Before there were German supermodels and the first woman Chancellor of Germany, there was Hildegard von Bingen. Hildegard was what the Germans now call das Multitalent, someone with multiple talents; she was a nun, magistra (meaning she ran the convent), herbalist, writer, composer, singer, and the list goes on and on.
in front of Eibingen Abbey.
Photo by Danae Ashley.
Many musicians had known about Hildegard von Bingen's music even 25 years ago, however that was still fairly obscure information. In 2008 I (Frau Warner) went to Bingen to visit the State Garden Show (Landesgartenschau (Rheinland-Pfalz) Bingen 2008), and was mightily impressed with the gardens, the flowers, and how often Hildegard von Bingen was represented there. It helped that the weather was stunningly beautiful and the Rhine flows past directly next to the grounds. Since then Hildegard has continued to crop up in my life--an article here, a mention there, a musical piece on the radio on WPR, etc.
A couple of years ago friend and client, the Rev. Danae Ashley, a Multitalent herself, took the Hildegard Pilgrimage in Germany, which opened up a whole new avenue in her life. Danae then began learning German because she was going to give a presentation on Hildegard von Bingen in Germany, and she has even now written a book on Hildegard von Bingen and Alfred Adler. Ausgezeichnet! The book will be available as of March 19, 2026! So this is the perfect time to bring information on Hildegard to all of you reading this post.
Viel Spaß!
First, a bit about the Rev. Danae Ashley:
Danae's life path has been most suitable to prepare her to help bring Hildegard von Bingen to the modern age. First, in 2008, she was ordained as an Episcopal Priest. In 2014 she became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and she has also been a MARI Facilitator - Mandala Assessment Research Instrument since 2012. She has lead spiritual development and retreats for years, and she is even a Master Gardener. Danae also remains one of the most approachable people I know, and I am so excited to introduce you to her today.
A question for the Rev. Danae Ashley:
What are 5 things Hildegard did, things she wrote, quotes from her books, an influence on her, or a way she influenced others that might be inspiring for German learners?
1. St. Hildegard von Bingen was a German Benedictine nun (who later became the convent's magistra) who lived from 1098-1179 in several places in the Rhine Valley: the Disibodenberg monastery, St. Rupertsberg monastery (founder) (only the basement vaults are left in Bingen), and Eibingen Abbey (across the Rhine from Bingen, up the hill from the town of Rüdesheim am Rhein. The St. Hildegard Parish Church is built on the ruins of the former abbey. The modern day Eibingen Abbey is further up the hill and is the continuation of Hildegard’s community.).
2. Hildegard has been called many things throughout the centuries: Seeress/Prophetess – The Sibyl of the Rhine, Composer, Physician/Healer and considered the first gynecologist and scientific natural history in Germany, Environmentalist, and Advisor to influential people—popes, kings, abbots, abbesses, nobility, etc.
was Hildegard's vision of the cosmos.
Photo by Danae Ashley.
3. Hildegard was a preacher, which was unheard of for a cloistered female nun in the 12th century. She went on four preaching tours beginning in her 60s! Beverly Mayne Kienzle has done excellent work on this topic and you can find her books here: https://bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=hildegard+of+bingen+gospel+interpreter
Photo by Danae Ashley.
4. German learners will be interested to know that Hildegard was the linguist of her own secret language (lingua ignota) and alphabet (lingua ignotae). We still are not exactly sure what we used these for. She received the language in one of her visions. Here’s an interesting article for further reflection: https://www.medievalists.net/2025/06/hildegard-bingen-cryptic/
5. Hildegard was also a prolific letter writer. We have over 400 of her letters. Here is a link to a good starter book that has a smattering of her letters across time and social and religious class: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-personal-correspondence-of-hildegard-of-bingen-professor-of-medieval-studies-joseph-l-baird/6256a724cf8f34a5?ean=9780195308235&next=t
Vielen Dank, Danae!
Information on the Rev. Danae Ashley's Book:
https://www.danaeashley.com/my-sap-is-rising
My Sap is Rising
A Pilgrimage of Holistic Mental Health Healing with Hildegard of Bingen and Alfred Adler
Do these questions stir something in you?
✓ What do I do when life doesn't go as planned?
✓ How can I heal in a way that honors my whole self - mind, body, and spirit?
✓ Where do I find ancient wisdom that speaks to my modern life?
✓ Is there a path forward that weaves together spirituality and psychology?
If you're seeking a journey that weaves together spirituality, psychology, and the courage to begin again, this book is for you.
Read more about "My Sap is Rising" and find where to buy it here:
https://www.danaeashley.com/my-sap-is-rising