#hyldemoer

[yoga-onion]

[Photo above: Samhain, courtesy of Beltane Fire Society]

Legends and myths about trees

Legendary tree deities (22)

Hyldemoer – 'the Elder Mother’, the guardian of the elder trees

“If you stand beneath an elder tree on midsummer eve you will see the King of the faeries and his entourage but be careful that you do not get swept away to faerieland.

The tree and the wood is greatly prized by the fae folk, so it must not be used to make mundane household objects, especially not a cradle or the baby will be pinched black and blue.

Do burn the wood or bring it into the house as this is very unlucky and will bring the devil in.

The Elder Mother guards the tree and although she is usually kind she can become dangerous, if her trees are harmed so you must always ask permission before cutting an elder tree.

To cut elder wood you must say, three times, ‘Elder Mother, please give me some wood, and I’ll give you some of mine when I grow into a tree (Ourd gal, give me some of thy wood, an oi will give some of moine, when oi grows inter a tree)’.”

Faeries and Folklore from the British Isles

The Elder Mother is thought to be the guardian of the elder trees, and it was said, until recent times in various parts of England and Scandinavia that to take wood from the elder tree one would have to ask the Elder Mother first, or else ill luck would befall the woodsman. The spirit is said to haunt or torment people who build from elder wood unless they ask permission first.

In Denmark, the Hyldemoer (“Elder-mother”) or Hyldequinde (“Elder-woman”) is a spirit like a wood-nymph or dryad that lives in the elder tree.

Other similar and related beliefs have been handed down in various cultures.

In Denmark, an elder twig put in the mouth was traditionally thought to drive out evil spirits and thus could cure toothache. Also in Denmark, on Midsummer's Eve, if you were to stand under an elder, you could see the Elf-king and his host. A similar tradition existed in Scotland where it was said to happen on All Hallows or Samhain.

In England, it was thought that the elder tree could never be hit by lightning and that carrying the twigs of an elder could protect their bearer from rheumatism. Farmers used to protect their animals from evil by placing a cross made from elder on their cow-sheds and barns.

In some Slavic countries, such as Russia, it is thought that the tree had the power to ward off evil. In Sicily, it was claimed to have the power to ward off snakes, and so on.

Every summer, our neighbourhood had an elder hedge with divine, full blossoms, but it was completely cut down to develop a residential site. These days, they spray the stumps with powerful chemicals to prevent regrowth.

木にまつわる伝説・神話

伝説の樹木の神々 (22)

ヒルデモア-「エルダー・マザー」、ニワトコ (ｴﾙﾀﾞｰ) の木の守り神

“真夏の夜、ニワトコの木の下に立つと、妖精の王とその一行を見ることができる。でも、妖精の国に流されないように気をつけて。

この木と木材は、妖精たちにとても珍重されている。だから、ありふれた家庭用品を作るのに使ってはいけない、特にゆりかごは厳禁だ。さもないと、赤ん坊は青黒く痣が付くまでつまんで痛めつけられる。薪を燃やしたり、家の中に持ち込んだりしてはいけない。これは非常に不吉で、悪魔がやってくるからだ。

エルダー・マザーは木を守っている。彼女は普段は優しいが、ニワトコの木に危害を加えると危険な存在になる。だから、ニワトコの木を切る前には、必ず許可を得ること。

『ニワトコのお母さま、私にあなたの薪をちょうだい。私が木に成長したら、私の薪も差し上げます』と、３回唱えなければならない。”

ブリテン諸島の妖精と民間伝承より

エルダー・マザーはニワトコ(ｴﾙﾀﾞｰ)の木の守り神であると考えられており、イギリスやスカンジナビアの各地では最近まで、ニワトコの木から木材を取るにはまずエルダー・マザーに許可を得なければならず、さもなければ木こりに不運が降りかかると言われていた。その精霊は、まず許可を得なければ、ニワトコの木で建物を建てた人に取り憑いたり、苦しめたりすると言われている。

デンマークでは、ヒルデモア（「ニワトコの母」）またはヒルデキンデ（「ニワトコの女」）は、ニワトコ(ｴﾙﾀﾞｰ)の木に住む木の妖精やドライアドのような精霊である。

このほかにも、さまざまな文化圏で似たような信仰が受け継がれている:

デンマークでは伝統的に、ニワトコの小枝を口に入れると悪霊が追い出され、歯痛が治ると考えられてきた。またデンマークでは、夏至祭の夜にニワトコの下に立つと、エルフの王とその群れが見えるとされていた。スコットランドにも同様の伝統があり、万聖節（All Hallows）またはサウィン祭（Samhain）に起こると言われていた。

���国では、ニワトコの木は雷に打たれることがなく、ニワトコの小枝を持っているとリューマチから身を守れると考えられていた。農家では、ニワトコで作った十字架を牛小屋や納屋に置くことで、家畜を悪魔から守っていた。

ロシアなどのスラブ諸国では、この木には魔除けの力があると考えられていた。シチリアでは、蛇を追い払う力があるとされていたなどなど…。

毎年夏になると、近所にニワトコの生け垣があり、神々しいほどの満開の花を咲かせていたが、宅地開発のために完全に切り倒されてしまった。最近では、再生を防止するため、切り株に強力な化学薬品を撒くらしい。

[greenthey]

Healing altar for today 🫐

Card of the day is Queen of Pentacles. Here she also represents Hyldemoer, the Elder Mother.

Message from the Elder Mother: "I see you you've mastered peezing, the art of sneezing and peeing at the same time." (7 of Wands)

The guides are always telling me to piss out my demons. I forgot I meant to put motherwort on this altar for clearing & heart healing but I'll put it in my tea.

There's no elder in this playing card deck but I pulled sumac which is also a protective tree. 6 of Cups, a return to childhood?

7 of Wands appears as well in the Black Locust card, defending what matters. The black locust symbolizes action and inaction. I am in a place of inaction for now as I try to ground back into myself, my own will, and the sense of safety needed to make healthy choices.

Elderberry is poisonous raw but offers immunity when prepared correctly. Like my raw emotions 😶‍🌫️ which when processed mindfully and over time, thru art etc, can become catalysts of healing for myself and others.

Elder branches were used to make flutes. Music is often my way out of torment. The wood spits and screams while burning, nature demons being released. I'm working on some weird angry witchpop music

How can I let go? Of control, regret, etc. Three of Cups. I am allowed to feel joy. I am allowed to have fun. I don't need to suffer for my sins.

Cinnamon & tiger's eye to ground

[codigoocultocom]

Hyldemoer: el espíritu guardián de los árboles

Hyldemoer: el espíritu guardián de los árboles

La mitología siempre ha sido relacionada con los dioses y los espíritus guardianes de la naturaleza. Así es como los nórdicos tienen la historia de Hyldemoer, el guardián de los árboles.

LEE MÁS

[bonnie131313]

Tree spirits - I love the idea the Elsewhere Frank might spend time as a tree.

Compilation of weird trees 

[lailoken]

“The belief that a spirit inhabits this tree has survived even into relatively modern times. Specifically, a witch spirit was thought to inhabit the tree. There are numerous references to the belief that a witch lived in the elder tree and could shape shift back and forth from human to tree. An old name for this nature spirit was 'Hyldemoer,’ which means 'Elder Mother' in Danish. It was considered unlucky to cut the wood down for fire wood or building material in different parts of Europe. In England, it was said that burning elder wood would bring the devil into the house or that the person burning the wood would become bewitched. If you wanted to cut down the tree, you ask permission to escape possible ill fate. The appropriate way to ask was to say something like ‘Lady elder, give me some of thy wood, Then I will give thee some of mine, when I become a tree.' Another way to say it: 'Lady Ellhorn, give me of thy wood, and I will give thee of mine when it shall grow in the forest'. A Danish custom was to spit thrice before cutting or trimming an elder tree, to drive away evil beings. Hedge cutters would refuse to trim an elder tree for fear of being followed by bad luck. Spirits were believed to dwell in these hollow trees, specifically in the joints. This wood had a will of its own - if it was placed on a burning fire, it would cause it to go out; if it was used for furniture, it would bend and warp; if skewers were made from elder for roasting, it would turn the food bitter.

The old earth Gods of Prussia were believed to live had to under the elder tree and if offerings were made to it, little men would come, bringing grain and doing housework. If one stood under the elder tree on Midsummer's Eve, the Faerie king and his fellow faeries could be seen riding by. This mysterious tree was never touched after dark in the Fens in England. In Denmark, elder trees were believed to move around at night and could be found peering into windows of those sleeping. It was also said that faeties in the form of ancestors lived in the tree. If a cradle was made of elder wood, the baby sleeping in it would be either stolen by faeries or the Elder Mother. Or the baby would be pinched blacked and blue by the faeries. Elder was a tree associated with witchcraft from early times, from around 900 AD or before. In Ireland instead of an ash broomstick, witches rode on broomsticks made from elder wood. Country folks would sometimes refer to it as 'witch wood'. A name for the berries was 'Holda's Berries', which refers to the trees connection with Mother Holda or Hulda, an ancient winter death spirit from old Germanic culture.

There were other associations with elder and death. If an elder stick was planted over a grave and it grew, it was a sign that the deceased was happy in the afterlife. The old Jewish Cemetery in Prague was planted with elders. It was considered dangerous to sleep under an elder tree because the leaves apparently let out a fragrance that if inhaled, resulted in death. The flowers were known to attract snakes and it was reported that adder snakes slept in the dry roots of the clder tree. Polish people were known to bury their sorrows and sins under elder trees, so that chey passed into the underworld to where they belonged. Some sort of incantation was used to pass the energy into the elder tree, into the earth, then into the realms of the dead. An old saying goes: ‘Hawthorn blooms and elder flowers fill the house with evil powers.’ This is a connection to not only the white flowers of both plants, which in times past were highly unlucky to bring indoors as they were often used for funeral rites, but also to the supernatural energy associated with both trees.”

—

Under the Witching Tree:

A Folk Grimoire of Tree Lore and Practicum

‘The Black Earth Medicines of Autumn: Elder’

by Corrine Boyer

[divulgadormisterios]

Mundo oculto

[midgardbrewhouse]

Brewday - Hyldemoer III (Belgian Golden Sour Version)

Here we go again! Split Brewday to do some more kettle souring. This time for a sour version of Hyldemoer, my 3rd brew of a seasonal Elderflower Belgian Ale. Previously I’d paired the Elderflower with Lime as it was a great combination, but this year I wanted to replace the sour citrus of the fruit with Lactobacillus Bevis sourness and more late addition Motueka hops.

After two poor efficiency brews I've altered my calculations just in case, I had to add a few extra bits to bulk up the recipe but it's still pretty similar to Hyldemoer II.

Mash is 75.6% Premier Pilsner, 8.1% Pale Wheat, 4.8% Torrified Wheat, 4.3% Aromatic Malt, 2% Acid Malt and 5.2% Belgian Candi Rocks to go into the Kettle.

Well I was bang on my numbers at 1.048 but that does mean 50% efficiency. I’m thinking it maybe too much acid malt. There was meant to be less in this beer but because I was short on torrified wheat it knocked the percent up. Will try 1% or less in my next brew to see if that makes a difference and if our water profile has changed recently which is affecting the mash.

Well it took about 36 hours for the Lacto just to get going and in the end after 4 days I was advised to up the temperature from 30c, so I pushed the Fermfridge to 36c and by the next morning I finally had a nice amount of bitterness.

Luckily I managed to get out between rain showers to collect some Elderflower as well to have it ready for the second boil. Late afternoon on a wet day wasn’t the best time to pick it, usually early on a sunny morning is, but with the poor weather forecast I'm glad I took my chance. It just meant a bit of sneezing as when I forked off 400g of flowers I gave each spray a sniff to make sure it wasn’t too fusty and had more of a floral lemon fresh smell. I covered the bowl over with clingfilm and put in my fridge, which did a really good job of keeping them fresh until I was ready with the beer.

Finally it was was time for the second boil to kill the Lacto off and get some Motueka hops and Elderflower in there. I did a 50 minute boil with 5g for bittering then 20g for 10 minutes and 55g for 5 minutes.

I was a bit low on volume so added another 200g of candi rocks and 145g of golden caster sugar dissolved in 4L water at flame out, along with the 400g of elderflower which I then steeped for 10 minutes before transferring and cooling to 26c to pitch Mangrove Jack's Belgian Ale Yeast. Revised OG now 1.051.

within 8 hours the airlock was bubbling away so I could relax a little. Possibly the longest split brewday so far, must remember to kettle sour at 36c next time.

[windingriverherbals]

THE ELDER-TREE MOTHER

A translation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “hyldemoer” 

Once there was a little boy who went out and got his feet wet and caught a cold. Nobody could understand how it had happened because the weather was very dry.

His mother undressed him, put him to bed, and had the tea urn brought in to make him a good cup of elder tea, for that keeps one warm.

At the same time there came in the door the funny…

[thewickedgriffin]

The elderberry tree is said to have a special connection to Frau Holle. Thus, the German childrens rhyme “Ringel, ringel Reihen, sind der Kinder dreien, sitzen unter Holderbusch, machen alle husch, husch husch” relates to Holle residing in the tree, which may steal the children. ⁣ ⁣ The Danish Folktale of the Hyldemoer tells of an old woman that resides in the tree of the elderberry (Thiele; Danmarks Folksagn;1843) A similar tale is recorded for northwestern Germany in the region of Niedersachsen, where the woman is known as Frau Ellhorn (Arnkiel;1702) and in Sweden, where she is known as Hyllefroa, or the ‘old gal’ in British Folklore. ⁣ ⁣ Frau Ellhorn was said to reside within the elderberry and referred to as a Goddess of ones homestead or house. Before the elderberry could be cut down, a prayer and a spell was said in order to ask Frau Ellhorn if the harvest would be allowed. (Ernst Goetzinger;2018). ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Indeed, the many “Frau-Holle-ponds” in Germany have been associated with women taking baths in the healing water to increase fertility. One such healing water is the spring of Amorsbrunn in Bavaria, where the pre-christian springwater cults have been adopted by the Church. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ The motif of the Stork, bringing human babies from the waters of Holle, be it her water wells that reach deep into the Underworld, the many ponds or water springs, might belong to such practice (Schrijnen;1977). When crafting a cradle for children made out of elderwood, Holle might steal or even eat the children (Thorpe; Northern Mythology;1851, Watts; Dictionary of Plant Lore;2007). This clearly resembles the tales of Perchta “opening the bellies of young children” or stealing them (Rumpf, M. (1976): 215).⁣ ⁣ ⁣ During the middle Ages, it was common to identify the Goddess of Venus with the Germanic Freya (Rudolf Simek;2003). Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus wrote in Germania of a Terra Mater of Germans; that the Suebi worshipped Isis (Tacitus, De origine et situ Germanorum, Übersetzung: Baumstark, 1876). It is thus likely that Frau Perchta had her own worshipping site in lower Bavaria, where the monastery Niederaltaich was built. https://www.instagram.com/p/ByAnWROng1V/?igshid=m9zpjxoie8hi

[tipsycad147]

Winter Wellness: Healing Herbs for the Dark of the Year

 Alexis J. Cunningfolk

Ah, winter.

I really do love the dark of the year. Perhaps it is the winter fog rolling in from the shoreline. Or the quiet that snowfall can bring. Maybe it is because this is the time of year where getting introspective can feel so right. A time when lighting candles and pouring tea takes on a special glimmer.

And sometimes winter is hard. It is cold and dark and your car has become frozen in a block of ice. There are familial obligations that can be awkward at best and sometimes treacherous. We can get caught up in the flurry of doing as the seasons transition. For me, this winter holds a certain bittersweet sadness. I lost my beloved Grandpa earlier this year and not only will we be marking the first birthday of his without him, but all of our winter holiday-making will be somehow less bright. Which is ok. We have periods of sorrow in our lives which need as much space and care as those moments of profound joy. I have written about herbs for grief, heartache, and tragedy and these are herbs that remain close allies to me and my loved ones in this time of figuring out what we do with the spaces left behind by those who have been there for so very long.

Still, though, I really do love winter and the herbs I turn to again and again during the dark year. I have written about herbs for the Winter Solstice as well as recipes but I wanted to add to my list of winter-time herbs since there are so many excellent ones to choose from. Because that's what we fill those spaces with and those long winter nights - the love of steadfast companions, the joy of our wellness, and the curiosity of creatures wanting to learn more about our extraordinary planet we call home. Because my Grandpa, a Marine who wore holiday teddy-bear sweaters with puffy paint, who was gruff and grumpy, who could read your story in a handshake, and who loved wolves (the animal), jaguars (the car), and Star Trek (the best), would be asking for his "herbal drops" whether or not I was feeling winter joys or winter blues. Thanks, Grandpa, for keeping it all in big, wild, heart-centered perspective.

The following are some of my favorite herbs for the winter. If you're looking for further resources learn how to create your own home apothecary for the winter season or learn about herbal and magickal practices for winter.  And if you're still thinking, heck I would love even more inspiration and recipes for the Winter Solstice, especially if it involves recipes inspired by Krampus and blends of great merriment, then access The Winter Apothecary ebook (and all of my ebooks) by becoming a patron.

Elder (Sambucus nigra) ♀♇

Folk names include: Tree of Medicine, Danewort, Fever tree, Hyldemoer

Uses: The list is long but includes alterative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, digestive, expectorant, rejuvenative, vulnerary.

Contraindications: Excess fresh berries can have a laxative effect. While Sambucus nigra is generally safe, other varieties of Sambucus are poisonous, so properly identify before using.

Elder is a delicious winter remedy. I use the berries and flowers in my Cauldron Polish Cold Care Elixir and the flowers make an incredibly delicious glycerite. The herb has a big reputation as an amazing healer and the Elder Mother lives up to her reputation. Elder is effective in bringing relief when winter colds and the 'flu has come to visit, as the plant is powerfully antiviral. The berries and flowers are diaphoretic and diuretic which means they help us to release toxins and as an alterative they assist the body in returning to homeostasis. Elder is drying, too, without being too warming. The flowers, taken internally as an alcohol extract or glycerite, are especially useful in cases of ear infection. British herbalist, Andrew Chevallier, recommends Elder flower combined with Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis) for headaches that come about because of the cold or a chill.

If you are brave (or foolish) enough to sit under an Elder Tree on an important night of the year (namely, Midsummer and Samhain), you just might see the Good Folk march by in all of their finery. The spirit of the Elder is a gatekeeper between the realms of life and death - she is fiercely protective and very no-nonsense. Burning Elder wood is considered very unlucky but it can be worn as an amulet for protection (especially against lightening which apparently was something to be really worried about back in the days when these charms were being written down in old grimoires and herbals). The herb planted in front of the home or used in charms keeps away harmful and unkind spirits.

I think Elder is really useful as a preventative tonic - it is such an appealing flavor that it can be added to teas, made into syrups and electuaries, and made into a simple jam. I don't think I've ever used Elder as an alcohol extract because it is such a pleasure to use otherwise, but if you do prefer alcohol extracts, standard dosages apply. Remember, a dose of Elder a day keeps disgruntled yetis away.

Peppermint (Mentha spp.) ☿ ☽

Fok names include: Lammint and Brandy Mint.

Uses: Analgesic, analstetic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, vasodilator.

Contraindications: Avoid during acute gallstone attack.

Soothing but enlivening, I really enjoy a good cup of mint tea any time of the day. The scent, taste, and healing qualities clears the head, clearing the cobwebs from the corners of our minds. I use peppermint most often in digestive blends when the stomach is cramping (combine with Fennel (Foeniculum officinale) for a simple and sweet tasting digestive tea). Peppermint is also useful in cases of nausea, gas, and general indigestion.  Additionally, I use it quite often in cold and 'flu blends for its antiviral, clearing, and calming qualities. Combine with Elecampane to assist in clearing up unproductive and phlegm-y coughs. Deb Soule recommends preparing a hot tea of Peppermint combined with Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Elder Flowers, and Catnip as an old-time and effective remedy for bringing down fever.

Topically, Peppermint is soothing to sore muscles as a compress and can also be used in steams to clear sinuses, ease asthma, and to ground a shocked system. It makes a great addition to all natural and mouth washing blends as well as in toothpaste powder blends. Use a cool compress for rashes and hives, to bring relief to the feverish, and to smell really nice.

Peppermint is used in all sorts of ways in magickal work from blends to induce visions to love spells and healing charms. I like Peppermint in money and abundance charms - the herb grows abundant and once it takes root it is there for good - definitely a good quality when it comes to prosperity! The plant is guarded by Mercury which makes sense given its use for both enlivening and soothing the senses as well as clearing stagnation. I also place Peppermint under the guardianship of Moon not just because of its digestive-emotive qualities, but it's cool, fresh taste is silvery and quick.

I think tea is the most pleasant way to enjoy Peppermint. Fresh mint and honey makes a delicious syrup, so you should probably do that, too. Alcohol extracts are standard dosage if you prefer such a route.

Elecampane Root (Inula helenium) ☉☿ ♅

Folk names include: Elfwort, Horse Heal, Wild Sunflower, Scabwort, Velvet Dock.

Uses: Expectorant, digestive, diaphoretic, carminative, mood enhancer.

Contraindications: Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use externally if there is history of allergic contact dermatitis.

The yellow flowered Elfwort is primarily used as a warming lung tonic and it is an excellent winter ally when bronchial complaints of the damp variety are around. I'll admit that I was first attracted to learning more about Elecampane because it had a common name of Elfwort and an association with Witches. It has since become a consistent ally in my Apothecary. You'll notice that the Latin binomial includes helenium which has been said to be linked to Helen of Troy, the yellow flowers supposedly represent her tears. So, we have a plant that is a lung tonic and possesses a story of tears. It is good to know then, that the lungs are energetically the seat of sorrow and grief. Sometimes, when sorrow or grief is unexpressed it can transform into weakness or health imbalances in the lungs. Elecampane's myth tells us then about it's energetic and medicinal signature - it is a plant fit for damp lung complaints, but especially where sorrow and grief is present. Breathlessness, wheezing, asthma and migraines brought on by the cold, and a wet cough are all signs that Elecampane may be useful. The herb loosens phlegm and soothes irritated respiratory passages. The herb can be used both for acute complaints and as a preventative tonic.

Traditionally, herbalists like Hildegard von Bingen have recommended Elecampane be prepared as a wine extract and, in general the plant is well prepared as a sweet cordial or digestive blend for before and after meals. As a digestive herb, Elecampane is useful in cases of sluggish, cold, and weak digestion, relieving gas and gently stimulating digestion. Additionally, Elecampane brightens the mood, especially of those who are given to a nervous disposition. The herb has historically been used topically for skin complaints such as acne as well as hip pain, including sciatica, and the bites of insects and snakes.

Magickally, the herb is used in protection sachet against harmful energy - especially ill energy brought in by cold winds. As a wort of Elves, it protects against the more mischievous energy of our Hidden Kin, creating a shield against elf-shots and similar unpleasantries. You can also use the herb to enhance your psychic visions and to bring true love your way. Elecampane is said to be guarded by the Sun, Mercury, and/or Uranus depending, and each makes sense. The Sun not only because of Elecampane's yellow and bright flowers, but because it is warming and assists with overall heat and vitality in the body. Elecampane's Mercurial energy appears in it's drying abilities and usefulness for those who tend towards nervousness and are poorly affected by the cold, while Uranus speaks to Elecampane's ability to balance conditions of digestion, circulation, and the erratic nature of elf-shots. Read more about Elecampane and its healing qualities.

The root can be used in a decoction and sweetened with honey. More commonly, the alcohol extract is used (1:2 fresh or 1:6 dried) and dosage ranges. If you are using Elecampane as a tonic and preventative, I would recommend lower doses of 1 - 10 drops daily, while with chronic complaints the dosage can be increased to up to 30 - 40 drops up to 4 times daily. Personally, I recommend low drop dosages, but follow your training and body's needs.

🎄

I hope you enjoyed meeting these winter plant allies! I’ve written a lot  about winter wellness, herbs of the season, and more since writing this post in 2014 so be sure to check out the following posts if you’re looking for extra inspiration:

How to Create a Winter Wellness Apothecary

Healing & Magickal Practices for Winter

Winter Warmer: A Gentle Adaptogenic Tea

Darkest Night: A Winter Solstice Spread

A Might-Do List for Yule

Wherever the season takes you may it be full of merriment and joy!

http://www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/winter-wellness-healing-herbs-for-the-dark-of-the-year

[mctherdeath]

goddess of the dead.

Odin sympathized with Hel, so he granted her wish. Much more importantly, he also gave her the World of Niflheim, one of the Nine Worlds of Norse Mythology, to rule. He even went so far as to name that place after her, calling it Helheim or Hel. That was how Hel became the Goddess of the Dead.

In return for giving her Niflheim, Odin gave Hel certain responsibilities that she had to carry out in that realm. He charged her with caring for the souls of people who had died from sickness or old age, and for the souls of any other people whose deaths had not occurred through violence or in battle.

When warriors died in battle, their souls were split evenly between the Goddess Freyja and Odin. Freyja had the privilege of taking the first half of the souls of those warriors who had been slain in battle, while the remaining souls of the dead warriors belonged to Odin.

Hel settled into her Realm, and when the souls of the dead arrived there, it was she who judged them. It was also she who decided whether their souls were good or evil, and to what degree. Then, after Hel had made had her assessment, she gave each soul its just reward. Depending upon how they had been judged, the souls of the dead were settled into one of the nine levels of Helheim, which ranged from what might be seen as a form of heaven, all the way down to the dark horrors of Neostrand (Naströnd), the abode of punishment, where snakes constantly dropped venom upon the wicked, and which appeared, in many ways, to be quite similar to the concept of Hell, that the Christians have always appeared to be so fond of.

Hel was frequently thought of as a Dark Mother Goddess, and she was known by other names and titles including the Goddess of Death and the Afterlife, the Underground Earth Mother, the Ruler of the Realm of the Dead known as Helgardh, and Nefele, the Goddess of Shadows. She was also worshipped in Denmark, as the Hyldemoer, or Elder Mother.

Other stories exist regarding the Goddess Hel. One of them is an Icelandic creation myth, which described how in the beginning, all that existed was a great chasm known as Ginnungagap, which led to Hel's fiery womb of regeneration deep within the Earth. On one side of the chasm were fiery volcanoes, while on the other side there was nothing except for cold water and ice. It was for that reason that Hel became known as the Mountain Mother, who dwelled deep within the Earth where the fire and the ice meet.

While the Prose Eddas describe Hel as having been born with one side of her skeleton showing, a variety of other descriptions exist as well. Hel’s physical description is, to say the least, unique. Some descriptions claim that she was half-black and half-white, half-rotting, similar to that of a corpse, or half dead, and half alive, with a grim expression on her face, and a sinister appearance of gloom.

It is interesting to note that Hel's appearance is believed, by some, to be the origin of the masked harlequin, which has frequently appeared as a standard character in Commedia dell'Arte, with a black side of a face, and a white side. In fact, Hel's physical description, much like that of the harlequin mask, exhibits the duality that exists in the world, which is inherent to both life and death.

Legend tells us that Hel had an eye of fire, which could only see that which was true, thereby making it impossible for anyone to hide anything from her. Looking at this in a different light, Hel may actually have been challenging the world to find the courage necessary to look behind the mask that was her appearance, so they might see her as she truly was inside.

The Vikings, however, refused to do that. Instead, they looked upon Hel's appearance as something to be feared, and they believed that nothing good would come of her. Indeed, the Vikings looked upon Hel's home as a horrible place, similar to the Christians’ idea of Hell. But Niflheim was in no way similar to the Christian's burning place of fire and brimstone. Rather, it was seen as being icy cold and filled with slush, cold mud and snow.

The Prose Eddas described the nine-ringed realm of Hel, as a place where the inhabitants kept up a constant wail. It described her palace as a miserable place known as Damp with Sleet, where the walls had been built with human bones and worms. They also claimed that Hel ate with a knife and fork called Famine, from a plate known as Hunger, and that her two servants were both named Slow-Moving. Her bed was known as a Sickbed, and the stone at the entrance to her hall was referred to as Drop-to-Destruction.

The Prose Eddas continued, by saying that the entryway to Hel's Realm was guarded by the hellhound named Garm, and that before you could reach the threshold, you first had to travel the Helvig, or troublesome road to Hel, past the strange guardian maiden named Modhgudh.

While the Vikings may have feared her, which appears to be quite evident from the Eddas, the Dutch, Gauls and Germanic people who were known, in comparison to the Vikings, as the common people, viewed Hel in a somewhat less frightening manner. They saw her as a gentler and kinder form of death and transformation, and they did not believe that Helheim was a place of punishment at all.

They tended to see Hel as an earth mother deity known as Mother Holle, who consisted of pure nature. It was in that role that Hel was believed to have great maternal aspects, and that she was known to help people in their times of need. Hel, however, also had another side to her, and she was quite capable of becoming vengeful, whenever it became necessary, towards anyone who might attempt to interfere with, or stop, the progression of natural law.

Some myths describe Hel as a Dark Goddess, similar in some ways to the Hindu Goddess Kali, but more frequently then not, she was thought of as the Nehellenia, which means the Nether Moon. Numerous altars and artifacts relating to her worship have been found throughout Germany, and they date as far back as approximately the Second Century, C.E. Evidence also exists that her worship spread from Holland, all the way to New Zealand, as late as the Fourteenth Century, C.E., and it was in that particular aspect that Hel was believed to grant safe passage to seafarers.

When someone died, and entered Hel’s realm, it was almost impossible, for anyone on Earth to get them back. That was the subject of one of the most well known of the Norse myths: The Story of Baldur.

While the Vikings, who considered themselves to be strong and fearless, may have viewed Hel’s realm as a place of punishment and despair, others usually did not see it in that light, nor did they believe the Viking-influenced Eddas, and their dire description of Helheim. Unlike the Christian's Hell, which had been named after her, Hel's Realm was, in reality, nothing more then an Otherworld or Underworld, or a new and different plateau of existence. It was also a place of renewal, rather then a place of punishment and despair. The only ones to fear her were those who had good reason to. It was only they, who referred to her realm as Hell.

Hel has been described in a variety of different ways. There are those who claim that she is a destroyer; which in a way she actually is. However, when she does destroy something, she does so in it own proper time. That is why Hel can be looked upon, much like the Greek God Chronos, as a deity of time. As a Goddess of time, Hel takes on the role of entropy itself, and everything within the universe evolves towards a state of inert uniformity, which is a normal and completely natural event. When it comes right down to it, sooner or later everything will come to an end, which is exactly what should happen, as a part of its own cosmic destiny.

The Norse looked upon Hel as the supreme and inescapable ruler of fate and, much like the weaving Greek Fates, or the spinning and weaving Norns and Disir, not only did the Gods have no control over her, neither were they immune to her. That placed Hel in a very unique position.

Hel was not some form of death deity, who had specifically been created to rule over the Land of the Dead, nor did she gain her decaying visage when she became the ruler of that realm. She had simply been born with the bones on the left side of her body exposed. It had not been created purposely, nor had it been done out of contempt, or as a means of punishment. It simply happened. When Odin brought Hel to Asgaard, its inhabitants found themselves extremely uncomfortable because of her appearance. They were weak when they should have been strong, and they were, quite unfortunately, extremely insensitive to Hel’s feelings; so much so, that they made her feel alone and ostracized, which was, indeed, an extremely great tragedy.

It was for that reason that Odin gave Hel, Niflheim, to be her own and for her to rule over. By Odin giving her Niflheim, Hel finally found a place where she could feel comfortable, just being herself; a place where no one would see her as anything other then what she truly was. That was a very wise decision on Odin’s part, and it also showed, surprisingly enough, that good can occasionally come out of patriarchy, which has been known, all too often, to do the opposite; especially when it comes to placing women in positions of great power.

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Hyldemoer

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Hyldemoer

[wadestone]

Huginn and Muninn wheel above me

Wheatears and Pipits mark my path

The waller was bewitched

The Holed stone & hoof mark

Hyldemoer has fallen

Hǣlcelde – The Sacred Spring 

                  The Ravengill Beck rises on Skelderskew Moor and runs through south through Raven Gill for a mile or so until it meets the Commondale Beck in the valley below.

From the mid nineteenth century the western side of the valley was a busy industrial site. Clay and Fireclay were extracted here to feed a brickworks and pottery at Commondale. At the top of the valley silica rock was also quarried as the raw material for refractory bricks to be used to line the iron furnaces of Teesside.  Today, in common with many old industrial sites across the moors, very little remains to be seen. The moors have a remarkable ability to recover from the abuses of the past.

The moors and valleys in this area are not particularly popular with walkers, which for me is perfect having just spent three weeks stuck in the middle of the North sea with with one hundred and thirty people and nowhere to go.

I walked into the valley via the prehistoric burial mound at Sand Hill. This mound has been heavily undermined by rabbits and always seems to be at the point of collapse.  When I used to come up here a decade ago there was a conifer plantation, the trees have now gone and the ground can be very boggy.

The area around the gate onto the moor is called Colman Argos. Local legend has it that Bishop Colman rested in Commondale below whilst travelling to the Synod of Whitby and that the village is named after him, this is highly unlikely, the village is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Camisedale.

  Ravensgill Huginn and Muninn wheel above me Wheatears and Pipits mark my path The waller was bewitched…

[prostojorik]

Hyldemoer.

[divulgadormisterios]

Mundo oculto

[midgardbrewhouse]

Brewday - Elderflower & Lime Belgian Blonde  (Hyldemoer II)

It’s that time of the season again, Elderflower is exploding all over the land and if you’re a homebrewer you’d be foolish not to take advantage of this wonderful hedgerow bounty.

Last year I made a Pale Ale with Elderflower and Lime called Hyldemoer, I find it best to pair the very floral nature of the Elderflower with a complimentary flavour, Rhubarb is another one that goes well but the Elderflower and Lime beer I made last year went down a storm, I even had non-beer drinkers drinking it. So I decided that I would stick to the basic concept but alter the base beer. Now I recently tried Duvel’s Citra Triple Hopped beer and it was a revelation, why hadn’t I thought of making more adventurous Belgian beers like this before?

This was the perfect time to try it out so I put together a malt bill of 80% Pilsner, 5.9% Aromatic Malt, 4.7% Torrified Wheat, 3.5% Acid Malt & 5.9% Clear Candi Sugar. Mash at 66c with sparge at 68 and went with 15g Fuggles for bittering then 20g Motueka for 15 minutes with everything going in for the final 5 minutes, that being 30g Motueka, 500g of Elderflower & the juice and peel of 10 limes! I used 12 limes last year but these were much bigger and I got quite a lot of juice, hence me upping my elderflower addition from 345g last year to 500g this, trying to balance those two flavours.

I went with the New Zealand hop Motueka for it’s citrus flavours, especially as its associated with lime. Trying to pair off the floral lemon citrus of the elderflower with actual limes and the hops. The fuggles are just for bittering really. 

I processed the Elderflower like usual which is forking the flowers off with as little stalks as possible. My only problem was that it’s actually a little bit early for Elderflower in the North at the moment, but with last weekend been my only free one for brewing for a couple of weeks I had to go on the hunt for some earlier bushes than the one I usually forage from. Not the most glamorous foraging session but needs must as I went out in the drizzle and rain down the main road where I'd spied some on the way home from work. The dog was not happy about this, we got rather soggy, lol. But I got more than enough to use, I just had to lay it out on a towel overnight so that it wasn’t soaked with rain water.

Everything came together well although I had a bit more boil off than I planned so I liquored back a bit and added a little more candi sugar. This meant I ended up at 1.047, just two points over target, so should leave me around 5% depending on how well the Mangrove Jack's Belgian Ale Yeast attenuates. I know 5% is a bit low for a Belgian Blonde but this isn’t your traditional Belgian beer. I wanted it a little more sessionable. It’s also my first time trying a dried yeast for a Belgian beer, it kicked off fermenting quite gently so fingers crossed that a dried yeast can live up to the liquid ones.