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Hephaestus is a Greek god of fire, volcanoes, metal work, blacksmiths, metallurgy, forges, sculpting, carpenters and artisans. A smith's hammer, anvil and pair of tongs are his symbols. Hephaestus may be based on older Attic gods. His mother is Hera, Queen of the Gods. Early Fire Gods - Vulkan of Germania Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Kakia: Goddess of Vice & Abominations Hepaestus is god of Fire, the forge, volcanos, blacksmiths & metallurgy Zeus may be his father, although Hera is able to reproduce asexually. Hephaestus is lame. In one version it's due to a birth defect, and Hera throws him off Olympus because of it. He falls into the sea and is raised by Thetus, mother of Achilles. In another version Zeus throws him off the mountain for trying to defend Hera. Hephaestus falls for a whole day. He lands on the isle of Lemnos in the Aegean, and is injured on landing, thus becoming lame. The ancient Sintians who dwell on Lemnos teach him the arts of metallurgy and secrets of the forge, the fire and the blacksmith. Myth & Metallurgy - Metals of Antiquity Khaos: Primal Goddess of Greek Myth Immortal - Quest for the Elixir of Life he falls for a whole day The Olympians are chagrined and beg him to return but he refuses, until Dionysus gets him drunk and brings him back to Olympus on the back of a mule. When Hephaestus recovers, he's given great respect. He lives in a palace on the mountain and makes the weapons, armor, tools, accessories and furniture of the Gods. Twenty giant bellows blow at his will. In one story, still miffed at Hera for throwing him off Olympus, Hephaestus builds her a golden chair. Once she sits in it she can't get up again. At first Hephaestus ignores the pleas of the Gods to release her, saying, "I have no mother." Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth Asclepius: Greek Medicine Snake God Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files She's stuck and she can't get up Then he says he'll release her on condition that he marry Athena in some versions, or Aphrodite in others. Athena spurns him. Goddess of Love Aphrodite marries him but can't commit, and they're later divorced. The Roman Vulcanus is also lame. The disabled blacksmith is a recurring theme in folklore and art. In the Bronze Age smiths combine copper with arsenic to produce a harder form of bronze or when the usual metal, tin, was not available. Deadly poison, arsenic can kill by massive overdose or gradual buildup in the tissues and organs. Early effects include discoloration on the soles of the feet. Neurological effects include burning or numbness in feet, later hands. Arsenic: Murderous Metal & Miracle Cure Stymphalian Birds & Greek Heroics Amazons - Warrior Women History & Myth The toxic effects of metals like arsenic, mercury and lead can cause illness, madness and death Bronze Age blacksmiths are subject to chronic arsenic poisoning, just as felt workers and hat makers suffer mercury poisoning. The mythology of Hephaestus begins in the Iron Age, after the Bronze Age in history, when the disabled blacksmith is already entrenched in lore. On the island of Lemnos, the spot Hephaestus fell to earth is considered sacred. The terra Lemnia is said to cure madness, snakebite and hemorrhage. The priests of Hephaestus also know how to cure wounds inflicted by snakes. The Ohia snake, also known as the horned viper, sand adder or Vipera ammodytes , is the only venomous snake known in modern and ancient Greece. It has enough toxin to kill an adult but is not normally aggressive. The venom is used in anti-venom against viper bites. Cleopatra the Alchemist of Alexandria Copper - Ruddy Metal of Myth & Magic Sun Goddesses of World Mythology Vipera ammodytes During his godly reign Hephaestus is known as an inventor and creator of miraculous automations. Tripods with golden wheels move at his bidding. He creates handmaidens of gold who support him when he walks. He makes gold and silver guard dogs who bite intruders and never age. Greek colonists in southern Italy relate Hephaestus to Roman gods Adranus (of Mount Etna) and Vulcanus of the Lipari islands. Vulcanus dwells beneath the Island of Vulcano, just north of Sicily. The smoke of his forge can be seen rising into the sky from the many fumaroles of the volcanic island, as he makes weapons for war god Mars. The ancient Romans mine alum and sulfur here. Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation Obsidian: Ancient Volcanic Black Glass Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Volcanic vent or fumarole with yellow "flowers of sulfur" (naturally sublimed sulfur) 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

Watercress ( Nasturtium officinale ) grows in fresh water. With hollow stems, it floats and is easily gathered from the water's surface. Garden cress ( Lepidium sativum ) grows in soil and also by hydroponic gardening. Cress is named in ancient medicine texts of Mesopotamia. Natural Glass Gemstones: Cataclysmic Fusion Lisin - Medicine Goddess of Ancients Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Cress, watercress Perhaps the oldest known leafy vegetables eaten by humans, cress and watercress belong to the cabbage and mustard family Brassicaceae . Garden cress and its seeds are especially significant in ancient medicine. Garden and watercress are long cultivated for improved flavor, healing properties and nutrition. The word cress comes from old Germanic cresso , meaning sharp or spicy. It's also called pepperwort, pepper grass or poor man's pepper. Cinnamon - Spice Trade of Ancients Ninurta (Ninĝirsu) - God of the People Gula - Medicine Goddess of Mesopotamia Cress in a Pot Garden cress can be grown in a pot or in the garden. It likes slightly alkaline soil. In India it's known as chandrashoor. The plant and its seeds, aaliv or aleev in Marathi, or halloon in India, are used in the system of Ayurveda, a medical philosophy over 5000 years old . Cress is a refreshing, tangy, slightly crunchy green for salads, sandwiches and cooking. Today varieties of cress are cultivated world-wide and may also be found growing in the wild. Hair Loss: 9 Natural Cures of Physician Dioscorides Caspian Tiger: Bronze Age Wild Predators Butter - Food of Peasants & Barbarians Watercress greens freshen up a fish dish with a mild spicy taste Non-cultivated watercress is subject to unwanted hitchhikers such as the liver fluke ( Fasciola hepatica ), a parasitic worm. Liver flukes first appear in Cyprus in 8300 - 7000 BCE. Wild watercress is also home to Giardia lamblia , a protozoan parasite causing the condition giardiasis. Symptoms of giardiasis include abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. The symptoms start up to three weeks after exposure, and last six weeks or more without treatment. Dumuzi & Geshtinanna: Reasons for Seasons Ancient Arabia - Stone Age to Bronze Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Giardia lamblia , protozoan parasite can infect humans Liver flukes can cause fever, chills, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, enlarged liver and hives. Other symptoms include itching, diarrhea, and weight loss. Small white eggs might be visible in a bowel movement. The worms affect the liver, gallbladder and bile duct of humans. They're able to move along the blood paths of the body. Without treatment the condition lasts the lifespan of the parasite, up to 30 years. Disease Demons & Doctors: Ancient Mesopotamia The Anxious Victorian - Mental Health Figs - Food of the Ancient World In America, some indigenous people take cress to treat kidney problems and constipation. In parts of Africa it's used to stimulate abortion, and is also believed to cause sterility. Early Romans (from 8th century BCE) use cress and watercress to treat mental illness. The 12th century AD German mystic Hildegard of Bingen recommends eating the plant steamed and drinking the water to cure jaundice or fever. Bird Woman Elwetritsch: German Folklore Herbology & Lore: Plantain Plant Curse of the Evil Eye & Apotropaic Magic Budding flower of cress Back in ancient Mesopotamia, watercress grows naturally in the shallow running waters of deltas, rivers and streams. Medicinally it's used in poultice for treatment of eye ailments, swollen painful joints, skin eruptions and eczema. Crushed seeds of cress are part of an ancient treatment for heart disease. In today's natural health, cress is recommended to treat short-term swelling or inflammation of airways in the lungs (bronchitis). It's also thought to help treat flu, arthritis, baldness, constipation and low libido. Kish: Glory Days in Ancient Babylonia Dromedary Camel: Animals of Ancient Arabia Gibil - Fire God of Mesopotamia Low libido blues Nutritionally, watercress has incredibly high levels of Vitamin K, an essential protein builder. 100 g (3.5 oz) of watercress contains 238% of a person's daily need of Vitamin K. Garden cress carries over twice as much. It's also high in Vitamin C, A and B vitamins. Watercress and garden cress leafy greens are good sources of riboflavin, calcium and manganese. Leaves, stems and fruits can be eaten raw or cooked. Garden cress, cultivated for thousands of years, packs almost twice as much vitamin and mineral power as naturally occurring watercress. Abu - Ancient Vegetation Snake God Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers Heqet, Frog Goddess of Egypt Cress on a plate Garden cress has the advantage of cultivation under known conditions. Whether for health or food cress is a natural herb with a wide variety of uses. 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

Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey. A saline soda lake, it's fed by numerous mountain streams. Van lacks a water outlet, making it one of the few large endorheic lakes of the world. In east Turkey, it creates a natural ecosystem found nowhere else. Mt Nemrut Volcano: Nature & Lore Colchis - Bronze Age on the Black Sea Myrrh - Mystique, Death & Divinity Pearl Mullet (Alburnus tarichi) jewel of Lake Van Currently, a 20-year intensifying drought ravages the area, and the lake's waters are drying up at increasing speed. A severe drop in lake levels, stinking mud and slime on shores cause death of many birds, other wildlife and flora found only in the region. Fishing boats are stranded on growing coastlines. The death of up to 200,000 gulls in 2021, considered normal at the time due to stress and famine, may have been an omen of things to come. Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Great Cormorant: Wild Birds & Mythic Beasts Ornithomancy - Prophecy by the Birds Flock of Seagulls According to Prof. Alaeddinoğlu, because of water level drop in the lake, ports are unusable. Waste and pollution clings to the shores. Current fixes, he adds, are temporary solutions. Lake Van is in the provinces of Van and Bitlis in the Armenian highlands. Including rivers it holds 38% of the country's surface water. Even at 1640 m (5380 ft) above sea level with winter temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F), the lake does not freeze, due to its saline content. Calcite: Metal-Eating Bacteria to Coral Reefs Amorites - Titans of the Bronze Age Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Underwater microbialite formations Endorheic lakes get water from rivers flowing into the lake, and rain or snow precipitation. Water collected in the lake can be released only by evaporation or by percolation, water draining underground to become groundwater. Soda lakes are named for high levels of dissolved sodium and carbonate, similar to baking soda. The effect is a reaction between water and volcanic rocks or activity under the lake. Hematite: Magnetic Iron Oxide Red Mountain Gazelle: Wild Ancient World Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Aerial View of the Lake Van caldera crater Lake Van is actually the crater of an old volcano. Throughout the area volcanic action occurs due to Anatolian, Eurasian and Arabian tectonic plates colliding to create the volatile Karlıova Triple Junction. The collision is still happening. Molten fluids continue to flow through the earth's mantle. In the nutritional soil grow plants like the mahaleb cherry and upside-down tulips. Regional wildlife includes brown bears, hares and red foxes. In the Neolithic, the area is a center for obsidian working and trade. Salt Trade - the Most Precious Mineral Mahaleb Cherry: Spice, Nature & Myth Obsidian: Ancient Volcanic Black Glass Mahaleb cherry (Prunus mahaleb) Nearby mountains include volcanic Mount Ararat, where Noah may have left his ark after the great flood of Yahweh . Another theoretical landing place is the Karaca Dag in the Taurus Mountains . At the lake's northern shore is the stratovolcano Mount Süphan. The broad caldera of dormant  Mount Nemrut , named for King Nimrod , is close to the western tip of the lake. Hydrothermal activity of the region includes hot springs and fumaroles. In Neolithic times the mountainous region is a prime source of copper . Nimrod: Lord of Chaos & Creation Natron - Ancient Embalming & Household Salts Bizilla - Shining Love Goddess Sukkal Lake Nemrut is powered by underground hot springs and never freezes A younger volcano, nearby Mount Nemrut also has a crater lake at its top. There are two permanent lakes and a seasonal lake in the caldera. While the water is fresh, it's gradually becoming more saline, following the same geologic course as Van. In prehistoric times Lake Van has a river outlet. It's blocked by volcanic eruptions from Nemrut c. 800 000 ya, forming the endorheic lake. Inanna: Goddess Queen of Heaven Cress, Watercress: Natural Health of Ancients Metal to Rust: Unseen Organisms in Action View of Lake Van from Space Shuttle Challenger Two species of fish, the pearl mullet and the tiny Oxynoemacheilus ercisianus , a stone loach, discovered in 2018, live in Lake Van. It's thought both types of fish have been living in the lake since its formation. O. ercisianus inhabits microbialite formations. Lake Van is home to the largest microbialites in the world, some ascending to 40m (130 ft). They're formed by remains of cyanobacteria combining with calcite precipitate of the lake water. Black Sea: Stone Age & Early History Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Stone loach of Lake Van - these tiny fish are under 1.5 in (3.8 cm) long Millennia of silt and minerals from incoming rivers and ash of eruptions measure over 400 m (c. 1300 ft) in places settled on the lake bed. It's of great interest to volcanologists. A test drilling in 2004 finds evidence of 15 volcanic eruptions in the past 20,000 years. The other fish species in the lake is the pearl mullet ( Alburnus tarichi) . Also endemic, the mullet lives in the lake and breeds in the tributary rivers. The pearl mullet is known as the "jewel of Lake Van." Microbe pH Levels: Acidophiles, Neutrophiles & Alkaliphiles Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Pearl mullet leaping upriver to spawn In May and June each year the fish travel upstream through the creeks and rivers to lay eggs . The mullet leap through the air to ascend rocky rapids and waterfalls. People can catch the fish just by sticking a bag among them as they jump. The roe is a local delicacy. In the 1960s, 600 tons of the fish are harvested annually rising to c. 15,000 tons today. In 1994 the species is placed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 1994, but due to conservation efforts moves to Near Threatened in 2014, where it's still listed in 2024. Yahweh: Warrior Origins, Name & Lore Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Van Cat, white kitten with blue and green eyes Around the lake are fertile volcanic soils growing orchards and grain crops. The Van cat, an intelligent good-natured house pet, comes from this area. The cat is all white with one blue and one green eye, and enjoys swimming. Minerals in salt water include magnesium, zinc and potassium. They reduce inflammation, protect skin and heal wounds. Salt water enhances flow of lymph fluid, to reduce the look of cellulite. Swimming is now discouraged in Lake Van for cats and humans. Nitrogen Fixation & Evolution of Plant Life Rise of the Phoenicians - Early Years Abzu - Primal Waters of Creation Deepening project underway Prof. Alaeddinoğlu further explains the situation: "A deepening project is being carried out in the ports," he says. "Lake Van will continuously shrink due to the effects of drought and evaporation in the summer and this will continue in the next decades. With this loss of area, we will experience similar problems in all harbors around the lake, including small fishing ports." Giresun (Aretias): Isle of the Amazons Baba Yaga - Slavic Forest Witch Pistachio: Turpentine, Resin & Nuts Underwater ruins of an Armenian medieval castle, Lake Van. The lake level is lower when it's built Lake Van and its natural wonders have protected status from the government. It's no longer legal to catch pearl mullet during the breeding season. Development around the lake happens despite the protected status. Submerged in the lake is an Armenian medieval castle, which was built when lake levels were lower. Apart from towering microbialite formations, other structures appear as the water once again recedes. Sailing - Bronze Age Sails & Sailcloth Klabautermann - Germanic Sea Kobold Nanshe - Nature Goddess of Dreams Wreck of a Russian ship, early 1900s Other factors in the condition of the lake include global warming. Throughout history the levels are known to fluctuate dramatically as seen by the submerged Armenian castle. In this case major resuscitation efforts may be needed to bring the lake back from the brink. 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

Women have a significant role in brewing through history. Before brewing is industrialized, it's a domestic activity seen as providing nourishment to the family. Women are often the primary brewers, a practice predating recorded history. Fermentation: Yeast & the Active Microworld Eight Dye Plants & Natural Dyes in History Prague: Bohemians of the Renaissance Women as the First Brewers Women in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Europe are responsible for making beer. The "brewing goddess" is a common figure in early cultures, symbolizing nourishment and health. She emphasizes the harmful qualities of alcohol as well as its congenial nature. The deity is often closely associated with grain and agriculture too. Siris and Ninkasi are beer / grain goddesses of Mesopotamia. Methe is the Greek personification of drinking and drunkenness. She's in the retinue of Dionysus. In Egypt it's Nephthys, sister of Isis. Beer Goddess Siris of Mesopotamia Ninkasi: Beer Goddess Mesopotamia German House Spirits: Beer Donkey (Bieresel) Zosimos of Panopolis (c. 300 AD) describes Egyptian beer as a health treatment: “Certainly brewers of Egyptian beer [‘zythi’], which is more powerful [than our beers] are not lacking in the false and wicked arts, and might be better used for intoxication. This [concoction] includes: borage, cannabis seeds and leaves, helenium, ivy leaves, strychnine, and darnel.” In ancient Europe, women are the pioneers of brewing. Tasked with providing nourishment for their families, women hone the art of brewing at home. Their expertise in fermenting grains and creating flavorful beverages is the foundation of brewing today. Brewing Beer at Home In medieval Europe, brewing is largely a household activity. Women brew for their families and sometimes for sale at local markets. This tradition continues well into the modern era, with many women crafting beer into economic independence. Protestant Reformation of Renaissance Europe Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Sugar Beets, Altbier & First Newspaper Natural Herbs Brewing, like pickling and preserving, is the domain of the ancient and medieval housewife because she can brew while fulfilling her other duties such as caring for children, cooking, cleaning or making bread, the latter also using yeast . Nuns and monks are brewers in medieval times. They brew because they are responsible for providing nourishment (food and drink) to travelers. Some convents or monastery breweries and distilleries still operate today. From this comes the distillation of beer into whiskey. Because of early brewing in convents, later alchemists find equipment at their disposal. Alchemical friars include Roger Bacon , Jean de Roquetaillade , and George Ripley . Naples Renaissance: Holy Alchemy Famous Women of Renaissance Alchemy Women Scientists of the Ancient World Malt Grain Home brewing is a communal activity too. Women are considered knowledgeable in the alchemical process of fermentation , honing skills passed down through generations. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, home brewing goes through technological changes. Summary of the Brewing Process Brewing involves converting starches into sugars, which are then fermented to produce alcohol. The basic steps include: Malting: raw barley or other grain is prepared to be the main ingredient in the brewing process. The grain is steeped in water, rested under precise conditions to encourage germination, and finally dried in a kiln and/or a roaster. Mashing: Malted grains are mixed with hot water, activating enzymes that convert starches into sugars. Lautering: The mash is drained to separate the liquid (wort) from the spent grains. Boiling: The wort is boiled, and hops are added for bitterness and aroma. Fermentation: Yeast is added to the cooled wort, converting sugars into alcohol and carbonation. Conditioning: The beer matures, allowing flavors to develop before it is filtered and packaged. Knowledge of herbs and spices enhances the brewing process and product. Seven Deadly Diseases of the Renaissance Renaissance Apocalypse: End is Nigh Status & Rights of Women in Imperial Rome In a Process of Fermentation Hildegard of Bingen Introduces Hops One notable historical figure is Hildegard of Bingen, a Benedictine abbess, mystic, and herbalist from the 12th century. She’s often credited with advocating for the use of hops in brewing, which revolutionizes the craft. Hops not only add flavor but are also a preservative. They greatly influence the brewing practices still used today. Hildegard’s writings on the virtues of hops echo the essential role of women in both the spiritual and practical realms of brewing. She has  a deep connection between nature and the art of beer-making. She emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony in both health and brewing ingredients. Brunhilde: Tragic Germanic Warrior Queen Sweet Wormwood: Malaria Miracle Cure Natural Health: Paracelsus & Hermetic Principles Heap of Hops Women in Brewing - Production, Commerce & Trade As the brewing industry grows, so does women’s involvement, particularly in Europe. In the Middle Ages, women brewers, known as "brewsters," are common, and many operate taverns and inns. In England such women are alewives. They're demonized in later culture. Brew houses become local centers of commerce, where women not only sell beer but also foster community. Beer is a large part of harvest celebrations through the lands. As well as jams and jellies women bring their home brew to be judged, hoping for a first place win. It's a way to solidify one's reputation as a brewer. Beer is also integral to bringing in the harvest up to the 20th century. Workers come from urban centers or nearby farms. Beer is part of the wage. If the beer is bad or meager, the help is swiftly absent. Care and Feeding of Your German Kobold Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Harvest Spirits: Katzenmann (Cat Man) The harvesters expect a hearty meal and plenty of good drink. Whether a farm has eager workers or not can depend on the quality of the beer and generosity of the pour. Many women seek to establish their brands, gaining recognition and respect in the community for their craft. Women participate in the trade aspects of brewing, negotiating sales and analyzing market demands. Another industry almost exclusively run by women is the production of the blue-green verdigris in Montpelier, France in the 18th century. Women make the pigment at home by placing copper in an urn above an acid solution. The copper forms verdigris, a protective patina. Verdigris: Creation of Coveted Blue Green Pigment Spelt Wheat - Bronze Age Grain Crops Queen Eleanor & the Calamitous Crusade Verdigris grows on copper pipes above acid solution Just as in brewing there are periods of waiting, so a verdigris pigment maker has plenty of time for her wifely duties. The women form trade networks and run the verdigris process from making to selling. Once they start making money, the government imposes "inspections" on verdigris production facilities. Before long, the women are out of business and the center of production moves elsewhere. German Reinheitsgebot - Barvaria 1516 The Purity Law for beer is first set in Munich, then spreads to the rest of Bavaria. It's voluntarily adopted by scattered other Germanic regions. In the mid-20th century, the letter of the law surges to the forefront as more German brewers seek protection from competition. Sophie Brahe Writer, Alchemist & Astronomer Caterina Sforza: Renaissance Alchemy Catherine de' Medici & the Occult Beer and German pretzels are often found together According to the Purity Law, only hops, water and barley are permitted in beer. Yeast is not mentioned as it's considered a mechanism of the brewing process. The law ostensibly protects brewers from competition from bakers, who are free to use rye or wheat while brewers use barley. It also controls beer prices, when and where beer can be sold. Any brewer without access to barley or a flexible schedule is out of luck. Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Black Pigments of Ancient Artisans Heidelberg - Dueling Scars, Jail & Beer Beer in Bavaria Religious conservatism may have influenced adoption of the rule in Bavaria, to suppress the use of plants allegedly used in pagan rituals, such as henbane , belladonna or wormwood. The rule also discourages beer preservation by use of soot, stinging nettle and henbane. Gruit, an ancient herb mixture used in beer, is also banned by the law. While gruit recipes are usually secret and differ by brewer, the mix can contain: Common heather ( Calluna vulgaris ). Ground ivy ( Glechoma hederacea ) Horehound ( Marrubium vulgare ) Mugwort ( Artemisia vulgaris ) Sweet gale ( Myrica gale ) Yarrow ( Achillea millefolium ) Many herbs are associated with witchcraft. Art of Egg Tempera: Paint Like the Old Masters Witches' Night - Hexennacht Mother of Vinegar & Microbial Life in a Bottle Hexenacht (Walpurgisnacht) - witches on the Brocken, 1829 engraving based on Faust Women Forced Out of Brewing in Later Years With industrialization comes a new era. Large-scale brewing operations marginalize many small, female-led enterprises. The rise of commercial brewing companies further entrenches a masculine identity in the beer industry, leading to a decline in women’s roles. As time goes on, societal changes, including the reinforcement of traditional gender roles, push many women out of the brewing space. They are encouraged to conform to domestic ideals rather than engage in a profession they have historically developed. Best Mortar & Pestles for Artists, Chefs, Scientists Rise & Fall of the Habsburg Dynasty Europe Thirty Years' War: Conflict, Antagonists, and Impact on Society Copper vats brewing apparatus 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

Sugar from sugar beets, Altbier or Old Beer from the Rhineland and world's first newspaper are among the German inventions. Today, sugar beets abound, newspapers battle for subscribers and what can we say about beer? In medieval Germany, it inspires the first consumer protection law. Jump to: Sugar from Sugar Beets Altbier (Old Beer) World's First Newspaper German Myth - Harvest Spirits Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe Edelweiss: Alpine Flower of True Love Rothenburg ob der Tauber, medieval town in S Germany, founded in part by Konrad III of the 2nd Crusade 1. Sugar Beets - Extraction & Production Back to Top Sugar beets can grow in regions too cold for sugar cane, and produce the same type of sugar. Originating in Silesia, sugar beets have a conical, white, fleshy root or taproot with a rosette of leaves. Sugar forms by photosynthesis in the leaves and is stored in the root. Extraction of sugar happened   when Frederick the Great, king of Prussia, subsidizes experiments to develop the process. In 1747, Andreas Sigismund Marggraf, professor of physics in Berlin, isolates sugar from beetroots, finding it identical to that of sugar cane. Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Women of Alchemy: Anna Maria Zieglerin Sugar Beet ( Beta vulgaris ) 1891 illustration His student and successor Franz Karl Achard begins breeding sugar beets in Kaulsdorf near Berlin in 1786. He studies twenty-three varieties. Achard opens the world's first beet sugar factory in 1801, at Kunern, Silesia. The French also love the idea and European sugar beet industry rapidly expands. By 1840, about 5% of the world's sugar is derived from sugar beets. By 1880, the number is ten times higher with over 50%. The top sugar beet producers today are Germany, Turkey, France, Russia and the United States. Sugar beets are introduced to the Americas by German settlers by mid-19th century. Song of the Loreley - Lethal Attraction Mother of Vinegar & Microbial Life in a Bottle The Microscope: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2. Altbier (Old Beer) Back to Top Smooth copper colored beer Altbier (English: old beer ) is a type of beer brewed in the Rhineland, especially around Düsseldorf, Germany, which is also famous for its mustard. The name comes from the top-fermented style of brewing, an older method than the bottom fermentation of lagers. Altbier has a rich copper color. The use of a top-fermenting type of yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae , aka brewer's yeast or baker's yeast, adds a fruitiness to the flavor. It's then matured at cooler temperatures thus making it taste more like a lager (smooth, sweet, mild) than like other top-fermenting beers such as pale ale, wheat beers and stout. Hildegard von Bingen: Nature, Music & Beer Wild Yeast: Microbes Acting Naturally Christine de Pizan: Medieval Writings Fermentation by Yeast - when the foam head or krausen (above) collapses, fermentation is done. The first producer to use the name Altbier was the Schumacher brewery of Düsseldorf, opened in 1838. Germany takes the brewing of its favorite alcoholic beverage very seriously. Beer production is subject to the Reinheitsgebot of 1516 established in Bavaria. Other German regions also adopt the law. The Reinheitsgebot or Purity Law sets the standards for beer across Germany today. Due to its cross-country fame and quality intent, the Reinheitsgebot of 1516 becomes the first known consumer protection law in the world. Goats in German Myth: Erntebock & Habergeiß Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Irrwurz or Mad Root: German Folklore 3. World's First Newspaper Back to Top Johann's Newspaper with beautiful engravings Johann Carolus (1575 - 1634) publishes the first newspaper in the world in Strasbourg. It's then a free Imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire of the German nation. He apprentices as   a bookbinder and later become a book seller, scribe and print shop owner. Through his occupations he makes excellent connections with tradespeople. In 1605, this helps him launch his weekly paper. He calls the publication Relation aller Fürnemmen und gedenckwürdigen Historien (Account of All Distinguished and Commemorable Stories). The World Association of Newspapers recognizes this as the world's first newspaper. Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good German Myth: Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons From 1609 other newspapers follow, published in the towns of Wolfenbüttel, Basel, Frankfurt, Berlin and Gdańsk/Danzig in German; and in Amsterdam in Dutch. The concept catches on world-wide. Newspapers appear in Paris, Milan, Genoa, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Lisbon, Oxford, Copenhagen and more throughout the 1600s. Modern advertising starts to take shape with the popularity of newspapers and magazines in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the Americas, the first news publication is the Boston News-Letter of 1704. The first surviving American newspaper is the Maryland Gazette , founded in 1727, now published as The Capital. Amazing Legacy of Alexander von Humboldt Gramophone, Player Piano & Motion Pictures German Vampires - Nachzehrer Live news 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

Yeast and mold are types of fungi, adept at the decomposition of organic matter. They share some similarities but each has a unique evolution and displays specific traits. Yeast and mold both have potential for health and harm. Fermentation: Yeast & the Active Microworld Fungal Biofilms: Ecology of Biofilm-Producing Molds & Yeasts Ethyl Alcohol: Science of Solvents & Booze Barley Grains Origins Both yeast and mold belong to kingdom Fungi. Yeasts are unicellular fungi. Molds are multicellular, made of filamentous structures or hyphae. Yeasts can create pseudohyphae or false hyphae with branches of daughter cells or chains of cells. If the colony becomes large enough, yeast can actually behave like a multi-cellular organism. Certain cells become dedicated to specific functions, such as waste disposal or reproduction. Yeasts usually reproduce asexually through budding or fission. They can reproduce sexually but it's far less common. Mold reproduces both sexually and asexually. Both produce spores. Yeasts are originate c. 150 million years ago. They are predominantly found in sugary environments, such as rotting fruits, where they can ferment sugars. Spores & Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae Red & White Tartar: Wine Salts of Alchemy German House Spirits: Beer Donkey (Bieresel) Fruits such as raspberries, plums, grapes, peaches and more attract wild yeast when ripe Yeast fermentation produces carbon dioxide and alcohol, which are crucial in processes such as bread-making and brewing. Saccharomyces cerevisiae , the most widely used yeast in baking and brewing, thrives in sugar-rich conditions. Molds, which emerge over 2 billion years ago, have adapted to thrive in a variety of environments. They're especially fond of decaying organic matter. They break down or decompose complex substances into simpler compounds. Microbial Reproduction: Mitosis & Meiosis Asphodel: Ancient Dye & Medicine Plants Vinegar Cures of Physician Dioscorides Bread Mold Rhizopus stolonifer Appearance Yeast cells are usually spherical or oval and measure 3-40 micrometers in diameter. They reproduce asexually through budding, where a small bud develops on the parent cell. It detaches at maturity and goes on to form its own daughter cells. Molds are filamentous structures made of thin thread-like hyphae. The hyphae form a complex network or mycelium. Molds can grow rapidly and create visible colonies, often displaying vibrant colors due to their spores. The Unseen World: Protozoans in Nature Amoebae: Microbial Predators on the Move Microbes: Bacteria, Actinomycetes, Protozoa, Fungi & Viruses Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells high magnification For instance, the greenish-blue hue of Penicillium roqueforti mold is a hallmark in various cheese varieties. Penicillium expansum is the blue mold found on oranges. Its filaments expand unseen inside the fruit. Penicillium spp. also save the world from syphilis and many other infections in the 20th century. Today the fungus is industrially extracted from moldy cantaloupes. Other common molds include Aspergillus and Cladosporium.   5 Syphilis Treatments of European History   Nitrogen Fixation & Evolution of Plant Life Heliozoa: Microscopic Sun Animalcules  Penicillium expansum on oranges. Spores will soon visibly colonize the un-moldy fruit. Structural difference creates unique appearances. Yeast can look like a cloudy mass in liquids, while molds produce fuzzy patches on surfaces. The ability to break down substances makes both yeast and mold fundamental in nutrient cycling and maintaining ecosystem balance. Both yeasts and molds can produce biofilms . These are seen as thin patches on stagnant water or whitish growth on substrates such as nutrient rich solids and liquids. Biofilms protect the microbes and help regulate living conditions. In fermentation yeast needs oxygen only at first. Immotile yeast cells cultivate biofilm with their secretions and cell bodies. An anaerobic habitat allows yeast to prosper and kills off unwanted aerobic bacteria. Wild Yeast: Microbes Acting Naturally Science of Alchemy: Simple Distillation Process Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia The foam (krausen) formed during beer fermentation is composed mainly of live and dead yeast cells. Interactions with Other Organisms Yeasts and molds interact with other organisms in many ways. Vital for fermentation, yeast form symbiotic relationships with plants and animals by digesting sugar. Yeasts are instrumental in production of alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and bakery products. By converting sugars to alcohol and carbon dioxide, yeasts help produce the bubbly effervescence in beers and the rise in bread. For example, in baking, one teaspoon of active dry yeast can cause an eight cups of dough to double in size. Cupriavidus metallidurans : Metal Eating Gold Making Bacterium Microfungi: Mysterious Web of Life & Death Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature to Modern Uses lactic acid bacteria Lacticaseibacillus paracasei work well with yeast and are also anaerobic Molds are powerful decomposers in ecosystems, breaking down organic materials to facilitate nutrient recycling. Some molds form mycorrhizal relationships with plant roots, promoting nutrient uptake. Mushroom circles or fairy rings are examples of this type of interaction. The fruiting fungi can appear in the open and often in rings around trees. They ingest nutrients and their bodies enrich the earth when they die. They feed the tree and are also a water source. Yeast: Microbiology of Bread & Food Making Mother of Vinegar & Microbial Life in a Bottle Secrets of Xanthan Gum for Artists & Chefs Death Cap mushrooms often form fairy rings. Deadly toxic, they're often used in ancient poisons. Molds can have both detrimental and beneficial interactions. The mold Penicillium chrysogenum  is responsible for producing penicillin, the first widely used antibiotic, saving countless lives. Conversely, molds can cause spoilage in food and may be pathogenic. The yeast Candida albicans is common in infections such as oral thrush and vaginitis. In humans it occurs naturally but spontaneous overgrowth for various reasons can cause these ailments. In black mold, spores are a common cause of mold infection or mycosis in humans. Food Pathogens: Family Health & Safety Xanthan Gum & Plant Blight: Xanthomonas Campestris Scheele's Green: History's Most Toxic Pigment Candida albicans yeast colonies in petri dish, branching out with pseudohyphae of daughter cells Grain Mold The most prevalent form of grain mold is "blue-eye" mold, characterized by blue-green spores. This mold is troublesome as it thrives at lower moisture levels and may persist in the grain even after cooling. Silo blockages are often caused by moisture buildup. Other Fungal Grain Infections Since early days of cereal grain cultivation of crops such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats, humans have been vulnerable to ergot ( Claviceps purpurea ) poisoning. Ergot infects the developing grains of cereals and grasses. Rice blast ( Magnaporthe grisea ) affects rice and other grains. Each year it is estimated to destroy enough rice to feed more than 60 million people. Both diseases cause famine, illness, social and economic destruction. Oil-Dwelling Microbes: Bacteria, Yeast & Mold Silent Destroyers: Microbes of Concrete Corrosion The Microscope: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Rice blast fungal spores Spore Production Spore production is an essential part of mold life cycles. Mold spores are highly resilient. They withstand extreme temperatures, dehydration, and nutrient scarcity. Yeasts primarily reproduce asexually by budding. In adverse conditions, yeast species can form ascospores to survive until favorable conditions return. The spores are created from the nuclei of four daughter cells encased in the membrane, or ascus, of the mother cell. In contrast, molds produce millions of spores in a single cycle. These travel through the air, creating widespread colonization. One colony of Aspergillus niger  or black mold can release over 300 billion spores into the environment. Mold infestations can have 1000s of colonies. Malevolent Microfungi: Hazards of Health & Home Radioactive Gas: Radon (Rn) Noble & Deadly Science of Onion Tears: Demystifying Acids Aspergillus niger spore head Survival Conditions Yeasts generally require moisture, carbohydrates, and a specific temperature range between 20° to 30°C (68°- 86°F) for optimal growth. They can prosper in anaerobic or aerobic environments depending on the species. Yeasts enjoy high-sugar environments. Like mold and other fungi they require warmth and moisture for optimal growth. They can adapt to varying pH levels and prefer low-oxygen environments with an ideal pH of 5.5, slightly acidic. How Yeast Transforms Sugars to Booze Powder of Algaroth: Antimony Oxychloride Purgative Arsenic Trioxide: Paris Green Paint Pigment & Pesticide Wild yeast forms a whitish film on ripe grapes when they're ready to ferment Molds are close, with a pH preference of 6. They can grow on diverse substrates such as wood, paper and drywall. Molds are active in a broad temperature range of 1.1° to 60°C (34° - 140°F). Mold loves moisture and stagnancy. Moving air and dry surfaces create an environment hostile to mold growth. Most molds are creatures of darkness and do not like the light. Although yeast also likes dark places it shows more light tolerance. Neither grows in direct sunlight, which is lethal to them. Human Methane: Meet the Microbes of Flatulence Spirit of Wine of the Wise: Alchemy Recipe First Life on Earth: Microbes & Stromatolites Yeast and mold both like dark damp places Yeast and Mold in Brewing and Baking Yeast is essential in the baking and brewing industries. It ferments sugars to produce carbon dioxide. This causes dough to rise and alcoholic beverages to develop their defining characteristics. Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast are commonly used in baking and brewing for their reliable fermentation properties. S. cerevisiae is also found in the wild, and in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI Yeast Hunter: Bacteroides thetaiotomicron Predators of the Microworld: Vampirovibrio  & Lysobacter Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice gastrointestinal tract According to the National Institutes of Health: " ... there are 10x the number of microbial cells in the human gut than in the whole human body, totaling roughly 100 trillion microbes representing as many as 5,000 different species and weighing approximately 2 kilograms (4.4 lb)." Mold can be beneficial in fermentation processes for specific cheeses (like blue cheese) or soy products (such as soy sauce). Oncom is a traditional fermented food in Sundanese cuisine. It's made as red oncom and black oncom. Similar to tempeh, oncom is fermented using mold. In brewing mold is a sign of spoilage. Killer yeast strains of S. cerevisiae can also ruin a good batch of booze. Microbe pH Levels: Acidophiles, Neutrophiles & Alkaliphiles Alchemy & Heat: Decomposition of Horse Manure Acetic Acid Bacteria for Vinegar Artisans: Acetobacter Oncom, traditional Sundanese dish from Indonesia, made with mold. This is Neurospora sitophila . To invigorate yeast activity in baking and brewing, use optimal temperatures, between 24 - 30°C (75° - 85°F), for yeast activation. Provide plenty of sugars and ensure a sterile environment to minimize competition from persistent mold. Sensitivity to Environmental Stimuli Yeasts and molds respond differently to environmental stimuli. Yeasts react to sugar availability, temperature changes, and pH variations. Molds, meanwhile, can be influenced by light, moisture and nutrient levels, impacting growth and spore dispersal. Molds exhibit remarkable resilience to environmental stressors. They manage to thrive in varying temperatures and humidity levels. This trait allows molds to decompose the organic materials many other life forms can't. Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe Aspergillus Flavus Mold: Origins, Behavior, Dangers Foodborne Fungi and Mold: Facts & Dangers Beer and grains Facts about Yeast and Mold Yeasts and Probiotics: Certain yeasts, such as Saccharomyces boulardii , are used as probiotics, promoting digestive health. Antibiotics from Molds: The discovery of penicillin from the mold Penicillium notatum revolutionizes medicine by providing a powerful antibiotic. Space Colonization: Yeasts have been studied for their potential use in space-based bioreactors to produce food and fuel for long-duration missions. Mold spores can lie dormant for years, waiting for suitable conditions to grow. Molds are decomposers and sources of life-saving antibiotics. Some yeast species contribute beneficial factors like B vitamins. Both types of fungi are essential not only for ecological balance but also for daily life. 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Cell division is a core process of life in the microworld. Mitosis and meiosis are two types of reproduction in microbes such as algae, yeast and protozoans. In mitosis, a mother cell splits into two daughter cells. In meiosis, four genetically diverse cells are created. The Unseen World: Protozoans in Nature Amoebae: Microbial Predators on the Move Microbes: Bacteria, Actinomycetes, Protozoa, Fungi & Viruses petri dish of microbes Mitosis: Asexual Reproduction in Microbes Mitosis is a type of asexual reproduction. A single mother cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. This cell division is predominant in eukaryotic microbes such as protozoans, yeast, and algae. It's essential for growth and repair. Amoeba Amoebae are protozoans and primarily reproduce through mitosis. Amoeba proteus undergoes mitosis by duplicating its genetic material. After DNA replication, the nucleus divides in a series of phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. The phases are needed to provide a complete set of chromosomes to each daughter cell. After mitosis, cytoplasmic division or cytokinesis results in two newly-formed amoebae. Nitrogen Fixation & Evolution of Plant Life Spores & Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae Heliozoa: Microscopic Sun Animalcules Amoeba cell division Yeast Yeasts, such as the familiar Saccharomyces cerevisiae , also reproduce asexually through mitotic division. Under favorable conditions, this unicellular fungus undergoes a budding process. Initially, the yeast cell develops a small protrusion or bud, which gradually grows larger. The nuclear material is then equally partitioned, with the nucleus migrating into the bud. Eventually, the bud detaches, resulting in two individual yeast cells. This method is not only efficient but also allows rapid population growth, especially in nutrient-rich environments. Under optimal conditions yeast can double its population in about two hours. Wild Yeast: Microbes Acting Naturally Yeast: Microbiology of Bread & Food Making Killer Yeast: Assassins of the Microworld Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast budding Algae For algae, species such as Chlamydomonas  replicate through mitosis as well, ensuring stability of their population in a favorable environment. These organisms are found in in nutrient-rich waters and can produce a lot of biomass very quickly. Ciliates: Complex Mitosis Ciliates, such as Paramecium, demonstrate a more complex form of mitosis. The process of nuclear division occurs along with organization of cilia and genetic material. Ciliates have two types of nuclei: a macronucleus and one or more micronuclei. The macronucleus governs daily cellular functions. In reproduction the macronucleus divides while the micronuclei are involved in genetic recombination. First Life on Earth: Microbes & Stromatolites Microbe pH Levels: Acidophiles, Neutrophiles & Alkaliphiles Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty ciliates splitting up Ciliates can reproduce sexually through conjugation. In conjugation a microbe transfers genetic material to another through direct contact. One microbe donates the genetic material, and the other receives it. Meiosis: Sexual Reproduction in Microbes Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division resulting in four genetically diverse daughter cells, typically associated with formation of gametes. Though traditionally recognized in higher organisms, certain microbes engage in meiosis. The process reduces the chromosome number by half. This results in four genetically diverse haploid cells from one diploid cell. Meiosis is especially prevalent in response to environmental stressors. GI Yeast Hunter: Bacteroides thetaiotomicron Difference Between Gram-Positive & Gram-Negative Bacteria Metal to Rust: Unseen Organisms in Action Drought is a common cause of meiosis Haploid & Diploid Cells A diploid cell has two complete sets of chromosomes. Most cells in humans are diploid, comprising 23 chromosome pairs, so 46 chromosomes in total. Haploid defines a cell with one set of chromosomes. This term also describes the chromosome count in egg or sperm cells, known as gametes. In humans, gametes are haploid cells with 23 chromosomes, each representing one chromosome from a pair found in diploid cells. Silica (SiO2): Nature of Glass & Gems Testate Amoebae: Single Cells with Shells Invisible World: Prokaryotes & Animalcules microscopic gametes (sperm) Meiosis Among Ciliates The ciliate Tetrahymena  displays unique sexual reproduction involving meiosis and conjugation. During conjugation, two Tetrahymena  cells join to exchange genetic material. Following this exchange, meiosis occurs to produce new haploid cells. This mechanism significantly enhances genetic variety, which is crucial for adapting to changing environments. Stylonychia: Wonderful World of Ciliates Oil-Dwelling Microbes: Bacteria, Yeast & Mold Xanthan Gum & Plant Blight: Xanthomonas Campestris Tetrahymena ciliate reproduction (credit - pic & info: Chaya5260 ) Above : When nutrients are scarce, two individuals (A) pair with each other and begin sexual reproduction (conjugation). (B) The diploid micronucleus in each individual undergoes meiosis to form four haploid nuclei, and three of these are degraded. (C) The remaining haploid nucleus divides mitotically to form two pronuclei in each cell. (D) One of the two pronuclei in each cell is exchanged with the mating partner, and fusion leads to he formation of the diploid zygotic nucleus. (E) The zygotic nucleus divides twice mitotically to form four nuclei. (F) Two nuclei become micronuclei, and the other two differentiate to become macronuclei; the original parental macronucleus is degraded. (G) Cell division occurs and the nuclei are distributed to the daughter cells so that each progeny receives one micronucleus and one macronucleus. Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe Colorful World of Bacteria - Color Producers Glycerin (Glycerol): Darling of Cosmetics, Health & Science Algae and Meiosis Some algae, such as Chlamydomonas , undergo meiosis as part of the reproductive cycle. In haploid phase, these unicellular green algae can fuse to form a diploid zygospore, which then produces four haploid spores through meiosis. Zygospores are those produced by fungus and protists. These spores are robust and resistant, formed by the fusion of two haploid nuclei to result in gametangia, specialized organs or cells in which gametes are formed. Spores grow into new haploid organisms, continuing the life cycle. This switching between haploid and diploid stages is a fascinating aspect of algal biology. How to Cultivate Green Algae for Science & Health Biofilm Communities: Metropolitan Microbes Diatoms: Glass-Making Algae Crucial to Life rocks & algae Fungi and Meiosis In the fungal kingdom, meiosis is a critical component of sexual reproduction. For instance, the ascomycete fungus Neurospora crassa, a bread mold, undergoes meiosis during the formation of ascospores, specialized sacs created from a cell membrane. In this process, two haploid cells fuse to create a diploid cell. The cell undergoes meiosis, yielding four genetically diverse ascospores. This method of reproduction ensures variation among descendants, important to adaptation and evolution in changing environments. Fungal Biofilms: Ecology of Biofilm-Producing Molds & Yeasts Algae in Glass Houses: Diatomaceous Earth Silent Destroyers: Microbes of Concrete Corrosion N. crassa is used to make the fermented food oncom, a Sundanese delicacy of Indonesia The bread mold N. crassa generates haploid spores through meiosis. When these spores germinate, they can produce genetically diverse individuals, allowing the mold to adapt to different conditions. Cultivation of yeasts and fungi is invaluable in fermentation processes which produce bread, beer, and dairy products such as cheese and yogurt. The fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae  alone accounts for a significant part of global wine and beer production. Genetic variations from meiosis in protozoans and fungi play a key role in evolution and adaptation. The continuous interplay of genetic exchange enables evolution of new traits needed for survival. Vinegar Cures of Physician Dioscorides Lunar Caustic AgNO3: Lapis Infernalis  of Alchemy Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature to Modern Uses Bacteria: A Special Case of Division Bacteria reproduce by binary fission. In this method, a bacterial cell grows to a specific size, duplicates its circular DNA, and then divides into two cells. The cell elongates, and once it reaches a certain point, a septum forms and eventually separates the cell into two new entities. These organisms can reproduce at astonishing rates. For example, under ideal conditions, Escherichia coli , a common bacterium, can divide every 20 minutes. From a single bacterium, a population of over 16 million cells can be reached in just 12 hours. Rotten Egg Sulfur Smell: Microbial Processes Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Science of Onion Tears: Demystifying Acids Petri dishes of microbes 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

Fungal biofilms are integral to ecosystems. Often unnoticed, these living structures exemplify microorganism cooperation in survival, nutrient cycling and ecological health. With focus on Aspergillus  and Candida  specifically we explore these prolific creations. Colorful World of Bacteria - Color Producers Biofilm: Metropolitan Microbes of People & Planet Cupriavidus metallidurans : Metal Eating Gold Making Bacterium Biofilms are hidden communities in diverse environments, from natural ecosystems to artificial substrates. These metropolitan structures can appear where microorganisms adhere to surfaces and each other, encased in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The formation of a biofilm typically involves these stages: Initial attachment : Microorganisms adhere to a surface. Maturation : Cells begin to multiply and produce EPS, creating a protective matrix. Dispersion : Cells may detach from the biofilm to colonize new areas. Biofilms can exist in single-species or multi-species communities, depending on ecology and conditions, and other microorganisms present. Cooperation among different microbes help them form. Biofilms can also contain exopolysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids. Glycerin (Glycerol): Darling of Cosmetics, Health & Science Microfungi: Mysterious Web of Life & Death Secret Lives of Sulfuric Acid-Eating Bacteria microscopic fungal filaments Fungal biofilms are dominated by fungal organisms. These biofilms are composed primarily of filamentous fungi, yeasts and other fungal species. Fungi are unique among biofilm-forming organisms due to their filaments (hyphae) and the complex nature of their growth patterns. Fungal biofilms can be found in environments like decaying wood, soils, water and the human body. Like other biofilms, they are essential in nutrient cycling, ecological balance, and significantly influence their surrounding environments. Fungal biofilms are problematic in healthcare settings. Specific fungi can form biofilms on medical devices like catheters and joint implants. An estimated 80% of all microbial infections involve biofilms. The Microscope: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Nitric Acid: Aqua Fortis the Acid Queen Heavy Metals Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, Chromium & Arsenic Visible fungal mycelium or root structure How Do Fungi Produce Biofilms? Fungi produce biofilms in the natural ecology including human body, and health systems, through a sequential process that begins with adherence to a substrate. Key steps in this process include: Surface recognition : Fungal spores or hyphae detect favorable surfaces, such as organic matter or host tissues, using environmental cues. They can form on tiny particles in the water, and come together to create a larger, visible community. Adhesion : Hyphae attach to surfaces using specific adhesion molecules. Matrix production : Once adhered, fungi secrete EPS including polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. This matrix serves as both a protective shield and a structural framework allowing the biofilm to retain moisture and nutrients. Growth and maturation : The biofilm expands as fungi continue to proliferate and further develop their EPS matrix, leading to the establishment of complex three-dimensional structures. Powder of Algaroth: Antimony Oxychloride Purgative Care and Feeding of Your German Kobold Malevolent Microfungi: Hazards of Health & Home microscopic fungal garden in a biofilm Fungus: Aspergillus & Candida Aspergillus spp. Appearance : Aspergillus fungi typically have a fuzzy, powdery look. Aspergillus species are often green, black, or grey. The spores, or conidia, are produced in tall structures or conidiophores. Habitat : Like many fungi, this mold thrives in diverse environments, including soil, decaying organic matter, and indoor settings where moisture and organic materials abound. Characteristics : Known for their high adaptability, Aspergillus can tolerate a range of pH levels and moisture conditions. Sodium Silicate: Alchemy of Water Glass Red & White Tartar: Wine Salts of Alchemy Oil-Dwelling Microbes: Bacteria, Yeast, Fungi Function in Nature : These molds break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into ecosystems. Aspergillus species can decompose up to 90% of organic waste. Hazards : While many Aspergillus species are beneficial, others pose threats. For example, Aspergillus flavus produces aflatoxins, potent toxins linked to liver cancer, affecting about 4.5 billion people globally through contaminated food supplies. Benefits : Aspergillus species are also pivotal in biotechnology, being used in the production of enzymes, organic acids, and fermentation processes in products like soy sauce and sake. Invisible World: Prokaryotes & Animalcules Jan Baptist van Helmont: Renaissance Medicine Amoebae: Microbial Predators on the Move Pouring Sake, Japanese rice wine Candida spp. Candida is a significant group of yeasts, known for forming biofilms, particularly in medical environments and the human body. Appearance : Candida fungi typically appear as creamy white to yellowish colonies, often seen in moist environments. C. albicans may manifest as creamy white, fluffy colonies and can switch between yeast and filamentous forms, a process known as dimorphism. Habitat : Candida species are commonly found in the human microbiome, particularly in the mouth, digestive tract and vagina, as well as on skin surfaces. Characteristics : Candida can switch between yeast and filamentous forms, allowing it to adapt to varying environments. Spores & Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermentation: Yeast & the Active Microworld Radioactive Gas: Radon (Rn) Noble & Deadly Cultured Candida - very sociable Function in Nature : In natural ecosystems, Candida contributes to the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling. Candida species are part of the human microbiota, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption. In a healthy individual, around 30% of people carry Candida in the digestive system without issues. Hazards : Overgrowth of Candida , particularly C. albicans , can lead to infections, especially in those with weakened immune systems. Candida can become pathogenic. It forms biofilms on medical devices, contributing to conditions like candidiasis , an infection affecting over 750,000 people annually in the U.S. alone. Benefits : Certain Candida species are used in biotechnology applications, including baker's yeast and fermentation processes. B. Linens Bacterium: Big Cheese of B.O. Aspergillus Flavus  Mold: Origins, Behavior, Dangers Mother of Vinegar & Microbial Life in a Bottle Oral thrush is usually caused by the yeast Candida albicans Other Fungal Biofilms While Aspergillus and Candida spp. are among the most studied fungi in terms of biofilm formation, other molds such as Penicillium , Fusarium , and Rhizopus can also form biofilms. These molds can adhere to surfaces and produce similar protective EPS layers. Penicillium species are used in cheese production. Facts About Biofilm Fungi Resilience : Fungal biofilms can withstand harsh conditions, surviving nutrient shortages, drought, and antimicrobial exposure. Studies have shown up to a 1000-fold increase in resistance against antifungal agents in biofilm forms compared to free-floating cells. Indicators of Environment : The presence of specific fungal biofilms can indicate the health of an environment, whether in a natural ecosystem or a medical context. Research Focus : Ongoing research aims to understand the mechanisms behind fungal biofilm formation and associated resistance, paving the way for innovative treatment strategies in healthcare settings. Communication : Fungal cells communicate chemically to coordinate their activities in biofilms, promoting collective behavior and effective resource management. Bdellovibrio: Lifestyles of Predatory Bacteria Seven Deadly Diseases of the Renaissance Renaissance Apocalypse: End is Nigh Aspergillus niger spore "head" under powerful microscope 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

Microbial corrosion of concrete by bacteria, fungi and algae destabilize structures of home and environs. While the impact of weather, heavy traffic, and chemicals on concrete are well known, the appearance of corrosive microbes indicates a one-way track to total collapse. Biofilm Communities: Metropolitan Microbes Oxidation: Metabolism & Essential Molecular Action Acid-Producing Bacteria in Sulfuric Acid Creation Microbial growth on concrete surface under favorable conditions. These unseen creatures work as efficiently as possible. In the ecosystem their jobs involve breaking things down, often transforming impurities to nutrients, or in some cases, gold . Unfortunately, in human terms, damage to concrete warrants retribution. What Causes Microbial Corrosion? Microbial corrosion, also called biocorrosion or microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), occurs when microorganisms meet concrete. Bacteria and other microbes react to these materials in their environment, setting off the process of microbial deterioration. Arsenic Trioxide: Paris Green Paint Pigment & Pesticide Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature to Modern Uses Microbial Alchemy: Fermentation, Digestion, Putrefaction This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in environments providing moisture, nutrients, and suitable temperature conditions for microbial growth. Factors contributing to microbial corrosion in concrete and other materials include: Moisture Concrete is inherently porous, allowing water to penetrate and create favorable conditions for microbial growth. Bacteria, mold and algae all enjoy the water. High moisture levels and nutrient-rich environments, like those in sewage treatment plants or marine settings, are ideal for microbial growth. Concrete structures in these settings can have corrosion rates up to 30% higher than those in environments less microbe-friendly. Human Methane: Meet the Microbes of Flatulence Rotten Egg Sulfur Smell: Microbial Processes White Lead Toxic Beauty, Art, Ancient Production A few microbes including rust-eating bacteria are having a fine ride Nutrient Availability Nutrients such as organic matter, phosphates, and sulfates can be derived from wastewater, soil, or even atmospheric deposits, providing sustenance for microbes. The organic ingredients of concrete consist of materials like limestone, clay and stone aggregates. Aggregate stones include granite, shale and limestone, the three stones considered to carry the most radon gas . While this gas isn't found in a granite countertop it can accumulate in bedrock in amounts of up to 3%. Radon gas settles in corners and lower levels like cellars. Homes built on such sites may face the additional challenge of illness and fatigue in the family, perhaps leaving homeowners too tired to do needed repairs. This can compound the problem of microbial corrosion. Metal Salts: Ancient History to Modern DIY Talc (Magnesium Silicate): Beauty, Art & Industry Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe Corrosion Oxygen Because concrete is porous, corrosion-causing microbes requiring oxygen do well in building environments. Oxygen freely enters concrete through cracks or pores. Size and distribution of pores in concrete dictate how easily microbes can invade. pH Levels While concrete is generally alkaline, certain microbial processes actually alter the pH. This continues to create a aggressive corrosive environment. Microbial corrosion primarily results from interactions between certain microorganisms and the concrete itself. Chloroauric Acid: Gold Salts & Extraction Cupriavidus metallidurans : Metal Eating Gold Making Bacterium 5 Waters of Ancient Alchemy: Aqua Caustic Rod-shaped bacteria What Organisms Are Involved? The microorganisms implicated in concrete corrosion are diverse and can be generally grouped into bacteria, fungi, and algae. These include: Bacteria: Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), such as Desulfovibrio and Desulfotomaculum , are lethal warriors of concrete corrosion. These bacteria thrive in anaerobic environments and produce sulfide ions, leading to increased environmental acidity and corrosion. Amoebae: Microbial Predators on the Move Queen Eleanor & the Calamitous Crusade Kohl: Eye Beauty Magic of Ancients Filaments of Microfungi Fungi Certain fungi colonize concrete surfaces, breaking down organic materials. Their release of organic acids contribute to the deterioration of concrete. Some fungi, such as Aspergillus  and Penicillium , can inhabit concrete and release organic acids that dissolve calcium hydroxide. Algae and Cyanobacteria These photosynthetic organisms can produce organic acids to erode concrete and create biofilms, increasing moisture retention and promoting further microbial colonization. A slimy layer of algae traps moisture and fosters bacterial growth. The Microscope: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Metal to Rust: Unseen Organisms in Action Valerian: Natural Health & Essential Oils Algae 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

Ancient microbes in harsh conditions are the earliest life forms. Fossil records appear in rock formations up to 3.7 billion years old. One of their natural formations is stromatolites, seen today as telltale layers in primeval rocks. Microbe pH Levels: Acidophiles, Neutrophiles & Alkaliphiles GI Yeast Hunter: Bacteroides thetaiotomicron Silent Destroyers: Microbes of Concrete Corrosion Emerging from a primordial world of volcanic activity complex chemicals, the earliest life forms give a glimpse into the beginnings of biological activity on planet Earth. Traces of Life: Carbon Molecules in Ancient Rocks The evidence for these primal life forms comes primarily from isotopic signatures, which are particularly distinct carbon molecules created from biological processes. Carbon is essential to life forms throughout geological time. Predators of the Microworld: Vampirovibrio  & Lysobacter Soot & Lampblack: Beauty, Art and Medicine Carbon Steel: Origins, Composition & Uses Carbon Found in ancient rocks it shows activity of microbes and transformations in their environment. When living organisms metabolize carbon, they preferentially take up lighter isotopes, thus heavier isotopes become the residual markers in geological records. These isotopic patterns don't occur without microbial help. Evidence from rocks reveals these microorganisms are furiously proliferating long before complex organisms start to evolve around 600 million years ago. In contrast, humans have been on Earth for 2 - 6 million years. Metal to Rust: Unseen Organisms in Action Mother of Vinegar & Microbial Life in a Bottle Hildegard von Bingen: Nature, Music & Beer While the microbes frolic in the toxic but nutritious brew of their environments, their metabolic processes transform the atmosphere, enriching it with elements needed for life. They catalyze the transition from a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere to one of oxygen. At this time Earth's atmosphere is primarily composed of carbon dioxide and methane. Volcanic activity is fierce and oceans teem with minerals. In this primordial soup, the first microbes demonstrate remarkable resilience. Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Ge Hong: Teachings Alchemy Medicine Oil-Dwelling Microbes: Bacteria, Yeast & Mold Whee! Many modern bacteria still withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, as in acidic sulfur springs, alkaline soda lakes and anaerobic conditions. These savvy survivors, called extremophiles , have evolved over billions of years to make the most of their environments. The Importance of Cyanobacteria Cyanobacteria, often called blue-green algae, are key components in transforming the atmosphere through their photosynthesis. These microbes use solar power or sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy. This releases a vast amount of oxygen. The climactic event known as the Great Oxygenation Event dramatically changes Earth's atmosphere, enabling the development of aerobic life forms. Fossils of multicellular life forms like Grypania spiralis appear today in black shale. Phosphorus, Uroscopy & Power of Pee Calcite: Metal-Eating Bacteria to Coral Reefs Acid-Producing Bacteria in Sulfuric Acid Creation black shale Beyond oxygen production, cyanobacteria excel in nitrogen fixation, enriching soils and oceans and fostering evolution of new life forms. Cyanobacteria help increase diversity of marine life during its dramatic rise in the Cambrian Explosion c. 541 million years ago. Creation of Stromatolites One of the most significant contributions of early microbial life to Earth’s geological landscape is formation of stromatolites or microbialites. These sedimentary structures are created by photosynthetic microbes. Algae in Glass Houses: Diatomaceous Earth Flowers of Sulfur (Brimstone): Creation & Uses Xanthan Gum & Plant Blight:  Xanthomonas Campestris Stromatolite, Western Australia These are mainly cyanobacteria, with sulfate-reducing bacteria and the Pseudomonadota group (formerly known as proteobacteria). Stromatolites form by accumulation of microbial mats, the thick layers of photosynthetic microorganisms living on surfaces of sediments. By metabolic process the microorganisms produce adhesive compounds to bind sand and gravel particles, progressively layering over time. The result is a resilient structure persisting for billions of years, creating the sedimentary patterns of ancient ecosystems. Kaolinite: White Pigment with Benefits B. Linens Bacterium: Big Cheese of B.O. Methanogens: Microbes of Methane Production Shark Bay Living Stromatolites, Australia Many present-day stromatolites can still be found in environments like Shark Bay in Australia and in the Bahamas. These contemporary formations are direct descendants of ancient stromatolites and ensure the continuity of microbial life throughout Earth's history. Through different layers in stromatolites, researchers can detect shifts in water levels, temperature changes and nutrient availability. Analysis of layered stromatolites reveals evidence of rising sea levels during Earth's history. Microbes: Bacteria, Actinomycetes, Protozoa, Fungi & Viruses Bdellovibrio: Lifestyles of Predatory Bacteria Asphodel: Ancient Dye & Medicine Plants Living Stromatolites, British Columbia, Canada Early Ecosystems and Environmental Changes Study of ancient microbial life and stromatolites informs scientists about the conditions under which the first organisms thrived, and also offers clues to Earth’s biogeochemical cycles. These early ecosystems are vital in regulating nutrients and gases in the atmosphere and oceans. Ancient processes help scientists forecast how current microbial ecosystems may respond to ongoing environmental changes, such as climate and pollution. Microbes are the first life on Earth, and will probably be the last. Lunar Caustic AgNO3: Lapis Infernalis  of Alchemy Rotten Egg Sulfur Smell: Microbial Processes Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature to Modern Uses Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

The Hurrians establish the Kingdom of Urkesh c. 4000 BCE, with the creator God Kumarbi as patron deity. Their greatest power arises with the Kingdom of Mitanni c. 1600 BCE. The Hurrians are contemporaries of another warlike force, the Hittites . It's an uneasy situation. Hattusa Green Stone - Mystic Secrets Hurrians: Bronze Age Warrior Kingdom Tiamat - Queen of Chaos & the Sea Friend or Foe? The two powers are stronger together in the face of an ever-increasing threat, the Egyptians. At the Hittite capital of Hattusa a number of Hurrian deities appear on god lists. This presents the gods of the Hurrians, thus the Hurrians themselves, as allies. Also known as offering lists or kaluti the god lists are traditionally inscribed in clay. The lists contribute to modern understanding of spiritual beliefs and practices. Queen Puduhepa of the Hittites is instrumental in organizing an overwhelming number of deities and entities. Enuma Elish: Marduk & the Chaos Monsters Gods of Ugarit c. 1800 - 1200 BCE Bird Woman Elwetritsch: German Folklore 20,000 inscribed clay tablets are found at Ebla, baked hard by fires of war 2300 BCE. By c. 2000 BCE the Hittites have already assimilated most of the gods of the pre-existing people, the Hatti or Hattians . They cultivate equivalents from the neighboring Hurrian pantheon and even change Gods into Goddesses to make them synch. In ancient Mesopotamia and Anatolia it's a cosmopolitan world. Cultures clash and burn but can also rise to towering empires. As new technology develops, old gods of nature such as Ea merge with gods of civilization, such as Nabu the Scribe God. Jade - Jadeite, Nephrite & Jade Roads The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Ancient Deities: Proto Indo European Gods Ea - god of water, knowledge, crafts & creation Since early times  everyone acknowledges a Sun God or Goddess, and all people have dieties equated with the Earth or Underworld. With some shifting of deific alliances, weddings and partnerships between gods, recurring divinities reflect or merge into others. Major Hurrian Deities Teshub  - Weather God & head of Hurrian Pantheon Šauška (Shaushka)  - the Great Soddess Kumarbi   - Hurrian Father of the Gods Hebat (Hepat)  - Sun Goddess Šimige  - Hurrian Sun God Kušuḫ  - Moon God with oracular attributes Allani   - Underworld goddess Ishara  - Goddess of death & desire Ea (Enki, Haya)  - God of water, knowledge, crafts & creation Hutena and Hutellura  - Fate Goddesses & divine midwives Nabarbi  - Rustic Goddess of pastures, meadows, fields & flocks Nergal  - God of war, disease and death Nupatik  - a God, role uncertain Tillia  - a Bull God especially worshipped in the east Sun God of Heaven - Hittite Solar Deity Sun Goddess of the Earth: Hittite Underworld Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Nabarbi, Rustic Goddess of Pastures Minor Hurrian Deities Adamma  - goddess incorporated into Hurrian pantheon after the fall of Ebla Allanzu - a daughter of Hepat and Teshub Ammarik - mountain god, from Ebla Anat - warlike Ugaritic goddess Aranzaḫ - divine personification of the river Tigris Aštabi (Attapar)  - warrior god Ayakun - god equating to two Mesopotamian deities - Goddess Ninsun & God Alammuš Ayu-Ikalti - dawn goddess Aya when shown as wife of Sun God Shamash Divine Light - Sun Goddess of Arinna Bull of Heaven - Inanna vs Gilgamesh Ancient Deities: Proto Indo European Gods Aya, Goddess of Dawn Belet-Nagar - "Lady of Nagar", Syria Dadmiš - healing goddess and/or underworld deity Damkina - wife of Ea (Enki); associated with ritual purification Daqitu  - attendant of Hepat DINGIR.GE6 (logographic) - goddess of night & dreams, a dyad with Pinikir Ebrimuša  - "lord of justice" Hašuntarhi - goddess, with Kubaba & Adamma in Kizzuwatna Ḫabūrītum - goddess of River Khabur; may relate to Nabarbi, Belet Nagar Ḫešui - war god, analogous to Zababa Ḫupuštukar - sukkal of war god Ḫešui Impaluri - sukkal of sea god Kiaše Iršappa - god of markets & commerce Irširra - seven Hurrian goddesses associated with healing & midwifery Iškalli - goddess in the court of Sun deity Hepat; may be a dyad with Uršui Izzummi - Hurrian translation of Isimud (Ušmu), the sukkal of Ea Karḫuḫi - tutelary god of Carchemish c. 1320 BCE; associated w deer & Kubaba Kiaše  - Hurrian god of the sea Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Kaska - Mountain Raiders of Anatolia Winter Tales - 4 Novellas Kiaše God of the Sea Kubaba  - goddess relating to lawsuits, affiliated w Ishkalli (Iškalli) & Adamma Kunzišalli - one of two daughters of Ḫepat and Teššub Kurri - a god worshipped in the temple of Allani during hišuwa festival Kurwe - tutelary god of Azuhinnu Lelluri - Hurrian mountain goddess worshipped with Manuzi Lipparuma - sukkal of Sun God Šimige Maliya - mother of wine & grain, artisanship & leatherwork, originally from Kanesh Manuzi - mountain god, husband of Lelluri; associated with eagles Milkunni - Ugaritic underworld god Mukišānu - god, sukkal of Kumarbi Mušītu - goddess of Emar, in the court of Teshub Mušuni - goddess, 'she of justice' in dyad with Hepat; may relate to Underworld Namni and Ḫazzi - mountain gods, seen as brothers or twins; in court of Teshub Hurrians: Bronze Age Warrior Kingdom Before the Vikings - Early Northern Cultures Steppe Trade Routes: Before the Silk Roads Namni & Hazzi, mountain gods Namrazzuna - goddess in court of Šauška  (Shaushka); relates to moon, moonlight Nikkal - form of Sumerian goddess Ningal, wife of moon god Umbru ( Kušuḫ ) Ninatta and Kulitta  - handmaidens of Šauška Nupatik  - psychopomp god Pairra - group of seven gods, may be demonic or benevolent (sing. Pairi) Partaḫi - Hurrian god invoked in oaths Pendigalli  - goddess associated with palaces Pinikir  - astral goddess; dyad w goddess of night & dreams, (logographic) DINGIR.GE6 Pišaišapḫi  - god of the mountain Pišaiša Saggar - god from Ebla, associated w Singar Mountains, the moon & Ishara Samnuha - tutelary god of Šadikanni; takes part in a ritual w Kumarbi & Nabarbi Sarie - god of Apenaš, Arrapha Šaluš - goddess, cult center Piten, possible wife of Kumarbi Šarrēna - group of diefied Hurrian Kings Šarruma  - son of Teshub & Hepat; relates to bull & mountains; may ride a leopard Šeri and Ḫurri - two divine bulls who pull the chariot of Teshub Rhytons - Animal Vessels of the Ancients Seduction of Hedammu, Father of Snakes Benu - Ba Heron God of Ancient Egypt Rhytons (drinking vessels) of Seri & Hurri Šinan-tatukarni - one of four deities who bring bad luck, with Ari, Halzari and Taruwi Šintal-irti - 'seven breasted'; a deity of good luck, w Ninatta, Kulitta and Namrazunna Š intal-wuri - 'seven eyed' - goddess, appears on offering lists w Šintal-irti Šuruḫḫe - god, mentioned in treaties Šuwala  - Hurrian Underworld Goddess Takitu - Ugaritic goddess sukkal of Hepat - travels on behalf of Hepat Tapšuwari - sukkal of Kušuḫ or courtier of Kumarbi Tašmišu - brother & primary sukkal of Teshub; husband of Nabarbi Tenu - a god of Aleppo, Syria; possible sukkal of Teshub Tirwi - a god of Azuhinnu, Arapha Tiyabenti - a sukkal of Hepat; 'one who speaks favorably'; gender unknown Ugur - a sukkal of god Nergal, Hurrian god of war and the Underworld Undurumma - best known as the goddess sukkal of Shaushka Uršui - appears in a dyad with Iškalli Zarwan - patron god of Apenaš & Azuhinnu in the kingdom of Arrapha Cyprus: Prehistoric Humans & Pygmy Hippos Anzû - Mesopotamian Monster of Mayhem 12 Days of Zagmuk: Chaos & the King Šarruma (Sharruma) son of Teshub & Hepat 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

Kushuh (Kušuḫ) is the oracular moon god of the Hurrians. He's among the most popular gods of the pantheon, with worship centers in ancient Syria, Anatolia and Mesopotamia. He represents the male principle of the Moon. Hurrians: Bronze Age Warrior Kingdom Shaushka (Šauška) - the Great Goddess Hattusa Green Stone - Mystic Secrets Hurrian Moon God Kushuh (Kušuḫ) is a popular divinity Despite his widespread worship he's not given as a patron or tutelary god of any specific town. He has a vague link to Kuzina, a lost city in upper Mesopotamia. A divine representation of the moon and oracles, Kushuh is also associated with pregnancy and oaths. His name is often added to given names at the time, thus he has special meaning to individuals. The divine number relating to the moon is 30, symbolic of creativity, intuition, communication and spiritual awareness. The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Seduction of Hedammu, Father of Snakes Namni & Hazzi - Mountain Gods Kushuh represents the male principle of the moon. His associations range from the legendary man in the moon to the spiritual light within. He shines as a guide and protector in the dark of night. In many cultures the Moon has oracular powers and can give divine insight or help. He's both mystical and practical. While often called upon to reveal hidden wisdom, he's also a dedicated agricultural deity, with lunar phases affecting growth of plants and time of planting. Potash: Agriculture, Plant & Garden Health Xanthan Gum & Plant Blight: Xanthomonas Campestris Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice For instance, lunar planting calendars recommend planting seeds for crops with aboveground yields when the moon is waxing or transitioning from new moon to full moon. Conversely, root crops are best sown during the waning moon's transition from full moon to new. In Mesopotamia, the equivalent of Kushuh is Sin (Nanna, Suen ) , a powerful deity. In Ugarit , Syria, he corresponds to Yarikh. His Luwian  representation is Arma, while in the pantheon of the pre-existing Hattians he's equated with Kašku (Kashku). Kur - Underworld of Mesopotamia Edimmu: Evil Demons of Vengeance 12 Days of Zagmuk: Chaos & the King lunar surface Kushuh may appear in a minor role as Umbu, a deity of the moon possibly of Hittite origins. Kushuh's wife is Nikkal, a name which comes from Ningal, or "Great Lady" in Sumerian, wife of the Mesopotamian moon god Sin. In Ugarit, she's also wife of local moon god Yarikh. Hurrians negotiate her into the Hittite pantheon. She equates with Goddess Ishara  as they're both divine protectors of oaths. Kiashe (Kiaše) - Elemental Sea God Kohl: Eye Beauty Magic of Ancients Goddess Nisaba - First Lady of Writing Nikkal is the wife of the Moon God In texts from Ebla she's associated with another lunar deity, Saggar. In Hittite sources she's the mother of the Sun God of Heaven . In some regions both Teshub (Teššub) and Shaushka are considered to be children of the Moon, though it's rare. Kumarbi is usually attested as their father. He spends much of his time in Hurrian legend trying to kill them, as in the story of Ullikummi and sea monster Hedammu . Ullikummi - Rock Monster of Legend Jade - Jadeite, Nephrite & Jade Roads Thapsos - Trade Center & Necropolis The giant Rock Monster Ullikummi is created by Kumarbi to kill Teshub & allies In the Kumarbi / Teshub conflicts, Kushuh the Moon God is one of the entities allied with Teshub and the young Gods, including Shimige the Sun God , Shaushka and the warrior god Tashmishu (Tašmišu) , brother of Teshub. At Yazılıkaya , an ancient sanctuary of the Hittite capital Hattusa, a relief carving shows the Moon God Kushuh ahead of the Sun God in a lineup of deities. It's not unusual for the Moon God to be of higher rank than the Sun. Sin, for instance, is father of Sun God Shamash . Papsukkal - Grand Vizier of the Gods Figs - Food of the Ancient World Ninurta (Ninĝirsu) - God of the People In the late Bronze Age, Hittite prince Piyaššili (d. 1315 BCE) takes the name Šarri-Kušuḫ or "Kušuḫ is (my) king." Hurrian influences continue to grow among the Hittites, expedited a few decades later by the priestess Queen Puduhepa . The popular spiritual meaning of the Moon includes psychic awareness, yin energy, inward searching, reflection, dreams, calm state of mind. The Moon is associated with the element Water and animals of the night such as the cat, owl, wolf and frog. Ugarit - Trade Hub of Bronze Age Syria Owl - Death, Memory, Mystic Wisdom Inara & the Dragon - Purulliya Festival Kušuḫ is associated with creatures of the night The Moon is also associated with illness, disease and madness. Disease demons such as Shulpae , who specifically relates to epilepsy, use their powers at the bidding of the Moon. When the Moon is not visible he travels through the Underworld, where the demons reside. Many vegetation deities also reside in the Underworld or Hittite Dark Earth. Kushuh relates to virtues and benevolence of the Moon. Like the Egyptian moon god Khonsu he represents fertility. He's often invoked by women in childbirth, or at the planting of crops. Bull of Heaven - Inanna vs Gilgamesh Asherah: Goddess of Childbirth & Fertility Chaoskampf: Order & Chaos Battle Out Fertile soil He and his wife Nikkal are both linked to the giving and keeping of oaths, their names spoken and written as divine witnesses. In mythology he appears often. One of his well-known myths involves Silver, a son of Kumarbi. Silver's aspirations drive him to pull the Sun and Moon from the skies. He then threatens to kill them, as they are opponents of his father. However they explain that if he does, he will have to rule in darkness. Foiled again, Silver has no choice but to let them go. Aya - Goddess of Dawn, Mesopotamia Anzû - Mesopotamian Monster of Mayhem Papyrus (C. papyrus): Sacred Reeds of Aaru 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