylistic and lexical features of the book of revelation proved that the evangelist could not have written the book of apocalypse. So let alone Matthew Fox even if his editorial method is more colorful than precise.

Illuminations Reviews:
"It is evident from this (cover) picture that Hildegard [of Bingen] does not repress the shadow side of existence. For all of her celebration of divine illumination, she never forgets evil" Joanna Weston
"We find relatively few Christian guides in the past to enlighten or to inspire us to a more functional relationship between the human and the natural worlds. ... Hildegard might be considered a model with her sense of the earth as region of delight." Thomas Berry, The Great Work and The Dream of the Earth
"Unfortunately , only a partial and unreliable version exists of the third book, Hildegarde of Bingen's book of divine Works, edited by Matthew Fox." Bernard McGinn

Nature, Man, and Society in the Twelfth Century: Essays on New Theological Perspectives in the Latin West (MART: The Medieval Academy Reprints for Teaching)
Hildegard of Bingen's Book of Divine Works: With Letters and Songs

Anyone but Fox. Please.
It is an insult to one of the greatest
of the spiritual masters and moral theologians
in the history of Christianity to have her work
promoted and misrepresented by a disgrace like Matthew Fox,
whom she would have condemned as a heretic had she known him.
Find a different source for information
and analysis of the work of Hildegard of Bingen.
Please.

Abysmal commentary, OK pictures
Fox's commentary paints Hildegard as a rather mushy New Age spiritualist.(Which she was NOT!) The book's only redeeming quality is it's large, full-color reproductions of her illuminated manuscripts. ... Read more

Product Description
For a woman of the 12th century, Hildegard of Bingen's achievements were so exceptional that posterity has found it hard to take her measure. Hildegard authority Barbara Newman brings together major scholars to present an accurate portrait of the Benedictine nun and her many contributions to 12th-century religious, cultural, and intellectual life. 18 illustrations. ... Read more

Product Description
Hildegard of Bingen was perhaps the original "rebel nun"--a woman of stunning visionary gifts who rose above the restrictions of her time to shape the destiny of Christianity. In Hildegard of Bingen, readers encounter this remarkable woman, who dared to speak out with such strength and purpose that even the 12th-century Church had to respect her divinely inspired wisdom. Through her writings, her musical and lyrical compositions, and her compassionate bravery, Hildegard invites us today to a place of stillness where we can clearly hear the inner wisdom that is our birthright. Hildegard's life gives us a blueprint for spiritual practice in action. From her many innovative writings on the spiritual journey, women's health, and herbal medicine, to her courage to admonish world rulers to choose peace instead of war, she shines across the centuries as an example of how to live fearlessly our own limitless radiance. Hildegard of Bingen brings readers into the presence of this heroic woman, in a devotional treasure that will find a welcome place on any personal altar, shrine, or bedside table. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the third and final volume of the complete annotated correspondence of the extraordinary nun, Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). One of the most remarkable women of her day, Hildegard was, for more than 30 years, an unflinching advisor and correspondent of all levels of church and society, from popes and kings to ordinary lay persons, from Jerusalem to England.This present volume (letters 218-390) is noteworthy for its large collection of letters to a non-ecclesiastical audience, and because it contains letters not just to such high-ranking notables as Frederick Barbarossa, King Henry II of England, or Eleanor or Acquitaine, but also to common, ordinary individuals of no importance whatsoever, save that they received a letter from Hildegard of Bingen. Addressing matters as diverse as the "humors" and their relation to health and salvation, the fate of departed souls, the frequency and horror of homicide in her age, a means of exorcising malignant spirits, an effective kind of incantation to alleviate nightmares, the proper attitude and response to the fact of excommunication, and male infidelity in marriage, Hildegard provides a unique view of the twelfth century world. Here also are found compositions in epistolary style that are actually sermons, mediations, prayers, or treatises on a wide range of theological topics, such as prophecy, celebration of the Mass, the Lord's Prayer, the creation, and the fall of Adam. Like previous volumes, the translation follows the most recent definitive Latin text, in which the letters are organized according to the rank and station of Hildegard's correspondents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Mediaeval Masterpiece
Here, in the third volume of a three volume set
is the translation of the written correspondence
between Hildegard of Bingen and many of her contemporaries.
Included among her pen pals are some of the most well-known
figures in history.

If you have any interest in Medieval history
and Christian theology/philosophy,
these letters from one of the greatest Christian mystics,
spiritual masters, theologians, artists, musicians
and intellectuals of all time must be included in your library.
You will read it again and again.

It is the kind of book that is hard to stop reading.
Because the letters are short, you can sample the book
for only a few minutes at a time.

A visionary, having received private revelations
from God from the age of five years,
she kept them mostly to herself until in her 40's
when instructed by the Pope to share them.
Many of her letters contain revelations that may not
be recorded elsewhere. How cool is that!

Unfortunately, all three volumes of her letters
in the English translation are out of print.
Get them if you can find them. ... Read more

Product Description
One of two major medical treatises by medieval healerHildegard von Bingen, presented in its entirety for the first time inEnglish during the 900th anniversary of her birth.* A seminal text in the development of Western herbal medicine.* Presents nine categories of healing systems--Plants, Elements,* Trees, Stones, Fish, Birds, Animals, Reptiles, and Metals--and* elaborates on their medicinal use.* Closely related to Eastern medical approaches that are gaining* respect today.

At a time when few women could write and most were denied a formaleducation, Hildegard von Bingen became a legendary healer, visionary,musician, artist, poet, and saint. Her works include twenty-sevensymphonic compositions; Scivias, a compilation of her visions; and hertwo major medical works, Causae et Curae, a medical compendium, andPhysica, published here in English in its entirety for the first time.

Physica has a strong affinity with the Eastern medical approachesgaining great respect today. The modern reader interested in naturalhealing will recognize the enormous truth in the theories of this12th-century physician, which remind us that our cures for illnessdepend on our natural world and our place in it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Beautiful
Priscilla Throop's fine translation of Hildegard's PHYSICA is an exacting, heart-felt treasure, valuable to scholars and laymen alike. With this, and her more recent translation of Hildegard's CAUSES AND CURES, today's reader gets a clear view of Hildegard's scientific, medical world.

BABS Bakery dedicated to Hildegard von Bingens works
www.babsbakery.com
http://www.babsbakery.com/hildegard.html

List of suggested Hildegard books to read:

Hildegard von Bingen's PHYSICA, Translated from the Latin by, Priscilla Throop includes 'nine-books' of healing systems while elaborating on how to prepare and apply various remedies. A correlation with Oriental medical approaches recognizes an enormous truth to the theories that are effective today. A busy life can lead to a busy disease, so in taking time to understand how to assist a busy life, as well as understanding healing work from the spirit first, in a great respect for God-given balancing. Karan Schneider, PhD., MS., BBA, GC-C, CH-C, SC-C -Founder BABS Bakery. www.babsbakery.com

Interesting, but challenging
I have tried to use this book once or twice. One of the things that still make me giggle is using lion's ears to combat deafness. Then I remembered all these animal body-parts that are still being harvested for their medical qualities that are bringing the animals into extinction -- like is the case with the rhinoceros and the shark. So I stop giggling and stick to the plant sections.

The recipes that Hildegard uses are sometimes hard to do because I simply have no idea what some of the plants she uses are. She also uses wine a lot, which is new to me. I come from a tea tradition, so boiling things in wine is a true novelty. Maybe this is why I have not used it much since it can be very different from what I know. On the other hand, it has provided me wonderful new experiences in the herbal work! I have not used the mineral section yet, and only stuck to the plant section.

At the very least, it is a fascinating treatise on medieval medicine. I do recommend it!

Engaging, Historical Compendium
From herbal treatments to stone power, Hildegard covers it all in this excellent translation by Priscilla Throop.Anyone interested in the holistic and deep level personhood approach of Hildegard (she was much more than her music) will count this book as essential to their collection.Hildegard as theologian, philosopher, musician, and natural healer can all be seen in Physica.Enjoy!!!

a contribution to the study of medieval medicine
Ms.Throop provides a learned introduction to Hildegard and a fluent translation of an important medical text.Scholars and interested laymen will benefit from her efforts.
Michael T.Walton,Ph.D. ... Read more

Product Description
For this revised edition of Hildegard's liturgical song cycle, Barbara Newman has redone her prose translations of the songs, updated the bibliography and discography, and made other minor changes. Also included is an essay by Marianne Richert Pfau which delineates the connection between music and text in the Symphonia.

Famous throughout Europe during her lifetime, Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a composer and a poet, a writer on theological, scientific, and medical subjects, an abbess, and a visionary prophet. One of the very few female composers of the Middle Ages whose work has survived, Hildegard was neglected for centuries until her liturgical song cycle was rediscovered. Songs from it are now being performed regularly by early music groups, and more than twenty compact discs have been recorded. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This will keep you busy!
I haven't read the second edition, actually, but I did read the first (1988) and I'm using it at the moment. In addition to fabulous translations (literal and artistic) of Hildegard's poetry, Barbara Newman provides agreat depth of description, background material, explanations, andinformation regarding Hildegard and her work. It's a sound scholarlyreference and the poetry is breathtaking. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Despite Some Historical Inaccuracies, this Book Shines!
Having read several of the more scholarly treatises on Abbess Hildegard of Bingen, I'm finding it a breath of fresh air to experience her as a living being.The book is beautifully written and is not afraid to present Hildegard as all too human, dealing with the concerns and fears that must have accompanied her extraordinary visionary gifts.Although Hildegard would never have called herself a "feminist", since she embraced the precepts and beliefs of Catholicism, including the superiority of an all-powerful male God, she held women in high regard and challenged many of the assumptions of that time about women the value of women in the eyes of God.It is difficult to imagine that the Catholic church never officially granted sainthood to Hildegard; however, she is considered a saint in Germany - and I agree!

Good story with historical flaws
This book really does make Hildegard come to life, by presenting her in the context of her times and her beliefs. But there are lots of weird little historical mistakes that suddenly snap the reader out of 12thcentury Germany, making it hard to stay with the story line. For example: Amonk says he thinks the nuns should just stick with their rosaries--butrosaries didn't exist then. The margravine is desribed as wearing a dresswith lace at the sleeves, but lacemaking was still several centuries in thefuture. Bernard of Clairvaux is described as having a beard, but monks wereclean-shaven--it was the friars of the next century that wore beards. Andseveral characters supposedly wear velvet, but it hadn't been invented yet.I really wish the author had taken the time to research a little better,since Hildegard was (and is) such an appealing character. Historical novelsthat aren't true to their period are as annoying to read as stories withgeographical or technological errors.Putting the archbishop in velvet islike putting Rome in France or giving President Lincoln a telephone--kindamakes it hard to believe the story after that.

Hildegard comes alive.
The life, the country, the contemporaries, and the political times of Hildegard come alive in this book. She was more than a religious woman who could write music - she had a great deal of courage and determination which even today would make her an outstanding feminist. Read it while listening to her music and find your dreams taking yyou to another world. ... Read more

Product Description
A biography of the twelfth century saint of the Catholic Church, which considers her life in the context of the political events of her time and her theology of art, music, and medicine. ... Read more

Product Description
The twelfth-century German abbess Hildegard of Bingen would have been remarkable in any age.Today, her growing reputation as a composer of religious music has overshadowed the astonishing variety of her accomplishments and her part in the scientific, cultural, and theological revolution of the pre-Renaissance, from religion and mysticism to medicine and sex.Scivias, her book of apocalyptic visions, with its extraordinary and compelling illustrations, would alone have been enough to endure her lasting fame.

The story of Hildegard's life, from her entry into a monastery at Disibodenberg on the Rhine as a child, through the exploration of her pent-up genius in middle years, to her eventual admission to the German canon of saints, is here told against a rich background of the years of the Crusades, the flowering of monasticism, papal schism and heresy.The forceful character that emerges challenges any image of demurely subjugated womanhood associated with the period.Hildegard's story is as fascinating as that of any figure in the Middle Ages, and she and her musical legacy continue to be the subject of debate a thousand years later.


From the Hardcover edition.Amazon.com Review
Among Catholic saints, the 12th-century German abbess Hildegard ofBingen perhaps best fits the description of wild womanhood offered byCole Porter's "The Lady Is a Tramp." That is, Hildegard did it all, shedid it her way, and everyone who hears about her is amazed. Such is afair summary of the evidence offered in Hildegard of Bingen, abiography by Fiona Maddocks (the chief music critic for London'sThe Observer). Hildegard is today best known for her hauntingmusical compositions. She was also, in Maddocks's description, "apolymath: a visionary, a theologian, a preacher; an early scientistand physician; a prodigious letter writer who numbered emperors andpopes among her correspondents ... Her boldness, courage, and tenacitymade her at once enthralling and haughty, intrepid, and irksome." Thisis a straightforward, chronologically organized biography, beginningwith Hildegard's girlhood (she entered a male monastery when she was8 years old) and ending with the story of her canonization and acontemporary account of the procession that occurs annually on herfeast day in Eibingen, the site of the second convent she founded.Throughout, Maddocks reminds readers of the rich historical backgroundof Hildegard's life (the Crusades, the rise of monasticism, thebeginnings of the Renaissance), offering not only an account ofone extraordinary woman but of an era whose influence onour own is still being felt. --Michael Joseph Gross ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good work, not "the best," though
This book is the well-written, scholarly (but not too heavy) tale of the life of one courageous and troubled twelfth century Benedictine nun whom most of us have heard of but really know little about.She's the darling of a hundred modern "movements" -- everyone from feminists to religious musicians -- but she's much more -- and less -- than the typical speculations and carefully chosen facts present.

The truth is that Hildegard "von Bingen" was a woman of paradoxes: a hardline conservative Catholic who acknowledged the "weakness" of her sex yet fought for recognition in the Church; a deeply pious nun who appealed to the rule of St. Benedict and yet contradicted it when it suited her purposes; a woman dedicated to the religious life and eschewing the political, yet intricately involved in political correspondence and the shaping of policy.

Hildegard is fascinating, and Fiona Maddock's retelling of what we really know (and don't know) of her life is quite good.It goes into great detail, sometimes on tangents seemingly unrelated to Hildegard, and occasionally the writing wanders off so far that the reader becomes frustrated.Nevertheless, the book is loosely chronological, so it's not too hard to get back on track, and the writing itself is accomplished.Many of the tangents, however annoying, cast a welcome light on the customs and Church doctrine (different in many respects from today, or later ages) of Hildegard's day.Altogether, this book is intriguing and a good read, but be prepared for a few slow-downs.

History at its best
There has been more books written about Hildegard than any other medieval mover and shaker in the last few years. This book just happens to be the apex of this new found trend, as with a cool head and a sound heart the author has displayed an enormous ability at extracting truth from fiction in this informative account of her life. With splashes of descriptive writing and an elegant historical style the author sketches out the various aspects of her life, from her extraordinary visions to her bumps and bruises from fighting the established church on occasions, from her bending of the rules slightly (in regards to women not preaching) to her bouts of illness, in all this the author is able to keep her skepticism and objectivism to commendable level.

At first when picking up this book I thought(as my opinion had been soured by crusading feminism before) that this might be yet another author looking at Hildegard as a shining beacon of femininity in the twelve century and extort what only can be regarded as propaganda, but I'm glad to report that I was not only wrong but this book has left a lasting impression that will take a long time to forget. Vivid, compelling and constantly witty, I do not recommend you read this book, I demand you read it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great information in this book
I thought this book was very interesting. I learned alot about the dying process. Things to look for from the body and the spirit. ... Read more

Product Description
Medieval saint, mystic, healer, and visionary—Hildegard von Bingen has made a comeback. She is now popular in natural healing circles, in medieval and women's studies, and among those interested in investing the everyday with the spiritual.

Hildegard's Healing Plants is a gift version and new translation of the "Plant" section of Physica, Hildegard's classic work on health and healing. Hildegard comments on 230 plants and grains—most of which are still grown in home gardens and sold at local health food stores. In one of many entries on women's health, Hildegard writes, "Also if a pregnant woman labors much in childbirth, let someone cook pleasant herbs, such as fennel and assurum, in water with fear and great moderation, squeeze out the water, and place them while they are warm around her thighs and back, tied gently with a piece of cloth, so that her pain and her closed womb is opened more pleasantly and easily."

Whether read for the sheer enjoyment of Hildegard's earthy, intelligent voice ("Let a man who has an overabundance of lust in his loins cook wild lettuce in water and pour it over himself in a sauna") or for her encyclopedic and often still relevant understanding of natural health, Hildegard's Healing Plants is a treasure for gardeners, natural healing enthusiasts, and Hildegard fans everywhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Interesting but outdated
I found this book to be interesting and I love Hildegard's for her abilities in bringing information forward in a time when it was not always well received.She is no doubt a great icon and a lady who has no fear about what people might say or not.This book in todays' age is somewhat outdated, using animal fats like deer mallow can still be done but there are no reasons to use this anymore as other things are available and are more natural such as beeswax and olive oil.When you are in tune with nature you shouldn't use animal parts, all wildlife is sacred.I give this book 4 stars because in those days it was pioneering work for a woman with great vision and strength!Love the description of plants, again in today's age it could be much expanded.

Excellent herbal
What a good job the author has provided, giving us Hildegard's physic garden products and what they were used for.Very useful as general information as well as historical reference.

Hildegard's Healing Plants
Enjoyed reading Hildegard's Healing Plants book. It is very informative and of great interest for people that are involved in Natural healing products.It is good to read a book with so much information written so very long ago. I wish the drug companies would also pay attention too such materials.J

Hildegard's Haling Plants:Physica
Nice book with illustrations.Reminds you of how far we have come with sanitation.If you are interested in Hildegard of Bingen's career or armomatherapy or herbs, you'll find material of interest here.

BABS Bakery dedicated to Hildegard von Bingen and her works
www.babsbakery.com
http://www.babsbakery.com/hildegard.html

List of suggested Hildegard books to read:

HILDEGARDS HEALING PLANTS, From Her Medieval Classic PHYSICA, Translated by Bruce W. Hozeski. The general theories underlying Hildegard's writings of balancing the hot and cold 'humours' reflects the approach to Eastern healing. This is a book that captures the attention in accordance to Traditional Chinese Medical thought and food energetics, while introducing a refreshing way to keep health of the mind/body/spirit. Karan Schneider, PhD., MS., BBA, GC-C, CH-C, SC-C -Founder BABS Bakery. www.babsbakery.com ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of the writings of the twelfth-century mystic, poet, theologian, healer, musician, and naturalist shares the Rhineland nun's thoughts on her visions, cosmology and anthropology, nature, poetry, natural medicine, and more. Original. 15,000 first printing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A judicious selection of from all of Hildegard's writing
Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) isone of the most remarkable figures of a remarkable age.She saw and interpretedvisions of cosmic power and significance, yet took an active interest in nature, medicine, the arts,and the major political events of her day.Half of the book is exceptsfrom Hildegard's three books of visions.Full-page color plates illustratefour of the visions.There are also selections from her writings onplants, animals, stones and metals, and on medicine.There are 22 pages ofthe words to songs.Hildegard wrote two lives of local saints, and bothare sampled here.Fifteen of Hildegard's letters are given. Brief,informative headnotes introduce each section.A bibliography (up to datein 1996) and a discography of recodings of Hildegard's music complete thisbook.Flanagan's translations read well.Judging from the songs, the onlypart where I have the Latin original, they are faithful and not excessivelyinterpretive.This book or Flangan's biography of Hildegard are certainlygood places to begin a study of this extraordinary human being. ... Read more

Product Description
The contemporaries of Hildegard of Bingen called her "prophetissa teutonica", honouring her philosophical writings and interpretation of the cosmos. Mediaevalists still consider her one of the leading mystics, and point to her active spiritual and artistic life in the 12th century as the finest example of what a woman can achieve. The abbess Hildegard of Bingen was the first composer to sign her musical works. As a playwright and author, she witnessed and shaped the time of the Crusades, the literary minnesang, and political and theological debate. The author of this text draws a complex picture of her life and work, as he "translates" Hildegard's ideas and her mysterious world of symbols from mediaeval Latin into contemporary concepts. Heinrich Schipperges delineates this remarkable thinker's view of the human being as a microcosm of the universe, intricately bound by the senses to the life of the soul, nature, and God. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent tribute to a glorious dream maker
When Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) established her Benedictine convent at Rupertsberg, she insisted on a charter granting full ownership and independence to the nuns. And on receiving this from Count Bernard of Hildesheim, she proceeded to build the community of her dreams, without deference to any male superior. The prelate and clergy of Mainz might presume to give her orders, but if those orders contradicted her community's values she would not obey.

Schipperges explores Hildegard's values, her accomplishments, and her vision. For her, Christian community was a quest for perfect love, not perfect submission to superiors. The Gospel was a call to fullness, not a negation of life. She encouraged her nuns to deeper self-respect, not the erasure of self-esteem. From her own experience she knew low self-worth as an immaturity to be overcome. For a time she had felt that God was calling her to write books, but believed this was utter presumption for a woman. She recorded that "because of doubt and low opinion of myself and because of diverse sayings of men, I refused for a long time a call to write, not out of stubbornness, but out of humility, until weighed down by a scourge of God, I fell onto a bed of sickness". She might have interpreted this sickness as a kind of punishment for the pride of wishing to write. But finally she decided the sickness came from avoiding a challenge, and proceeded to write the books which many still revere as classics.

Concerning her community's daily life, Schipperges shows their patterns of prayer, work, and worship. They sang their own compositions, shared their visions and set their own rules. In the outside world all of this could be actually illegal. But Hildegard emphasized her women's potential for good to be cultivated, rather than their potential for sin to be suppressed. In her refuge for women, she honored what many rulers and clerics in the "real" world would attack on sight: women trusting their own deepest selves more than any external authority.

Respecting Hildegard's stress on spiritual experience over conformity to rules, her contemporary, Guibert of Gembloux, urged all clerics to learn from her.

Schipperges's book is an excellent account which does justice to a great woman.

-author of Correcting Jesus
... Read more