Hildegard lived nearly 1,000 years ago. And yet, in many ways, she seems to think more progressively than many people do today. She was a nun, a scholar, an herbalist, a musician – and above all, a woman of incredible inner strength. Her ideas about nature and nutrition and life itself seem remarkably timeless.
In this blog, I'd like to give you a brief overview of her life's journey. No dry recitation of facts – just an accessible, human glimpse into the life of a woman who continues to touch so many people to this day.
Childhood and Origins – the Beginning of an Extraordinary Life
Hildegard was born in 1098 in Bermersheim vor der Höhe, a small village near Alzey in Rhineland-Palatinate. She was the tenth child of a noble family – and back then, that often meant: this child will be dedicated to the Church. So it was with her as well.
Even as a young girl, Hildegard was sickly and sensitive – but also incredibly perceptive. She later recounted that even in childhood she saw strange lights and images. Visions, as she called them. At the time, no one quite knew what to make of her experiences – and she herself rarely spoke of them at first.
At around the age of eight, she was placed in a monastery to grow up under the care of an anchoress named Jutta von Sponheim. Monastic life was strict and withdrawn – but for Hildegard, it was exactly the right place. Here she could blossom, find peace, and slowly begin to explore her inner world of images.
You can sense it even in these early years: here was someone truly extraordinary. Quiet, observant – yet with an incredible inner life.
Life in the Monastery – a Quiet Place with Great Impact
When Hildegard entered the monastery, she was still a young girl. The outside world grew smaller, and daily life became quieter. Prayers, silence, simple tasks – that was life behind the monastery walls. For many, it might have felt too lonely, but for Hildegard, it was just right.
Here she could finally come into her own. She had sensed early on that there was something different within her. Images, intuitions, inner voices – these never quite let her go. In the monastery, she learned to work with them. She read, wrote, listened – and gradually became the woman who would later impress so many.
When her teacher and close confidante Jutta died, Hildegard took over the leadership of the small community. It was no easy step, but she grew into it. And it was precisely during this time that she began to take her visions seriously – no longer just for herself, but for others as well.
She began to write down her inner images. At first hesitantly, with the help of an understanding monk who assisted her in writing. But the more she shared, the more people listened. Because they sensed: here is someone speaking with genuine depth. And with great heart.
Matching this article
Visions and Works – Words That Came from the Depths
Hildegard had a special gift from an early age: she saw things others could not. Light, colours, inner images – as though another world were being shown to her. For a long time, she kept silent about it. But eventually she knew: This is important. This needs to be told.
So she began to write down her visions. Not in a dry or detached manner, but in a language that moved people. From this emerged works that are still known today – among them:
-
"Scivias" ("Know the Ways") – a book about divine visions, showing how a person can find their path to a meaningful life
-
"Liber Vitae Meritorum" ("Book of Life's Merits") – a kind of mirror of the soul, in which virtues and weaknesses are set against one another
-
"Liber Divinorum Operum" ("Book of Divine Works") – a sweeping look at the relationship between humanity, nature, and the cosmos
Alongside her writings, Hildegard was also a passionate composer. Her music sounds almost otherworldly even today – clear melodies, often carrying a hint of eternity. For her, singing was a way of making the invisible audible.
What she did was extraordinary for her time. A woman who writes, composes, has visions – and is heard? That took courage. But it was also precisely what touched so many people then – and still does today.
Hildegard's Work as an Herbalist and Natural Researcher
Beyond her visions and music, Hildegard was above all known for one thing: her keen sense for nature and its treasures. For her, humanity was part of a greater whole – and true wellbeing could only arise in harmony with creation. She observed carefully, listened to her body, to nature – and drew her own conclusions from what she found.
She compiled her insights in two well-known works, among others:
-
"Physica" – a description of plants, stones, and animals and their significance for human beings
-
"Causae et Curae" – a book about the interplay between body, mind, and soul
Here is a brief glimpse into Hildegard's knowledge of plants:
| Plant/Natural product | Significance in Hildegard's teachings | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Spelt | "The best grain" – nutritious and versatile | as a staple food, e.g. porridge or bread |
| Fennel | particularly valued by Hildegard | as a tea or spice in dishes |
| Pellitory | plays an important role in Hildegard's writings | finely ground in small amounts |
| Wild thyme | frequently mentioned by Hildegard in her writings | as a tea or incense |
| Gemstones (e.g. agate) | play a special role in Hildegard's teachings | as a palm stone or amulet |
For Hildegard, it was clear: wellbeing is more than just a matter of the body. It is about balance – between body, soul, nutrition, and lifestyle. And that is precisely why her ideas are so sought after again today. Also discover our herbs and spices according to Hildegard's teachings.
Death and Legacy – What Remains of a Great Life
Hildegard von Bingen died on 17 September 1179, at around 81 years of age – a remarkably advanced age for her time. She lived until the very end at the monastery of Rupertsberg near Bingen, which she had founded, surrounded by the women with whom she had built so much. The exact cause of her death is not recorded, but accounts speak of a peaceful, quiet passing – just as she had lived: with depth and dedication.
Yet her influence did not end with her death. Quite the opposite: her legacy was carried forward over the centuries. Many of her writings and songs have survived to this day, and her thoughts on how to live are experiencing a true renaissance. And perhaps more importantly: her holistic view of life – the harmony of body, mind, and soul – resonates deeply with many people, especially today.
In 2012, Hildegard von Bingen was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI – a rare and very special distinction. With it, not only her spiritual depth but also her great wisdom was officially recognised.
She was a woman of vision, of courage – and of an open heart for the world. And that is precisely why she is more than a historical figure today. She is an inspiration. Browse through our range based on Hildegard's teachings and let her wisdom accompany you.
