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Amanita muscaria , fly agaric or fly amanita is the most widely recognized of the psychoactive plants and fungi. The use, folklore and magic of this charming mushroom goes back thousands of years as a pesticide and inducer of altered perception. Plant Lore: Stinking Nightshade, Henbane Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe Young bright red Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric Colors Bright red with white spots, the most common variety, it's a cheerful splash of color amid fallen brown leaves. Red is a color of fire and passion. This beauty comes other color variations too, including pale yellow, bronze and peach. The telltale white spots on the cap can wash off with rain, giving the mushroom a smooth look with solid color cap. Although they share the family name Amanita  and the psychoactive substances ibotenic acid and muscimol , not all are the same species. Eight Dye Plants & Natural Dyes in History German Myth & Folklore: Imps Mysteries of Bona Dea: Women's Rites in Ancient Rome Fly Agaric Mushrooms, spots washed off by rain Deadly toxic members of the Amanita family include the destroying angel  ( Amanita bisporigera  et al) and death cap mushrooms  ( Amanita phalloides ). They are nature's gift, but in German, gift  means poison. Death cap is considered to be the mushroom used to eliminate Roman Emperor Claudius, served to him by Empress Agrippina , so Nero, her son by another marriage, can take the throne. Toadstools and Fairy Rings Fly agarics are favorite toadstools. They're one of the mushroom species found as fairy rings in the forest surrounding a tree. Forest fungi can grow tethered to a tree with underground filaments. Pagan Solstice Fests: Mithras & the Sun Hildegard von Bingen: Nature, Music & Beer Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg other varieties can be orange or yellow Fairy rings of mushrooms create an expanding ring around a tree or in a meadow as the fruiting bodies live, die and nurture new life. Lifespan of a fly agaric mushroom is one to three weeks. The mushroom receives nutrients from the tree and nurtures the tree in return. In times of drought trees can use mushrooms as a drinking source as the fungi are over 90% water. Silvanus: Roman God of Wild Lands & Fields Nitrogen Fixation & Evolution of Plant Life First Life on Earth: Microbes & Stromatolites Each new mushroom starts at the edge of the expired one. This causes the phenomenon of an expanding circle. Mushrooms are symbols of good health, luck, ancient wisdom, beginnings and happy coincidences. Due to underground connections they're a link to the chthonic realm. In folklore, fairy rings might be protected by bug-eye toads. Toads in lore are associated with money, prosperity, witchcraft, good or bad luck, healing and poison. In Chinese mythology, Chan Chu the three-legged toad is considered to attract money. Owl - Death, Memory, Mystic Wisdom Pan: Wild Rustic God of Music & Flocks Kur - Underworld of Mesopotamia Toad on Her Toadstool Amanita as Fly Poison Dominican Friar Albertus Magnus of Cologne, Germany, is the first to record the fly agaric in his work De vegetabilibus , not later than 1256. Magnus has a keen interest in visionary vegetation. He also describes stinking nightshade or henbane in his writings. Of Amanita muscaria he says: "it is called the fly mushroom because it is powdered in milk to kill flies." This tradition continues for hundreds of years, as noted in writings of the 16th and 17th centuries. The contemporary name fly agaric comes about in the 18th century when Carl Linnaeus (aka Father of Taxonomy) sets agaric as the term for 'gilled mushrooms.' Pretty Poisons: Holly, Yew, Mistletoe German Vampires - Nachzehrer Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Powdered in milk it's used as pesticide against flies Fly Baby Fly: Amanita muscaria Transcendental Properties As a hallucinogenic and transcendent fly agaric has been used for centuries by shamans, herbalists, spirit workers and practitioners of magic in ritual ceremonies. It's also used for entertainment purposes, but Amanita muscaria poisoning can send a person to the hospital. The most popular Amanita for magic and spiritual use is Amanita muscaria var. muscaria, the red and white Euro-Asian fly agaric familiar from fairy tales and nature lore. Orange varieties have similar properties. Color isn't always the best indicator of species as mushroom hues can change color as the fungi age. Fruiting bodies last for 1 to 3 weeks. The cap can fade to lighter red or even yellow before the mushroom decays. Pagan Solstice Fests: Saturnalia Herbology & Lore: Caraway Sacrifice of the Male: Temple at Uppsala Hallucinogenic and mind-altering or consciousness altering properties of this fungus are created by ibotenic acid and muscimol. These psychoactive ingredients occur in all Amanita muscaria species. Ibotenic acid, a neurotoxicant, causes hallucinations in people and is deadly to dogs and other animals as it destroys the physical matter of the brain. Muscimol is a mutation of ibotenic acid when the shroom is ingested or dried. German Myth & Folklore: Dwarfs Wild Women and Winter Tales Herbology & Lore: Rowan (Mountain Ash) Amanita muscaria growing in bright red spotted glory Magical and spiritual qualities of Amanita muscaria include: visions; hallucinations enhanced awareness of spiritual and unseen dimensions; synesthesia euphoria; extreme joy, happiness or blissful state of being dysphoria, depression time or space shift; retrograde amnesia The mushroom is used by practitioners in trance work, spiritual journeying, connecting with the numinous, awareness within, and transcending boundaries in mortal or other realms of perception. It can disrupt sensory or motor disturbance causing lack of coordination. Mushrooms of all kinds relate to night magic, Faerie magic, the moon, the metal silver and the inward seeking energy. Animals associated with mushrooms often have connections to the realm of Faerie, including deer and toads. Goats in German Myth: Erntebock & Habergeiß German Myth & Folklore: Moss People Pioneering German Women - Anita Augspurg Deer are creatures of night magic and the realm of Faerie Mushroom spores have reawakened after thousands of years frozen in ice. Especially in the East mushrooms like Reishi are linked to longevity and immortality. 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

Mugworts are used in folk medicine of India, China, Europe, America and other regions. A member of Artemisia , mugwort is also called wormwood or sagebrush. First recorded  medical is in the first century BCE . Artemisia absinthium is the species most often used in absinthe. Broad Beans (Fava) - Bronze Age Crops Folk Magic: Fly Agaric ( Amanita muscaria ) Castor Oil, Wigs & Death in Ancient Egypt Purple mugwort blossoms have nectar for a tiny insect The principle European mugwort species is Artemisia vulgaris , or common mugwort. Mugwort is used for medicinal, spiritual, and culinary properties. In East Asia the species Artemisia argyi is often called "Chinese mugwort" in the context of traditional Chinese medicine. Artemisia argyi  is also popular in Japanese, and Korean traditional medicine. Wormwood leaves are collected on a warm, dry day during spring and summer when the plant is blooming and then dried in the shade. Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Nitrogen Fixation & Evolution of Plant Life Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Botanical illustration Artemisia vulgaris (1897) - Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen In traditional Chinese medicine, the leaves have bitter, pungent, and warm qualities. They're linked to the liver, spleen, and kidney meridians. The leaves are antiseptic, expectorant, fever-reducing and styptic, ie it stops the bleeding when applied to a wound. The herb is considered to enhance blood flow to the pelvic area. It's used to stimulate menstruation, and to treat infertility, dysmenorrhea, asthma, and coughs. Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Caspian Tiger: Bronze Age Wild Predators Artemisia annua or Sweet Wormwood, native to Asia Leaves can be added to food or as the source of oil extracts. They're used in tinctures, or burned in moxibustion, the application of burning or smoking leaves to various parts of the body in a spiritual healing capacity . The common mugwort plant can be used as an anthelminthic, or treatment for parasitic worms in animals. The downy hairs on the underside of the leaves can be scraped off and used as effective tinder or oil lamp wicks . Mugwort has been used to treat insomnia. Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Lavender (Lavandula) Health and Nature Witches & Witchcraft: Ancient World The leaves are fragrant and tend toward bitterness. Leaves and early spring shoots can be eaten cooked or raw. Buds are best gathered in July-September just before the plant flowers. Mugwort essential oils, containing the active components of this plant, vary in composition and effect depending on plant species habitat parts of plant used harvest season Mugwort pollen is a main cause of allergic reactions. The plant releases pollen abundantly in late summer and autumn. Periwinkle: Magic & Medicine of Europe Figs - Food of the Ancient World Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients Serbian Mugwort Leaves Medical treatments and benefits of Artemisia  include: Culinary as food or tea : used to treat digestive, circulatory and respiratory health problems Salve:  applied to skin, treats lesions, rashes, bruises, itch, poison ivy, eczema, body odor Tincture or Extract:  to treat fevers, stomach ache, liver conditions, cough and cold Essential Oil, various compounds : treats blood pressure problems, tumor growth and issues of menstrual cycle. The oil also has anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and antimicrobial effects Moxibustion:  dry leaves burned on pressure points of the body. In traditional Asian medicine, moxibustion is a form of therapy used to enhance healing with acupuncture. Leaves are burnt close to the skin.‌ Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers Gold-of-Pleasure: Bronze Age Crops Woad, the People's Blue: Ancient Pigments essential oil In North America mugwort is considered an invasive species. North American mugworts include Artemisia absinthe. The spice tarragon ( Artemisia dracunculus ) is an aromatic perennial herb if the same genus. Its main aromatic compound is estragole, named after the French for tarragon, estragon. It gives tarragon its licorice taste and has been found to cause cancer in mice. Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Klagefrau: Wailing Woman of German Folklore Jimson Weed, Witches & Zombies Tarragon ( Artemisia dracunculus ) is a familiar herb in cooking and cuisine Tarragon plants are boiled for washes and poultices in treatment of swollen feet and legs, and snow blindness. M ugworts includes pasture sagewort ( Artemisia frigida ) , tea of which is taken to treat colds and fevers.  Mugwort tea is made with boiled water over crushed leaves. Mugwort is traditionally used for skin treatments, and as snuff to relieve congestion, nosebleeds and headaches. Western mugwort ( A. ludoviciana ) or white sagebrush is also known as 'women's sage' as leaf tea is taken to ease menstrual irregularity. It's also a treatment for indigestion, coughs, and chest infections. Einkorn Wheat - First Domestic Crops White Pigments of Ancient Artisans   Cress, Watercress: Natural Health of Ancients Western mugwort smoke is used to disinfect contaminated areas and revive patients from comas. The essential components of Artemisia oils include camphor , cineole , α- and β- thujone . Camphor has been used for fragrance, as embalming fluid, in topical medications, as a manufacturing chemical, and in religious ceremonies. Camphor is most famous for its use as a decongestant in ancient and modern medicine. Turmeric ( Curcuma longa ): Ancient Uses & Medicine Saffron - Most Precious Ancient Spice Fairy Rings, Moon & Nature Magic The presence and concentration of thujone varies largely by species and environment. artemisia ketone borneol  and bornyl acetate, as well as a vast range of other phenols , terpenes , and aliphatic compounds. In low doses, thujones may convey stimulating, mood-elevating effects. Higher doses lead to spasms, convulsions and death. As with all toxins it's important to know the tipping point. The Anxious Victorian - Mental Health Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Rise of Pan: Fertility Goat God Péh₂usōn Camphor is a toxic compound also found in the camphor laurel tree Camphor cream or ointment is toxic if ingested. Applied on skin, camphor may cause allergic reactions. Symptoms of camphor poisoning include irritability disorientation lethargy muscle spasms vomiting abdominal cramps convulsions seizures Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Werewolf & Werewolves of Germany Scheele's Green: History's Most Toxic Pigment cubes of camphor Ingestion of two grams of camphor causes serious toxicity and four grams is potentially lethal. Airborne camphor may be poisonous. There is no known antidote to camphor poisoning. As an insecticide Artemisia  is especially effective against insect larvae; however, overuse on garden plants will weaken or kill them. In humans and other animals, the active element a-thujone excites the brain by blocking gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter. Although health benefits are linked to this compound, over-ingestion of thujone can cause seizures and death. Wiedergänger - the Undead Walk Again Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Alpha-thujone is the toxic agent in absinthe. It's the active ingredient of wormwood oil and some other herbal medicines and is reported to have antinociceptive (immune boosting) qualities. It's also considered insecticidal and anthelmintic (treats parasitic worms). Leaves and flowers can be used as a bitter flavoring agent to season fat, meat and fish. Like yarrow ( Achillea ) , mugwort is used in gruit to flavor beer before the production of hops. The term "gruit" comes from regions of the Netherlands, Belgium, and northwest Germany. Yarrow (Achillea) Magic & Medicine Pioneering German Women - Bertha Benz Jet Black - Ancient World Gemstones Leaves of Common Absinthe Wormwood (Artemisia absinthia) Brewing beer with hops goes back to the ninth century in Germany to Hildegarde von Bingen . The famous Deutsches Reinheitsgebot  or purity law for beer is established in 1516, restricting ingredients, with artisan exceptions . Gruit is prized for specialty beers and as a digestive. 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Glycolysis is a biochemical pathway used by organisms to convert glucose into functional energy. This process happens in single-celled bacteria to complex plants and animals. Unnoticed, it works industrially behind the scenes and is crucial to existence. Oil-Dwelling Microbes: Bacteria, Yeast & Mold Silent Destroyers: Microbes of Concrete Corrosion Bdellovibrio: Lifestyles of Predatory Bacteria Glycolysis converts glucose (C6H12O6) into energy. The process happens in the cytoplasm of cells. It's a central component of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration. The glycolytic process produces pyruvate, a beneficial metabolic acid. Most human cells undergo glycolysis. Muscle cells rely on it during intense exercise when oxygen levels decrease. Glycolysis is essentially the starting point for both aerobic respiration and fermentation in nature. A holistic process, it can take many forms but its goal is energy. Pyruvate or pyruvic acid produces energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). A series of ten reactions occurs in the cytoplasm of cells to make ATP universally accessible. Amazing Yeast: Feeding, Breeding & Biofilms Science of Alchemy: Hydrochloric Acid Acid-Producing Bacteria in Sulfuric Acid Creation parts of a human cell, cytoplasm in blue Organisms Using Glycolysis Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway found in all living organisms, from the simplest bacteria to complex multicellular organisms like plants and animals. It's essential for life, health and holistic harmony. Prokaryotes : Many prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria and archaea, use glycolysis as their primary means of generating ATP. Glycolysis helps extract energy from glucose and other sugars. Eukaryotes : In eukaryotic organisms, glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and is the first step in both aerobic respiration and anaerobic fermentation. Yeast, for example, can perform glycolysis to receive energy, followed by fermentation to produce ethanol under anaerobic conditions as in brewing and baking. Plants : While plants are primarily known for photosynthesis, they also undergo glycolysis to meet their energy needs, especially during the night when photosynthesis is not an option. Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Cupriavidus metallidurans : Metal Eating Gold Making Bacterium Glycerin (Glycerol): Darling of Cosmetics, Health & Science Glycolysis in Nature Glycolysis is an intersection of various metabolic pathways. It allows organisms to extract energy from glucose, a common carbohydrate found in nature. The process provides not only ATP but also precursors for other metabolic pathways. The process is the same for both plants and animals, but they use the end products in different ways. In nature and health, glycolysis is instrumental in: Fermentation In the absence of oxygen, many organisms rely on glycolysis followed by fermentation to produce energy. In anaerobic habitats like deep waters, the human GI or muddy soils, glycolysis supplies needed energy. Pyrococcus furiosus : Extremophile of Vulcano Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes: Life Forms on Earth Microbial Reproduction: Mitosis & Meiosis Some microbes in wetlands produce energy only by glycolysis, such as various Pseudomonadota spp . The group is previously named the ' Proteobacteria ' after the Greek god Proteus, who is known to assume many forms. Food Production The ability of yeast to perform glycolysis and subsequent fermentation is used in production of alcoholic beverages and bread, influencing human culture and nutrition. Organisms such as yogurt bacteria (lactic acid bacteria or LAB) convert the pyruvate from glycolysis into lactic acid, enabling them to generate energy even when oxygen is scarce. This process is the key to creating tangy flavor in fermented dairy products. Silent Destroyers: Microbial Corrosion of Concrete Science of Onion Tears: Demystifying Acids Difference Between Gram-Negative & Gram-Positive Bacteria Cellular Metabolism Glycolysis generates intermediates vital for the synthesis of nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids, a central function in cellular metabolism. Plant Metabolism Glycolysis is essential to plants. It provides components for creating amino acids, nucleotides and fatty acids, contributing to overall plant health and growth. Potash: Agriculture, Plant & Garden Health Einkorn Wheat - First Domestic Crops Nitrogen Fixation & Evolution of Plant Life Advantages of Glycolysis Rapid ATP Production Glycolysis allows swift ATP production, providing immediate energy for cellular activities, especially in anaerobic conditions where oxygen is limited, such as in the muscle tissue. Athletes are familiar with this process in the human body. Glycolysis yields ATP faster than many other pathways. It can generate the infusion of energy in about 10 seconds during high-intensity activities like dance, workout or sports. The Microscope: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Lactic Acid Bacteria: Team Players of Fermentation Binary Fission: Speedy Microbe Reproduction Versatility Glycolysis can process various substrates beyond glucose, including fructose, sucrose and galactose, giving organisms a choice selection of different carbohydrates for energy. Minimal Oxygen Requirement Glycolysis can occur in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, making it a flexible pathway suitable for various environments. Bacteria such as some Bacillus spp . living in anaerobic environments can survive solely on glycolysis. . Precursor Production The pathway produces intermediates, which are precursors for biosynthetic pathways, for optimal cell growth and maintenance. Products of glycolysis, especially pyruvate, can enter several metabolic pathways, including the citric acid cycle for further ATP production. Rotten Egg Sulfur Smell: Microbial Processes Metal to Rust: Unseen Organisms in Action Wild Yeast: Microbes Acting Naturally Glycolysis Process: From Glucose to Pyruvate The glycolytic pathway consists of ten enzyme-catalyzed steps, resulting in the conversion of glucose into two molecules of pyruvate. Energy Investment Phase Hexokinase Reaction : The process starts with hexokinase catalyzing the phosphorylation of glucose, leading to glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) formation. This step consumes one ATP. Isomerization : G6P is transformed into fructose-6-phosphate (F6P) through the action of phosphoglucose isomerase. Phosphorylation : Another ATP is used by phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) to convert F6P into fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (F1,6BP). This step acts as a key regulatory checkpoint in glycolysis. Cleavage : The aldolase enzyme cleaves F1,6BP into two three-carbon molecules: dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P). Isomerization Again : DHAP is converted to G3P by triose phosphate isomerase, resulting in two molecules of G3P. Vinegar Cures of Physician Dioscorides Lunar Caustic AgNO3: Lapis Infernalis  of Alchemy Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature to Modern Uses Energy Payoff Phase Oxidation and Phosphorylation : Each G3P undergoes oxidation and phosphorylation by glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, forming 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (1,3BPG). ATP Formation : The enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase converts 1,3BPG to 3-phosphoglycerate (3PG), producing ATP. Rearrangement : Phosphoglycerate mutase rearranges 3PG to 2-phosphoglycerate (2PG). Dehydration : Enolase facilitates the dehydration of 2PG to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), creating a high-energy substrate. Final ATP Generation and Pyruvate Formation : Finally, pyruvate kinase catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate from PEP to ADP, yielding one more ATP while producing pyruvate, the endpoint of glycolysis. Bacteria & Archaea: Differences & Similarities Hildegard von Bingen: Nature, Music & Beer Vulcano: Child Miners, Gods & Extremophiles Pyruvate (Pyruvatic Acid) Pyruvic acid can be made from glucose through glycolysis, converted back to carbohydrates (such as glucose) via gluconeogenesis, or converted to fatty acids through a reaction with acetyl-CoA. It can also be used to construct the amino acid alanine. Pyruvate can be converted into ethanol or lactic acid through fermentation. Pyruvic acid supplies energy to cells through the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle) when oxygen is present (aerobic respiration), and alternatively ferments to produce lactate, the base of lactic acid, when oxygen is lacking. Malevolent Microfungi: Hazards of Health & Home Ethyl Alcohol: Science of Solvents & Booze GI Yeast Hunter: Bacteroides thetaiotomicron Keep up the good work! 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

Trends in natural health, exercise, pets, fashion, the occult, mourning and taxidermy span the nineteenth century. On the British throne, German born Queen Victoria influences more than one lifestyle obsession. Here are a few Victorian trends. Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Herbology & Lore - Chamomile Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Prince Albert Edward Sailor Suits In 1846, during a cruise off the Channel Islands, Victoria's four-year-old son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, wears a smaller version of the Royal Yacht sailors' uniform. The adorable outfit captures the hearts of the public. The iconic portrait of the little prince contributes to the widespread popularity of the sailor suit for both boys and girls in several countries by the 1870s. Nature Spirits of German Mythology German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root The Strange Case of Rudolf Diesel Stripes In fashion and decor, stripes take on new meaning. Where previously they're associated with prisoners, servants and slaves, stripes become stylish and desirable. The change coincides the popularity of sailor suits. Many have stripes, such as the pinstripes on the collar of Prince Albert's suit. Pinstriped suits come into fashion for bankers and businessmen, associating stripes with prosperity. The Anxious Victorian - Mental Health Amazing Legacy of Alexander von Humboldt Steam & Coal in Victorian Germany Living in Style Bathing Huts & Bathing Machines Queen Victoria's yen for outdoor air and the seaside is inspired by husband Albert, who advocates the health benefits of sea water. A special bathing machine is constructed at Osborne Beach on the Isle of Wight, England, to give the Queen privacy when she bathes. Bathing machines, bathing huts or houses are built for the modesty of ladies. The lady steps into the contraption ashore. It's pulled by horses or people, or cranked into the water. She can have a private swim as desired. Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Edelweiss: Alpine Flower of True Love Baltic Amber in Folklore and Myth Queen Victoria's Bathing Machine While bathing huts are already in use before Victoria ascends the throne in 1837, their popularity grows with the famous machine built for the queen. O n 14 July 1847 s he writes in her journal: "A very fine morning, & the day became again very hot.... drove down to the beach with my maids & went into the bathing machines, where I undressed & bathed in the sea, (for the 1st time in my life) a very nice bathing woman attending me." Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Pan: Wild Rustic God of Music & Flocks Great 19th Century German Woman Artists "Mermaids at Brighton" (satire) William Heath c. 1829 It's also fashionable for young ladies to cluster bathing houses together, facing away from shore, and swim in a party. For maximum water therapy a lady might have a personal trainer (or two, as in pic above at far left) who throws her in the water and hauls her out. Women and men continue to use separate bathing areas, and bath houses for ladies, into the early 20th century. Mixed gender bathing is illegal in most countries before public disobedience to the ban in 1920 - 30. Germany: A Little 19th Century History Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons: German Myth Hydrotherapy or water therapy is widespread in Europe during the 1800s and on, along with mineral spa treatments and therapeutic hot and cold bathing. A town with mineral springs or hot springs could use the word 'Bad' or 'Baden' (bath or bathing) before its name. Outdoor activities and exercise gain popularity. Swedish physician Gustav Zander develops the first home gym . Dozens of imitators follow. Calisthenics become part of the exercise regime. The late nineteenth century trends develop into the fitness mega-market of today. 19th Century: Home Gym, Bicycles, Antiseptic German Romanticism: Nature & Emotion Magic of the Circle: Spirituality & Lore Creamy Chocolate Cake - mmmm Part of the natural health and fitness craze is unwittingly instigated by Victoria due to her great love of rich food and constant attempts of advisers to convince her to lose weight. The Queen doesn't exercise, except for snuggle time with Albert. Inspired by Austrian royals, a rise in mountaineering almost causes extinction of edelweiss . Nature and occult find commonality in a rapid evolution of science and medicine. Hospitals start using antiseptic in the late 19th century. Survival rates after surgery rise dramatically. Noisy Spirits of German Mythology Faust: Fact & Fiction German Renaissance Hags in Germanic Myth & Folklore White Weddings While Victoria is not the first royal bride to wear white, she's the most influential. White weddings and gowns become the norm in the mid-19th century and later. Mourning & Jet Jewelry When her beloved husband Albert dies in 1861, Victoria is inconsolable. She falls into deep grief and avoids public appearances. Republicanism gains strength, but in the latter part of her reign she returns to public life and her popularity rebounds. She wears black for the rest of her life, influencing how grief and mourning are perceived. Vast "mourning warehouses" open up. Jet jewelry is popular, especially brooches. Many have a compartment for a lock of hair or other remembrance of the person. Jet Black - Ancient World Gemstones Black Pigments of Ancient Artisans Prussian Blue - Delight of Artists & Poisoners Victorian Jet Mourning Brooch Little Red Pomeranian Dogs The earliest Pomeranians, Spitz-type dogs, are white, brown or black, and about twice as big as today's Pomeranians. When Queen Victoria adopts a small red Pomeranian in 1888, the color and small size become fashionable. Breeders develop smaller and smaller dogs. Victoria's Pomeranian is a red sable color. Pomeranians have the widest color variety of any dog breed. Colors include white, black, brown, red, orange, cream, blue, sable, black and tan, brown and tan, spotted, brindle and blue Merle, plus combinations. Wiedergänger - the German Undead German Vampires - Nachzehrer Heimchen - House Crickets of Folklore Little Red Pomeranian Discovery of unknown creatures and nations in the mortal world, through travelers and natural historians like Humboldt , rouse the imagination. The occult comes into the public eye. Death loses its finality if one can communicate with beloved people in another realm. Science creates monsters. Most people know Frankenstein: the Modern Prometheus  by Mary Shelley (1818) is inspired by dark mysterious Odenwald (Forest of Odes) in Germany, along with local legends of Castle Frankenstein and its most notorious resident . Bram Stoker's 1897 horror novel Dracula  and the 1896 H.G. Wells tale The Island of Dr. Moreau  emerge from scientific ideas of the 19th century. In the limelight is the never ending struggle of humans to control the forces of nature. Industry & the Age of Monsters Europe Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Age of Science & Monsters Curiosity about the natural invokes interest in the supernatural. Fortune tellers appear to know all. Crystal balls, Ouija boards, seances and ordinary playing cards hold prophecies of the future, a glimpse into past lives or communication with the dead. Prophecy is favorite Victorian drawing room entertainment. Although the Ouija board is used for divination in the 19th century, it's not connected directly to supernatural forces until the 1950s. Belief in the transmigration of souls goes back to Pythagoras (570 - 495 BCE). The Mystic Victorian - Fortune Telling Casting the Bones - Astragalomancy Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Ouija Board In a fertile environment of bringing nature indoors and the dead to life, the art of taxidermy rises to new heights. Queen Victoria herself has a treasured collection of stuffed birds. Taxidermy moves from the sphere of professionals into the hands of amateurs. One of the most common forms of taxidermy is to stretch an animal's skin over a wire frame and stuff it. Usual stuffing materials were rags, straw and horsehair. The Many Faces of Frau Holle German Myth - Headless Horseman Wild Women and Winter Tales Inexperience and experimental taxidermy creates reproductions with uneven stuffing and poor stitching. Some ghoulish vintage marvels appear today in folk museums as mystifying creatures such as snaggle-toothed mermaids and rabbits with antlers. The legendary Wolpertinger is an elusive creature living in the forests and mountains of Bavaria, Germany. Like the bird woman Elwetritsch  of the Palatinate, it's a favorite tourist attraction. Eschenfrau: Wicked Ash Tree Woman Germanic Mythology - Brook Horses Klabautermann - Germanic Sea Kobold Illustration of a Wolpertinger Skeleton 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

Of the many flowers in Germanic folk medicine and herbology, none capture the romantic imagination more than the modest edelweiss ( Leontopodium nivale ). A small white alpine flower, it grows in limestone mountains and originates in the Himalayas. Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Victorian Trends - Stripes to Taxidermy Amazing Legacy of Alexander von Humboldt A small white flower on the side of a cliff Edelweiss (Eng. pron. "ay-del-vice") comes to Europe during the Quaternary ice ages. Edel  translates to noble and weiss means white. In the Latin ( Leontopodium nivale ), Leontopodium  is lion's paw; nivale  means snow or snowy. A member of the daisy or sunflower family Asteraceae , edelweiss has been used in folk medicine and mountain lore for centuries. In the 19th century it comes to be the symbol of mountaineers and alpinists. Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore German Myth & Folklore: Elves Botanical Illustration of Edelweiss Edelweiss is an enduring sign of true love. As it usually grows at high altitudes on slippery slopes, it's difficult and dangerous to reach and pick. If a man brings his sweetheart an edelweiss he himself has picked, it's considered an act of undying love and devotion. Unfortunately for the edelweiss, it becomes hugely popular in the middle of the 19th century and almost goes extinct. Mountain tourism, romance movements and European natural health trends threaten the plant. It's under state protection today. Plight of the Lutzelfrau: German Myth Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Germany: A Little 19th Century History Bright Edelweiss plants and flowers Romantic associations blossom in 1856, due to a gesture by Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I. On a mountain hike with his wife Elisabeth (Sisi), he picks an edelweiss from the steep slope, saying "The first in my life I picked myself". The couple share great love for the flower and and each other. The famous story of Franz and Sisi heightens the relationship of Edelweiss to romance. Sadly, Empress Sisi is assassinated in 1898. She reigns for 44 years, the longest of any Austrian empress. The Anxious Victorian - Mental Health Nature Spirits of German Mythology Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Elisabeth "Sisi" of Austria w faux edelweiss flowers in her hair In 1865 German painter Franz Xaver Winterhalter immortalizes the Empress with nine jeweled faux edelweiss flowers in her hair, in the oil painting above. The painting is displayed at the Schloss Hofburg, Vienna Austria. Near the end of the Second World War, Edelweiss becomes the symbol of German resistance against Nazism. The song "Edelweiss" from the 1965 "The Sound of Music", set in Salzburg, Austria, is featured during the escape of the von Trapp family from the Nazis. Klagefrau: Wailing Woman of German Folklore 3 Great German Artists for Art Lovers Periwinkle: Magic & Medicine of Europe Energetic Edelweiss It's also known as the bellyache flower due to its medicinal properties. In floral bouquets, edelweiss is called the everlasting or eternal blossom. When dried it looks similar to the fresh flower and will last a long time. European edelweiss grows in the Swiss, German and Austrian Alps, Pyrenees Mountains, and Italian Apennines. It's found at about 1,800 - 3,400 m (5,900 - 11,200 ft) altitude and prefers limestone rocks. Herbology & Lore: Rowan (Mountain Ash) Der Türst: Dread Huntsman & the Wild Hunt German Romanticism: Nature & Emotion Edelweiss with view of the Matterhorn, Switzerland Made of compressed organic matter, limestone can be a vital source of nutrients for plants in barren habitats. Flowering stalks of edelweiss reach a height of 3 - 20 cm (1 - 8 in) in the wild or up to 40 cm (16 in) cultivated. Blossoms are five to six small yellow spikelet-florets surrounded by fuzzy white bracts (petals) in double-star formation. Small hairs on the plant give it the Germanic nickname Wullbluomen  or wool flower, documented in the 16th century. Jimson Weed, Witches & Zombies Wandering Womb - Ancient Medicine German Myth: Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons Edelweiss comes into blossom The fine hairs protect the plant from the cold, aridity and ultraviolet radiation of its lofty mountain environment. Originally edelweiss comes from the Himalayan Mountains. Edelweiss day is March 5 in the Germanic alpine countries. All parts of the plant are used in folk medicine. Active ingredients include terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, polyacetylenes, fatty acids and leoligin, for anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-bacterial and other health properties. German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root German Myth - Harvest Spirits Rosemary: Immortal Essence & Balm of Kings Edelweiss lapel pin Edelweiss grows well in herb or flower gardens. Leaves of Edelweiss are used in alpine medicine against heart disease. The Himalayan edelweiss, Leontopodium himalayanum , grows in mountainous regions of China , Bhutan , India , Myanmar , Nepal  and Pakistan .   It's called Tra-Wa  in the Tibetan Dzongkha language. Himalayan edelweiss blooms June - October. In Latin the European edelweiss is also cal led Gnaphalium Leontopodium.  Dilution of Leontopodium  as a homoeopathic or folk medicine is considered to treat, prevent or relieve various conditions. Yarrow (Achillea) Magic & Medicine German House Spirits: Beer Donkey (Bieresel) Woad, the People's Blue: Ancient Pigments Himalayan edelweiss, Leontopodium himalayanum Extracts of edelweiss and edelweiss tea are used in traditional medicine as herbal remedies for a long list of ailments including: abdominal illness heart disease diarrhea abdominal cramps respiratory conditions inflammation skin ailments memory loss stomach pains constipation grinding of teeth locked jaw back pain In Europe edelweiss is a short-lived flower, blooming between July and September. In the 19th century this is the time amorous swains and nature enthusiasts mingle on the mountains. Immortal - Quest for the Elixir of Life Klabautermann - Germanic Sea Kobold White Dead Nettle: Natural Health & Folklore Single Edelweiss Flower In Slovenia Edelweiss is known as planika   or mountain girl. In Romania, it's floare de colț or cliffhanger's flower. In Italian and French speaking countries, edelweiss is named Stella Alpina  and étoile des Alpes, or 'star of the Alps.' In his novel Edelweiss (1861), German author Berthold Auerbach says the difficulty of procuring an edelweiss is such that "the possession of one is a proof of unusual daring." Prussian Blue - Delight of Artists & Poisoners Drude: Germanic Demon of Darkness Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers A dangerous climb The English translation (1869) includes a preface quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: "There is a flower known to botanists, one of the same genus with our summer plant called "Life-Everlasting", a Gnaphalium like that, which grows on the most inaccessible cliffs of the Tyrolese mountains, where the chamois dare hardly venture, and which the hunter, tempted by its beauty, and by his love (for it is immensely valued by the Swiss maidens), climbs the cliffs to gather, and is sometimes found dead at the foot, with the flower in his hand. It is called by botanists the Gnaphalium leontopodium , but by the Swiss Edelweisse, which signifies Noble Purity." Pentagram: Drudenfuß, Five Point Star Goats in German Myth: Erntebock & Habergeiß Hyssop - Magic & Medicine Herb Lore Edelweiss flowers loving the sun In the mountainous Savoie region of France, picking edelweiss and genepi from the mountainsides carries a fine of 750 Euro (about $800 USD). German, Austrian and Swiss officials are not as nice, imposing fines of up to 15,000 euros on edelweiss robbers. 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

Differences between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria are fairly straightforward, related to cell membrane structure. Knowing these comparisons give biologists and hobbyists a much richer experience when studying bacteria. Ethyl Alcohol: Science of Solvents & Booze Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature to Modern Uses Microbial Alchemy: Fermentation, Digestion, Putrefaction Gram positive cocci (purple, roundish) and Gram negative bacilli (pink rod-shaped) The terms “Gram-negative” and “Gram-positive” come from the stain method developed by Hans Christian Gram in the 1880s. This technique involves applying a series of dyes to bacterial samples to determine the structural differences in their cell walls. Gram-Positive Bacteria These bacteria have thick peptidoglycan layers in their cell walls and are able to retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining process. As a result, they look purple under a microscope after staining. Seven Deadly Diseases of the Renaissance Scheele's Green: History's Most Toxic Pigment S. pasteurii : Calcium Eating Limestone-Making Bacteria In Gram-positive bacteria the peptidoglycan layer measures between 20-80 nanometers. It provides significant structural support and helps bacteria maintain their shape. Absence of an outer membrane makes them susceptible to external attacks by predators and medications. Antibiotics such as penicillin target the thick peptidoglycan layer. About 95% of strains of Staphylococcus aureus  are sensitive to penicillin. Examples of Gram-positive bacteria include Streptococcus pneumoniae , a common cause of pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium responsible for skin infections, and also used as a deep yellow pigment. Metal to Rust: Unseen Organisms in Action Women Scientists of the Ancient World   Silent Destroyers: Microbes of Concrete Corrosion Above: Staphylococcus aureus Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a group of Gram-positive, non-spore forming organisms. With high tolerance for low pH, lactic acid bacteria are essential for making cheese, pickles and yogurt. In the environment, many Gram-positive bacteria are important to decomposition, helping break down organic matter and releasing nutrients back into ecosystems. Bacillus  species for example are known to eat through materials like cellulose, a vital process in soil health. Sporosarcina pasteurii munches on limestone to produce calcite. Brevibacterium linens is instrumental in creation of cheese and body odor. Actinomyces , Clostridium , Mycobacterium , Streptococci , Staphylococci , and Nocardia are all Gram-positive bacteria. Science of Rust Earth Pigments & Colors Metal Salts: Ancient History to Modern DIY Amoebae: Microbial Predators on the Move Gram-Negative Bacteria Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS), better known today as endotoxins. This structure prevents them from retaining the crystal violet dye. Instead, they take up the counterstain (safranin) and appear pink. Notable Gram-negative bacteria include Escherichia coli , typically found in the intestines, and Salmonella , which causes food poisoning. Gram-negative bacteria are pivotal in biogeochemical cycles, particularly in nitrogen fixation and pollutant degradation. For instance, Pseudomonas putida  is effective in breaking down toxic waste in oil spills, demonstrating its essential role in maintaining ecological balance. Cupriavidus metallidurans : Metal Eating Gold Making Bacterium Metal to Rust: Unseen Organisms in Action Fermentation & Rot: Comparing Processes Another Gram-negative bacterium is Cupriavidus metallidurans . It thrives in toxic environments and excretes visible 24k gold. Acetobacter are Gram-negative bacteria without whom we would have no vinegar. Serratia marcescens causes urinary tract infections and is also used to obtain a bright red pigment. Acidithiobacillus species are extremophiles who thrive in natural toxic zones and create sulfuric acid. Xanthomonas campestris can cause plant blight or make xanthan gum . Predatory bacterium Vampirovibrio also belongs to the Gram-negative set. This tiny obligate parasite attaches to cells such as algae. It punctures the cell's membrane to suck out the nutritious matter within. Biofilm Communities: Metropolitan Microbes Acetic Acid Bacteria for Vinegar Artisans: Acetobacter Xanthan Gum & Plant Blight: Xanthomonas Campestris Above: Vampirovibro (arrow) attached to Chlorella sorokiniana Facts about G+ and G- bacteria Diversity : Gram-positive bacteria, such as those in the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium , are essential for digestive health and commonly found in probiotics. Gram-negative bacteria are more diverse, displaying a greater range of structures and functions. Gram-positive bacteria are more numerous but don't show the same variation. Antibiotic Resistance : The rise of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, exemplified by strains like Enterobacteriaceae , represents one of the most serious health threats globally. A significant number of antibiotics are derived from natural compounds produced by Gram-positive bacteria, particularly from the genus Streptomyces . Over 60% of antibiotics currently used are derived from Streptomyces  species. Environmental Applications : Some Gram-negative bacteria are used in bioremediation efforts. Their actions help clean up oil spills and break down pollutants. Fungal Biofilms: Ecology of Biofilm-Producing Molds Chloroauric Acid: Gold Salts & Extraction Colorful World of Bacteria - Color Producers Thanks! 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

Binary fission is the primary method of reproduction for bacteria and other single-celled microbes, commonly explained as a parent cell splitting into two daughter cells. This simple yet effective process is essential for survival of the species. Bacteria & Archaea: Differences & Similarities Calcite: Metal-Eating Bacteria to Coral Reefs Bdellovibrio: Lifestyles of Predatory Bacteria Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction in prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria and archaea. A single-celled organism divides into two identical prodigy cells, each with a copy of the genetic material. Binary fission is one way of ensuring rapid population growth. Organisms which reproduce by binary fission include: Bacteria Bacteria are the most common group to use binary fission. Species such as Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes reproduce this way. A widely known bacterium, E. coli lives in intestines of humans and other animals, helping in digestion. Under optimal conditions, E. coli can double in number every 20 minutes, leading to rapid population growth. Acid-Producing Bacteria in Sulfuric Acid Creation Biofilm: Metropolitan Microbes of People & Planet Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes: Life Forms on Earth Found in soil, Bacillus subtilis is recognized for its capacity to form spores, allowing it to survive in harsh conditions and reproduce prolifically. Archaea These single-celled microorganisms, often found in extreme environments, also reproduce with binary fission. One example is Pyrococcus furiosus , an extremophile. It's discovered in volcanic vents in marine waters of the Italian island Vulcano , just north of Sicily . Some Eukaryotic Organisms While eukaryotes typically reproduce through mitosis , certain protists, such as amoeba and paramecium, can undergo binary fission in certain conditions. Yeast, a eukaryotic member of the Fungi, usually reproduces by budding. A few species use binary fission. Amoebae: Microbial Predators on the Move Amazing Yeast: Feeding, Breeding & Biofilms Nitric Acid: Aqua Fortis the Acid Queen Yeast budding Biological Process of Binary Fission DNA Replication: The single circular DNA molecule in the parent cell begins to replicate, producing two identical copies. Cell Growth: The cell elongates, and the two DNA copies are pulled apart or migrate to to opposite ends of the cell. Septum Formation: A structure called the septum begins to form in the middle of the elongated cell, dividing it into two distinct regions. It's composed of proteins and materials to later make up the new cell walls. Cell Division: The septum continues to grow inward and constricts until the parent cell is pinched in two, resulting in two separate daughter cells, each with its own complete set of genetic material. Completion : Each daughter cell can grow and also undergo binary fission, perpetuating the cycle of reproduction. Bacteria are among the fastest reproducing organisms in the world, with population doubling every 4 to 20 minutes. Bacteria love to share their bounty with others, especially in nutrient-rich environments where conditions are optimal. Colorful World of Bacteria - Color Producers Oil-Dwelling Microbes: Bacteria, Yeast, Fungi Silent Destroyers: Microbes of Concrete Corrosion Sulfuric acid bacteria, some in process of binary fission Binary Fission vs. Mitosis While both binary fission and mitosis are forms of cell division, they differ in several key aspects. Organism Type Binary fission occurs primarily in prokaryotes (such as bacteria), while mitosis is a process seen in eukaryotic cells (plants, animals). Process Complexity Mitosis is more complex, involving multiple stages (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase) and the coordination of mitotic spindles . Binary fission is simpler and more straightforward, dealing with a single chromosome. Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Difference Between Gram-Negative & Gram-Positive Bacteria Metal to Rust: Unseen Organisms in Action Chromosome Structure In mitosis, linear chromosomes are replicated and separated, while in binary fission, circular DNA is copied and segregated. Genetic Variation Mitosis can result in genetic diversity through sexual reproduction. Binary fission typically produces genetically identical daughter cells, contributing to the uniformity of microbial populations. Wild Yeast: Microbes Acting Naturally Predators of the Microworld: Vampirovibrio & Lysobacter GI Yeast Hunter: Bacteroides thetaiotomicron Binary Fission in the Human Body While binary fission itself does not occur in human cells, its principles can be felt and seen. For instance, gastrointestinal tract (GI) microbiota, composed of bacteria residing in the human digestive system, reproduce by binary fission. These bacteria are important to digestion, nutrient absorption, and maintaining overall GI tract health. Their rapid reproduction can significantly affect human metabolic processes. Diatoms: Glass-Making Algae Crucial to Life Xanthan Gum & Plant Blight: Xanthomonas Campestris B. Linens  Bacterium: Big Cheese of B.O. Overgrowth of microbial organisms like E. coli bacteria can cause sicknesss Human microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms essential for digestion, metabolism and immune function. These bacteria use binary fission for efficient population growth, especially when humans consume nutrient-rich diets. One example is Lactobacillus spp. Lactobacillus is a common probiotic found in food such as yogurt. Reproducing through binary fission helps it prosper amid the corrosive acids, such as hydrochloric acid , of the human digestive tract. Binary Fission in Science Antibiotic Research Researchers analyze binary fission to understand bacterial growth patterns, antibiotic resistance, and methods of genetic transfer, which can lead to medical breakthroughs. Acetic Acid Bacteria for Vinegar Artisans: Acetobacter Peracetic Acid: Origin, Reactions, Hazards Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature to Modern Uses Genetic Engineering Scientists can manipulate bacterial strains to produce substances such as insulin or human proteins, a process known as recombinant DNA technology. Bioremediation Certain bacteria are employed in the cleanup of oil spills and heavy metal contamination, leveraging their rapid growth through binary fission to outcompete harmful microorganisms. Biotechnology The principles of binary fission are vital for mass-producing certain microorganisms used in antibiotic, enzyme, and fermented product production. The fermentation process in yogurt production relies on rapid reproduction of bacteria. Environmental Monitoring Understanding bacterial reproduction aids in evaluating ecosystems and waste management, enhancing biodegradation efforts and environmental sustainability. Seven Deadly Diseases of the Renaissance Yeast: Microbiology of Bread & Food Making Nitrogen Fixation & Evolution of Plant Life Food Safety Knowledge of binary fission is essential for managing microbial growth in food production and preservation. Facts About Binary Fission Population Dynamics: A single bacterium can theoretically produce over 16 million offspring in just 8 hours. Genetic Variation: While binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction, bacteria can exchange genetic material through horizontal gene transfer, contributing to genetic diversity. Competitive Advantage : Binary fission allows microbes to quickly exploit resources and occupy ecological niches, making them dominant in specific environments. Species Survival : This simple process helps many microbes endure a range of conditions, from extreme temperatures to high salinity, ensuring species continue to thrive. Binary fission is a crucial process in microbiology. Its simplicity and efficiency allow for rapid population growth. Understanding this process has applications for human health and the environment. Science of Onion Tears: Demystifying Acids First Life on Earth: Microbes & Stromatolites Ullikummi - Rock Monster of Legend 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

Pan is the wild rustic god of shepherds, flocks and music. Originating in Arcadia, Greece, Pan embodies the essence of wilderness. He also rules the borders between pastoral lands and forest. Pan represents a mix of spontaneity, desire and freedom. Corycian Caves, Bee Nymphs & Greek Gods Khaos: Primal Goddess of Greek Myth Sanguine: Red Chalk of Renaissance Masters Pan Reclining, Peter Paul Rubens, sanguine (red chalk) c. 1610 Many modern scholars consider Pan to be derived from the reconstructed Proto-Indo-European god *Péh₂usōn , an important pastoral deity of late Neolithic times. His early worship comes from the inhabitants of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe. A multifaceted figure, Pan embodies not only the untamed beauty of nature but also the joy and spontaneity of life, serving as a protector of shepherds and a source of inspiration for musicians and poets alike. Pan can be one god, or a multitude. He's equated with Roman Faunus, an ancient God of forests, fields and flocks. Faunus becomes a horned god after the introduction of Pan. At times Pan keeps company with Bacchus, the Roman God of Wine and equivalent of the Greek Dionysus. Rise of Pan: Fertility Goat God Péh₂usōn Arcadia - Greek Lands of Ancient Gods Erinyes - Vengeful Women of Ancient Greece Above: Pan teaches his eromenos (object of sexual desire) the shepherd Daphnis, to play the syrinx or reed pipes. This is a 2nd century AD Roman copy of a Greek marble original from the 3rd-2nd centuries BCE. Pan is often caught between the human and animal worlds. His appearance reminds people of their connections to nature and wild instincts. This duality runs deep. A symbol of chaos, Pan brings balance to order, for without chaos, order does not exist. His music can be ecstatic, beguiling, fearsome or soothing. His enchanting melodies resonate in the forests. Shepherds stop their work to listen. Flocks became calm and content in his ambience. Lahar: Flock & Sheep Pastoral Goddess Mesopotamia Kakia: Greek Goddess of Vice & Abominations Aether: Born of Darkness, God of Light As a rustic god of the fields and wilderness, Pan receives worship in the outdoors, excepting a couple of temples. His tales are related and expanded by later scribes and storytellers. As time passes Pan develops a complex mythology. He has notable attempted liaisons with three beautiful nymphs who factor into nature lore. Syrinx, fleeing his advances, becomes a stand of water reeds. From these he makes his pipes, thereafter called syrinx. Asclepius: Greek Medicine Snake God Minoans of Crete: Ancient Greek Culture Stymphalian Birds & Greek Heroics Ancient Pipes of Pan or Syrinx At one point he races around the hills and forests seeking the lovely nymph Echo, but can only hear her voice. Echo was in love with Narcissus, a vain young man. Stories differ, but she fades away until only her voice is left. This is the object of Pan's futile pursuit. In another tale he pursues the mountain nymph Pitys, who becomes a pine tree to escape him. A more complex version has Pan and the north wind Boreas both lusting after her, and Boreas uproots trees to show her how powerful he is. She just laughs and chooses Pan. This upsets Boreas so he blows her off a cliff to her death. Feeling sorry for her, the Goddess Gaia changes Pitys into a pine tree. Greco-Roman myth is fond of changing nymphs or mortal women to aspects of nature if pursued by a god. Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth Silvanus: Roman God of Wild Lands & Fields Thrace - Warfare, Slavery & Music waterfall & pine trees Pan is a confirmed bachelor who will never change his wild ways. Although unmarried he has several children, twelve of which are named in mythology. As Faunus he's considered to be the father of the "Good Goddess" Bona Dea in Rome. He's lord of the outdoors and he values his alone time. If he's woken from a nap in the woods his roar can cause panic among people and herds. HIs strong sexuality equates Pan with fertility, spring and harvest seasons. Pan is sexually attracted to men, women, mortals, nymphs and animals, especially goats. Bisexual god Hermes (Roman Mercury) is named in myth as his father. Mysteries of Bona Dea: Women's Rites in Ancient Rome Sinope: Poison, Honey, Greeks & Clay Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Marble, from Herculaneum c. 100 BCE - 100 AD Pan becomes a Greco-Roman god as he takes part in the Roman Bacchanale, a heady time of wild drinking, feasting and horizontal fertility rituals. Pan is part of the general entourage of Bacchus. The celebration is linked to the Cult of Dionysus in Greece. Attempts at suppression by authorities have little effect. The most famous followers of Dionysus are the Maenads, name meaning “ to rave, to be mad; to rage, to be angry." 4 Infused Wines of Ancient Medicine Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation German House Spirits: Beer Donkey (Bieresel) Besides rites and revels in the woods, the Maenads are known for their ferocity. They tear Dionysus / Bacchus to pieces thinking him a sacrificial bull. They also tear the bard Orpheus  to pieces as he's in mourning for his lost love and repulses their sexual advances. Women who have sexual relations with several men are known as "Pan girls." Two other Pans are well known. Aegipan, literally "goat-Pan," is entirely goatlike. When the Olympians flee from the giant Typhoeus, Aegipan assumes the form of a fish-tailed goat. Later he comes to the aid of Zeus in the battle with Typhoeus, restoring the god's sinews ripped out by the monster. As a reward, Zeus places Aegipan among the stars as the constellation Capricorn. Great Cormorant: Wild Birds & Mythic Beasts Pagan Solstice Fests: Saturnalia Dumuzi & Geshtinanna: Reasons for Seasons Sybarios is an Italian Pan venerated in the Greek colony of Sybaris in Italy. The Sybarite Pan is born when a shepherd boy from Sybaris named Krathis copulates with a beautiful she-goat from his flock. Shepherds of old often leave offerings in the Corycian Cave on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassus, believed to inhabited by Pan. The cave is sacred to Apollo, sun god of prophecy, whose Delphic Oracle is further down the mountain. Caves are associated with chthonic or underworld gods and creatures. The formations, echoes and strange smells inspire a sense of awe in the caverns and unseen gods and spirits. A vast number of talus bones of sheep and goats are found in the cave by modern explorers. Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Pagan Solstice Fests: Mithras & the Sun Ullikummi - Rock Monster of Legend Entrance to the Corycian Caves Pan's melodies attract nymphs and woodland spirits and incite the urge to dance. During the harvest, local communities gather in fields and meadows to celebrate, make offerings and dance to his tunes. Sheep are especially sacred to Pan and many are sacrificed in his name. Sacrifice involves ritual killing of the animal, with consumption of its flesh and use of its wool. Knucklebones for casting and prophecy are usually the ankle (talus) bones of sheep or goats. Casting the bones is a common activity in Greece, Rome, and the Middle Ages in Europe. Ancient Romans also use entrails, usually livers of sheep, to divine the future in the practice of haruspicy . Casting the Bones - Astragalomancy Humbaba: Giant Mountain Forest Man Shamhat: Sacred Prostitute & the Wild Man talus bones are cast for entertainment and prophecy Pan's Roman Counterparts: Silvanus and Faunus In Roman lore, Pan finds parallels with gods such as Silvanus and Faunus, who also embody aspects of nature, pastoral life, and fertility. Silvanus is depicted as a rustic deity of forests fields and borders, and the syrinx is sacred to him. Faunus, protector of flocks and herds, has similar characteristics as Pan. These connections highlight the enduring influence of Pan's mythology across cultures and the universality of themes surrounding nature, music, and fertility. In the late 19th century Pan is increasingly portrayed in literature and art. Between 1890 and 1926 the Pan motif is especially popular. He appears in poetry, novels and children's books, and is referenced in the name of fictional wild child Peter Pan. Fortune Telling - The Mystic Victorian Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty 12 Days of Zagmuk: Chaos & the King Influential German art magazine Pan, 1895 - 1915 In 1933, Egyptologist Margaret Murray releases " The God of the Witches ", proposing Pan is just one form of a horned god revered through Europe by a witch cult. This helps to shape the Neopagan concept of the Horned God. In Wicca, the Horned God archetype holds significant importance. His legends run deep, and he is symbolized by deities like the Celtic Cernunnos, the Hindu Pashupati, and the Greek Pan. Pan is also linked to dual aspect deity Baphomet aka the Goat of Mendes. The 19th century drawing by Eliphas Levi, below, has become the common pictorial reference to the modern concept of Baphomet . Lucifer, Venus & Anti-Gods of Mythology Baphomet, the Goat of Mendes in History Pentagram: Drudenfuß, Five Point Star 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

German Romanticism (Deutsche Romantik) is an influential movement emphasizing profound emotions, the beauty of nature, and the power of individual thought. Artists seek a deeper understanding of human experience against a backdrop of rapid change. Germany: A Little 19th Century History Steam & Coal in Victorian Germany Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Romanticism is the dominant intellectual and cultural movement of the German principalities primarily between 1790 and 1840. It's characterized by profound changes in various spheres, including art, literature, philosophy, music and the sciences. Like many artistic and social movements, Romanticism arises as a reaction. The rationalism of the Enlightenment and the mechanization of the early industrial revolution cycle into a return to nature and the power of emotion. 3 Great German Artists for Art Lovers Song of the Loreley - Lethal Attraction Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Historical Context and Origins Sturm und Drang , usually translated as "storm and stress" is a proto-Romantic movement in German literature and music between the late 1760s and early 1780s. Within the movement, individual subjectivity and extremes of emotion are given free expression. The movement escapes the perceived constraints of rationalism imposed by the Enlightenment and associated aesthetic movements. Sturm und Drang is named after Friedrich Maximilian Klinger's play of the same name in 1777. Moreover, unsettling visions and depictions of nightmares attract audiences in Germany. It's exemplified by Goethe's ownership and appreciation of Fuseli's paintings, which he says are capable of "giving the viewer a good fright." Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons: German Myth Witches' Night - Hexennacht German Vampires - Nachzehrer The Nightmare - Henry Fuseli 1781 Goethe and Friedrich Schiller are proponents of the movement early in their lives. Later, they embrace a modern view of classicism. Also called Neoclassicism, it starts in the 18th century as European aristocrats rediscover the worlds of ancient Greece and Rome. Interest in archaeology soars, peaking into the 19th century. Classicism takes inspiration from classic, antique architecture and sculpture. The Neoclassicists react against the frivolous and frothy Rococo style (1740 - 1770). Klagefrau: Wailing Woman of German Folklore Active Imagination: Creative Therapy Fairy Rings, Magic and Mushrooms Goethe with aspects of goethite (1806), named after him due to his fascination with minerals. The roots of German Romanticism coincide with significant social and political upheavals, including the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. These changes prompt a search for identity and unity among the politically fragmented German-speaking nations. The aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars leaves a heightened sense of national identity with the formation of the Confederated States of the Rhine. Artists and intellectuals seek to define what it means to be German. A longing for a mystical connection to the past is a prominent theme, amidst the era's technological advances. The invention of the bicycle in the early 1800s takes people further faster. It contributes to personal independence, especially that of house-bound women. The Bronze Monkey of Heidelberg Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore This period sees the rise of the middle class and growing distrust of the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason. People are ready for a new appreciation of emotion, intuition and spiritual dimensions. The Enlightenment itself is a response late Renaissance frippery. Goethe and Schiller spearhead the movement in literature with "Die Räuber" (The Robbers) by Schiller, and Goethe's "The Sorrows of Young Werther." Philosophers like Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Karl Marx and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel contribute to Romantic thought. The theme of "The Sorrows of Young Werther" revolves around unrequited love and mental health. Werther fixates on what is unattainable, leading to his own madness. Instead of leaving to seek peace and happiness, he opts to remain and self-destruct. Chicken Soup: Chickens in German Folklore The Many Faces of Frau Holle Edelweiss: Alpine Flower of True Love Characteristics of German Romanticism German Romanticism is marked by specific characteristics, which collectively define the era. These include: Emphasis on Emotion and Individualism A deep appreciation for emotions, feelings, and individual experience set Romanticism apart. The movement celebrated personal introspection, intuition, and imagination over rationality and universal rules. Nature as a Source of Inspiration Nature was revered as a source of beauty and solace. Romantic thinkers often viewed the natural world as a mirror to human emotions and a refuge from the encroachments of industrial society. Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Pan: Wild Rustic God of Music & Flocks Great 19th Century German Woman Artists Interest in Folklore and Mythology Romantics sought inspiration in folklore, myths, and the collective unconscious. They believed that these elements contained the essence of the national spirit and cultural identity. Exploration of the Past A fascination with history, particularly the medieval past, influences Germans in the same way the earlier Renaissance reaches into the ancient Greco-Roman Classical world. This is evident in literature and art, which often seeks to recapture the mystique of bygone days. Fortune Telling - The Mystic Victorian Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Focus on the Supernatural and the Sublime Romantic artists and writers frequently explore themes of the supernatural, the sublime, and the mysterious, emphasizing the awe-inspiring aspects of existence. In Germany the legend of the Lorelei (Loreley) is born, and Goethe popularizes the Renaissance legend of Faust . Romantic thinkers value intuition and personal creativity. Experiencing the sublime is a recurring theme. Romantic art and literature explore complex human emotions, such as love, loss, and the quest for meaning. The Anxious Victorian - Mental Health Pioneering German Women - Bertha Benz Fire Men & Lights Errant: German Lore This trend makes fertile ground for future artistic movements to prioritize subjective experiences. Art works in cycles, much like social trends. When the furor of Romanticism wanes, society returns to a focus on empirical thought. This is overtaken by later romantic and back-to-nature movements, the cycles repeating throughout the 1900s. Germany experiences more than one industrial revolution as it does not become a unified nation until 1871. The country's unification is orchestrated by Otto von Bismarck, Chancellor and major political figure under King Wilhelm I of Prussia. Three decisive wars solidify the borders of Germany, first against Denmark1864, then Austria in 1866 and finally France in 1870. Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Hundred Years’ War: Battles & Overview Sanguine: Red Chalk of Renaissance Masters Bronze medallion of Bismarck Effects of German Romanticism The effects of German Romanticism were multifaceted and far-reaching. Artists break free from classical constraints, resulting in groundbreaking movements across disciplines. Literature Karoline von Günderrode (1780 - 1806), whose tragic death by suicide at age 26, a dagger through the heart, inspires a trend of interest in her writing and a focus on melancholy and self-expression. She's a strong catalyst in the overall movement of Romanticism. Romantic literature reflects the movement's central ideals. Goethe's "The Sorrows of Young Werther," profoundly affects readers and becomes a defining example of Romantic literature. It highlights the intensity of emotion, a hallmark of the era. Wiedergänger - the German Undead Great Women Artists - Käthe Kollwitz Mysteries of Bona Dea: Women's Rites in Ancient Rome Karoline von Günderrode c. 1880, artist unknown The Brothers Grimm collect and publish folklore and fairy tales of the Germans. Many stories are moral lessons. Although meant for children the tales are often dark and violent, requiring several editions by the Grimms and later before morphing into the fairy tales of today. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (pub.1818) is based on Castle Frankenstein in Odenwald (Forest of Odes). She writes it on a rainy visit to Germany. Originally a limited edition of 50, it becomes a global phenomenon as Shelley explores themes of science, nature and creation. Industry & the Age of Monsters Europe 19th Century: Home Gym, Bicycles, Antiseptic Victorian Trends: Sailor Suits to Taxidermy Frankenstein (or, the Modern Prometheus) Visual Art Visual artists like Caspar David Friedrich express the Romantic ethos through landscape paintings emphasizing the connection between humanity and the rest of nature, inviting introspection and contemplation. While Friedrich is the defining factor in the visual arts of the Romantic era in Germany, other artists also make important contributions. They include Theodor Rehbenitz, Phillip Otto Runge and Ludwig Richter. Nature Spirits of German Mythology Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons: German Myth Maiden & The Lindwyrm: A Fairy Tale Man & Woman Contemplate the Moon - Caspar David Friedrich, 1824 Philosophy Romantic philosophers challenged Enlightenment views on reason, advocating for a synthesis of rationality and emotion. Figures like Friedrich Schlegel and Novalis point out the interconnection of all aspects of existence. Romanticism also critiques the social and economic consequences of industrialization, exploring themes influenced by Karl Marx, especially his theories of work and alienation (1844). The longing for a simpler, more connected existence with nature prevails. Silvanus: Roman God of Wild Lands & Fields Irrwurz or Mad Root: German Folklore 4 Infused Wines of Ancient Medicine Social changes, particularly the migration from rural areas to urban centers due to industrialization, lead to feelings of dislocation and alienation. Romanticism is a response to these conditions, providing a means to explore personal and collective struggles. Philosophers like Friedrich Schlegel and Novalis shape Romantic thought, investigating existentialism and idealism. They emphasize personal experience, igniting debates on reality and perception. Their ideas encourage an introspective approach to philosophy. Music Composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms and Franz Schubert break from classical conventions, incorporating personal expression and emotion into their compositions. This becomes a hallmark of Romantic music. Fänggen (Fangga): Man-Eaters of Tyrol The Strange Case of Rudolf Diesel Amazing Legacy of Alexander von Humboldt Beethoven's symphonies explore themes of heroism. Brahms blends traditional structures with deep emotional resonance to capturing both mind and heart. Robert Schumann is the epitome of the tragic Romantic. He writes in all the major musical genres of his era, creating pieces for solo piano, voice and piano, chamber ensembles, orchestra, choir, and opera. His work embodies the essence of the Romantic period in German music. Increasing mental and physical health issues lead to his early death at age 46. His wife Clara, daughter of his piano mentor, is one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era. Pioneering German Women - Anita Augspurg Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation Gingerbread Houses: German Folklore Clara Schumann in 1888 Over her 61-year concert career, Clara Schumann changes the format and repertoire of the piano recital by lessening importance of purely virtuosic works. Her portrait, from an1835 lithograph by Andreas Staub, is on the 100 Deutsche Mark banknote 1989 - 2002. Science and Nature The Romantic era also brings an appreciation for the natural sciences, with people like Alexander von Humboldt exploring the interconnectedness of nature, influencing later ecological thought. His travels and studies of ecosystems have enormous influence in social and scientific spheres, reflecting the Romantic belief in the unity of humanity and the natural world. Humboldt penguins are named after him. Women Scientists of the Ancient World Panacea: Goddess of Universal Health Hildegard von Bingen: Nature, Music & Beer Humboldt Penguin 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

Lindwyrm dragon, sinister Mare and fiery pig demons are fantastic creatures in the realm of German mythology. Eldritch nature spirits, these legendary entities might help a person out, but are also nasty and lethal. READ:  Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction  - German Mythology Adventures See also: Dragons: German Harvest & Nature Spirits Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Obsidian: Ancient Volcanic Black Glass Primordial Reptilian Eye Sylvia Rose Books 1. The Lindwyrm A type of dragon, the Lindwyrm (Lindwurm, Lindworm, Wyrm) dwells in the deep forests of Germania and Northern Europe. Its name means agile dragon . The Lindwyrm can be helpful, bestowing treasure or wisdom. Or, it might prefer a snack of human. See also: Wild Women and Winter Tales Nibelung - Of Heroes and Worms The Maiden and The Lindwyrm Maiden & the Lindwyrm 1897 Sylvia Rose Books Lindwyrm can put its tail in its mouth and roll like a wheel to pursue human victims. A typical Lindwyrm has small front limbs or no limbs at all. The creature slithers like a snake through the trees. Sometimes the Lindwyrm has wings like a Wyvern. READ:  Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction  - German Mythology Adventures When the Lindwyrm is at rest, its coils can be mistaken as part of the landscape, such as stepping stones in a river or tree roots on the ground. With cunning it blends into the environment. See also: Mythic Fire Gods: Hephaestus of the Greek Mahaleb Cherry: Spice, Nature & Myth Fire Men & Lights Errant: German Lore Wyvern, a small dragon with wings Sylvia Rose Books According to legend, anything the Lindwyrm lies upon multiplies. Thus are dragons associated with increasing hoards of treasure. It's also said the shed skin of the Lindwyrm can bestow knowledge of nature and medicine. READ: Cult of the Fire God  - Bronze Age Quest Adventure A helpful Lindwyrm is a powerful ally. If its favor is won, it can bring limitless treasure or untold wisdom, or perhaps fulfill a wish. It's hard to know if the Wyrm is helpful, hostile or hungry until too late. See also: Salt Trade - the Most Precious Mineral White Ladies in German Mythology Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania READ:  Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction  - German Mythology Adventures The average Lindwyrm doesn't breathe fire. Instead it spits venom. Bram Stoker, author of Dracula (1897), uses the Lindwyrm concept in his short story " Lair of the White Worm ." 2. The Mare In German, the vowels a & e are both pronounced softly, but there's nothing soft about this evil elf. The Mare is a bringer of nightmares. It's about the size of a Schnauzer. One of its favorite tricks is to crouch on the chest of a sleeper, so the person can't breathe. See also: German Harvest Spirits - Roggenhund (Rye Dog) Germanic Mythology - Brook Horses Aufhöcker - Cursed Undead of German Myth The Nightmare - Henry Fuseli 1781 Sylvia Rose Books Swiss painter Henry Fuseli's famous 18th century painting shows a Mare on the chest of a woman having a nightmare or Ger. Alptaum (Elf dream). The Mare is a powerful evil Elf. It's also associated with the incubus . READ - Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries The Lora Ley novel Poltergeist features a Mare. These furious creatures are also known to ride horses at full gallop all night, so the animals are exhausted and sweaty by morning. Red ribbons braided or tied into the mane of a horse can help prevent a Mare attack. See also: Hippomancy: Sacred Horse Divination Stone Age Botai - First Horse People Pirwa - Horse God of Ancient Hittites Sylvia Rose Books The pentagram or Drudenfuss also has protective powers. Nocturnal creatures, Mare may ride trees, especially pine trees, twisting them out of shape. Trees appearing this way are Alptraum-Kiefer ( nightmare pines ). READ: Cult of the Fire God  - Bronze Age Quest Adventure At one time elves are thought to cause disease, bad dreams, anxiety attacks, insomnia, depression, chronic illness, plague and blight. In early Europe Elf is often interchanged with Dwarf and Fairy. See also: German Myth & Folklore: Elves Der Türst: Dread Huntsman & the Wild Hunt Schrat: German Nightmare Forest Elf Sylvia Rose Books Elves bring hallucinations , delusions and illusions. From Old High German comes the phrase "die Elben/der Elf trieget mich' (the elves/elf is/are deceiving me)." READ: Cult of the Fire God  - Bronze Age Quest Adventure A Mare can also be a witch who shape-shifts during a trance. Mare can be responsible for tangling a person's hair at night. Waking up sweaty with sheets tangled may indicate an attack through dreams. Insomnia is also a sign of "elf oppression". See also: Germanic Mythology - Brook Horses Horse in Dreams - Meaning of Horses Reiker For Hire, Victorian Era & Nixies Sylvia Rose Books From Westphalia in northwestern Germany comes a verse of protection against Mare, spoken when going to bed: Here I am lying down to sleep; No night-mare shall plague me until they have swum through all the waters that flow upon the earth, and counted all stars that appear in the firmament. See also: Steam & Coal in Victorian Germany German Myth - Headless Horseman Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore READ: Cult of the Fire God  - Bronze Age Quest Adventure A mirror hung over the bed is said to prevent Mare attacks. The theory involves the Mare being so frightened by its own reflection it flees and never returns. But, beware. Mirrors can act as portals to other worlds and the wrong connections could open Pandora's Box. 3. Pig Demons Pig demons are harvest spirits you don't want to mess with. The Korneber or Grain Boar has a nasty temperament. A youthful Korneber appears in The Corn Spirits , a Lora Ley adventure. The female equivalent of the Korneber is the Kornsau . See also : Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Germany: A Little 19th Century History The Anxious Victorian - Mental Health Give us a kiss ... Corn or Grain Spirits dwell among the wheat, corn, oats, barley and other harvest crops. Many are dangerous or greedy, but it's important to treat all harvest spirits with respect. It's not wise to approach a pig demon. The pig may be unsettled by the tinkling of bells, and move to another field. Pig Demons have another dangerous talent. They are Aufhöcker , creatures who leap on a person's back. See also: Aufhöcker - Cursed Undead of German Myth Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty 3 Great German Artists for Art Lovers Sylvia Rose Books The Aufhocker becomes heavier with each step, and can crush a person to death. The victim might escape by uttering a spell or delivering the creature to a destination. READ:  Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction  - German Mythology Adventures As a demon, the Korneber or Kornsau is associated with fire and may breathe flame. Its bite can get infected and poison the blood. At sowing time, demons and malicious corn spirits can be dissuaded if the farmer plows and sows the perimeter of a field first. See also: Poltergeist - Nastiest Noisy Spirit German Myth - Harvest Spirits 3 Hotel of Horror - The Lady Detective READ - Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries At harvest, spirits caught in the fields flee into the last standing stalks, which can be cut with care, brought into the house and given a place of honor. In this way the farm wins the spirit's favor for bounty next year.  Demonic harvest spirits are less accommodating and not welcome in house or outbuildings because of their predilection for starting fires. The favorite crop of the Pig is corn but the demon shows up in almost any grain, cereal, vegetable or root crop, and orchards too. See also: Curse of the Evil Eye & Apotropaic Magic Winter Tales - 4 Novellas Screaming Swiss Spirit: Pfaffenkellnerin Sylvia Rose Books The farmer can leave a portion of standing crop to appease the porker, or call in an expert with strong magic to drive it out. Some demons abhor the sound of bells, chimes, clangers and clappers and will flee, leaving nothing but a bad smell. Others must be banished. See also: Eschenfrau: Wicked Ash Tree Woman Drude: Germanic Demon of Darkness Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Back to Top

Liber is an ancient Roman wine god whose feast Liberalia is celebrated March 17. He predates Bacchus; early historians see Liber as a different god, the first deity of viniculture and wine, and the archetype from whom all other wine deities and mythologies arise. Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Pan: Wild Rustic God of Music & Flocks Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth Grapes, wine, cheese, drinking horn, ready for Liberalia celebrations Also known as Liber Pater or the Free Father, Liber is part of the Aventine Triad of Gods, together with Ceres and Libera. A Roman goddess of agriculture, Ceres rules grain crops, fertility and motherly relationships. The third of the triad is another Roman fertility goddess, Libera. She's a consort of Liber and they reign together at Liberalia . She later evolves into Prosperina and identifies with Greek Persephone as Queen of the Underworld, goddess of female and agricultural fertility, and springtime growth. Another goddess who comes to be identified with Persephone is Despoina in Arcadia . Silvanus: Roman God of Wild Lands & Fields Mysteries of Bona Dea: Women's Rites in Ancient Rome Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Grapes and Vineyards as far as can be seen The cult of the three deities occupies a temple in the Aventine, one of the seven hills of Rome. Liberalia celebrates both the festival of Liber and the Aventine fertility trinity. Aventine is also the locale for the women-only rituals of Bona Dea , the Good Goddess. Liberalia revels include sacrifices, processions, bawdy songs, and masks hung on trees. It's a time of freedom and uninhibited sexuality. Words such as libertine, liberty, libation, liberation and liberal come from the name of the wine god Liber. Apis - Sacred Fertility Bull of Egypt Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic German House Spirits: Beer Donkey (Bieresel) Archaeological evidence shows the Greek cult of Dionysus active from about 1200 BCE. The earliest sign of Bacchus is 400 BCE. Dionysus is at first an agriculture deity; as he evolves he's more closely linked wine and aspects such as ecstasy, the theater and madness. Modeled on Dionysus and Liber, Bacchus also embodies these themes. The Bacchanalia is a harvest festival in early September, which can also occur at other important lunar or solar events such as spring planting; or, in warmer zones, harvest of the winter crop. Visigoths, King Alaric & the Ruin of Rome Humbaba: Giant Mountain Forest Man Asherah: Goddess of Childbirth & Fertility Liber's rustic festivals such as Liberalia correspond to springtime awakening, renewal and fertility in the agricultural cycle. The festival also marks the coming into manhood of boys. Nine days after a baby's birth, a hollow amulet or bulla is put on a thong or silver chain around the child's neck. The bulla has the power to ward off evil spirits.Part of the Liberalia ritual is removal of the amulet, signifying the young man's independence. He puts a lock of his hair or ideally, growth of his first beard, inside the amulet. He then places it on the altar dedicated to the Lares , gods of household and family. Herbology & Lore: Rowan (Mountain Ash) Rise of Pan: Fertility Goat God Péh₂usōn Nature Spirits of German Mythology Often the young man's mother retrieves the bulla and keeps it herself. Later, if her son achieves fame or glory, she waves it to dispel envy from enemies. At Liberalia the young man also discards his boyhood toga, with a purple trim, for the toga virilis, the all-white toga of the Roman man. With this he becomes a full citizen of Rome and eligible voter. As fertility deities Liber governs the male seed, and Libera the female. The priestesses of Liber are older women, the Sacerdos Liberi . They wear wreaths of ivy and make honey cakes, or libia . Those who buy the cakes will have a sacrifice made on their behalf. Inara & the Dragon - Purulliya Festival Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Khaos: Primal Goddess of Greek Myth The Romans are proud of their members. During the feast of Liberalia , processions of large phalluses wind around the countryside, blessing the crops and farms. At the end of a parade each phallus receives a sacred wreath from a holy woman. On March 16 - 17 and May 14 -15, adherents celebrate an even older feast. This honors the Argei, which are 27 sacred shrines associated with effigy figures. By the time of Augustus (63 BCE - 14 AD) the meaning of the rituals are obscure even to their practitioners. Shamhat: Sacred Prostitute & the Wild Man 12 Days of Zagmuk: Chaos & the King Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools It's a party During the May rites, a procession of pontiffs, Vestals, and praetors visit the stations to collect human-shaped figures of rush, reed, and straw. With an ambience of mourning they proceed to the Pons Sublicius, Rome's oldest bridge, and throw the figures into the Tiber River. Ancient scholars suggest these vegetation icons are intended to dissuade human sacrifice, which is part of the festivities of agriculture god Saturn . Sacrifice of the Male: Temple at Uppsala Giant Cinnamon Birds of Arabia Famous Women of Ancient Rome Saturn, a seriously dysfunctional father Liber is one of the older, more obscure gods of the Roman pantheon. He's overshadowed by Dionysus, who takes the stage with aplomb, figures like Pan and Bacchus, and a venerated Irish saint named Patrick. Remember to raise a glass in honor of Liber and Libera March 17. 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

Bacteroides thetaiotomicron is found in the human gastrointestinal tract (GI) as part of the normal digestive system biota, along with various yeasts. The bacterium actively targets and consumes yeast cells. Spores & Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae Predators of the Microworld: Vampirovibrio & Lysobacter Silent Destroyers: Microbes of Concrete Corrosion Above: Bacteroides thetaiotomicron Bacteroides thetaiotomicron is a gram-negative , rod-shaped bacterium of the Bacteroidetes phylum. It needs no oxygen and prospers anaerobically in various environments, especially the gastrointestinal tract or "gut" of humans and other animals. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the passageway of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus. The GI tract contains all major organs of the digestive system including the esophagus, stomach and intestines. Killer Yeast: Assassins of the Microworld Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe Secret Life of Rust: Power of Bacteria gastrointestinal (GI) tract or "gut" Of the 10 trillion microbes in the intestinal tract, about a billion are yeasts. The most common is Candida albicans , though not everyone has this doughty little fungus. It occurs in 40-60% of people in the Western world in the stomach, mouth, throat, vagina and/or skin. Overgrowth of C. albicans can cause fungal infections such as: Thrush: An overgrowth of yeast forms in mouth and throat, appearing as white, raised bumps. Vaginitis (vaginal yeast infection): Yeast multiplies inside the vagina and causes infection. 75% of women have a yeast infection at least once, with over 50% developing it more often. Invasive candidiasis: A severe infection of the whole body, especially bones, blood, brain and heart. Difference Between Gram-Negative & Gram-Positive Bacteria Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Fermentation: Yeast & the Active Microworld Candida albicans colonies, showing pseudohyphae (branches) on blood agar Stomach yeast overgrowth can happen due to antibiotics, steroids, oral contraceptives, meds which cause dry mouth or eliminate healthy bacteria. It can be triggered by stress, a diet rich in refined carbohydrates, sugar, or yeast; or uncontrolled diabetes, HIV, cancer or weakened immune system. In a healthy human gastrointestinal tract, B. thetaiotomicron  comprises approximately 15-30% of the total bacterial population. Its presence is crucial for balance of microbiota. It can influence physiological functions such as metabolism and immune responses. Gum Arabic, Guar, Xanthan: Guide for Artists & Artisans Calcite: Metal-Eating Bacteria to Coral Reefs Metal to Rust: Unseen Organisms in Action Bacteroides thetaiotomicron is well-adapted to living in the nutrient-rich GI environment. Though digestion and excretion of nutrients, it decomposes complex carbohydrates and other macromolecules into simpler substrates more easily absorbed by the host. While B. thetaiotomicron primarily resides in the GI tract, it's been identified in soil and marine environments. It can also be isolated from non-human animals such as cattle and rodents. Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Faust: Fact & Fiction German Renaissance Colorful World of Bacteria - Color Producers The bacteria enjoy anaerobic environments where they interact with different microorganisms. Interaction promotes development and sustainability of a varied microbiome, essential for digestive health. In microbial history the Bacteroidetes phylum evolves alongside the emergence of complex multicellular organisms. Fossil records show bacteria have existed for billions of years. They're among the bacteria inhabiting gastrointestinal tracts of reptiles today. The earliest mammals, tiny shrew-like creatures, appear 225 million years ago, and possibly the mammal-bacterium link is then established. Yeast is several hundred million years old and humans by comparison emerge 6 to 2 million years ago. Fermentation: Yeast & the Active Microworld Ullikummi - Rock Monster of Legend Brownian Motion: Physics & Phenomena How Bacteroides thetaiotomicron Targets and Consumes Yeast When B. thetaiotomicron encounters a yeast cell, it releases enzymes to break down cell walls. When the bacterium penetrates the yeast, it consumes and metabolizes the nutrients within. The bacterium ferments yeast polysaccharides, using these sugars as a source of energy and carbon. In this process, B. thetaiotomicron excretes short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate and butyrate, for human well-being, and as energy sources for colonic cells and colon health. Yeast: Potent Power of the Active Microworld Sublimation & the Aludel: Medieval Alchemy Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Fatty acids are shown to reduce inflammation and promote overall GI tract health. Bacteroides thetaiotomicron 's ability to degrade polysaccharides gives it a competitive edge for resources. Besides yeast hunting, B. thetaiotomicron targets carbohydrates produced by other microorganisms, adapting its weapons of choice. Enzymes enable it to digest and use diverse substrates, including innards of other bacteria. This helps control microbe populations. Diatoms: Glass-Making Algae Crucial to Life Xanthan Gum & Plant Blight: Xanthomonas Campestris B. Linens Bacterium: Big Cheese of B.O. Surviving the Stomach Acids With pH between 1.5 and 3.5, the digestive system is very acidic. It contains several types of acids produced by gastric glands. These are primarily hydrochloric acid (HCl, gastric acid) in the stomach and bile acids in the intestines. The acids help break down food and regulate the microbiota composition. Bacteria such as Bacteroides thetaiotomicron form protective biofilms or produce acid-neutralizers such as alkaline substances. Other microbes reproduce quickly to counteract the hostile environment. Vorticella: Mysterious Microscopic Pond Life Human Methane: Meet the Microbes of Flatulence Spirit of Wine of the Wise: Alchemy Recipe bacterial biofilm under high-power microscope Their resilience ensures survival in the corrosive conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Some bacteria can enter a dormant phase and resume normal function once they reach the less acidic parts of the intestines. Yeasts also have a strong gastric acid tolerance. In low pH conditions, they modify their cell walls. Strong inorganic acids such as HCl in the stomach, and yeast cells adjusted to low pH, form an important baseline for health. Acetic Acid Bacteria for Vinegar Artisans: Acetobacter Biometallurgy: Microbes Mining Metals Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature to Modern Uses Bacteroides thetaiotomicron Facts Nutrient Absorption : It enhances nutrient absorption by breaking down complex carbohydrates humans cannot digest alone.  It influences metabolism of dietary compounds, supporting nutrition and health. Immune Support : It helps regulate the immune system and fosters a diverse microbiome, essential for overall health. SCFA Production : Its fermentation processes produce short chain fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and nourish the stomach lining and colonic cells. Antimicrobial Activity : By competing with potential pathogens for resources, it helps maintain a balanced microbial community. Oil-Dwelling Microbes: Bacteria, Yeast & Mold Cupriavidus metallidurans : Metal Eating Gold Making Bacterium Science of Onion Tears: Demystifying Acids Immune Modulation : Bacteroides thetaiotomicron helps regulate the immune system, preventing microbial overreactions. B. thetaiotomicron is among the most abundant bacterial species in the human GI tract, often accounting for up to 30% of the microbiome. The bacterium has a highly adaptable genome, allowing it to respond rapidly to changes in diet and host conditions. Enzyme Diversity : B. thetaiotomicron has one of the largest known genomes among intestinal tract bacteria, featuring genes that encode a wide range of carbohydrate-active enzymes. Symbiotic Relationship : It establishes a symbiotic relationship with its host, providing several health benefits. I nvestigations are ongoing into the potential use of Bacteroides thetaiotomicron in probiotics and personalized medicine, focusing on its role in microbiome-based therapies. Artisan Perfumery: Four Degrees of Fragrance 4 Infused Wines of Ancient Medicine Best Mortar & Pestles for Artists, Chefs, Scientists probiotics in consumable form 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