The word "Alrauna" has been used for centuries as a German synonym for "witch." Historically, however it originally referred to pre-Christian Germanic women, also described as priestesses, prophetesses, shamans, and magical practitioners. Alrauna, appears to derive from the same roots as "rune" and "rowan." Very little information regarding the Alrauna survives. What remains derives almost exclusively from Roman observations.
All the German tribes encountered by Julius Caesar and Tacitus, firmly believed in the prophetic, far seeing powers of women. These prophetesses, the Alraunas, were considered sacred and sometimes divine. Here is a list of some of the most famous celebrities of their era; very little is known about them, but some names still survive.
* Ganna, "The seer of Semones," went to Rome in 91 Ce with King Masyas, where they honored the Emperor Domitain. (Her name may be related to the Old Germanic gandno, "Magic."
* Velda, sang (perhaps with Rune-Songs) the Germans into battle during Vespasian's reign (69-79 CE). She lived near a shrine by the River Lippe and accurately prophesied Germanic victories. Her name, also spelled Weleda, may be related to the root word for "Wisdom" and "Witch" and may actually be a title. She is described as a member of the Bructeri tribe; after a military defeat, she was captured and taken to Rome in 78 CE, where she was treated with surprising respect, and was housed with the Vestal Virgins. Allegedly, during her time in Rome, she served as a translator and negotiator between the Romans and various Germanic tribes. She died in Rome c.80.
* Waluberg traveled to Egypt with Germanic troops in the second century CE. (Walus is an old German term for a "Magical Staff.")
Blessings,
Lory
Lory Woortman is a writer, water color artist and garden designer. Lory is interested in the study of quantum physics, Norse Myths and Religion. She lives in a small country town in North East Pennsylvania with her writer husband, Ellis and her little dog Dixie. Lory has a blog and written many articles that are "Free," pertaining to Norse Mythology, Shamanism, Runes and Quantum Physics.
http://mistressofenchantment.blogspot.com/
http://www.olevikingshop.builderspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment