German Alraunas, Magic Prophetesses

All the German tribes encountered by Julius Caesar and Tacitus, firmly believed in the prophetic, far seeing powers of women. These prophetesses, 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 (perhaps with Rune-Songs) the Germans into battle during  Vespasian's reign (69-79 CE). She lived near a shrine by the River Lippe and accurately prophesied Germanic victories. Her name, also spelled Weleda, may be related to the root word for "Wisdom" and "Witch" and may actually be 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 housed with the Vestal Virgins. Allegedly, 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 "Magical Staff.")


Blessings,
Lory
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