Search Results

In the Bronze Age, the Trzciniec culture (2400 - 1300 BCE) occupies areas of Central-East Europe in Poland and parts of Lithuania. Migration, warfare or mingling of clan groups pushes them north to the coast of the Baltic Sea, where they find the golden treasure and vanish. Baltic Amber in Folklore and Myth Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation Baltic Ancient Mythology & Folklore By the late Bronze Age the Trzciniec have moved north to the Baltic Coast From 3000 - 2350 BCE, the areas of Europe and West Asia are the domain of three groups of Corded Ware cultures, so named because of the constructions and decorations of pottery. From the early Bronze Age on, the mysterious gem amber makes its way from the stormy Baltic shores into Spanish caves and Pharaohs' graves. By 1700 BCE, Baltic amber travels to Greece and the Mediterranean. For almost a thousand years the Trzciniec people are a vital part of the shifting roles and territories of Bronze Age Europe. Hurrian Bronze Age Gods & Goddesses Stone Age Botai - First Horse People Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Buildings, transportation like chariots, tools and weapons improve during the Bronze Age From 1600 - 1300 BCE the Tumulus to the south are a major power. Warlike and aggressive, they push other tribes to migration. The Tumulus culture comes from the South German lands, spreading through Czech Republic, Austria, Carpathia, Switzerland and Poland. The Tumulus are named for the grave mounds or tumuli (sing. tumulus ). Although it isn't the only culture to use burial mounds, it's one of the most distinct societies who do. German House Spirits: Beer Donkey (Bieresel) Destroying Angel: Nature's Deadly Poison Visigoths, King Alaric & the Ruin of Rome Tumulus (tumuli), kurgans, burial mounds In the central Polish town of Rawa Mazowiecka, a look through the treasury in 1948 reveals a hoard, literally rooms of hidden treasure, from about 600 BCE. Further investigation uncovers an older treasure yet, pointing to Trzciniec origins c. 1700 BCE. Silver and gold are found in other Trzciniec burial sites. The Trzciniec people are upwardly mobile, with chariots and horses to pull them. They bury the dead in kurgans or mounds. A kurgan contains the body, tools, weapons, vessels, ornaments, personal items and sometimes horses. Apis - Sacred Fertility Bull of Egypt Chicken Soup: Chickens in German Folklore Brunhilde: Tragic Germanic Warrior Queen Depending on region a kurgan might serve as a grave site or a crematorium. By 1300 BCE two-horse burial sites appear, linked to the use of chariots. The wooden chariots have spoked wheels; spokes develop in Anatolia c. 2000 BCE. The Trzciniec people are skilled in metallurgy as evidenced by beautiful bronze work as below. Use of carved antler parts for bridles and bridle decorations also show considerable craftwork. Rise of Pan: Fertility Goat God Péh₂usōn Spiritual Magic - Numbers Three & Nine Ouroboros Glyph: Snake Eating Tail A pair of bronze spiral armbands, Trzciniec culture In the Bronze Age people like the Trzcieniec drink a lot of sheep and goat milk, which helps strengthen bones, teeth and constitution. They eat less meat than people do today, with most of the diet being cereals and other products of agriculture. They trade for salt or gather it from the sea. As agriculture spreads and people eat less meat, healthy salt intake is lacking. Ancient salt trade routes develop in the Neolithic and are well traveled by other traders by the Bronze Age. Northern societies and lineages like those of the Trzceiniec develop the ability to drink milk due to a genetic enzyme, lactase . Lactose tolerance begins in the Neolithic, with the agricultural revolution, and is culturally defined. About 68% of the world's population today is lactose intolerant. Salt Trade - the Most Precious Mineral Lactase: Nutrition & the Milk Sugar Enzyme Potrimpo - Baltic Sea God of Grain Most animals become lactose intolerant after they're weaned The average human diet improves considerably with advances in animal husbandry, crop and vegetable breeding. Better nutrition is one of the reasons for the early Bronze Age population explosion. The Trzciniec people live in semi-pit and surface habitations. They erect outbuildings on pilings for grain storage. Agriculture and animal husbandry is supplemented by hunting and fishing. Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Before the Viking Age - Gods of the Sámi Ancient Marsh Muse - Rough Horsetail Einkorn wheat does well in the northern European climate, and is one of the ancient grains . As well as tools and weapons of flint and stone, archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of pottery, bronze decor and jewelry. Flint workshops are discovered at settlement sites. Even in the Bronze Age flint is a favorite stone for blades, tools and arrowheads as it breaks with sharp edges. It can be formed with simple tools, like hand axes. By the late Bronze Age and the approach of the Iron Age, the Trzcieniec people are around in a small area by the Baltic Sea. Ferocious Baltic storms must be conjured by demons, but leave nuggets of golden amber strewn over the beaches and shores, found and traded by these early people. Ancient Deities: Proto Indo European Gods Ziu - Ancient Sky God of Germania Žaltys: Sacred Snake & Serpent Queen Gold of the North - Baltic Amber As time goes on, the Trzceineic culture is assimilated into other groups, either by sea or land. The people vanish into the nearby Lustatian society and the northern settlements. 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

Asherah (Ashera) is one of the most powerful goddesses of the ancient world. She's mentioned in Hebrew texts, in records of Ugarit as Athirat, and in the Hittite Empire. Her titles include "Lady" and "holy". During childbirth women often hold a figurine of Asherah. Šassūrātu (Sassuratu): Deific Midwives Sukkals - Mythic Viziers to the Gods Kothar (Kothar-wa-Khasis) Artisan God Asherah (Ashera) Brings Blessings to Homes, Nurseries, Bedchambers, Mothers & Infants Asherah has a number of male consorts, some being the same God in different regions. They include: El (Ugaritic religion) Baal (Canaanite religion) Elkunirsa (Hittite religion) Yahweh (Israelite religion) Amurru (Amorite religion) Anu (Akkadian religion) 'Amm (Qatabanian religion) Ashur (Assyrian religion) Her principal consorts are Sumerian Anu, and Ugaritic god El, the oldest gods in their pantheons. True to her name, the Fertility Goddess has up to 88 sons. Chaoskampf: Order & Chaos Battle Out Kotharat - Bronze Age Birth Goddesses Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Just a few of the family As a popular folk Goddess, her rites are performed by the matriarch of the home. She's worshipped primarily by women: "As the women of Jerusalem attested, "When we burned incense to the Queen of Heaven and poured out drink offerings to her, did not our husbands know that we were making cakes impressed with her image and pouring out drink offerings to her?" Asherah is foremost in the devotions of such female royals such as the Queen Mother Maacah. The Queen's son Asa deposes her for idolatry. This has now become serious. Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Lapis Lazuli: Vibrant Blue Gem of Ancients Sphinx - Mythical Monster of Ancients Asherah Goddess Figurine, terracotta, 8th - 6th century BCE Figures, plaques and statuettes of Asherah are common domestic idols. They're placed in the home for protection, usually on an altar, according to archaeological finds. Animals associated with her are the Lioness and the Dove. Her figurine is kept close during childbirth, often held by the laboring mother. Asherah may be given offerings and praises sung for household blessings too. Hundreds of pillar-base figurines in her image have been found. Taweret - Hippopotamus Goddess of Egypt Sun Goddess of the Earth: Hittite Underworld Wild Women and Winter Tales Asherah Goddess of Fertility Nursing the Divine Twins of Ugarit Above, an Asherah figurine is virtually reconstructed. The statuette shows Asherah nursing the Divine Twins of Ugarit . Sacred goats adorn her thighs. Another of her symbols is the Asherah pole, a sacred tree or pole near Canaanite religious sites. Trees associated with the Asherah pole include palm, oak and almond. Ugaritic amulets of the goddess include a miniature "tree of life" growing from Asherah's belly or womb. Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Nefertum: He Who is Beautiful Gods of Egypt Shapshu: Sun Goddess of Canaanites Date Palm Tree, sacred to Goddess Ashera. Another sign of the Goddess is the inverted or pubic triangle. Due to the popularity of Asherah among women, her worship is suppressed and her character demonized. The Hebrew Bible associates goddess worship with prostitution ("whoredom"). Jeremiah and Ezekiel blame goddess religion for making Yahweh jealous. His jealousy is given as the reason Yahweh permits the destruction of Jerusalem. Warrior Portal Gods Lugal-irra & Meslamta-ea Nekhbet - Vulture Goddess of Egypt Divine Light - Sun Goddess of Arinna Western Wall or Wailing Wall of Jerusalem today 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

Yahweh is the God of the Israelites in ancient Levant. In the Book of Exodus he reveals his Hebrew name, YHWH, to Moses. The origins of his worship are thought to date to the Late Bronze Age  (c. 1550 - 1200 BCE) at least. Minoan Genius (Genii) Helper Spirits Ugarit - Trade Hub of Bronze Age Syria Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Warrior Storm & Fertility God Of ancient Levantine lore, Yahweh is patron god of the kingdoms Israel and Judah . H e's said to appear as a divine warrior. He relates to Mount Seir ; Edom ; Desert of Paran; and Teman (Palestinians descended from Esau). Edomites appear c. 1215 BCE in the records of Pharaoh Seti I of Egypt. Yahweh is later also associated with Canaan . ‎ In ancient biblical literature he has qualities of storm, weather and war deities. Nefertum: He Who is Beautiful Gods of Egypt Ancient Deities: Proto Indo European Gods Baal (Ba'al): Storm God & Love Demon Storm coming He assumes the role of fertility god in gracing the land with abundance. As a warrior god he leads his divine army against the enemies of Israel. The name YHWH is a sequence of consonants Yod, He, Waw and He creating the tetragrammaton.  They correspond to the four-letter Hebrew   theonym  יהוה , which is read from right to left. Gods of Ugarit c. 1800 - 1200 BCE Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Name of Yahweh at synagogue Like their contemporaries, e arly Israelites are polytheistic. They worship Yahweh together with Canaanite gods and goddesses including the God King El , fertility goddess Asherah and storm god Baal . In later centuries, El and Yahweh became conflated. Yahweh of the Israelites is among the consorts of goddess Asherah. Her other consorts include Baal (Canaanite religion) , Amurru (Amorite religion) and Anu (Akkadian religion) . Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Ereshkigal Goddess of Underworld & Night Nanaya - Goddess of Erotic Love Fertility Goddess Asherah (Ashera) Brings Blessings to Homes, Nurseries, Bedchambers, Mothers & Infants As time goes by, epithets such as El Shaddai (God Almighty) become applied to Yahweh alone. Other deities such as Baal and Asherah are absorbed into the religion of Yahweh. Baal is also depicted as an enemy of Yahweh. Toward the end of Babylonian captivity of the Jews (c. 7th century BCE), Yahweh is elevated to creator god as the only deity to be worshipped. After the Babylonian captivity (6th century BCE), and especially from the 3rd century BCE on, Jews stop using the name Yahweh. Mushussu - Snake Dragon Animal of Marduk Seduction of Hedammu, Father of Snakes Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods There are two specific reasons. One, as Judaism outgrows its local position and becomes a widespread religion, the more common Hebrew noun Elohim (plural in form but understood as singular), meaning “God,” replaces Yahweh. This is perceived to demonstrate the universal sovereignty of Israel’s God above all others. At the same time, the divine name is increasingly seen as too sacred to be spoken. During the Second Temple Period (516 BCE - 70 AD) it's illegal to say the name Yahweh in public. Cyprus: Prehistoric Humans & Pygmy Hippos Emmer Wheat - First Domestic Crops Queen Eleanor & the Calamitous Crusade Stained Glass Windows at a Synagogue. The Star of David is originally an alchemy symbol. It's replaced in the synagogue ritual with the Hebrew adonai  (אֲדֹנָי‬‎, "my Lords") . In the Greek version of the Hebrew Scriptures or the Septuagint it's translated as Kyrios (“Lord”). The siege of Jerusalem of 70 AD is the decisive event of the First Jewish-Roman War (66 - 73 AD). The Roman army led by future emperor Titus besieges Jerusalem . The city is the center of Jewish rebel resistance in the Roman province of Judaea . Hesperus (Vesper) the Evening Star Pagan Solstice Fests: Mithras & the Sun Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome After a five-month siege, the Romans raze the city and destroy the Second Jewish Temple . After the destruction of the Temple, the original pronunciation of the god's name is forgotten. Theologians and archaeologists divide the history of Yahweh into several time frames. These are: Late Bronze: 1550 -1200 BCE Iron Age I: 1200 - 1000 BCE Iron Age II: 1000 - 586 BCE Neo-Babylonian: 586 - 539 BCE Persian: 539 - 332 BCE Ammurapi - The Last King of Ugarit Sherden Sea Peoples in Ancient Egypt Tarhunna (Tarḫunna) Storm God of the Hittites Persian Women The exact origin of Yahweh remains a mystery. His name is found only among the Israelites. Scholars reach no consensus on its etymology. Some say Ehyeh ašer ehyeh ( I Am that I Am ) in Exodus 3:14 seems a late addition when the original meaning is forgotten. His name may be connected to Amorite yahwi- ( ia-wi ), found in personal names, meaning "brings to life/causes to exist" (e.g. yahwi-dagan = " Dagon causes to exist"). This is disputed. Amurru: Amorite Bronze Age Kingdom Byblos, Vibrant Port City - Bronze Age Papyrus ( Cyperus papyrus ): Plant of Aaru The oldest reference to his name is the Egyptian demonym tꜣ šꜣsw Yhwꜣ , "The Land of the Shasu YHWA ," inscribed at the time of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BCE). The Shasu are nomads from Midian and Edom in northern Arabia. Yahweh is a "divine warrior from the southern regions" - Mark S. Smith 2017. While this concept is widely accepted it questions how Yahweh arrives in the north. Shapshu: Sun Goddess of Canaanites Sekhmet - War Goddess of Ancient Egypt Lucifer, Venus & Anti-Gods of Mythology Storm God originally w lightning bolts; bronze, c. 1500 - 1250 BCE (credit: Rama) Many scholars believe traders bring Yahweh to Israel along the caravan routes between Egypt and Canaan . This assimilates various data, such as absence of Yahweh from Canaan, and his links with Edom and Midian in the biblical stories. Dispute continues. 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

Lammašaga (Lammasaga) is an ancient Sumerian goddess, and sukkal of the medicine goddess Bau . Belonging to a class of guardian deities or lamma, she is widely worshiped such cities as Lagash and Girsu . Sukkals - Mythic Viziers to the Gods Bizilla - Shining Love Goddess Sukkal Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers Lammasaga, an angel goddess of Mesopotamia A hymn dedicated to Lammašaga is copied in scribal schools or edubas in the Old Babylonian period (c. 2004 - 1595 BCE). Part of the work of student scribes is copying and re-copying poems, hymns and epics. In this way is much Mesopotamian literature preserved. Lammašaga can translate to "the good protective spirit" or "the good l amma ." A class of female deities, the lamma take guardian angel roles, watching over those who need and want their guidance. A lamma may act alone or with others. Jimson Weed, Witches & Zombies Horse in Dreams - Meaning of Horses Oldest Cattle Cult 6000 BCE - Arabia The term lamma can refer to the Goddess Lammasaga (Lamma) or goddesses of the lamma class. Lamma goddesses have multiple jobs. Associated with protection, especially from evil magic, they are also invoked during childbirth or take roles as healers. The lammas are protective figures portrayed with wings and flounced robes. They wear the traditional Mesopotamian multi-horned headdress or helmet. A lamma can be appointed to an individual such as a ruler, and this is done through the Goddess Ninsun. Ninsun - Lady of the Wild Cows Girsu (Tello): Ancient Sumerian City Sukkals - Mythic Viziers to the Gods Goddess Ninsun, lady of the wild cows, dream interpretation, Ninsun functions as a lamma goddess at times, especially concerning her husband Lugalbanda, deified King of Uruk. She's also famous for begetting Gilgamesh and his ten siblings. Goddess Lammašaga is the divine attendant or sukkal of healing goddess Bau . As such she can intercede with Bau for the worshipers. The personal name Lamma-sukkal, found in Mesopotamian records, may refer to her. Terrazzo Floors & Neolithic Masons White Pigments of Ancient Artisans Kusarikku - Bull Men of Mesopotamia Lamma protector goddess figurine c. 2025 BCE, bronze & fired clay Besides taking messages between the Goddess and the supplicants, Lammašaga performs duties such as advising the Goddess, running errands or acting as intermediary between Bau and others in strife. Fortunately Bau has a pleasant nature. In astronomy texts Lammasaga is given a star, attesting to her popularity in contemporary culture. The star, thought to be Vega, is the same allocated to the sukkal of later medicine goddess Gula. Ereshkigal & the Mesopotamian Underworld Namtar: Underworld Sukkal & Disease Demon Lucifer, Venus & Anti-Gods of Mythology Star of Lammasaga shines brightly in the night sky Worship of Gula overshadows that of Bau, as Gula becomes second in popularity only to Inanna. Nonetheless Bau has a longer history and her longevity eventually prevails. Lammasaga is mentioned in an early riddle, which states she is the city goddess of a place whose name is not preserved, in which a canal named Lamma-igi-bar is located. Dated to the 24th century BCE, the text is the oldest known reference to the concept of Lamma. Red Madder: Organic Ancient Colors Hünenburg: Bronze Age European Trade Hub Black Pigments of Ancient Artisans Lamma Angel Goddess - protective spirit The idea of the guardian angel may get its start in Lagash. From there it spreads to other regions. The Lamma goddesses are displayed as figurines in the home or worn as jewelry. They help women in labor and nursing mothers and infants. The Lamma have healing skills and may be invoked in times of illness. They can protect against evil entering the home or the body. They help bring mental calm and soothe anxiety. Although associated with Kings they are also household goddesses and deities of women. Milk & Dairy: Ancient Lactose Gene Woad, the People's Blue: Ancient Pigments Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Lammasaga is a deity of royalty, but also hearth and home The hymn Bau A , focused on Lammašaga, might originate in Girsu. It's the work preserved by the scribe schools of Lagash. After detailing Lammašaga's role in the court of Bau, the hymn describes her in three separate sections. It mentions, in order, her head, nape, forehead, lips, ears, and jaws; skin, neck, sides, limbs, and fingers; navel, hips, and pudenda. Nanaya - Goddess of Erotic Love Figs - Food of the Ancient World Kish: Glory Days in Ancient Babylonia Some parts of the hymn are meant to be erotic. It's a traditional part of the eduba curriculum and the scribes need little urging to do their homework. The hymn is considered part of the ritual for placing a statue into a temple. In ancient Sumer and later Babylonia, even towns and cities have a lamma goddess. They're mentioned in City Laments, compositions about the downfall of ancient cities. The lamma goddesses are said to abandon the city along with tutelary or other protective entities. Cattle Goddesses & the Cosmic Cow Khella - Ancient Health & Herbology Renaissance Apocalypse: End is Nigh Sandstone arches - ruins of a fallen city In the tradition of Yahweh , the first mention of angels comes from Hebrew scripture of the first millennium BCE. The earliest focus on guardian angels is the 15th-century text The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage  by Abraham of Worms, a German Cabalist . 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

A Mesopotamian urban center, Kish is occupied for thousands of years. At about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Babylon Iraq, Kish is built upon the fertile floodplain of the Euphrates River. It's inhabited since the Neolithic Ubaid period (5300 - 4300 BCE). Bau - Healing Goddess of Babylonia Zababa - Bronze Age War God of Kish Dromedary Camel: Animals of Ancient Arabia From the fourth millennium BCE Mesopotamian civilizations dominate the region, reigning for more than three thousand years. Mesopotamia comes from the Greek meaning land between the rivers.   Much of its ancient territory is today's Iraq. Shown below, the river system empties into the Persian Gulf at south. Kish is about the middle of the valley, next to Babylon with star. Gibil - Fire God of Mesopotamia Giant Cinnamon Birds of Arabia Dumuzi & Geshtinanna: Reasons for Seasons Tigris, Euphrates River in Babylonia flowing to Persian Gulf c. 1792 to 1750 BCE (pic: MapMaster) Besides establishing some of the world's first cities and urban centers, the Mesopotamians develop the earliest writing systems, Sumerian cuneiform. From this region comes a sophisticated knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, the sail and even the wheel. Ancient Mesopotamians divide time units into 60 parts. The concept is still prominent in the 60-second minute and 60-minute hour of the West. It originates in creation tales of the Old God Anu . Ancient Mesopotamian Cities - Uruk Ninazu: Healing, Death, Snakes & War Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers The number 60 is associated with Mesopotamian Old Gods In the near East of c. 3500, the Stone Age makes way for copper , which begets bronze. Kish is a metropolis of science, philosophy, trade and the arts. The city achieves brilliant heights and sinks more than once in historical records. A 'unicorn' seal from the Indus Valley dates back to c. 3000, an early example of trade relations between the Indus Valley and Mesopotamian civilizations. Traders and travelers navigate down the Persian Gulf to the Oman Sea, and thence to the Indus Valley. Nabarbi - Rustic Goddess of Pastures Lapis Lazuli: Vibrant Blue Gem of Ancients Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Indus Valley Trade Item - Seal Picturing a one-horned animal or unicorn, c. 3000 BCE Trade objects include spice, jewelry, ivory, precious stones, fabric dyes, incense and resins such as myrrh and frankincense. Animals, skins and slaves are also traded, along with weapons, decorative items, pottery, perfumes, bottles, combs, kohl and oils. To the ancient Mesopotamians, Kish is the place kingship descended from heaven after the great deluge destroyed the world. The Sumerian king list  states Kish is the first city to have kings after the flood of 2459 BCE. Gula - Medicine Goddess of Mesopotamia Gallu (Galla) Demons of Ancient Kur Joyful Arrival of Hapi in Egypt Kish wields power c. 2900 - 2350 BCE or the Early Dynastic Period. Patron deities during this time are Queen of Heaven Goddess Inanna , and the primordial gods. Inanna is the most-worshipped deity throughout the ages in Mesopotamia. Kish covers a vast area of 230 hectares (568 acres). Millennia of continual settlement, building and rebuilding, agriculture and livestock cultivation and the ages of metal shape Kish into a unique center of cosmopolitan trade, thriving agriculture, pastoral lifestyles and center of royalty. Nergal - Ancient Underworld Gods Carnelian - Gems of the Ancient World Hurrian Primordial Gods & Creatures Come on in. We have grass. As a location for civilization, Kish is well suited. Temperatures average 40° to 85° F (10° - 29° C), which has stayed consistent for about 10,000 years, back to the time the area is first inhabited. The fertile, mineral-rich silt spreads through the floodplains in a series of alluvial fans of silt. It's an ideal environment for agriculture and lush pastures. The Tigris and Euphrates region has its major flood season in April - May as the snow melts from the mountains. More gradual flooding happens November - March. The silt deposited by the early floods fertilizes crops and grasslands. Shen Rings Egypt - Divine Protection Abu - Ancient Vegetation Snake God Heqet, Frog Goddess of Egypt Wheat grows on fertile floodplains A similar occasion is the flooding of the Nile or the Arrival of Hapi beginning in June in Egypt. Heavy rains bring rich silt from the Ethiopian highlands north to the Nile Delta and the Mediterranean Sea. Both Egyptians and Mesopotamians use basin irrigation systems, channeling water to flow into huge pools or basins. Silt settles to be used in fields, and the water is drained to further irrigate the land. In Mesopotamia the system is first used c. 3000 BCE by the Sumerians. Arabian Leopard: Bronze Age Predators Jade - Jadeite, Nephrite & Jade Roads Land of Punt: Pre-Bronze Age Kingdom of Riches Flood waters deposit nutrient-rich silt In the 3rd millennium BCE, Kish dominates the northern part of the Euphrates flood plain. It's the greatest of days. Kish is a thriving super-city, home to over 100,000 people. The mighty war god Zababa  and his wife, revered healing goddess Bau , are powerful tutelary gods of Kish. Ziggurats and temples are built to honor Bau and Zababa, although Inanna keeps her own temple. Other gods and entities such as Lammašaga (Lamashaga), the angel goddess sukkal  of Bau, various handmaids or attendants, and the sukkal of Zababa, Papsukkal , are also included on offering lists of Kish. Kiashe (Kiaše) - Elemental Sea God Benu - Ba Heron God of Ancient Egypt Immortal - Quest for the Elixir of Life Zababa, War God & Tutelary Deity of Kish; also God of Agriculture & Kings Gods, priests and privileged others dwell within the ziggurats. Rarely is a member of the public allowed in. The god or goddess is thought to inhabit a statue within. The statue is bathed, dressed and cared for. Music, singing and prayers are given. The gods are 'fed' with sacrifice. More than one god can inhabit a ziggurat. There are usually more than one temple within. Kish is known for a spacious temple complex. Çatalhöyük (Catal hoyuk) Ancient Anatolia Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation German Myth & Folklore: Dwarfs Ruins of Kish - Excavations 1932 Kish finally dwindles as a power in the Hellenistic period (323 - 30 BCE). It remains inhabited into the 2nd millennium AD, abandoned in later years of the Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258 AD). It's one of the most significant archaeological records of a civilization from prehistoric times. 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

Esters and phenols are compounds creating flavors, colors and aromas for sensory experience. Artisans in brewing, perfumery or food must know the difference, good or bad qualities, and effective uses of phenols and esters. Phenols: Nature's Creations in Daily Life Esters: Nature's Fragrance & Flavor Makers Cherish the Chocolate: Sweet Fermentation Esters and phenols are significant in brewing, perfumery, and food production. While they both contribute to flavor and aroma profiles, their chemical structures, properties, and the outcomes differ significantly. About Esters Esters are organic compounds formed through a reaction between an acid (usually a carboxylic acid) and an alcohol, known as esterification. They are typically characterized by pleasant, fruity fragrances and flavors. Ethyl Acetate: Scent of Flowers, Wine & Fruits Flavonoids: Sensory Compounds of Nature Phenols: Effects on Health & Environment Esters are created by plants and found in fruits, leaves, flowers, stems. For instance, isoamyl acetate gives bananas their flavor, while ethyl acetate imparts a pear-like aroma. According to the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association, the use of esters in food and beverage production can improve consumer acceptance by over 25%. Esters add to the appeal of products. Flavonoids: the Big Five of Aroma, Flavor & Color Nitrogen Fixation & Evolution of Plant Life Five Sugars: Glucose, Maltose, Fructose, Sucrose, Lactose Esters are commonly used to add flavor and scent to candy About Phenols Phenols feature a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to an aromatic hydrocarbon ring. This structure gives them diverse characteristics, resulting in distinct flavors and aromas. While some phenols can produce pleasant scents, others carry harsher notes. Certain phenolic compounds in brewing can contribute spicy or smoky flavors, but may also lead to off-flavors, which can ruin a batch. Phenols are crucial in perfumery as well, adding complexity and depth to fragrances. Their unique scent profiles can significantly enhance a perfume's appeal. Phenols: Powerful Compounds of Nature Terroir in Wine & Food: Expression of Place Flavors of Coffee: From Harvest to Homestead Brewing Esters: Esters are integral to production of beer and other fermented beverages. During fermentation, yeast, particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae , produces esters as metabolic byproducts. Common esters, such as ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate, lead to fruity notes like banana, pear, and apple, enhancing the sensory profile of beers. The production of esters can be influenced by various factors. Krausen (Kräusen): Bubbles of Brewing Success Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe Yeast: Potent Power of the Active Microworld pears - the fruit is slightly bitter until fully ripe, when it produces more sugar and sweetens up These include fermentation temperature, yeast strain, and the composition of the wort. Brewers manipulate these factors to emphasize or downplay specific ester profiles. One distinct style is Hefeweizen, characterized by banana and clove flavors from yeast-derived esters. Esters dramatically influence the fermentation process. Fermentation: Yeast & the Active Microworld How to Cultivate Green Algae for Science & Health Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore By adjusting fermentation temperatures by just a few degrees, brewers can increase ester production. Choosing different yeast strains further allows brewers to craft flavors to their preferences. The interaction between esters and other components, like phenols, also impacts the product. Balancing these compounds can define a beer's identity. Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Periwinkle: Magic & Medicine of Europe Milk into Cheese: Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Phenols: Phenols in brewing can arise from both raw ingredients and fermentation processes. A prominent phenolic compound in beer is 4-vinyl guaiacol, which produces clove-like aromas. Phenols in the brewing process come from malt, hops, and yeast, influencing aroma and flavor. For instance, Belgian-style yeasts produce phenols associated with the clove-like notes. Lactic Acid Bacteria: Team Players of Fermentation Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation Xanthan Gum & Plant Blight: Xanthomonas Campestris cloves Elevated levels of phenolic compounds can cause ugly flavors and aromas like those of medicine or spoilage. Brewers must monitor fermentation to prevent phenol over-production and keep a balanced flavor profile. Balancing beneficial phenols with potential negatives can achieve a well-rounded, flavorful beer. Yeast & Vineyard Microbes: Flavors of Wine Pan: Wild Rustic God of Music & Flocks Ethyl Alcohol: Science of Solvents & Booze Esters & Phenols in Perfumery Esters: In fragrance making, esters are prized for their ability to impart floral, sweet and fruity aromas. Ethyl butyrate, with its pineapple-like scent, and isoamyl acetate, reminiscent of bananas, are frequently used. Their volatility and ease of synthesis make them suitable as top notes, contributing freshness and brightness to compositions. Perfume makers often blend esters with other aromatic agents, using the distinct fruity scents to enhance and balance more intense notes. Blending techniques can create fragrances to evoke pleasant feelings and memories. Practical Alchemy of DIY Perfumes & Aromas Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Lavender (Lavandula) Magic of Nature Phenols: Phenols have another place in perfume. While they add depth and complexity, compounds like cresols and eugenol (in clove oil) evoke earthy, spicy, or woody aromas. Vanillin introduces a sweet, creamy scent. Phenolic notes provide a grounding effect in fragrance compositions, balancing sweeter esters and creating olfactory harmony. Their distinct characteristics make them suitable for niche or artisanal fragrances. Due to their strength, phenolic compounds must be used with caution to avoid overpowering other notes in a scent profile. The right balance is essential for creation of captivating fragrances. Alchemy of Perfumes: Scents, Cologne, Rose Water Artisan Perfumery: Four Degrees of Fragrance DIY Perfume Artisans: Top, Middle & Base Notes Food Making Esters: The food industry uses esters in flavoring and food preservation. Synthetic esters, designed to mimic fruity or sweet flavors, are common in packaged foods, candies, and baked goods to add product appeal. In food, esters created during fermentation add depth and richness to products like cheese and yogurt. They offer an array of appetizing attractive aromas and flavors. Whey & Whey Products: Health & Science Starch: Power of Plants & Human Energy Hanseniaspora : Wild Lovers of Sweet Grapes Phenols: Phenols contribute to both flavor and preservation, especially in the context of spices and herbs. Compounds such as thymol (found in thyme) and carvacrol (found in oregano) impart distinctive flavors. The balance of flavor, preservation, and aroma of phenolic compounds transcends into culinary practices. Phenols can present both advantages and challenges in cuisine. Vinegar Cures of Physician Dioscorides Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Starch-Loving Bacteria: Nature, Science, Nutrition Naturally found in many fruits and vegetables, phenolic compounds can enhance flavors and provide health benefits. Olives are bitter until cured due to oleuropein, a phenolic compound. Improper use can lead to undesirable smells and tastes. Phenols need to complement intended flavors. Whether in brewing, perfumes or food, the artisan spends time experimenting with tastes, scents and textures. Difference Between Pickling & Fermentation Potash: Agriculture, Plant & Garden Health German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root 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

Starch is in many foods including potatoes, rice, cereals and bread. A complex polysaccharide, starch has vital functions in nature and nutrition. This carbohydrate fuels plants, who create it, and people, who consume it. Starch-Loving Bacteria: Nature, Science, Nutrition Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Whey & Whey Products: Health & Science Starch: The Building Block of Plant Power Starch is a polysaccharide, or large molecule built from many smaller linked units of glucose, a simple sugar. It has two main components: amylose, a straight-chain polymer, and amylopectin, with a branched structure. This combination gives starch characteristics like ability to form gels and thicken mixtures. Starch is an energy reserve for plants and prime energy source for humans. Chicken Soup: Chickens in German Folklore Esters: Nature's Fragrance & Flavor Makers Lactic Acid Fermentation: Beneficial Bacteria Starch is often added to processed meat products. It's used for its water binding ability, its influence on textural properties, or as a bulking agent. When people eat starchy foods, starch is converted to glucose, providing energy. Starch makes up 50-60% of carbohydrates in a typical diet. Cornstarch , corn flour or maize starch is derived from the grain of the corn (maize). Starch is extracted from the endosperm of the kernel. Cornstarch, a popular thickener in cuisine, dissolves in hot water, unlike flour. Yeast & Vineyard Microbes: Flavors of Wine Lactic Acid: Natural Process & Human Health Women Scientists of the Ancient World Starch exists in two distinct forms, both of glucose with different arrangements. Amylose This is a linear chain of glucose molecules, linked end-to-end. It forms a helical (spiral) structure, similar to a coil. Interesting Fact : Amylose tends to gel and thicken liquids when cooked. That's why cornstarch thickens sauces so effectively. Amylopectin Unlike amylose, amylopectin has a branched structure. These branches make it more compact and accessible for enzymes. Interesting Fact: Amylopectin is responsible for the starchy or pasty texture in many cooked foods. It's the reason why mashed potatoes are (ideally) smooth and fluffy. 4 Infused Wines of Ancient Medicine Cherish the Chocolate: Sweet Fermentation Five Sugars: Glucose, Maltose, Fructose, Sucrose, Lactose buttery mashed potatoes w chopped chives The ratio of amylose to amylopectin varies depending on the plant source, which can affect the properties of the starch. Amylose consists of long chains of glucose molecules, each chain usually linking 300 to 1000 units to make a helical pattern. Amylopectin is larger and more complex, with branching chains of up to 6000 glucose units. Acetic Acid Bacteria for Vinegar Artisans: Acetobacter Art of Egg Tempera: Paint Like the Old Masters Arcanum Joviale: Alchemy of Sudorific Sweat chains The structural differences affect how human bodies digest starch. Foods high in amylose, like dry beans, release glucose more slowly, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. In contrast, amylopectin-rich foods, such as white bread, break down quickly, causing faster spikes in blood sugar. For athletes, dancers and other high performance people, starch fuels the body. Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Elixir Vitae: Giambattista della Porta Famous Women of Renaissance Alchemy Starch is created by plants and concentrated in specific storage organs like the roots or seeds. Foods high in starch include: Grains:  Bread, pasta, rice, breakfast cereals, and baked goods made from wheat, rice, or corn. Root Vegetables:  Potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, and cassava. Legumes:  Beans, peas, and lentils (these contain significant proteins and fiber and are also high in starch) Corn:  Corn on the cob, popcorn, and other corn-based products. Rice : A food staple in many cultures around the world, with about 80% starch content. Pasta : Made primarily from wheat, it offers a rich source of energy and can increase in digested starch with cooking. Bread : Whole grain options provide fiber and essential nutrients alongside starch. Yeast: Microbiology of Bread & Food Making Cornstarch: Cuisine, Beauty, Cleaning Uses Potash: Agriculture, Plant & Garden Health Rice grains are up to 80-90% starch, with 6-8% proteins and trace amounts of dietary fiber. Plant Power: How Plants Create Starch Plants use photosynthesis, the process of converting sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose. They then link these glucose molecules together to form starch. The starch is stored in specialized cellular compartments or amyloplasts. Essentially, the plant carefully packages its energy harvest for later use. When conditions are less favorable, like drought or winter, plants can break down their stored starch into glucose. Glucose fuels growth, reproduction, and other critical functions, so plants can adapt to changing environments. Alchemical Salt: Essential Salts of Alchemy Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Fungal Biofilms: Ecology of Biofilm-Producing Molds travelling trees The Purpose of Starch: Energy Storage and Beyond In nature, starch is an energy reserve for purposes including: Plant Growth: During periods of darkness or when resources are scarce, plants can break down starch back into glucose to fuel their growth and metabolic processes. Seed Germination: Starch in seeds provides the initial energy source for the young seedling until it can begin photosynthesizing on its own. Starch is turned into glucose by amylase for seedling energy. Root Growth: Starch stored in roots and underground stems allows plants to survive in harsh environments and re-sprout in the following seasons. In nature, starch provides energy for plants, which are food for herbivores or omnivores, who may be food for carnivores or other omnivores. Starch also helps maintain the structure of plant cells. Scheele's Green: History's Most Toxic Pigment Lye (NaOH): Caustic Soda for Soap & Glass Ethyl Acetate: Scent of Flowers, Wine & Fruits For humans, starch is: Primary Energy Source: Starch is the main carbohydrate source in many diets. Human bodies break it down into glucose, which provides the fuel for cells to function. Sustained Energy Release: Unlike simple sugars, which lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar, the digestion of starch is slower, providing a more sustained release of energy. Metabolizing Starch When humans and other animals eat starchy foods, the process starts in the mouth, with the enzyme amylase in saliva. The enzyme starts breaking down starch into smaller chains. Hanseniaspora : Wild Lovers of Sweet Grapes Terroir in Wine & Food: Expression of Place Artisan Perfumery: Four Degrees of Fragrance Human digestive system The process continues in the small intestine. Other digestive enzymes break the chains further down to individual glucose molecules. Glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells. It can be used for immediate energy. Otherwise, it's stored as glycogen for later use. Glycogen is a form of starch in animal tissue, also called animal starch. A polysaccharide, glycogen is physically related to amylopectin. It's stored in a small amount (< 1%) in liver and muscle tissue. Difference Between Pickling & Fermentation Ullikummi - Rock Monster of Legend Flowers of Sulfur (Brimstone): Creation & Uses Starch in Science Starch's unique properties make it valuable in various scientific and technological applications. These include: Biofuel Production: Starch from corn and other crops can be fermented to produce ethanol, a biofuel alternative to gasoline. Bioplastics: Starch can be processed into biodegradable plastics, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional petro-based plastics. Food Processing: Starch is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and texturizer in various food products, from sauces to desserts. Pharmaceutical Applications: Starch is used as a filler, binder, and disintegrant in pharmaceutical tablets. Research: Scientists study starch to understand its fundamental chemistry, metabolism, and potential for further applications. Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg 10 Ancient Spices of Trade, Health & Beauty Pseudomonadota: E. coli , Gonorrhea & Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria In science, starch is a model carbohydrate for study of metabolism, nutrition and plant physiology. Its ability to undergo gelatinization makes it valuable in food science for creating textures. Resistant starch, one form of starch, bypasses digestion in the small intestine to ferment in the large intestine. It's a popular trend in weight loss and blood sugar management with various health benefits. Acetic Acid: Food, Health & Science Pasteurization: Microbial Dominance & Destruction Song of the Loreley - Lethal Attraction 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

Saccharomyces cerevisiae , brewer's or baker's yeast, is undisputed Queen of yeasts. This immobile single-celled organism is popular in fermentation, has surprising traits and significantly shapes the history of the known world. Spores & Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae Brettanomyces: Favorite Artisan Wild Yeast Fermentation: Yeast & the Active Microworld Saccharomyces cerevisiae colony of cells A type of fungus, this microscopic mama has been used by humans for millennia, considered the first domesticated microorganism. Creating products like bread, wine and beer, S. cerevisiae is prolific in numbers. Millions of yeast cells can appear in a couple of days. S. cerevisiae  and other yeasts can make chains or pseudohyphae of daughter cells. They may be elongated to cover more ground colonizing and exploring territory. Five Sugars: Glucose, Maltose, Fructose, Sucrose, Lactose Amazing Yeast: Feeding, Breeding & Biofilms Krausen (Kräusen): Bubbles of Brewing Success parts of a budding yeast cell In nature S. cerevisiae  is found on surfaces of ripe fruits like grapes, apples and plums; in soil, and in tree bark. S. cerevisiae  is also present in flower nectar, or even in feces of mammals like cows and horses. It travels to beehives on little bee feet. It's often found in cells surrounding honey and will start fermentation if the water level reaches a certain amount. Ethyl Alcohol: Science of Solvents & Booze Killer Yeast: Assassins of the Microworld Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia yeast appears as a white film on fruit like grapes and blueberries In the wild this may be due to rain leaking into an abandoned hive. Creation of honey mead is believed to start this way, to the delight of Neolithic humans, and bears , who love fermented honey as much as sweet. Wild ecosystems provide sugars and support the yeast's rapid growth. While popular in controlled environments Saccharomyces cerevisiae remains part of the untamed world. Potassium (K): Human Health & Environment Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe Saccharomyces cerevisiae usually reproduces by budding. Under a microscope, the budding process is obvious but doesn't move very quickly. It takes about 90 minutes from start to finish. The mother cell creates a fully functioning daughter cell, who separates and begins producing its own daughters. A mother can create several daughters. Bud scars are visible as dark patches on the cell membrane. Yeasts enjoy environments of high sugar concentration. Saccharomyces cerevisiae rapidly consumes sugars and excretes alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide, a necessary process in producing beer, wine and bread. 7 Primary Electrolytes: Essential Ions & Health Kombucha: Ancient Brew & DIY Health Tea Acetic Acid Bacteria for Vinegar Artisans: Acetobacter Budding process In fermentation products Saccharomyces cerevisiae influences flavor and aroma. Even slight variations in grape sugar levels can produce different tastes and scents. While yeast prefers anaerobic environments, it can ferment sugars in aerobic conditions. It may form a skin on top of liquids to create its own oxygen-free environment. Gum Arabic, Guar, Xanthan: Guide for Artists & Artisans Fermenting Cabbage to Make Sauerkraut Cellulose: Plant Fibers of Structure & Strength yeast biofilm The skin is a biofilm made of yeast cells and other particles bonded with a special secretion. Yeast creates this to keep unwanted elements out while it's busy in its habitat. It's known as a top-fermenting yeast. In beer brewing it forms kräusen , a froth made of CO2 expelled by the yeast, organic particles and yeast bodies. A healthy kräusen is a joy to behold. It means the yeast is functioning at peak performance. Top Fermenting & Bottom Fermenting Yeasts Sugar Beets, Altbier & First Newspaper Eight Dye Plants & Natural Dyes in History rich creamy kräusen Sugar Preference and Food Breakdown One of the reasons S. cerevisiae is so versatile is its ability to break down a wide range of carbohydrates. It feeds primarily on simple sugars, such as glucose, fructose and sucrose, using these for energy. Its sugar preference differs based on availability, with glucose the most favored option. Yeast needs the digestive enzyme amylase to deconstruct the polysaccharide starch into sugars it can absorb. It's present in malt. Yeast's ability to ferment sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide makes it indispensable to human lifestyles. Saccharomyces cerevisiae turns grape juice to wine, barley mash to beer, and dough into airy flavorful bread. Yeast & Vineyard Microbes: Flavors of Wine ATP: Nature of Energy & Vital Functions Milk into Cheese: Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Reproduction and Spores Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a dual reproductive option, using either sexual and asexual reproduction. Under favorable conditions, it reproduces asexually through budding. Under stressful conditions, yeast switches to sexual reproduction. Cells undergo meiosis to form haploid spores resistant to harsh environments, such as high heat, desiccation, or nutrient scarcity. Xanthan Gum & Plant Blight: Xanthomonas Campestris Noble Rot: Secret of Sumptuous Sweet Wines SCOBY & Mother of Vinegar: Cultured Cuisine spores forming The spores germinate and grow when conditions improve, enabling S. cerevisiae to survive environmental extremes. Yeast is a sac fungus (ascomycete), creating spores within the membrane of the mother cell. Overall S. cerevisiae tolerates temperature changes, high alcohol levels and limited nutrients. Natural genetic adaptability and ongoing genetic manipulation by scientists are part of this. Yeast produces alcohol but has a fairly low tolerance of it. In nature, acetic acid bacteria ingest the alcohol and make acetic acid, the active ingredient in vinegar. Acetobacter acetic acid bacteria This is not desired in industries such as wine making. Since the yeast goes dormant at too high a booze level, genetic engineering is used to increase its tolerance. Natural talents of this yeast include production of esters and phenols . S. cerevisiae is known for ethyl acetate , an organic ester compound imparting fruity flavors with pear or banana scents into the brew. 4 Infused Wines of Ancient Medicine Esters: Nature's Fragrance & Flavor Makers Terroir in Wine & Food: Expression of Place Interactions with Other Microorganisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae interacts with a variety of other microbes, either in competition or cooperation. It's usually found together with bacteria such as lactic or acetic acid; as well as mold and other microbes. Competition : It often outcompetes other yeasts and bacteria in sugar-rich environments, thanks to its efficient fermentation ability and production of ethanol, which acts as an antimicrobial compound. Synergy in Fermentation : In traditional beer and wine production, S. cerevisiae sometimes works alongside non- Saccharomyces yeasts, such as Brettanomyces , enhancing flavor complexity. Alchemical Salt: Essential Salts of Alchemy Shennong Primordial Farmer & Healer Mad Hatter's Disease: Mercury Madness Manifestations of Brettanomyces - under microscope it's smaller and more gangly than S. cerevisiae Microbial Interactions : S. cerevisiae communicates with neighboring microbes through chemical signaling, allowing it to modulate its growth and activity based on its microbial environment. Travels of Yeast : Though it can't move around on its own, yeast can fly. It can ride an air current, a dust mote, insects and other organisms. In fluid it goes with the flow and can also stick itself to a substrate with its secretions. Killer Yeast : Saccharomyces can produce toxins to target other yeast species or even weak cells within its own species if conditions get too crowded. Less common in commercial strains, it can still ruin a good brew. Glauber: Preparation of a Golden Spirit of Wine Women Scientists of the Ancient World   Queen Eleanor & the Calamitous Crusade taste test time Nutrient Storage : S. cerevisiae stores resources like glycogen and trehalose, giving it a reserve for times of stress. In industrial, artisan and scientific settings, these interactions are used to fine-tune fermentation processes, create signature flavors and study microbial ecosystems. Modern Applications Biotechnology : It's a foundational model organism in genetic research due to its relatively simple eukaryotic structure and its similarities to human cells in areas such as DNA repair and metabolism. Solnitsata - Neolithic Salt Trade Town Tannins: Complex Astringents of Nature Electrolytes: Vital Minerals of Human & Environmental Health DNA Biofuel Production : Scientists are engineering S. cerevisiae strains to convert plant biomass into bioethanol. Pharmaceuticals : This yeast is used to produce vaccines, enzymes, and even insulin. Nutritional Supplements : Deactivated forms of S. cerevisiae are marketed as nutritional yeast, a popular product among vegans. Phenols: Nature's Creations in Daily Life Calcium (Ca): Earth Metal of Structure & Strength Whey & Whey Products: Health & Science Commercial dried yeast pellets - between 90 - 207 billion yeast cells per packet Facts About Saccharomyces cerevisiae Oldest Domesticated Yeast : It is one of the oldest domesticated organisms, predating even the domestication of some livestock. Space Pioneer : S. cerevisiae has been sent into space in studies of the effects of microgravity on microbial life. Fermentation Efficiency : It is the powerhouse behind global beer production, which amounts to over 2 billion hectoliters annually. Bio-Engineered Marvel : Scientists have developed strains of S. cerevisiae for products from biofuels to entirely synthetic compounds. Genetic Model Organism : Saccharomyces cerevisiae is widely used in scientific research. Leaders of Fermentation : Over 80% of all fermented foods and beverages use S. cerevisiae in one form or another. Nutritional Benefits : This yeast is considered a good source of B vitamins. Meaning of the Name : The Latin term Saccharomyces cerevisiae translates to "sugar fungus of beer production," highlighting its importance in brewing. Wide Range of Strains : Over 1,500 species of yeast are identified world-wide. Within these, 1,000 distinct strains of S. cerevisiae are recognized, each tailored for specific applications in the food and beverage industry. Saccharomyces cerevisiae rightfully earns its title as Queen of Yeasts. Its versatile metabolism, survival strategies, diverse talents and importance to human lifestyles eclipse all others. Fermenting Green Beans: Salt, Brine & Bacteria Best Mortar & Pestles for Artists, Chefs, Scientists Roger Bacon: Medieval Science & Alchemy 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

Lignans are compounds found mainly in whole grains, vegetables and seeds. Plants use them as defense weapons against threats like herbivores or pathogens. Bitter, tough or toxic, they can also affect human health. Tannins: Complex Astringents of Nature Nitrogen Fixation & Evolution of Plant Life Linen, Hemp & Cotton - Fabrics of Ancient Egypt Flax ( Linum usitatissimum) is integral to human history Lignans are polyphenols, organic compounds made of phenols such as tannins . Lignans support the health of plants. The term "lignan" is from the Latin for "wood," referring to their abundance in woody plants. There are over 30 known types of lignan. They include Secoisolariciresinol The water extract of silver fir wood contains over 5% secoisolariciresinol, which is also present in nettle tea. In flaxseed ( Linum usitatissimum ), it's found at 0.3%, the highest known concentration in food. Digestive Enzymes: Amylase, Lipase & Protease Enzymes: Marvels of Nature & Human Health 10 Wise Plants & Herbs for the Elixir of Life brown flax seeds - most lignan is in the indigestible hull (shell) and travels through the body as fiber Matairesinol It is present in some cereals, such as rye. Medical claims range from anticarcinogen to cardiovascular effects. Research is ongoing. Pinoresinol Claims include possible blood sugar reduction. Expense of extraction can deter medical sponsors. It's also a potential inhibitor of Vitamin D uptake. Plant lignans are converted into enterolignans by intestinal microbes in the human body. Without bacterial intervention humans cannot digest lignans. Poor digestion can inhibit the uptake of nutrients. SCOBY & Mother of Vinegar: Cultured Cuisine Five Sugars: Glucose, Maltose, Fructose, Sucrose, Lactose Pyruvate (Pyruvic Acid): Key to Life's Energy Digestive tract from mouth to anus Lignans are phytoestrogens, considered to mimic estrogen's effects on the human body. They are concentrated in foods like flaxseeds, sesame seeds and whole grains like barley and rye. Lignans: The Plant Protectors Lignans enable plants to thrive in competitive ecosystems. Plants produce lignans as antifeedants, a defense against predation by herbivores. Lignans make the plant taste noxious or cause digestive problems, discouraging bacteria, bugs, browsers and grazers. Occasionally insects use lignans to their own advantage. Pinoresinol is part of defensive secretions produced by glandular hairs of caterpillars of the cabbage butterfly, Pieris rapae . Lactase: Nature's Milk Digestion Enzyme Lectins & Phytates: Nature of Plants + Human Health Potassium (K): Human Health & Environment Pieris rapae butterfly Flax has about 75% of its lignans in the seeds. This strong concentration helps repel insects, giving flax an advantage over other plants. The relationship between this plant and humans goes back thousands of years. Its fibers are used to make linen, the first known textile. Flax fibers 35,000 years old are found in cave dwellings. Linen fabric is discovered at Neolithic Çatalhöyük . Sesame seeds are also known for their high lignan content, particularly sesamin and sesaminol. They're promoted for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Sesaminol has been used in fat reduction medication. Potash: Agriculture, Plant & Garden Health Amino Acids: Optimal Body Health & Energy Saccharomyces cerevisiae : Queen of Yeasts Some research posits various health benefits. Antioxidant Effects : Lignans are considered to combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. Hormonal Manipulation : Due to their estrogen-like properties, lignans are recommended to symptomatic women in stages of menopause. Hormone manipulation can be a controversial subject. Cognitive Health : There is a suggested link between lignan consumption and better cognitive function in older adults. Rosemary: Immortal Essence & Balm of Kings Edelweiss: Alpine Flower of True Love Magnesium (Mg): Ecology & Human Health Digestive Benefits : Lignans are believed to improve digestive tract health by fortifying the composition of some bacteria. Flaxseed has high amounts of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). This substance slows human breast cancer in mice but may reduce  survival rates for some human brain tumor patients. Difference Between Lignans & Lignin Lignans and lignin have the same Latin root and are both derived from plants. Lignins are complex polymers, part of the structural framework of plants, especially trees. They fortify rigidity and decay resistance. Seven Trace Minerals: Nature's Little Helpers Fermenting Green Beans: Salt, Brine & Bacteria Power of Pepsin: Potent Digestive Enzymes cellulose and lignin keep trees standing strong Lignins are major components of cell walls, especially in woody plants, and have essential functions in water transport and mechanical support. Lignans are secondary metabolites in plants. Lignins contribute to plant health by reinforcing structure and integrity. Lignans are smaller compounds, naturally involved in more targeted plant defense. Listeria Bacteria: Health and Environment Lactic Acid Bacteria: Team Players of Fermentation Yeast: Microbiology of Bread & Food Making 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

"Hematite" comes from the ancient Greek for blood. The stone makes red dust when cut and polished. The red color isn't always visible at first but shows on processing or grinding. Hematite is the pigment responsible for the wide range of ocher  colors. Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Baltic Amber - Gold of the North Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Hematite (mirrored) growing with Baryte or Barite (white) Sylvia Rose Books Some hematite is magnetic, but not in natural form. Its partner magnetite is a magnetic ore. Magnetism is a feature of synthetic hematite, which is often hard and shiny. These stones make lovely fridge magnets. Hematite is over 70% iron. It forms in a range of hardness, some more amiable to grinding. Mineral hematite can be harder than glass, while earthy hematite is the softer rock most often used in prehistoric cave painting. Earthy hematite can be scratched with (most) fingernails. Ancient Roman Baths & Bathing How to Make Hematite Powder: A Step-by-Step Guide Aqua Regia: The Green Lyon of Alchemy Red ocher cave paintings Sylvia Rose Books Some true hematite fractures more easily than other types. True hematite always leaves a red or reddish brown streak. Spiritually, hematite enhances personal magnetism, optimism, courage, blocks harmful energy. It connects to grounding and the Root Chakra. The magic of hematite turns negatives into positives. When polished the mineral stone casts a warm metallic grow. When ground the earth stoneproduces a rich red color beloved by artists. Red Ocher (Ochre) Ancient Pigments Limonite: Ancient Earth Pigments Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb various ocher hues Sylvia Rose Books On the Mohs  hardness scale mineral hematite comes in at 5.5 - 6.5, the same hardness as glass. It can be carved and is popular in ancient cylinder seals . Softer hematite is easier to grind as an artist's pigment, with red ocher topping the list. Although hard, hematite is brittle like a diamond (Mohs 10). Due to their brittleness both stones will shatter into pieces if struck by a hammer. For hematite, this makes it easer to reduce into smaller pieces and finally powder. Shattered diamonds make good abrasives. Elixir Vitae: Giambattista della Porta How to Extract Red from Hematite: A Step-by-Step Guide Caput Mortuum: Dead Head Purple Pigment Hematite in earthy form as red ocher clay rock Sylvia Rose Books Red ochre clay  is colored by hematite iron oxide, varying between 20% and 70%. Red ochre contains unhydrated hematite. Yellow ochre contains also uses hematite, but hydrated. The principal use of ochre is for tinting with a permanent color. The red chalk drawings of hematite are among the earliest in human history. Powdered hematite is first used up to 164,000 years ago. Residues of hematite are found in graves up to 80,000 years old. Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Red Madder: Organic Ancient Colors Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Red Hematite, an earthy hematite used in Red Ocher (credit: James St. John) Sylvia Rose Books Hematite naturally occurs in black to steel or silver-gray, brown to reddish-brown, or red colors. As an important ore mineral of iron it's mined throughout history . It has good electric conductivity and is as popular today as ever. Prized for pigment since the time of early humans, hematite is consistently used throughout time. It's the basis for red, purple and brown iron-oxide pigments and a significant component of ochre, sienna and umber pigments. Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore White Pigments of Ancient Artisans   Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Specular hematite - the speckles are reflective mica Sylvia Rose Books In Poland and Hungary  red chalk mines from 5000 BCE are found, attributed to the Linear Pottery culture at the Upper Rhine c. 5500 - 4500 BCE. Specular hematite (above) is a rarer form. Unique rocks appear near the world's oldest coal mine, c. 43,000 BCE in Africa. Hematite is harder  than pure iron, but also more brittle . Large hematite deposits are often in in banded iron formations . Gray hematite occurs in places of still, standing water or mineral hot springs , such as those in Yellowstone National Park  in North America . Schrat: German Nightmare Forest Elf Steam & Style - Agrippina of the Rhine Reiker For Hire Victorian Crime Trilogy Heat and steam from the earth Sylvia Rose Books The mineral can precipitate  in the water and collect in layers at the bottom of the lake, spring, or other standing water. Hematite can also occur in the absence of water, usually as the result of volcanic  activity. Hematite occurs in tailings (waste material)  of iron mines . A recent process, magnetation , uses magnets to extract waste hematite from old mine tailings in Minnesota 's vast Mesabi Range  iron district. See also: Steam & Coal in Victorian Germany Victorian Trends - Stripes to Taxidermy 19th Century: Home Gym, Bicycles, Antiseptic Falu Red wood building, Sweden Sylvia Rose Books Falu(n) red  as pigment is a local development from old mining operations in the area of Falun, Sweden. When tailings or waste are heated or otherwise processed they create a deep rich red used in Swedish house paint. Certain types of hematite- or iron-oxide-rich clay, especially Armenian bole , have been used in gilding . It also has wellness properties and is considered one of the medicinal clays along with Levantine bole. Kaolinite: White Pigment with Benefits Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Ancient Deities: Proto Indo European Gods Armenian bole, clay with health benefits Sylvia Rose Books Historically, the term bolu  or bolus  is applied to medicinal earths. Armenian bole is used as an astringent, as it absorbs skin oils. It's also considered effective in treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and wound bleeding. Externally, bolu  is used in strengthening plasters applied to the joints. Physicians also call it Rubrica Synopica , from the city of Synope (Sinope, Sinop), where it is purveyed. Sinope is the northernmost point of the southern Black Sea coast. Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients Natron - Ancient Embalming & Household Salts Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Sylvia Rose Books Hematite comes in different forms such as kidney ore , martite (pseudomorphs that resemble magnetite), iron rose , and specularite (specular hematite). Despite their variations, all these types exhibit a rust-red streak. Mineral hematite harder than pure iron but also very brittle. Mineral hematite is a favorite of cylinder seal makers, due to its weight, luster and superior carvability. As a gemstone hematite is beautiful in cabochon form but rarely faceted due to its unreliable structure. Cylinder Seals of the Ancient World Greenstone, Scribes & Cylinder Seals Mountain Gazelle: Wild Ancient World Hematite cylinder seal - the seal is rolled over clay or wax. The seal is small, only 2" - 3" long. 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

Cornstarch, also called corn flour, is a common ingredient worldwide. A fine, white powder processed from endosperms of corn kernels, cornstarch is used in cuisine, beauty, art, science, industry and household cleaning. Starch: Power of Plants & Human Energy Lye (NaOH): Caustic Soda for Soap & Glass Potash: Agriculture, Plant & Garden Health White Cornstarch What is Cornstarch? Cornstarch is a gluten-free carbohydrate extracted from the starchy part of the corn kernel, the endosperm. It's high in amylose and amylopectin, types of starch . With its fine texture and neutral taste, cornstarch is a popular thickening agent for sauces, soups, and gravies. It's used in baking and as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods. Being gluten-free, it is an ideal choice for those with gluten sensitivities. Glycerin (Glycerol): Darling of Cosmetics, Health & Science Talc (Magnesium Silicate): Beauty, Art & Industry Science of Alchemy: Hydrochloric Acid Cornstarch can be added to sauces as a thickener Amylose and amylopectin are the two polysaccharides giving cornstarch its water absorbent properties. They swell when heated, thickening the liquid with which cornstarch is mixed. One tablespoon of cornstarch thickens up to one cup of liquid. Use of corn dates back to ancient civilizations. The extraction of cornstarch in its more refined form begins in the mid-19th century. American chemist Thomas Kingsford is credited with its introduction after he patented a process for extracting starch from corn in 1840. Flowers of Sulfur (Brimstone): Creation & Uses Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg 10 Ancient Spices of Trade, Health & Beauty mmm ... corn Before 1851, corn starch is primarily used for stiffening clothes and in various industrial applications. The innovation of extracting pure culinary starch from maize is patented by John Polson of Brown & Polson in Paisley, Scotland in 1854. Marketed as "Patented Corn Flour," this product is introduced by Brown & Polson, originally muslin producers providing laundry starch for the Paisley shawl sector. Eventually they become the leading starch manufacturers in the United Kingdom. Colorful World of Bacteria - Color Producers Sodium Carbonate: Natural Formation to Modern Application Chlorine (Cl): Properties, Hazards & Uses Starch macro view Making Cornstarch The process of making cornstarch begins with harvesting corn, typically dent corn, which has a higher starch content. To extract the starch, the corn kernels undergo several steps: Soaking : Corn is soaked in warm water to soften the outer hull and prepare it for grinding. Grinding : The softened corn kernels are ground, releasing the starch within the endosperm. Separation : The ground mixture is then mixed with water, allowing the starch granules to separate from the fiber and germ. This mixture is usually centrifuged to facilitate the separation. Washing : The extracted starch is rinsed to remove impurities. Drying : Finally, the clean starch is dried and milled into the fine powder known as cornstarch. Jan Baptist van Helmont: Renaissance Medicine Xanthan Gum & Plant Blight: Xanthomonas Campestris Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Cornstarch Properties Thickening agent : Cornstarch can thicken liquids when heated, as it absorbs water and swells. Nutritional profile : It is predominantly composed of carbohydrates and is low in protein, fat, and fiber. Glossy finish : When used in sauces or desserts, it lends a shiny appearance. Storage stability : Cornstarch can absorb moisture; therefore, it should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping or spoilage. Texture Enhancer : It improves the texture of various foods. Use it in cake batters for a lighter crumb or in sauces for a silkier texture. Gluten-Free : It is a safe ingredient for gluten-free recipes, essential for those who need to avoid gluten. Absorbent : Cornstarch absorbs moisture effectively. This property makes it useful for preventing clumping in powdered sugar and enhancing crispiness in fried foods. Women Scientists of the Ancient World Žaltys: Sacred Snake & Serpent Queen Lead White & Minium Red: Colors to Die For Uses of Cornstarch Cornstarch has many uses. Cooking and Baking : Many recipes call for cornstarch, whether for thickening sauces, making puddings, or improving the texture of cakes. Pharmaceuticals : Cornstarch is a common excipient, used to bind tablets or as a coating for capsules. Cosmetics : It is a base in many skin care products, including powders and lotions. It replaces talc in talcum powders and can be applied to the skin for moisture protection and a smooth silky feel. Biodegradable Plastics : With recognition of environmental issues, cornstarch is being increasingly used in producing biodegradable materials. Cleaning: Cornstarch is a natural cleaning agent. It can effectively polish furniture, clean windows, and even refresh carpets when mixed with an essential oil. It's especially useful in polishing glass. Cornstarch will degrade if it gets damp and microscope molds gleefully alight. They're detectable by their awful stench, the byproduct of their organic breakdown. Store cornstarch in a dry place. If used in cosmetics such as blush, be sure they don't get wet. Copper(II) Sulfate: Blue Vitriol, Chalcanthite How to Make Asem: Essential Alchemy Heavy Metals Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, Chromium & Arsenic modern glass windows Facts About Cornstarch Non-GMO Options : Many brands offer non-GMO cornstarch, which is derived from corn not genetically modified. Smoothies and Ice Cream : Cornstarch can be used in smoothies for thickening, and it also contributes to the creamy texture of homemade ice cream. Home Remedies : Cornstarch is known to absorb moisture, making it a popular ingredient in homemade deodorants and foot powders. Natural Beauty : Finely sifted, it is a silky smooth powder to reduce blotchiness and even out the skin texture for a glowing complexion and soft skin. Laundry Additive : It can be used to remove stains from clothing by absorbing oils and grease. As a starch it stiffens textiles. Caloric Content : Cornstarch has approximately 30 calories per tablespoon, a small amount compared to the overall volume used in recipes. Non-Toxic : It is a non-toxic ingredient, making it safe for various applications, including children's crafts and even as a safe emergency food thickener. Fireworks Ingredient : Cornstarch can act as a binder for gunpowder, making it a component in certain fireworks. Biodegradable : As a natural product, cornstarch is biodegradable, presenting an eco-friendly option compared to synthetic materials. Starch vs. Flour : It's essential to note that cornstarch differs from cornmeal or corn flour. Cornstarch includes only the starch component, while cornmeal and corn flour are made from ground whole corn kernels. Sanguine: Red Chalk of Renaissance Masters Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum) Art, Food & Medicine Best Mortar & Pestles for Artists, Chefs, Scientists Beauty Powders & Potions 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

Legends of a corpse-swiping alchemist, fountain of immortality, witches, treasure and a dragon-killer are part of the history of Castle Frankenstein. Built in the 13th century in mystic Odenwald (Forest of Odes) of south Germany, the castle knows many secrets. Jump to: Castle Frankenstein History Alchemist Dippel Fountain of Youth George the Dragon Slayer Gold! Magnets, Iron & Witches Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Industry & the Age of Monsters Aufhöcker - Cursed Undead of German Myth Forest at Night The inspiration of Castle Frankenstein (Ger. Burg Frankenstein ) to English writer Mary Shelley is well known. Dismal days and quarrels motivate a writing contest among her traveling companions. Her contribution is " Frankenstein - Or, the Modern Prometheus ". Beginning as an issue of 50, the 1818 gothic novel goes into numerous printings as eager minds snap up the story and ideas behind it. German Myth & Folklore: Moss People Eight Dye Plants & Natural Dyes in History Nibelung - Heroes and Worms Science, nature, industry and back to earth movements evolve in overlapping cycles throughout Europe. The novel's release coincides with the Romantic era in art and literature especially in Germany. Castle Frankenstein History Back to Top Castle Frankenstein ,  meaning Stone of the Franks, is   on a hill above Darmstadt. The Castle is older than the town. Rugged mountains, fog and dark forests surround the ancient towers. Its first written reference is in 1252, bearing the name of the man who built it. Wild Women and Winter Tales German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root German Vampires - Nachzehrer Tower & Chapel (left), Castle Frankenstein 1908 Lord Conrad II Reiz of Breuberg has Castle Frankenstein erected sometime before 1250, and thereafter names himself von und zu Frankenstein. Von (from) and zu (to) refer to a family estate, barony or holding. The name is shortened to 'von Frankenstein.' Alchemist Dippel Back to Top   In the seventeenth century, Johann Konrad Dippel is born at Frankenstein's Castle and becomes an alchemist there as an adult. He makes an animal oil by boiling bones and other animal body parts. Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Prussian Blue - Delight of Artists & Poisoners Animal Oil or Elixir of Life? He calls it an elixir of life. Stories of Dippel dissecting animals become ominous as hushed voices suggest grave robbery. Although there's no evidence Dippel steals human corpses from graves, the theory of soul transferal is popular in scientific minds and folk tales. Alchemy is a mysterious magic to the general population. Alchemists try to turn base into noble metals, create an all-healing medicine and find the elixir of life ... but it's ultimate religious treason to mess with human souls. Nature Spirits of German Mythology Witches & Witchcraft: Ancient World Wiedergänger - the Undead Walk Again At Frankenstein's Castle, the Tower is inhabited by a family or more residents. Perhaps a light flickers in the upper reaches and a strange shadow is seen late at night, appearing like a madman in the hazy dark. The story of Dippel is said to have inspired Shelley's Frankenstein. While she never visits the Castle she travels through the area and stays a few days nearby in grim wet weather. She certainly hears the local folklore. Witches' Night - Hexennacht Herbology & Lore: Caraway German Myth & Folklore: Elves Mary Shelley, by artist Richard Rothwell 1840 The Fountain of Youth Back to Top On the grounds of Castle Frankenstein is an herb garden. Behind the garden, a water source glimmers at the roots of a tree. According to legend, old women from nearby villages came to bathe, the night of the first full moon after Walpurgisnacht . The women undergo feats of courage. The winner can return to her age the night of her wedding. It's not known if the women were witches, but suggested by an association with Witches' Night, use of magic powers and the odd happenings at Frankenstein Castle. Magic of the Circle: Spirituality & Lore Moon Magic - the Feminine Principle Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess The Fountain of Youth, age reversal or universal healing are prime areas of study and experimentation in alchemy, the science of the times. In the ancient world the concept exists as a wondrous place of natural beauty and harmony. It comes into popular culture in the 16th century when the Spaniard Ponce de Leon embarks on his famous quest. For centuries such stories feed the fertile imaginations of artists, scientists and writers throughout the world. Germanic Mythology - Brook Horses Ogdoad - Primordial Gods of Egypt Women Scientists of the Ancient World Water - the Elixir of Life Today we know about abilities like those of salamanders, who can regenerate any body part, including eyes or brain tissue. In modern research they're the focus of interest as experts try to crack the code holding the secret to regeneration ... and maybe, eternal life. Lord George the Dragon Slayer Back to Top It's not St George, but Castle Frankenstein has its own dragon-slayer with the legend of Lord George, who slays a dragon on the grounds. The mythology comes from a story by writer August Nodnagel in the early nineteenth century. Chun Yuyan & Death of Empress Xu Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Mythic Fire Gods - Vulkan of Germania Lord George stands on an extremely small dragon In the Middle Ages, a dragon lives by the castle well. It makes regular forays a nearby village. It creeps into houses at night to kill and eat people as they sleep, or snatches them up from the fields. In some versions the dragon demands a virgin sacrifice. Returning from a recent battle, the young knight Lord George rides into the village. People wail and beg him to help, so George dons his shining armor and rides to the Castle to confront the dragon. German Harvest Spirits - Dragons Inara & the Dragon - Purulliya Festival Mushussu - Snake Dragon Animal of Marduk In China the Black Dragon, also "Mysterious Dragon" is Dragon God of the north and the essence of winter. He finds the coiled monster asleep and attacks with his sword. The battle rages and finally George deals the death stroke, driving his blade into the dragon's belly. As the dragon dies its barbed tail strikes George, injecting him with venom. Lord George also perishes. The villagers bury him with honors at the Church of Nieder Beerbach east of the castle, and go about their business in peace from the ravaging monster. Today people can still visit George's tomb. Herbology & Lore: Plantain Plant Easter Bunny, Prussian Blue & Penguins German Myth - Harvest Spirits Gold! Back to Top Legends of treasure abound in the south of Germany. Germanic tribes, Romans, Celts and more trek through the Rhineland hills and dense forests. Some stash their plunder if it's too heavy, or if they're pursued and it slows them down. Some sink it in the Rhine to keep it from enemy hands. Over the ages the Rhine River has changed its course. Treasure once sunk into its depths could be waiting just below the a layer of eroded soil. Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Baltic Amber - Gold of the North What is the Philosopher's Stone? Key to a Treasure Gold creation is one of the primary goals of alchemy, as in the famous reference turning lead, a base metal, into gold, a noble metal. Gold is closely associated with dragons. The Lindwyrm is a type of dragon who multiplies wealth by resting upon it. In the eighteenth century, nurtured by fertile imaginations, rumors of a treasure near the castle turn into a mini gold rush. Villagers from nearby Nieder Beerbach and others who hear the tales came out with picks and shovels to claim mining land. Hymn to Nungal - Prison Goddess Lead: Death Metal of Metallurgy Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good No one finds anything but earthworms, and the rush ends when one miner's pit collapsed and killed him. Treasure hunters continue to trickle through until, in the late 1700s, legislation bans gold digging altogether. People still seek treasure in the Rhine. It's also lucky to find rhinestones . Magnets, Iron & Witches Back to Top Magnetic phenomena are part of local legend. Behind Castle Frankenstein, Mount Ilbes is famous for magnetic rocks. Natural magnetism is found in magnetite or lodestone (Fe3O4) and other sources of high iron content, such as meteorites. Hematite: Iron Oxide Red Earth Pigment Castor Oil, Wigs & Death in Ancient Egypt Arsenic: Murderous Metal & Miracle Cure Magnetite attracted to a magnet Folklore tells us Mount Ilbes is the second most significant meeting place of witches in Germany, after Mount Brocken in the Harz Mountains. On Walpurgisnacht May 1 and summer solstice June 20, contemporary witches and neo-pagans gather at the locale. 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