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An ancient Sumerian demon goddess, Lamashtu first appears c. 2900 - 2350 BCE. She attacks infants and pregnant, childbearing or nursing women. Like Roggenmuhme of German myth, Lamashtu is an anti-mother figure. Ereshkigal Goddess of Underworld & Night Pazuzu - Demon God of Mesopotamia Sin (Suen): Moon God of Mesopotamia Lamashtu plaque held by Pazazu - she's at bottom on donkey w 2 snakes She traumatizes women who are in childbirth, and also steals infants when they're breast-feeding. Lamashtu can cause infections or complications of childbirth. She eats children and babies, crunches their bones and sucks their blood. She has a hairy body, head of a lioness, long bloodstained claws or fingernails, teeth and ears of a donkey, and bird's feet with sharp talons. They're described as the feet of Anzû , Mesopotamian chaos monster. She may be depicted kneeling on a donkey, nursing a pig and dog, or holding snakes. She causes horrific nightmares or sleeplessness. Namtar: Underworld Sukkal & Disease Demon Gula - Medicine Goddess of Mesopotamia Kur - Underworld of Mesopotamia The Demon Goddess brings horrifying nightmares Lamashtu is the daughter of Anu (Sumerian: An). One of the gods of creation, Anu is 'father' of the weather and agriculture god Teshub . Anu's genitals are bitten off in a fight for kingship by the 'mother' of Teshub, Kumarbi , who gives birth to Teshub through his split skull. So, Lamashtu comes from a tumultuous background. She has terrible powers and ranks high in the demonic pantheon. She acts on her own from malevolence, and not under the direction of a higher power as some demons do, thus has the status of a deity. She has seven names, and is depicted as seven witches in spells and incantations. Apkallu - Seven Sages of Mesopotamia Disease Demons & Doctors: Ancient Mesopotamia Iron Age - Metallurgy & Metal Magic The seventh is taking the pic The evil acts of Lamashtu include: slaying children, unborns, and infants causing harm to mothers and expectant mothers eating men and drinking their blood disturbing sleep causing nightmares killing foliage infesting rivers and lakes with pestilence bringing disease, sickness, and death To deal with Lamashtu, the demon god Pazuzu is invoked to protect birthing and nursing mothers. He brings drought and famine, but also guards against evil and plague. Although a demon he's the sworn enemy of Lamashtu, and will protect people just to thwart her. She's older, a creature documented in the Bronze Age, while Pazuzu first appears on record in the Iron Age. Curse of the Evil Eye & Apotropaic Magic Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Edimmu: Evil Demons of Vengeance Pazuzu, King of the Wind Demons, protects against his sworn enemy Lamashtu The incantation against Lamashtu is: "Great is the daughter of Heaven who tortures babies Her hand is a net, her embrace is death She is cruel, raging, angry, predatory A runner, a thief is the daughter of Heaven She touches the bellies of women in labor She pulls out the pregnant women's baby The daughter of Heaven is one of the Gods, her brothers With no child of her own. Her head is a lion's head Her body is a donkey's body She roars like a lion She constantly howls like a demon-dog." An Akkadian (early Mesopotamian) ritual for sick children is known as the "incantation to dispel lasting fever and Lamashtu". Items needed are a figure of Lamashtu, a piglet's heart and bread and water as a sacrifice. In front of her, water is poured over the bread. Amber Trade - Bronze Age on the Baltic Mythic Fire Gods: Hephaestus of the Greek Herbology & Lore: Death Cap Mushrooms Water poured over bread is an offering to the Demon Goddess Then, a black dog must carry the figure, which is placed near the sick child's head for three days. The heart of a piglet is placed in its mouth. The incantation must be spoken thrice a day, and more food sacrifices made. At dusk the third day, the figurine is taken outside and buried near the wall. In another incantation, Lamashtu is identified with Inanna , the ancient Sumerian goddess of love, sensuality, fertility, procreation and war. In some myths Inanna is slain by her sister Ereshkigal , Goddess of the Underworld. "Lamash, daughter of Anu Whose name has been uttered by the gods Innin(Inanna), queen of queens Lamashtu, O great lady Who seizes the painful Asakku Overwhelming the Alû Come not nigh what belongeth to the man Be conjured by Heaven Be conjured by the Earth Be conjured by Enlil Be conjured by Ea." In old Babylonian cuneiform, Lamashtu is called d Dim3-me. The d is a sign meaning 'goddess'. It also means 'sky', with which all divinities are associated. Bronze Age Europe - The Amber Road Bau - Healing Goddess of Babylonia Kashka - Mountain Raiders of Anatolia Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Nüwa or Nügua is a mother goddess, culture heroine and member of the Three Sovereigns of Chinese mythology. A primordial snake deity, she creates humanity and repairs the Pillars of Heaven. Her symbol is a mathematical compass. Fuxi: Chinese Primordial Emperor God Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Women Scientists of the Ancient World Goddess Nüwa stops the flood, restores the heavens and repairs the pillars As creator goddess, she molds each human by hand with yellow clay in some tales. In other stories she makes only nobles and elite with yellow clay. Tired from creating the elite, she creates commoners with brown mud, or by dragging a cord through mud. In the Huainanzi (before 139 BCE) a great battle between Gonggong, a sea god, and Zhuanxu a legendary Emperor breaks the pillars supporting Heaven. Amid massive flooding, the heavens collapse. Chun Yuyan & Death of Empress Xu Magic of the Circle: Spirituality & Lore The Igigi - Why Humans are Created The Huainanzi describes the disruptions: Going back to more ancient times, the four pillars were broken; the nine provinces were in tatters. Heaven did not completely cover [the earth]; Earth did not hold up [Heaven] all the way around [its circumference]. Fires blazed out of control and could not be extinguished; water flooded in great expanses and would not recede. Ferocious animals ate blameless people; predatory birds snatched the elderly and the weak. Thereupon, Nüwa smelted together five-colored stones in order to patch up the azure sky, cut off the legs of the great turtle to set them up as the four pillars, killed the black dragon to provide relief for Ji Province, and piled up reeds and cinders to stop the surging waters. Mushussu - Snake Dragon Animal of Marduk Lotan - Chaos Sea Dragon of Ugarit Umami the Fifth Taste: Science & Cuisine Black Dragon The azure sky was patched; the four pillars were set up; the surging waters were drained; the province of Ji was tranquil; crafty vermin died off; blameless people [preserved their] lives. The five colored stones symbolize the five Chinese elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water). The black dragon is the essence of water, thus the cause of the floods. Žaltys: Sacred Snake & Serpent Queen The Maiden & The Lindwyrm - A Fairy Tale Mulberry Tree (Morus): Uses, Folklore & Myth Nüwa (Nügua) with Fu Xi entwined In imagery she's often pictured with male entity Fuxi (Fu Xi) . They're twins, brother and sister, husband and wife, Fuxi and consort, female and male primordial deities. In some stories Nüwa is predecessor of Fu Xi. In others she reigns after Fuxi and before Shennong . Together with Shennong they're the Three Sovereigns at the start of the Chinese dynastic period. Shennong is especially connected to farming and agriculture. The Three Sovereigns teach people how to hunt, fish, make tea, grow crops, domesticate animals and much more. Apkallu - Seven Sages of Mesopotamia Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth Asclepius: Greek Medicine Snake God Nüwa is commonly depicted holding a compass or multiple compasses, symbols of the dome-like sky. She's also thought to be an embodiment of the stars and the sky or a star deity. Fuxi and Nüwa can be individual figures in symmetrical pairing or double figures with intertwined snake-like bodies. Their snake-like tails can also stretch towards each other, similar to Rahu and Ketu in Indian astrology. European Grass Snake: Nature & Lore Quest for Immortality - Qin Shi Huang Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Fuxi and Nüwa can also appear on separate blocks. They generally hold or embrace the sun (Fu Xi) or moon (Nüwa) discs containing images of a three-legged crow, a toad or hare. They might also hold the longevity mushroom lingzhi . The myth of the Three Sovereigns depicts them as demigods and underlines the importance of imperial reign. Variation of sources comes from the division of China before the Qin and Han dynasties. Lore of Fuxi, Shennong, and Nüwa emphasize rule and structure. White Pigments of Ancient Artisans   Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Reishi or Lingzhi - Mushroom Magic Nüwa's reign is matriarchal. She fights a tribal chief, defeats him and takes him to the top of a mountain. The chief is ashamed to be beaten by a woman. He bangs his head on the heavenly bamboo to kill himself, and for revenge. His actions rip a hole in the sky and a flood pours forth to devastate the world. The flood kills all people except Nüwa and her army, protected by her divinity. Then Nüwa patches the sky with five colored stones and the flood recedes. Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Flooding of the Nile - Nature & Myth Shennong Primordial Farmer & Healer Nüwa appears in the well-known novel of the Ming dynasty, Fengshen Bang . Since the time of the Xia Dynasty Nüwa is held in esteem as the daughter of the Jade Emperor. Nüwa is also referred to as the "Snake Goddess". When the Shang Dynasty is created, Nüwa makes the five colored stones to protect the dynasty, along with occasional seasonal rains and other fertility qualities. After a while, the prime minister Shang Rong asks King Zhou of Shang to visit her as a sign of deep respect. Honey Bees (Apidae): Nature & Myth Soy Sauce: A Cultural Culinary Odyssey Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Gentle rains fall Zhou is overcome with lust at the very sight of the beautiful ancient goddess Nüwa, who sits behind a veil. He writes an erotic poem on the wall and leaves. When Nüwa sees the foulness of Zhou's words, she swears the Shang Dynasty will end for this offense. In her rage, Nüwa personally ascends to the palace in an attempt to kill the king, but is suddenly struck back by two large beams of red light. Nüwa realizes King Zhou is destined to rule another 26 years. Queen Eleanor & the Calamitous Crusade Warrior Queen: Kriemhild of the Burgundians Immortal - Quest for the Elixir of Life The Thousand-Year Vixen Nüwa summons her three helpers - the Thousand-Year Vixen (later becoming Daji); the Jade Pipa, a seductive female spirit in the form of a musical instrument; and the Nine-Headed Pheasant. Nüwa brings chaos to the Shang Dynasty by saying, "The luck Cheng Tang won six hundred years ago is dimming. I speak to you of a new mandate of heaven which sets the destiny for all. You three are to enter King Zhou's palace, where you are to bewitch him. Whatever you do, do not harm anyone else. If you do my bidding, and do it well, you will be permitted to reincarnate as human beings." With these words, Nüwa is never heard from again. She's considered a factor in the fall of the Shang Dynasty (1600 - 1046 BCE). Serket - Scorpion Goddess of Egypt Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Chinese Alchemical Elixir Poisoning Tortoise shell plastron with divination inscriptions, found in Shang Dynasty tomb Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Compost is created by billions of microbes in a natural exothermic process of biological oxidation, generating heat to make rich soil from organic matter. Bacteria, archaea and fungi do much of the work unseen. Compost: Heart of Sustainable Gardening Nitrogen Fixation & Evolution of Plant Life Carbon Fixation: Environmental Heath & Ecology The Exothermic Process: Benefits of Heat Seed Sterilization: High temperatures help eliminate seeds and pathogens, yielding a cleaner end product beneficial for garden use. Destruction of Harmful Microorganisms: The heat also reduces the presence of disease-causing microbes, lowering risk of plant disease. Faster Decomposition: Warm temperatures increase the metabolic rates of microorganisms, speeding breakdown times. Fruit Breakdown: Decomposition of an Apple Quorum Sensing: Microbial Coordination Hormones in Microbes, Plants & Animals pumpkins and tomatoes love to grow in the nutritious soil of compost heaps The process of biological oxidation is simplified as follows: Organic Matter + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + Heat + Humus Within this equation, complex biochemical reactions take place. The process can be divided into stages, each dominated by different groups of microorganisms. Bacteria Bacteria dine on organic materials like vegetable scraps, yard waste and manure, releasing nutrients into the soil. The process begins with aerobic or oxygen-loving bacteria. Bacteria & Archaea: Differences & Similarities Bdellovibrio : Lifestyles of Predatory Bacteria Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature to Modern Uses Acetobacter are common compost bacteria The bacteria break down sugars, starches and proteins into organic byproducts including nutrients and energy as heat. Quick to reproduce, bacteria number millions per gram in healthy compost. Bacillus species are especially known for their ability to degrade cellulose and other complex carbohydrates. They're even added to compost starter mixes. Healthy compost temperature is between 54° - 71°C (130° - 160°F). As heat increases, so do activities of microorganisms like archaea and fungi. They decompose tough materials like the cellulose  and lignin  in plant cell walls. GI Yeast Hunter: Bacteroides thetaiotomicron Potash: Agriculture, Plant & Garden Health Bacterial Communication: Autoinducers Archaea Archaea are single-celled organisms. Like a bacterium, an archaeon lacks a nucleus. Archaea include a vast number of extremophiles, who live in extreme environments, including high temperatures and pH levels. Archaea are especially active during later stages of composting. Some archaea are methanogens . They produce methane as a byproduct of metabolism. A greenhouse gas, methane can form in dangerous quantities in large-scale composting, mass livestock and industrial operations. Pyrococcus furiosus : Extremophile of Vulcano Methane (CH4): Science of Microbial Gas Ammonia: Formation, Hazards & Reactions methanogens Micromycetes (Fungi) This group includes filamentous fungi (molds) and yeasts. Filamentous fungi send out hyphae or thread-like filaments to penetrate and break down materials like lignin, cellulose, and chitin into simpler sugars. This makes them accessible to bacteria and other sugar consumers like yeast. Fungi also create pathways for water and air to circulate. They're often seen as white, thread-like growth on decaying leaves or wood. Yeasts are single-celled fungi best known for their ancient uses in baking and brewing. In nature they break down sugars like the simple carbohydrates glucose and fructose in grapes. Homeostasis: Internal Balance of the Body Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Killer Yeast: Assassins of the Microworld wild yeast appears as a whitish film on ripe grapes Exothermic Stages of Compost Mesophilic Stage (Moderate Temperature) This initial stage is marked by a rapid rise in temperature as mesophilic bacteria, who enjoy a moderate climate, rapidly break down available sugars and starches. Temperatures range from 20° - 40°C (68° - 104°F). Thermophilic Stage (High Temperature) As the temperature rises above 40°C (104°F), thermophilic bacteria and fungi take over. These organisms break down more complex materials like cellulose and proteins. Temperature can rise to 70°C (158°F) in this phase. How to Make a Sourdough Starter First Life on Earth: Microbes & Stromatolites How Yeast Transforms Sugars to Booze Cooling and Maturation Stage As the supply of readily available organic matter diminishes, the temperature gradually decreases. Mesophilic organisms return. The final stages of decomposition result in the formation of humus. This is the stable, nutrient-rich end product of the composting process. Humus enhances soil fertility, water retention, CEC (cation exchange capacity), nutrient availability and overall soil health. In agricultural soils, humus content typically ranges from 2-10% Metal to Rust: Unseen Organisms in Action Biometallurgy: Microbes Mining Metals Tartrate Crystals: Secrets of Tartaric Acid Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Nucleic acids include DNA and RNA. They store, transmit and express genetic information in all living organisms. They define human biology, shape the environment and hold the keys to conquering disease. Glutamates: Umami Flavors & Brain Cells Pheromones in Microbes, Plants & Animals Cell Communication in Living Organisms Nucleic acids are made of smaller units, the nucleotides. Each nucleotide has three parts: a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and a phosphate group. DNA  (deoxyribonucleic acid) forms a double-stranded structure or double helix. This structure allows it to encode complex genetic instructions necessary for growth, development, and reproduction. The human genome contains about 3 billion base pairs guiding characteristics and functions. RNA  (ribonucleic acid) is generally single-stranded. It helps make proteins and regulate gene activity. RNA is responsible for carrying messages from DNA to ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. Why Apples Turn Brown: Science & Nature Phytochemicals: Natural Chemicals of Plants Umami the Fifth Taste: Science & Cuisine Nucleic Acids in Nature & Environment Evolution and Biodiversity: Mutations, changes in the DNA sequence, are the driving force of evolution. These variations lead to diverse traits and adaptations. Ecological Interactions: Nucleic acid-based techniques like DNA barcoding can identify species and track their interactions in ecosystems. This helps study food webs, monitor biodiversity and assess environmental changes. Microbial Processes: Microorganisms, essential for nutrient cycling and decomposition, rely on nucleic acids. Knowing their genetic makeup gives insight to soil fertility, waste management, and climate regulation. How to Make a Sourdough Starter Acetic Acid: Food, Health & Science Lactic Acid Bacteria: Team Players of Fermentation Nucleic acids facilitate horizontal gene transfer. In this process genetic material is exchanged between organisms, which can lead to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Bioremediation: Certain microorganisms can break down pollutants in the environment, a process known as bioremediation. Scientists use nucleic acid-based techniques to identify and engineer these microorganisms. Ancient DNA (aDNA) Studies: Extracting and analyzing DNA from ancient remains provides insights into past environments, migration patterns, and evolution of species. Create Artisan Apple Cider Vinegar Bacterial Communication: Autoinducers Cherish the Chocolate: Sweet Fermentation Nucleic Acids and Health Diagnostics: DNA and RNA-based tests, such as PCR and CRISPR-based diagnostics, are used to detect a wide range of diseases, from infectious diseases like COVID-19 to genetic disorders. Therapeutics: Gene therapy, a revolutionary approach to treating genetic diseases, involves delivering corrected or modified genes into a patient's cells. This can potentially cure or alleviate the symptoms of previously untreatable conditions. Treponema pallidum : About the Syphilis Bacteria Hormones in Microbes, Plants & Animals Microbe Glue (EPS) in Biofilm Formation Many genetic diseases and conditions arise from mutations in nucleic acids. Cystic fibrosis results from mutations in the CFTR gene, affecting lung function. Personalized Medicine: Sequencing DNA can show predisposition to certain diseases and responses to certain medications. This information can be used to tailor treatment plans. Drug Discovery: Nucleic acids are important to drug development. Many drugs work by inhibiting activity of specific enzymes or proteins of disease progression. Glucose in Nature: Ecology & Environment Structures of Starch: Amylose & Amylopectin Scheele's Green: History's Most Toxic Pigment Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Glutamates enhance flavors like umami, making them invaluable in cuisine. One of the best known forms is monosodium glutamate (MSG), often used in food to lift flavors. In the body glutamate is synthesized by brain cells. Kimchi: Microbes, Acids & Fermentation Umami the Fifth Taste: Science & Cuisine Fermenting Green Beans: Salt, Brine & Bacteria Necessary for protein synthesis, glutamates are salts and esters of glutamic acid. These compounds belong to a larger family of amino acids . Glutamates create the umami taste, often described as savory or meaty. This distinction places umami alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter as one of the five basic tastes. How to Make a Sourdough Starter Create Artisan Apple Cider Vinegar Cherish the Chocolate: Sweet Fermentation Glutamate can be synthesized by the body, unlike amino acids which must be obtained from food. Glutamate is made within cells using simpler molecules. Common precursors include glucose and amino acids like proline and ornithine. At physiological pH (around 7.4), glutamic acid loses a proton to become glutamate. Glutamate is made and recycled by glial cells of the brain. Lactase: Nutrition & the Milk Sugar Enzyme Peracetic Acid: Origin, Reactions, Hazards Bacterial Communication: Autoinducers Glutamate is found in all organisms, from bacteria to plants and animals. It exists both freely within cells and as a constituent of proteins. Sources of glutamate include: Plant-Based Foods: Tomatoes, mushrooms, seaweed, aged cheeses, soy sauce, and yeast extracts are particularly rich in free glutamate. Animal-Based Foods: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products also contain glutamate, both bound in proteins and as free glutamate. 100 grams of parmesan cheese has about 1200 mg of glutamate. Human Body: Glutamate is a core component of proteins and helps regulate brain chemistry. Why Apples Turn Brown: Science & Nature Fermenting Green Beans: Salt, Brine & Bacteria Lactobacillus: Nature of Lactic Acid Bacteria Glutamates are also produced through fermentation. Foods like soy sauce, miso, and cheese rely on fermentation, which raises glutamate levels. Functions of Glutamate in Cells Protein Synthesis: Glutamate is one of the 20 amino acids used to build proteins in cells. Nitrogen Metabolism: It's central to nitrogen transport and disposal, helping maintain nitrogen balance. Enzymes: Marvels of Nature & Human Health Galactose: Simple Sugar of Nature & Health Secrets of Xanthan Gum for Artists & Chefs Precursor Molecule: Glutamate is a precursor for the synthesis of other important molecules, including: Glutamine: Another amino acid active in nitrogen transport and protein synthesis. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): An inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Glutathione: Antioxidant. Energy Production: Glutamate can be converted into alpha-ketoglutarate, an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), which is involved in cellular respiration and energy production. Pheromones in Microbes, Plants & Animals Phytochemicals: Natural Chemicals of Plants Wine Making Process: Grape to Glass Neurotransmitter: In the nervous system, glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, essential for learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity. It enables communication between neurons. Glutamate in Nature and the Environment Nitrogen Cycle: Glutamate is a key component of the nitrogen cycle. Plant Growth: In plants, glutamate is involved in nitrogen assimilation and the synthesis of various metabolites essential for growth and development. Microbial Metabolism: Glutamates are nitrogen sources important to many microorganisms, such as Bacillus subtilis , found in the GI tracts of humans and cows. Fructose (Fruit Sugar): Sweetest Saccharide Tartrate Crystals: Secrets of Tartaric Acid Kombucha: Ancient Brew & DIY Health Tea Glutamate in Cuisine Glutamate dissolves easily in water to blend well and effectively enhance flavors, deepening tastes in broths and simmered stews. Flavor Enhancement:  Glutamates enhance flavor by stimulating glutamate receptors on the tongue, which signal the umami presence to the brain. They also synergize with other flavor compounds, such as nucleotides. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): MSG is the sodium salt of glutamate, produced through a fermentation process. It's often added to food to enhance its taste. Naturally Occurring Glutamate in Foods: Foods naturally high in glutamate also contribute to umami flavor. Culinary processes fermentation, aging and drying increase the free glutamate, intensifying the savory taste, for example in old cheese. Glycerin (Glycerol): Darling of Cosmetics, Health & Science Esters: Nature's Fragrance & Flavor Makers Cyanobacteria: Nutrients & Bacterial Blooms Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Umami comes from the Japanese for "taste," applied to savory flavors. The four basic tastes are sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Umami is sensed by the middle part of the tongue. It brings depth to the flavors of food. Kimchi: Microbes, Acids & Fermentation Fermenting Green Beans: Salt, Brine & Bacteria Seven Probiotics: Human Digestive Health Umami is often described as savory, meaty or brothy. Unlike the other four tastes, determined by specific types of taste receptor cells, umami is triggered by presence of glutamates, or amino acids , and nucleotides. Nucleotides are made of nucleic acids and include inosinate, which adds flavor to instant noodle broth, and guanylate. Nucleic acids exist in all living things. They create, encode and store information in cells, and express that information beyond the nucleus . Cell Communication in Living Organisms Hormones in Microbes, Plants & Animals Difference Between Pickling & Fermentation The umami receptor is activated mainly by glutamate. Foods high in this amino acid trigger taste buds, sending signals to the brain to enhance overall flavor. It's found in MSG (monosodium glutamate). The umami sensation is amplified when glutamates are combined with nucleotides. This is the reason flavors in dishes like steak with mushroom sauce, or a soup with meat and seaweed, are layered and complex. Maillard Reaction: Science & Flavor in Browning Food Flavonoids: Sensory Compounds of Nature Cheese Making: Rennet & Natural Alternatives Umami elevates taste and causes cravings. Desire for umami is thought to have an evolutionary advantage, promoting intake of nutrient-dense food sources. Foods rich in umami include: Tomatoes: Especially when cooked or sundried Mushrooms: Shiitake, porcini, and other varieties Meat & Seafood: Beef, pork, and seafood like tuna, mackerel, scallops, and shrimp Aged Cheese: Parmesan, cheddar and other aged cheeses develop umami flavors during the aging process. Seaweed: Kombu, nori and other seaweeds are glutamate sources Soy Sauce & Miso Broth & Stock: Slowly cooked broths, especially those made with bones. Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods develop complex umami notes. Fruit Breakdown: Decomposition of an Apple Esters & Phenols in Brewing, Perfumes, Food Making Flavors of Coffee: From Harvest to Homestead Egret enjoys the taste of shrimp Cooking with Umami Layer Flavors: Combine umami-rich ingredients with other tastes to create depth and complexity. Low and Slow Cooking: Slow cooking methods help to release glutamates and develop umami flavors. Umami has deep cultural roots, influencing various cuisines. In Japanese cooking, ingredients like dashi, a stock made from seaweed and fish, brings umami tastes. Italian cuisine conveys umami through tomatoes and aged cheeses. Milk into Cheese: Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Algae: Evolution, Science & Environment Photosynthesis: Nature's Energy Production Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Streptococcus is among the lactic acid bacteria (LAB), who include genera such as Lactobacillus . Besides LAB many species of Streptococcus exist in the world, some with life-giving attributes and some deadly and destructive. Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Queen of Yeasts Catalase: Unseen Enzymes Essential to Life Cyanobacteria: Nutrients & Bacterial Blooms image: National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases Streptococcus  has over 150 species, often with multiple strains. Members of the genus, especially the lactic acid bacteria (LAB), function in food production. Many species influence human health and natural balance. Some Streptococcus strains are used as probiotics or as subjects of genetic manipulation. Others have pathogenic inclinations as in meningitis or strep throat. Phytoplankton: Environment & Human Health ATP: Nature of Energy & Vital Functions Nitrogen Fixation & Evolution of Plant Life Origins Streptococcus bacteria emerge over two billion years ya to evolve with other microorganisms. Streptococcus thrive in anaerobic or microaerophilic conditions. In the latter they need some oxygen, but too much kills them. The genus is first identified in the 1870s by microbiologist Louis Pasteur. He observes the bacteria's ability to produce lactic acid during fermentation. Streptococcus comes from the Greek "streptos" (easily bent or twisted) and "kokkos" (grain or berry). It describes the chain-like arrangement of these spherical or ovoid bacteria. Escherichia coli (E. coli): The Good Bacteria Glycolysis: Biochemistry of Holistic Health Pyruvate (Pyruvic Acid): Key to Life's Energy image: National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases Characteristics LAB are a specific group within this genus. They're defined by the ability to produce lactic acid as the main end-product of carbohydrate fermentation. They are Gram-positive , catalase -negative and typically non-spore forming. Streptococcus  spp. adapt to niches. Their thick peptidoglycan cell walls provide strength and protection. In many ways they affect environmental ecosystems and health. S. pneumoniae  is a main cause of pneumonia, afflicting millions each year. Streptococcus pyogenes , another pathogenic species, ferments sugars to survive in the human throat. Acidosis & Body Fluid Acid Levels: Human Health Botulism: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention How Lactic Acid Bacteria Make Yogurt Habitats Streptococcus  species are found in products like cheese, yogurt and fermented pickles. In yogurt, Streptococcus thermophilus  can represent up to 30% of bacterial content. Fermented beans, sauerkraut, sourdough bread, and more get their tangy flavors due to LAB's fermentation activity. Sourdough starters can contain up to 50 species of LAB and 20 species of yeast. Listeria  Bacteria: Health and Environment Pseudomonadota: E. coli , Gonorrhea & Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria Microbe pH Levels: Acidophiles, Neutrophiles & Alkaliphiles sourdough texture Mammals: In a mammal Streptococcus spp. are a part of the normal microbiota of the mouth, digestive system and vagina, contributing to health and thwarting harmful bacteria. Plant Surfaces: They can be isolated from soil and various plant materials, where they work in natural decomposition processes. GI Yeast Hunter: Bacteroides thetaiotomicron Predators of the Microworld: Vampirovibrio  & Lysobacter Silent Destroyers: Microbes of Concrete Corrosion image courtesy of CDC Eating and Excreting Streptococcus LAB are primarily carbohydrate consumers. Streptococcus spp. are heterotrophic, depending on organic compounds for nourishment. They feast on sugars like glucose, lactose and fructose, breaking them down as needed through fermentation. Their primary excretory product is lactic acid, the characteristic sharp taste of many fermented foods. Lactic Acid Bacteria: Team Players of Fermentation Binary Fission: Speedy Microbe Reproduction Bdellovibrio : Lifestyles of Predatory Bacteria lactic acid is the major fermenting factor in green beans Motility and Survival Skills Streptococcus LAB are non-motile. Their survival hinges on other factors. Acid Tolerance: Their ability to thrive in acidic environments (due to lactic acid production) provides a protective advantage against other microorganisms sensitive to low pH. Nutrient Competition: Their rapid growth and efficient use of nutrients can outcompete other bacteria. Malevolent Microfungi: Hazards of Health & Home Radioactive Gas: Radon (Rn) Noble & Deadly Science of Onion Tears: Demystifying Acids image: National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases Bacteriocin Production: Some Streptococcus LAB produce bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides that inhibit the growth of other bacteria, including pathogens. They rely on their ability to adhere to surfaces to colonize favored environments. One of Streptococcus 's notable survival strategies is the formation of biofilms. These are structures made up of communities of bacteria surrounded by a protective matrix. Biofilms allow Streptococcus to withstand antibiotics and other environmental stressors. S. pasteurii: Calcium Eating Limestone-Making Bacteria Powder of Algaroth: Antimony Oxychloride Purgative Acetic Acid Bacteria for Vinegar Artisans:  Acetobacter Streptococcus biofilm formation Symbiosis Streptococcus LAB can survive independently but often form in symbiotic relationships. In yogurt production, S. thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus work synergistically. They stimulate each other’s growth and accelerate lactic acid production. In natural ecosystems Streptococcus spp. participate in nutrient cycling. They help decompose organic matter for better nutrient availability and soil quality. Apples: Nature, Spirituality & Folklore Honey Bees (Apidae): Nature & Myth Five Sugars: Glucose, Maltose, Fructose, Sucrose, Lactose In human health, certain Streptococcus species are part of balanced digestive microbiota, and synthesizing nutrients. Streptococcus salivarius , in the mouth, contributes to oral health by inhibiting harmful bacteria. Some like Streptococcus pyogenes can cause infections like strep throat. Many species co-exist with host organisms to support vital functions and maintain a balanced microbial community. Pectin: Nature's Polysaccharide Gelatin Long & Short-Chain Fatty Acids: the Human Environment Cherish the Chocolate: Sweet Fermentation image courtesy of CDC Relationship with Other Microbes Streptococcus LAB often interact with other microorganisms, including yeast. In some fermented foods, yeast contributes to the flavor and aroma profile, while LAB provides acidity to inhibit growth of spoilage bacteria. Relationships between different microbial species defines qualities of fermented products. Saccharomyces cerevisiae   is a dependable yeast producing unique flavors and textures in cheese and yogurt. The specific strains of Streptococcus used in different fermentations dictate the final product's taste, texture, and aroma. Cheese makers, for example, select certain Streptococcus cultures for their desired qualities. Cornstarch: Cuisine, Beauty, Cleaning Uses Potash: Agriculture, Plant & Garden Health Milk into Cheese: Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

The Hurrians (Hari, Khurrites, Hourri, Churri) are a powerful force in the ancient world. They occupy much of Mesopotamia in the 2nd millennium BCE, including areas of today's Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Syria. Stretching as far as the Mediterranean coasts, at the height of its influence the Hurrian empire dominates land and sea trade. Hatti - Cultures of Ancient Anatolia The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Nabarbi - Rustic Goddess of Pastures The Eagle is a Symbol of Power, Strength and Vision Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books The Hurrian Kingdom of Mitanni reaches its apex under the rule of Parshatatar in the 15th century BCE. The Kingdom encompasses southeast Anatolia, Syria and Upper Mesopotamia. While the Hurrians first establish a kingdom at Urkesh, building a temple to Nergal in the late third millennium BCE, T heir largest and most powerful kingdom is Mitanni (1550 - 1260 BCE). The lion, eagle, or a combined sun and moon sign are the Hurrian emblems. See also: Before the Vikings - Early Northern Cultures Steppe Trade Routes: Before the Silk Road Ancient Deities: Proto Indo European Gods Read: Cult of the Fire God - New 2024 On the rise about the same time, the Hittite Kingdom expands with an abundance of language groups including Hurrian and Luwian. Hurrian mythology has a strong influence on that of the Hittites, who add Hurrian deities to their own expansive pantheon. See also: Rhytons - Animal Vessels of the Ancients Kiashe (Kiaše) - Elemental Sea God Ḫurri & Šeri - Hurrian Divine Bulls Seri and Hurri Rhytons, twin bulls who pull the cart of Hurrian Weather God Teshub Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books The Hittites have already adopted or assimiliated several gods of the pre-existing Hattians . The Hurrians, Hittites and Hatti intermingle during the near eastern Bronze Age for trade, political or religious alliances. It's a clever walk on a tightrope flaming at both ends. The Hatti have already diffused into Hittite culture. The Hurrians watch for an opportunity. Like the Hittites they prefer trade but as alpha residents they're not afraid to bite off someone's head off. See also: Benu - Ba Heron God of Ancient Egypt Aya - Goddess of Dawn, Mesopotamia Ancient Wild Predators - Eurasian Lion Don't you talk to me like that Sylvia Rose Books  on Smashwords   Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series   Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art  on Zazzle With the warlike neighbors occupied fighting others, the Hurrians forge a presence along the Khabur River, a major tributary of the Eurphates in Syria. T hey spread through a broad arc of fertile farmland from the Khabur River  valley in the west, to the foothills of the Zagros Mountains  in the east. Read: Cult of the Fire God - New 2024 By the early second millennium BCE, the Amorites  have seized Urkesh and made it a vassal state. The Hurrian presence on the Mediterranean coast shrinks as the Hurrians make a strategic expansion westward, in Northern Syria. See also: Major Cities of the Ancient Near East Ereshkigal Goddess of Underworld & Night Ancient Greek Cultures: People of Minos Sylvia Rose Books  on Smashwords   Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series   Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art  on Zazzle Hurrians join forces with Amorites. Records from c. 1600 BCE show battles for land, fighting and border disputes between Hittites and Hurrian/Amorite troops in the area. Hurrians also settle in the country state of Kizzuwatna , south eastern Anatolia. Kizzuwatna changes allegiance to the Hurrian Mitanni and becomes an important Hurrian ally. To the north, the Hurrian town Ishuwa first resists Hittite invasion, then collapses in 1600 BCE. See also: Seduction of Hedammu, Father of Snakes Sekhmet - War Goddess of Ancient Egypt Papyrus (C. papyrus): Sacred Reeds of Aaru Sylvia Rose Books  on Smashwords   Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series   Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art  on Zazzle The Mitanni Empire of the Hurrians (c. 1550 - 1260 BCE) becomes a major force. Bordering the lands to the north are Hittites, with Egyptians and Kassites to the south. Mitanni rises to power before 1550 BCE but is first mentioned in writing at that time. Its presence throughout Anatolia is told by ancient chronicles and modern archaeological finds. Finally, enemy Hittites and Hurrians are forced to work together against Egyptian hostilities. See also: Tin Trade Routes - Ancient Networks Land of Punt: Pre-Bronze Age Kingdom of Riches Nefertari Queen of Peace Ancient Egypt ... seriously? Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books Fighting between Hittites and Egyptians , led by Pharaoh Ramesses II, works up to a major conflict at the disputed border trade town Kadesh in 1274 BCE. It's a large-scale battle with up to 6,000 - 10,000 chariots involved on both sides. In 1258 the impossible happens. Egypt and the Empire of the Hittites sign the world's first peace treaty . It happens through the friendship and diplomacy of the two Queens, Puduhepa of the Hittites and Nefertari of Egypt. See also: Ptah: God of Creators & Creation Egypt Urnfield Culture: Bronze & Iron Age Europe Nature Spirits of German Mythology First Peace Treaty 1269 BCE Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books At the end of the 2nd millennium BCE the cultural groups around Lake Van and Mount Ararat, Eastern Turkey, gain power. They form the Kingdom of Urartu and its residents speak a Hurrian derived language. Eventually the Urartic kingdom will control the territory bordered by the Caucasus Mountains in the north, parts of Assyria and Ancient Iran in the south, and much of eastern Anatolia. By then, the Hurrians have moved on. See also: Puduhepa - Queen of the Hittites Divine Light - Sun Goddess of Arinna Bronze Age Cultures - the Hittites Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books About 2000 BCE, the Hurrians use forms of the Akkadian language and Cuneiform script to develop their own written language. Hurrian cuneiform is found in tablets at Hattusa, Ugarit and other sites. Knowledge about Hurrian culture comes from major sites Hattusa, Nuzi and Alalakh, and other areas of dominant Hurrian population or language. The Hurrians are experts in ceramics. See also: The Igigi - Why Humans are Created Ishara - Goddess of Death & Desire Ebla - Shining Jewel of the Bronze Age Creating pottery on a wheel Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books They produce two widely traded styles of wheel-made pottery, Khabur ware and Nuzi ware, named for their places of origin. Khabur ware is decorated with reddish painted lines, geometric triangular patterns and dots. Nuzi ware is painted brown or black. Read: Cult of the Fire God - New 2024 Hurrians are skilled at glass creation and metallurgy , the working and smelting of metals. The Khuber Valley is an important hub of the metal trade even in Neolithic times. Copper artifacts from that area hint at the early presence of Hurrians. See also: Ornithomancy - Prophecy by the Birds Lapis Lazuli: Vibrant Blue Gem of Ancients Lelwani - Hittite Underworld Goddess Copper dippers and ladles Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books Among Hurrian texts from Ugarit are the oldest known instances of written music, dating from c. 1400 BC. Four Hurrian composers are named: Tapšiẖuni, Puẖiya(na), Urẖiya, and Ammiya. The Hurrian Hymn to the Goddess Nikkal, also known as the Hurrian cult hymn or "a zaluzi to the gods" is the oldest surviving substantially complete work of notated music . Songs or hymns are important musical styles for the Hurrians. Songs of praise or incantations invoke the blessings of divinity and epics tell of faraway places. Musicians are local as free people or slaves, and imported from other countries. See also: Bashmu (Bašmu): Voracious Serpent Dragon Allani - Hurrian Underworld Goddess Kohl: Eye Beauty Magic of Ancients Musical Instruments include the lyre, flute(s), hand drum, rattles & shakers Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books The Hurrian cult center is Kummanni , Kizzuwatna. From there the Hurrians have great influence on the mythologies of their neighbors, especially the Hittites. Many Hurrian gods and goddesses are brought into local pantheons as efforts are made to synchronize the deities of various cultures. The Song of Ullikummi is a Hurrian myth brought into the Hittite theological sphere. See also: German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Ammitt - Devourer of the Dead Fantastic Mountain Important cult centres for the Hurrians include Kummanni in Kizzuwatna, and the Hittite sanctuary Yazilikaya, just outside the Hittite capital Hattusa . Harran in today's southeast Turkey is a center of worship for Sin the moon god. Great Goddess Shauskha has an important temple in Nineveh (today's northern Iraq) under Hurrian rule. The town of Kahat is also an influential religious site during the kingdom of Mitanni. See also: Curse of the Evil Eye & Apotropaic Magic Tiamat - Queen of Chaos & the Sea Teshub: Hurrian Bronze Age Storm God Shaushka, the Great Goddess Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books By the early Iron Age , the Hurrians have dissolved into the surrounding historical environment, and Mitanni is no more. The Kingdom of Urartu takes over the area by the late 9th century BCE, and rises to become a dominant power in the First Millenium BCE. See also: Shakhar & Shalim: Divine Twins of Ugarit Amorites - Titans of the Bronze Age Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Back to Top

The Hurrians establish a kingdom at Urkesh, Mesopotamia, at the end of the Neolithic Era, c. 4000 BCE. It won't be their last. For almost three thousand years Hurrians and their deities dominate Near Eastern sites like Ebla , Ugarit and Kizziwatna. Hurrian Bronze Age Gods & Goddesses Šimige (Shimige) - Hurrian Sun God Shaushka (Šauška): Hurrian Great Goddess At height of power the Hurrians range along the Mediterranean coast into the rich kingdoms of Anatolia (Turkey). The up and coming Hittites keep them in check. Eventually the empire focuses on a strong presence in Mitanni, northern Iraq, down through Syria and into Turkey. Legends, myths, snips of history and new discoveries create a vital, adaptive cosmology incorporating deities of surrounding people and regions. Both Hittites and Hurrians build a strong and expansive presence not only through territorial dominance but also in religious and secular life. Nabarbi - Rustic Goddess of Pastures Kushuh (Kušuḫ) Hurrian Moon God Hattusa Green Stone - Mystic Secrets Tap map for large size (new window will open) Primordial gods and creatures appear in various forms and for different reasons. They could be the Old Gods, sent to the land of the Dead where goddess Allani rules; or elemental monsters churning the oceans of legend. Here are twelve of them and their stories. Ammatina Enna - various Ammatina Enna translates to "old gods", "former gods" or "primordial gods." They were a special class of Hurrian deities. Twelve of them are listed at a time. In some myths the Old Gods are banished to the Underworld when the younger gods seize power. Teshub: Hurrian Bronze Age Storm God The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Ḫurri & Šeri - Hurrian Divine Bulls The standard group includes Nara, Napšara, Minki, Tuḫuši, Ammunki, Ammizzadu, Alalu, Anu, Antu, Apantu, Enlil and Ninlil. Other names are also attested. Many deities are from Mesopotamia (such Anu, Enlil and spouses). Others may originate in Syria. Alalu - Mesopotamia Alalu is a primordial deity of Mesopotamia. He's mentioned in the first part of the Kumarbi Cycle , a series of myths and stories centering around ancient god Kumarbi. Ereshkigal & the Mesopotamian Underworld Hurrians: Bronze Age Warrior Kingdom Papyrus ( C. papyrus ): Sacred Reeds of Aaru Another day, another layer of dust Originally king of the gods, Alalu is deposed by Anu, his cupbearer. He flees to the Underworld. Scholars suggest he's the father of Anu and grandfather of Kumarbi, except in the Hurrian pantheon. Another myth portrays Kumarbi as his son. A Mesopotamian text equates him with another primordial deity, Enmesharra, associated with the Underworld. Anu - Mesopotamia Anu is one of the best known and widely worshipped primordial deities. He's attested in offering lists of Teššub (Teshub). In the Song of Kumarbi , Anu is one of three previous kings of gods. Pagan Pantheon - Anu, Oldest of the Gods Kumarbi - Castration Gods of Creation Myrrh - Mystique, Death & Divinity Anu - King of the Gods He first appears as as Alalu's cupbearer. After nine years Anu dethrones Alalu. After another nine years, his own cupbearer Kumarbi dethrones him. Kumarbi bites off the genitals of Anu and conceives Teššub, the weather god, who's born from Kumarbi's split skull. After that, Anu lives in the Heavens while Kumarbi dwells in the Underworld. Curse of the Evil Eye & Apotropaic Magic Gods of Ugarit c. 1800 - 1200 BCE Lotan - Chaos Sea Dragon of Ugarit Demi-God Silver is son of Kumarbi and a mortal woman Silver - Hurrian Silver is the son of Kumarbi and a mortal woman. Although a demi-god he's not regarded as a divinity and not worshipped as a god. In the Hurrian myth Song of Silver he temporarily becomes King of the Gods, and drags the Sun and the Moon down from heaven. Ḫedammu - Hurrian et al An enormous sea serpent dragon, Hedammu is the product of the union of Kumarbi and the Sea God's daughter Šertapšuruḫi. His hunger is endless. He's known as the Father of Snakes. The attacking forces of Teshub and allies barely harm him. Shaushka ( Inanna ) in her sensual aspect seduces him, and gives birth to all the snakes in the world. Seduction of Hedammu, Father of Snakes Tiamat - Queen of Chaos & the Sea Apep - Chaos Snake God of Egypt Hedammu, Monster Sea Serpent Šertapšuruḫi - Hurrian She's the daughter of the sea god Kiaše , an ally of Kumarbi. In some tales she's a giantess. Šertapšuruḫi is the mother of Ḫedammu and possibly Ullikummi . Ullikummi - Hurrian Ullikummi is one of the monsters created by Kumarbi to destroy Teshub. It's the product of Kumarbi's liaison with either Šertapšuruḫi or a cliff. He's a huge and terrible creature of rock. Teshub is almost defeated, but at the last minute gets help from Ea and a saw. Ullikummi - Rock Monster of Legend Enki (Ea) God of Water & Creation Allani - Hurrian Underworld Goddess Ullikummi is still small. He grows up to the Heavens. Upelluri - Hurrian A primordial giant, Upelluri is the unwitting host for the growth of Ullikummi. The goddesses Irširra place the rock monster on the right shoulder of Uperulli. There the monster grows, unbeknownst to his intended victims. Uperulli doesn't notice at first because he's colossal. Later as the monster grows to a height reaching the heavens, he starts to get an ache in his shoulder. Enlil - Mesopotamian One of the most ancient of gods, Enlil comes into being c. 2400 BCE with the rise of Nippur. He's the head of the Mesopotamian pantheon. He's usually mentioned among the primordial beings. In Hurrian worship he's the father of Ishara . Care & Feeding of Ancient Gods - Enlil Sukkals - Mythic Viziers to the Gods Bird Woman Elwetritsch: German Folklore Enlil starts a flood because the humans are too noisy and he can't sleep Enlil and Kumarbi are sometimes equated as they're both fathers of the gods in their respective pantheons. They also appear separately. Eltara - Ugaritic Eltara is among the possible deities of the Ammatina Enna. As such he may be a dyad with the deity Ta(i)štara. His name is a combination of Ugaritic El and the suffix - tara . El, an ancient god, appears in Hurrian offering lists from Ugarit. A partial myth describes a time when Eltara is king of the gods. It also mentions a conflict involving mountains. Mountains have strong spiritual significance as homes of divine beings. Kashka - Mountain Raiders of Anatolia Gods of Ugarit c. 1800 - 1200 BCE Ebla - Shining Jewel of the Bronze Age Eni attanni - Hurrian / Ugaritic The eni attanni , or "god father", evolves among Hurrians living in Ugarit. They present him as an equivalent to local deity Ilib. He functions as a generic ancestor of the gods. Earth and Heaven - Hurrian The deified Earth and Heaven is known to the Hurrians as eše hawurni . Recognition and worship of this concept appears in sources from all Hurrian areas, much like major Hurrian deities such as Teššub. Earth and Heaven are not personified deities themselves. Ptah: God of Creators & Creation Egypt Hepat - Sun Goddess of Aleppo Nature Spirits of German Mythology Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Nanaya enjoys widespread renown and popularity in the ancient days of Mesopotamia. As a goddess of love, erotic love and lust, she's sometimes paired with Inanna . Usually she has her own cult of worship. Inanna (Ishtar) - Goddess Queen of Ancients Immortal - Quest for the Elixir of Life Sun Goddesses of World Mythology Nanaya, Mesopotamian Goddess of Love, Erotic Love, Sensuality She's also a goddess of intercession and can be called upon to speak to other deities on behalf of worshipers. In such a role she's called Lady of Lamma, referring to a group of protective female deities . In this way she equates with Goddess Ninshubur, sukkal of Inanna. Another intercession deity is Damkina, mother of nature goddess Nanshe . Temples in ziggurats and those of some major deities are forbidden to the public. Sukkals and intercession deities are more accessible. Also if it seems a god isn't listening to prayers, these intermediaries can often help. Bizilla - Shining Love Goddess Sukkal The Sex Demons - Incubus & Succubus Ereshkigal Goddess of Underworld & Night In god lists, Nanaya (aka Nanāy, Nanaja, Nanāja, Nanāya, Nanai, Nanâ) initially appears in the circle of Inanna. She's listed in a position of esteem, right after Inanna's consort Dumuzi (Dumuzid) , and the goddess Ninshubur. Later, Nanaya grows in prominence to the status of Inanna. The goddesses are nonetheless not conflated, at times appearing together but as separate entities. Dumuzi & Geshtinanna: Reasons for Seasons Warrior Portal Gods Lugal-irra & Meslamta-ea Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Nanaya appears in Mesopotamian texts dating back to the Ur III Dynasty in the 22nd - 20th century BCE. As a goddess of love, eroticism, sensuality and desire she's a patron of lovers, including those rejected or lovelorn. Major sites of worship for Nayana include Sumerian cities Uruk , Larsa and Borsippa. She's described as ḫili ( Akkadian: kubzu), meaning charm, luxury, voluptuousness and sensuality. Figs - Food of the Ancient World Abu - Ancient Vegetation Snake God Kish: Glory Days in Ancient Babylonia Her epithets include belet kubzi , "lady of voluptuousness/sensuality" . She's also called nin ḫili šerkandi  or "lady adorned with voluptuousness/sensuality". In neo-Babylonian Uruk (626 - 539 BCE) Nanaya is among the most important deities. Under the succeeding Persians (559 - 331 BCE) she retains her status. Evidence for the worship of Nanaya continues in Seleucid and Parthian times as late as 45 AD. Sin (Suen): Moon God of Mesopotamia Ninazu: Healing, Death, Snakes & War Carnelian - Gems of the Ancient World Especially in the Isin-Larsa period (c. 2025–1763 BCE) Nanaya is associated with kings. A sensual relationship with the Love Goddess is considered an aspect of true kingship. The ritual relationship is a type of hieros gamos , a holy wedding or tryst, performed by actors representing the goddess and monarch. The part of Nanaya might be taken by a high priestess of the temple. Ninhursag - Great Mountain Mother Caspian Tiger: Bronze Age Wild Predators 12 Days of Zagmuk: Chaos & the King Rites of Kingship As time goes by, Nanaya gains warrior aspects. Especially in Borsippa, where she's called Eurshaba Nanaya , she is worshipped apart from her prior (sometime) spouse Nabu . In Borsippa the consort of Nabu is Tashmetum, meaning 'the Lady who Listens'. The husband of Nanaya's war aspect is Mār-bīti, also a war god. He's called a 'terrifying hero'. Nanaya, like the goddess Inanna, is associated with Irina, the personification of victory. Wandering Womb - Ancient Medicine Shulpae (Šulpae): Demon Warrior God Warrior Queen: Kriemhild of the Burgundians V for Victory Nanaya takes a step outside the box of Love and Sex Goddesses, as she's not ruled by Venus. She's connected to the Moon. As such she has oracular or divination aspects. She's associated with ziqqu, a spice. The name means "alkaline plant". It could refer to Seidlitzia rosmarinus, an ancient world healing herb, one of several which grow well in alkaline soil. The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Seduction of Hedammu, Father of Snakes Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Black border stone or kudurra, Nanaya seated The oldest known depiction of Nanaya comes from kudurru , stele or boundary stones. In the one above she's shown seated. A king presents his daughter to the goddess. Three cosmic symbols above are the star of Inanna, the crescent of Sin the moon god and the sun disc of Shamash (Utu). This black limestone kudurru dates back to the Kassite Empire (c. 1531 - 1155 BCE). In administrative documents from Puzrish-Dagen, south central Iraq, Nanaya is among the twelve deities receiving the most offerings. Though she has her own temples she's also given tribute in temples of deities like Inanna and Ninurta . Kushuh (Kušuḫ) Hurrian Moon God Hattusa Green Stone - Mystic Secrets Enuma Elish: Marduk & the Chaos Monsters She has a temple in Kazulla known as Eshahulla , or 'home of the happy heart'. A lost city, Kazulla appears in texts but its location is a mystery. Worship of Nanaya spreads throughout the Mesopotamian lands for over two thousand years. She's a popular deity of private worship, especially among women. Women of Alchemy: Anna Maria Zieglerin Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Lammašaga: Sumerian Angel Goddess Personal seals with the phrase "servant of Nanaya" identify the goddess as patron of the owner. A formula on papyrus from 6th century BCE Egypt includes the intonation, "Nanaya of Eanna will bless you". During the Hellenic period (c. 323 - 30 BCE) her cult spreads through Armenia and other near Eastern centers. Around the first century AD it's gradually assimilated into local cultures. Gula - Medicine Goddess of Mesopotamia Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers Flooding of the Nile - Nature & Myth Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Allani reigns over the Land of the Dead or Underworld in Hurrian myth. She's influenced by the Hittite Sun Goddess of the Earth , Underworld Goddess Lelwani and Mesopotamian Ereshkigal , Goddess of Death and the Night. Allani dwells in a great palace in the Dark Earth. Hurrian Bronze Age Gods & Goddesses Hurrians: Bronze Age Warrior Kingdom Hurrian Primordial Gods & Creatures She wears a blue gown, and dwells in a palace beneath the Earth. In the Land of Death the fate of humans is pre-decided. Allani is one of the deities who can determine fate. She's called negri ešeniwe or the bolt of earth, relating to the Underworld. She's associated with fate goddesses Hutena and Hutellura , also known as divine midwives. Allani receives the title šiduri or young woman, and is considered a maiden or woman of youthful age. She wears a blue garment. In this context blue is associated with death. She's unmarried although one or two children are attested to her. Ereshkigal & the Mesopotamian Underworld Divine Light - Sun Goddess of Arin na Gods of Ugarit c. 1800 - 1200 BCE At least one daughter is briefly mentioned. The Death Goddess also has the power of life. Among her many functions, Allani rules domains occupied by the Hurrian primeval deities. The deities dwell in the Underworld, where they're confined by Storm God Teshub . Teshub is the son of Kumarbi , Lord of the Hurrian Underworld, and Anu the Sky Father. Allani and Kumarbi have no specific relationship or kinship. Allani becomes cognate with Lelwani, Queen of the Old Gods in Hittite mythology. The Sun Goddess of Earth, the chthonic aspect of the Sun Goddess of Arinna , also holds court in the Underworld. Lelwani - Hittite Underworld Goddess Shaushka (Šauška) - the Great Goddess Bronze Age Cultures - the Hittites Sometimes Allani is invoked with Ishara , another Hurrian Underworld Goddess. While her origins are obscure, Ishara has influence from her main center of worship in northern Syria (Ebla) through Mesopotamia. In the ritual of Allaituraḫi, Ishara and Allani are invoked together to protect a household from demonic forces. Ishara is connected to death but also love, erotic love and sexual love. Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Nanaya - Goddess of Erotic Love Ugarit - Trade Hub of Bronze Age Syria In Mesopotamia her love aspect prevails. Pairing her with a death goddess represents the dual aspect of nature and primordial depths of opposites in attraction. Love and death are powerful and mystic. Humans can't control either feelings of love or the destiny of death. Ancient Deities: Proto Indo European Gods Ornithomancy - Prophecy by the Birds Bull of Heaven - Inanna vs Gilgamesh Allani and Ishara, both associated with the Underworld, are a natural duo. Effigies in rituals and processions show them as twins or a pair, and dress them in clothes of red (Ishara) and blue (Allani). The two goddesses can receive an offering together as one. The veneration of Ishara and Allani as a pair is part of a broader occurrence often seen in Hurrian and other Bronze Age sources. Twins, pairs, dyads, duos and diptychs are a recurring theme. Weather God of Zippalanda: Bronze Age Gods Teshub: Hurrian Bronze Age Storm God Kashka - Mountain Raiders of Anatolia Twins, pairs and dyads are popular themes in the myths of Mesopotamia & area They include Shaushka 's two attendants and the Divine Bulls of Teshub. Sacred dyads cross cultures with the Divine Twins of Proto-Indo-European mythology, and Manu and Yemo in the creation myth. Allani is worshipped in ancient Ugarit, a metropolitan trade hub of coastal Syria, along with several other Hurrian deities. She's equated with Ugaritic underworld goddess Asray . ruins of the palace at Ugarit In the ancient Anatolian kingdom of Kizzuwatna , Allani is equated with the Sun Goddess of the Earth. Kizzuwatna is best known as the birthplace of the Hittite Queen, Puduḫepa . Reigning in the 13th century BCE alongside her husband Hattusili III , she's among the most influential women in ancient history. Peace between Hittites and Egyptians is only one of her accomplishments. Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Asray: Ugaritic Underworld Goddess Obsidian Volcanic Glass The Sun approaches the horizon of the Underworld Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Making apple cider vinegar at home allows control over the ingredients. This is essential for artisan vinegars, which can range from tart and fruity to fragrant spice or a woodland flavor. There are no artificial additives. Here’s how to craft apple cider vinegar from scratch. Cultivate Acetic Acid Bacteria for Artisan Vinegar Amazing Yeast: Feeding, Breeding & Biofilms Acetic Acid Bacteria for Vinegar Artisans: Acetobacter About Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has health claims in promoting digestion. It's known for antimicrobial action, as a natural preservative and flavorful ingredient in cuisine. Making apple cider vinegar at home yields a natural product and potential to experiment with flavors. ACV is made by fermenting apple juices in two stages. The process uses wild and/or domestic strains of yeast and acetic acid bacteria (AAB). In anaerobic conditions yeast absorbs sugars and excretes CO2 and ethanol, or alcohol. This will then be turned into vinegar by the AAB. Yeast can be store bought, or wild yeast already existing on and in the apples. Cider vinegar making is not for those seeking instant gratification. The methods below take three or four months. Also, it's not guaranteed to work out right away. The same method in the same conditions can yield different results. Nonetheless it's a rewarding connection to the natural world. Apples: Nature, Spirituality & Folklore Honey Bees (Apidae): Nature & Myth Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Choose ripe apples free of pesticides. As they ripen their sugar content increases. Wild and Domestic Yeast Wild yeasts can be strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Commonly called brewer's yeast or baker's yeast, S. cerevisiae is instrumental in winemaking, baking and brewing since ancient times. It's believed to be originally isolated from the skin of grapes. One of the most intensively studied eukaryotic model organisms in molecular and cell biology, it's a driving force in fermentation. S. cerevisiae cells are round to ovoid, 5–10 μm in diameter. They reproduce by budding. Spores & Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae Isolate Yeast & LAB Strains for Artisan Flavors Wild Yeast: Microbes Acting Naturally Saccharomyces cerevisiae making a biofilm Yeast is often seen on the skin, and gets inside fruit because it loves the fructose in flower nectar. Flower petals are a common source of wild yeast. As the fruit develops, the yeast becomes incorporated. It doesn't act until the fruit is ready for fermentation. The fruit intensifies its sugar production when it ripens, which is just what the yeast is waiting for. As the yeasts enjoy sugar, the AAB get to work slurping up the alcohol they produce, to metabolize acetic acid, the primary ingredient in vinegar. Store-bought apple cider vinegar is about 5 - 6% acetic acid. This factor too can be controlled by the maker. Green Coffee: Consumer Facts & Information Song of the Loreley - Lethal Attraction Isolate Lactic Acid Bacteria for Artisan Flavors Sterilize Jars, lids and other equipment or tools need to be sterilized before starting, to avoid introducing contaminants which can ruin the process or result. First wash items with hot water and dish soap, rinse, then boil them gently for about 10 minutes. Use glass jars and stainless steel stirrers and other equipment if possible. Straining cloths should be washed with soap in hot water before use, and rinsed thoroughly in cold. Flavors of Coffee: From Harvest to Homestead Cherish the Chocolate: Sweet Fermentation Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice A loose weave fabric cover allows the brew to expel CO2 gasses created during fermentation Ingredients The vinegar making process uses the wild yeast (probably Brett) on the skins of the apples. This method can be adapted to different fruits such as ripe pears, plums, grapes, blueberries or bananas, all favorite colonization media of wild yeast. Store-bought yeast, usually S. cerevisiae , can also be used as consistency is more predictable. A packet of dry yeast is conventionally 7-8 grams or just over 2 teaspoons. Add 60 ml (1/4 cup) warm water to wake up the yeast if needed. It yields about 1/2 cup of fully active yeast. It's best to experiment with smaller amounts before going for the gold. All kinds of factors can affect fermentation from climate to time to yeast strains. Sample sizes also take much less time to ferment and develop. Adjust amount of ingredients to suit. Overall it's a personal taste. German House Spirits: Beer Donkey (Bieresel) ATP: Nature of Energy & Vital Functions Vinegar Cures of Physician Dioscorides Apples Use whole apples, apple scraps like cores and peels, or a combination of both. Choose organic apples. Pesticides destroy or repel our industrious little helpers. Apple flavor tones can range from crisp and sour to sweet and rustic. Apple cider vinegar can be made from one type of apple or a variety, for a cunning blend of flavors. It's most important to be familiar with the basic process before the mix and match. Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg German Nature Folklore - Fruit Trees Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Apple parts vintage botanical illustration; stamens, seeds, flowers, fruits, cross-sections Sugar Sugar bribes the yeasts to create alcohol, which is turned to vinegar by acetic acid bacteria. In aerobic conditions yeast make CO2 and water. This will not become acetic acid. Use white sugar, brown sugar or honey. Be daring. Try syrup, fruit juice or beet sugar . A rule of thumb is about 250 ml (1 cup) of sugar per 3.8 liters (one gallon) of water. Yeast doesn't always need added sugar to ferment, but responds to it with great enthusiasm. It also can break down polysaccharides in the form of starches, as in grain or flour, to sugars for energy. While this is more work for the yeast and slows down production, slow fermenting is also a process used in brewing. It's also used in making sourdough starter . Sugar Beets, Altbier & First Newspaper How Yeast Transforms Sugars to Booze Killer Yeast: Assassins of the Microworld Water Filtered or distilled water helps prevent unwanted bacteria from interfering with the fermentation process. Tap water is not recommended if it contains chlorine, which is sudden death even to beneficial microbes. Mother of vinegar (optional) This intriguing gelatinous substance contains beneficial bacteria and yeast to accelerate the fermentation process. The Mother of Vinegar herself can be created through a separate process over several weeks and used to start new batches. Mother of Vinegar & Microbial Life in a Bottle 4 Infused Wines of Ancient Medicine How to Cultivate Green Algae for Science & Health formation of Mother of Vinegar Equipment Glass Jar or Fermentation Vessel : A wide-mouth glass jar or a ceramic container works best. Cheesecloth, other fabric, paper towel or coffee filter : This covers the jar, allowing airflow while keeping out dust and insects. Rubber Band or String : To secure the cover over the jar. Stainless Steel: Spoons, tongs and other utensils, washed and sterilized. Ethyl alcohol can also be used for sterilization. Fermentation & Rot: Comparing Processes Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe Eight Dye Plants & Natural Dyes in History Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Apples If using whole apples, wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax. Cut them into quarters. Cores can be left intact or chucked. Do not eat the seeds. Apple scraps can be used directly. Aim for about 4 to 6 apples to produce about 1 quart of vinegar. Step 2: Make Sugar Water Solution In a large mixing bowl or directly in the fermentation vessel, combine about 1 cup of sugar with 4 cups of water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Food Pathogens: Family Health & Safety Cornstarch: Cuisine, Beauty, Cleaning Uses Red & White Tartar: Wine Salts of Alchemy The sugar water nourishes the yeast during fermentation. Pour the sugar solution over the apples in the jar until the apples are completely submerged. Under these conditions jars will explode due to expansion of gasses if tightly capped. Cover the jar with a piece of cheesecloth, light fabric, paper towel or a coffee filter and secured with a rubber band or string. This cover allows controlled air flow while keeping out dust and insects. A fermentation vessel also lets air out, and these are good for big batches. Too much air can encourage mold growth. Ethyl Alcohol: Science of Solvents & Booze Science of Onion Tears: Demystifying Acids Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Step 4: Ferment the Mixture Put the jar in a warm, dark place ( 15-27°C or 60-80°F) for 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, swirl the mixture every few days to keep mold from forming and to promote fermentation. Mold is fond of stagnant acidic conditions and is one of the microbes naturally present on fruit. Because yeast prefers anaerobic conditions, a skin or froth might appear at the top of the liquid in the jar. The yeast forms this biofilm to create the habitat it loves and repel pathogens. It contains yeast bodies and secretions, harmless bacteria and some organic matter. The bubbles are carbon dioxide produced by the yeast as it converts sugars to ethanol. Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation Vinegar Eels: Life Cycle & Survival in Vinegar Ardent Spirits Alchemy: the Fiery Elixirs of Life one of my latest samples ACV undergoing fermentation, with a nice krausen, or foam head Some people prefer to leave the natural formation undisturbed and let the yeast work in peace, while others find a good shake-up has more desirable results. The contents of the biofilm are nutritious for microbes and form part of the ultimate composition of the Mother of Vinegar. Because it's partly composed of organic particles as impurities, skimming it off can help clarify the final result. Unwanted particles can be strained out. Breaking up the biofilm doesn't kill the beneficial bacteria or the yeast. These scrappy microbes just build a new one and continue on with their work. Let the mixture ferment a while. This stage is crucial for developing the classic vinegar flavor. Biofilm Communities: Metropolitan Microbes Fungal Biofilms: Ecology of Biofilm-Producing Molds & Yeasts Oil-Dwelling Microbes: Bacteria, Yeast & Mold classic apple cider vinegar flavor Step 6: Strain the Mixture After 3 to 4 weeks, the apple pieces have sunk to the bottom and the liquid should be cloudy brown. Strain the mix using a fine-mesh sieve or fabric bag. Transfer the liquid back to the jar or into another sterilized glass container. The yeast from the mixture makes a fine white silt at the bottom of the original jar. It can be used to start another batch. Yeast goes dormant at an alcohol saturation of 10 - 20%. To gauge progress, smell and taste the liquid produced. it should resemble a sweet apple wine or hard cider. If it lacks any alcoholic flavor or smell, more fermentation is needed. If it smells noxious and fuzzy blue/grey/white things grow, it's spoiled. The Microscope: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Lactic Acid Bacteria: Team Players of Fermentation Binary Fission: Speedy Microbe Reproduction Penicillium mold on an orange - toxic! Step 7: Secondary Fermentation If using a Mother of Vinegar, now is the time to add it. Cover the jar again and let it sit another 3 to 6 weeks. This is where the acetic acid bacteria take over. They convert the alcohol to acetic acid, resulting in vinegar. Without a mother, naturally present acetic acid bacteria soon catalyze the transformation to vinegar. Taste periodically to check for flavor; once it reaches desired acidity level, the apple cider vinegar is ready. Pyruvate (Pyruvic Acid): Key to Life's Energy How Lactic Acid Bacteria Make Yogurt Hildegard von Bingen: Nature, Music & Beer Step 8: Storing Apple Cider Vinegar Once the vinegar has reached the desired flavor and acidity, transfer it to a clean glass bottle with a good lid. Store it in a cool, dark place. Its flavor may evolve further over time. Watch out for bubbles, which mean some yeast left in the mix is fermenting again. Loosen the lid to release the carbon dioxide it produces. Decide whether to chuck it or use for more experiments. Metal to Rust: Unseen Organisms in Action Gingerbread Houses: German Folklore Potash: Agriculture, Plant & Garden Health more experiments ... hee hee hee Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top