Herbalist, Visionary Mystic, Musical Composer, and Protofeminist Reformer Hildegard von Bingen wrote many works in her lifetime. One of the most useful for practical magic is her Physica. Originally known as the Liber Simplicis Medicinæ, or “Book of Medicinal Simples”, this compendium in nine volumes explains the medico-magical uses of natural beings such as plants, animals, stones, metals, and more.

Just in time for Hildegard’s feast day (September 17), Phoebe Hildegard Finch will present on nine herbal folk magic workings embedded in Hildegard’s Physica. Though her medieval catholicism kept Hildegard from openly conceiving of these works as spells, Ms. Finch will demonstrate how they function by principles still followed today in the folk magics of rootwork, conjure and cunning craft.

As Hildegard von Bingen was renowned during her life for her prophetic visions, special attention will be given in this class to her herbal recipes and spells to enhance clairvoyance. Hildegard’s workings with the Mandrake and the classic exorcism herb Betony will be explored in detail.

This class expands on the practical material Ms. Finch presented at 2023’s Viridis Genii Symposium. It also serves as an excellent standalone introduction to the practical magic of Hildegard von Bingen, as well as a heartfelt devotional offering to Ms. Finch’s saintly patron.

Hildegard von Bingen is now an official saint (as of her 2012 canonization), but as a folk saint her cultus was sustained for some 900 years by the common people of the Rhineland valley, without official church recognition. Hildegard is regularly invoked by diviners, writers, herbalists, and ambitious women eager to rise above challenges in their lives. This course is welcoming to people of any or no faith - Hildegard’s emphasis is that the world around us is holy and worthy of praise.

About the Presenter:

Phoebe Hildegard Finch is a writer, herbalist, and surrealist occultist. She combines direct spirit work and necromancy with poetic logic as she seeks to reanimate the traditions embedded in folklore and the grimoires in new ways. Recently she has been exploring the magical possibilities inherent in collective narrative through her creation Amor Fati: a Tarot Based Role-Playing Card Game. Phoebe lectures regularly on esoteric subjects in person and online. She consults with clients as a professional sorceress, an old-fashioned card reader, and a practical conjurer. More information and bookings can be sought out at her website: www.phoebehildegard.com

THIS CLASS IS ONLINE ONLY! The class link will be emailed to you in your registration confirmation. The class recording link will be emailed to you within 3-5 business days of the conclusion of the class and will be available to you for 30 days after the conclusion of the class.

By purchasing this ritual you agree to the following Non Disclosure:

This Agreement is between The Cauldron Black (“OWNER”); and the Purchaser (“RECIPIENT”). WHEREAS, OWNER has developed through substantial effort, research, time, and expense certain inventions, design concepts, methodologies, technical know-how, copyrightable material and trade secrets directed and related to this class.  (“INFORMATION”); WHEREAS, OWNER desires to disclose the INFORMATION on a confidential basis to RECIPIENT.  The OWNER wishes to maintain the confidentiality of the INFORMATION and the protection of OWNER'S intellectual property rights. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the  mutual promises, covenants, and conditions contained herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:  I. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION A. OWNER agrees to disclose  INFORMATION to RECIPIENT for the purposes of an online class.  B. RECIPIENT agrees to receive such INFORMATION and to refrain from  copying, disclosing, using, selling, or offering for sale any and all of said INFORMATION. RECIPIENT agrees to keep confidential and refrain from disclosing any and all of the INFORMATION, and to take all necessary and reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized disclosure or  use  of any and all of the INFORMATION.  Failure to uphold this NDA may result in legal action.