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, prophets, shamans and magical practitioners. Alrauna, seems to derive the same roots as "rune" and "rowan". Very little information about the Alrauna survives. What remains is derived almost exclusively from Roman comments.
All German tribes affected by Julius Caesar and Tacitus, strongly believed in the prophetic powers, seeing a lot of women. These prophets, 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 (maybe with Rune-Songs) the Germans in the fight during the reign of Vespasian (69-79 CE). They lived near a sanctuary by the River Lippe and accurately prophesied Germanic victories. Her name, also spelled Weleda, can be related to the root word for "wisdom" and "Witch" and can actually 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 hosted by the Vestal Virgins. Reportedly, 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 "magic wand.")
Blessings,
Lory
Lory Woortman is a writer, water color artist and Garden Designer. Lory is interested in the study of quantum physics, Norwegian myths and religion. She lives in a small country town in North Eastern Pennsylvania with her husband, writer, Ellis and her dog little Dixie. Lory has a blog and many articles that are "Free," relating to Norse mythology, shamanism, Runes and quantum physics.
http://mistressofenchantment.blogspot.com/
http://www.olevikingshop.builderspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment