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The Classics of Western Spirituality
Hildegard von Bingen's Mystical Visions: Translated from Scivias
Twelfth-century Rhineland mystic Hildegard von Bingen records her exquisite encounter with divinity, producing a magnificent fusion of divine inspiration and human intellect. Hildegard von Bingen’s Mystical Visions is perhaps the most complete and powerful documentation of mystical consciousness in recorded history. Now after 800 years, these visions are again available for those seeking to reawaken mystical consciousness.
430 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1152
80 people are currently reading
2827 people want to read
About the author
Hildegard von Bingen
313 books272 followersborn circa 1098
People revered Saint Hildegard von Bingen, German nun, composer, and a visionary, during her own lifetime; she set her poems to music and also wrote works on medicine and natural history.
People also knew this philosopher, Christian mystic, Benedictine abbess, and polymath as Sibyl of the Rhine. Her fellows elected her as a magistra in 1136; she founded the monasteries of Rupertsberg in 1150 and Eibingen in 1165. The Ordo Virtutum exemplifies early liturgical drama.
Her theological and botanical texts, letters, liturgical songs, and arguably the oldest morality play, well survive; she meanwhile supervised brilliant miniature Illuminations.
People revered Saint Hildegard von Bingen, German nun, composer, and a visionary, during her own lifetime; she set her poems to music and also wrote works on medicine and natural history.
People also knew this philosopher, Christian mystic, Benedictine abbess, and polymath as Sibyl of the Rhine. Her fellows elected her as a magistra in 1136; she founded the monasteries of Rupertsberg in 1150 and Eibingen in 1165. The Ordo Virtutum exemplifies early liturgical drama.
Her theological and botanical texts, letters, liturgical songs, and arguably the oldest morality play, well survive; she meanwhile supervised brilliant miniature Illuminations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 17, 2022
I feel the need to write on this book based on the reviews I have been reading, some of which show an essential misunderstanding of who the author was or what she was writing about, which results in a complete muddling of the purpose and value of the book.
First, if you don't know about Hildegard, you owe it to yourself to seek out some info - her life was remarkable and it is notable that she is honored as a Doctor of the Church (as a medieval woman) and is one of the earliest identified composers (in ages when most music was anonymous).
However, there is an essential thread that many reviewers are either overlooking or ignoring - Hildegard was Catholic. At the time (11th century), every Christian was Catholic. There were no Protestants, there were no hippies or New Age gurus. There was no King James Bible. There was no Evangelicalism or Enlightenment philosophy. More to the point, there was not self-help, self-empowering personal philosophy. People of her time knew the Church was the sole truth and that was it. You can debate whether or not you think that's a valid view of the world, but you can't try to make a philosophy born from that view of the world into something it's not and then get upset when it doesn't live up to your expectations. Medieval Christian philosophy did not hope it lived up to your expectations, you were to live up to its own. If that sounds harsh to modern ears, it's simply an illustration of how much times have changed, but this book itself (aside from being translated) has not.
The discomfort of those who take issue with this book seems to arise from their muscular efforts to put her writings, philosophy, and theology into one or another shape which it did not originally hold. In fact, the elements, movements, and philosophies that so many are trying to use as a lens through which to view this work gets it exactly backward, and is as incoherent as trying to explain how Shakespeare might have been influenced by Sartre.
You have to approach this work at face value, and take what it has to offer to heart for what it is; granted learning about Catholicism, Medieval life and philosophy, monastic life, and visionary history can help put some of its mystical elements in better focus, but the work is its own context. Trying to put it in any other is missing the point, and I believe, missing out of the best of what this work offers.
First, if you don't know about Hildegard, you owe it to yourself to seek out some info - her life was remarkable and it is notable that she is honored as a Doctor of the Church (as a medieval woman) and is one of the earliest identified composers (in ages when most music was anonymous).
However, there is an essential thread that many reviewers are either overlooking or ignoring - Hildegard was Catholic. At the time (11th century), every Christian was Catholic. There were no Protestants, there were no hippies or New Age gurus. There was no King James Bible. There was no Evangelicalism or Enlightenment philosophy. More to the point, there was not self-help, self-empowering personal philosophy. People of her time knew the Church was the sole truth and that was it. You can debate whether or not you think that's a valid view of the world, but you can't try to make a philosophy born from that view of the world into something it's not and then get upset when it doesn't live up to your expectations. Medieval Christian philosophy did not hope it lived up to your expectations, you were to live up to its own. If that sounds harsh to modern ears, it's simply an illustration of how much times have changed, but this book itself (aside from being translated) has not.
The discomfort of those who take issue with this book seems to arise from their muscular efforts to put her writings, philosophy, and theology into one or another shape which it did not originally hold. In fact, the elements, movements, and philosophies that so many are trying to use as a lens through which to view this work gets it exactly backward, and is as incoherent as trying to explain how Shakespeare might have been influenced by Sartre.
You have to approach this work at face value, and take what it has to offer to heart for what it is; granted learning about Catholicism, Medieval life and philosophy, monastic life, and visionary history can help put some of its mystical elements in better focus, but the work is its own context. Trying to put it in any other is missing the point, and I believe, missing out of the best of what this work offers.
November 23, 2018
The more I read and learn, the more I realize what an incredible figure Hildegard of Bingen was. She founded two abbeys, went on two preaching tours, wrote Popes and Kings, composed music, wrote theology and medical and medicinal pieces...all in Medieval Germany as a woman.
This is her first work, which I tackled after reading an edited selection of her many works. On the positive side, this is biblical exegesis and theology couched in her explication of her mystic visions. She is a powerful Medieval theologian in a time where women were often silenced. It’s not difficult to see why she was the first woman to be honored with the title “Doctor of the Church” in Roman Catholicism.
On the negative side...she is a medieval theologian. There isn’t a lot that reflects how I see theology. There is an excessive honoring of virginity that makes Evangelicals look sex positive. Shaming in many ways in many places.
But there are places where she soars, and it is in her hymns and prayers. I think I will look for a collection like that.
This is her first work, which I tackled after reading an edited selection of her many works. On the positive side, this is biblical exegesis and theology couched in her explication of her mystic visions. She is a powerful Medieval theologian in a time where women were often silenced. It’s not difficult to see why she was the first woman to be honored with the title “Doctor of the Church” in Roman Catholicism.
On the negative side...she is a medieval theologian. There isn’t a lot that reflects how I see theology. There is an excessive honoring of virginity that makes Evangelicals look sex positive. Shaming in many ways in many places.
But there are places where she soars, and it is in her hymns and prayers. I think I will look for a collection like that.
December 16, 2025
Worth mentioning at the outset: I have a hunch that many of the 4 or 5-star reviewers here haven't actually read this book (or at least not in its entirety).
Hildegard von Bingen's Scivias (short for "Scito vias Domini," or "Know the Ways of the Lord") is, as the title suggests, mostly comprised of various divinely-ordained rules for life. In a manner reminiscent of the Book of Revelation (or even the Quran), Hildegard describes a particular vision (remarkable for their unusually abstract nature), and then recounts the words of God's direct speech explaining the meanings of each vision to Hildegard. This is especially fascinating since I'm not aware of similarly lengthy medieval texts purported to contain God's direct speech that were accepted by both Papal and political authority. Her visions are depicted by illuminations (the making of which she oversaw) that are arguably the most beautiful and haunting artwork to be produced anywhere in Europe during this period.
I should be clear that this is not the actual edition I read (mine was a 1954 German copy of the illuminated manuscript).
To give a sense of Hildegard's visions, here is the text accompanying Vision 1: "I saw a great mountain the color of iron, and enthroned on it One of such great glory that it blinded my sight. On each side of him there extended a soft shadow, like a wing of wondrous breadth and length. Before him, at the foot of the mountain, stood an image full of eyes on all sides, in which, because of those eyes, I could discern no human form. In front of this image stood another, a child wearing a tunic of subdued color but white shoes, upon whose head such glory descended from the One enthroned upon that mountain that I could not look at its face. But from the One who sat enthroned upon that mountain many living sparks sprang forth, which flew very sweetly around the images. Also, I perceived in this mountain many little windows, in which appeared human heads, some of subdued colors and some white."
This vision is only Hildegard's first introduction to what are purported to be God's insights, which are transmitted to her through especially unique and often jarring visual symbolism such as described above. Hildegard's theological exegesis unfolds in numbered lists that follow each vision; after a brief recounting of Lucifer's fall, an affirmation of the reality of damnation (the pre-King James "Gehenna," distinct from modern popular conceptions of "hell"), and original sin ("Because [the Devil] knew that the susceptibility of the woman would be more easily conquered than the strength of the man; and he saw that Adam burned so vehemently in his holy love for Eve that if he, the Devil, conquered Eve, Adam would do whatever she said to him."), Hildegard deftly transitions directly from Eve's transgression in Eden to "What things are to be observed and avoided in marriage."
In proscribing specific behaviors, there is (unsurprisingly) a particular focus on sexual intercourse, marriage, and proper gender roles. For example, Book I. Vision 2.22: Those who have intercourse with the pregnant are murderers. "...The woman is subject to the man in that he sows his seed in her, as he works the earth to make it bear fruit. Does a man work the earth that it may bring forth thorns and thistles? Never, but that it may give worthy fruit. So also this endeavor should be for the love of children and not for the wantonness of lust. Therefore, O humans, weep and howl to your God, Whom you so often despise in your sinning, when you sow your seed in the worst fornication and thereby become not only fornicators but murderers; for you cast aside the mirror of God and sate your lust at will."
God forbids women from the priesthood: Book II. Vision 6.76: Women should not approach the office of the altar. "So too those of female sex should not approach the office of My altar; for they are an infirm and weak habitation, appointed to bear children and diligently nurture them. A woman conceives a child not by herself but through a man, as the ground is plowed not by itself but by a farmer..."
In another illustrative example, God forbids straying from gender restrictions on clothing; Book II. Vision 6.77: Men and women should not wear each other's clothes except in necessity. "A man should never put on feminine dress or a woman use male attire, so that their roles may remain distinct, the man displaying manly strength and the woman womanly weakness; for this was so ordered by Me when the human race began. Unless a man's life or a woman's chastity is in danger; in such an hour a man may change his dress for a woman's or a woman for a man's, if they do it humbly in fear of death. And when they seek My mercy for this deed they shall find it, because they did it not in boldness but in danger of their safety, But as a woman should not wear a man's clothes, she should also not approach the office of My altar, for she should not take on a masculine role either in her hair or in her attire." Hildegard's words on this subject aren't trivial: nearly 300 years later, the only heresy charge of which Joan of Arc would be convicted was cross-dressing. It was enough to warrant her being burned alive at the stake.
Most of the text reads like this, though Hildegard (through what are purportedly God's direct words) also seeks to expound and justify existing church doctrine, as well as to address apparent contradictions. This is aided by judicious use of excerpts from the Old Testament.
Hildegard's final vision is prophetic rather than prescriptive: The church is depicted as a woman (the bride of God), and interestingly, the antichrist is depicted as a monstrous face where the woman's genitalia should be. Book II. Vision 11. The Last Days and the Fall of the Antichrist: "...And I saw again the figure of a woman whom I had previously seen in front of the altar that stands before the eyes of God; she stood in the same place, but now I saw her from the waist down. And from her waist to the place that denotes the female, she had various scaly blemishes; and in that latter place was a black and monstrous head. It had fiery eyes, and ears like an ass', and nostrils and mouth like a lion's; it opened wide its jowls and terribly clashed its horrible iron-colored teeth."
Also, Book II. Vision 11.14 Antichrist will horribly rend the faithful and cruelly tear humanity. "And thus in the place where the female is recognized is a black and monstrous head. For the son of perdition will come raging with the arts he first used to seduce, in monstrous shamefulness and blackest wickedness. It has fiery eyes, and ears like an ass', and nostrils and mouth like a lion's; for he runs wild in acts of vile lust and shameful blasphemy, causing people to deny God and tainting their minds and tearing the Church with the greed of rapine. It opens wide its jowls and terribly clashes its horrible iron-colored teeth; for with his voracious and gaping jaws he evilly infuses those who consent to him with his strong vices and mordant madness."
Recent decades have seen a resurgence of popular interest in Hildegard von Bingen, perhaps due mostly to the modern New Age movement. I humbly suggest that anyone who thinks Hildegard’s brand of mysticism fits neatly into the New Age pastiche might be disabused of this notion if they took the time to read Hildegard’s actual literary works written in her own words.
Hildegard was a woman who was arguably one of the most creative and productive intellectuals of her time (her creative output includes decades’ worth of books, letters, poems, and songs), a period in which a deeply, unabashedly patriarchal society held women to be something almost less than human. Yet, whatever her value as an inspirational feminist figure, those looking for an anti-patriarchal hero will find little to admire in Hildegard’s plainly abhorrent and backward views of women and gender roles. Like almost everyone that’s ever lived, she was a person firmly embedded in the culture of her time and place.
When appreciated for historical rather than spiritual insight, when taken on her terms rather than ours, the value of Hildegard’s work nevertheless remains for those interested in the past. They'll find that, beyond the beautiful, hypnotic illuminations, Scivias offers a relatively concise and readable glimpse into the prevailing cultural and spiritual/religious values of medieval Western Europe.
Hildegard von Bingen's Scivias (short for "Scito vias Domini," or "Know the Ways of the Lord") is, as the title suggests, mostly comprised of various divinely-ordained rules for life. In a manner reminiscent of the Book of Revelation (or even the Quran), Hildegard describes a particular vision (remarkable for their unusually abstract nature), and then recounts the words of God's direct speech explaining the meanings of each vision to Hildegard. This is especially fascinating since I'm not aware of similarly lengthy medieval texts purported to contain God's direct speech that were accepted by both Papal and political authority. Her visions are depicted by illuminations (the making of which she oversaw) that are arguably the most beautiful and haunting artwork to be produced anywhere in Europe during this period.
I should be clear that this is not the actual edition I read (mine was a 1954 German copy of the illuminated manuscript).
To give a sense of Hildegard's visions, here is the text accompanying Vision 1: "I saw a great mountain the color of iron, and enthroned on it One of such great glory that it blinded my sight. On each side of him there extended a soft shadow, like a wing of wondrous breadth and length. Before him, at the foot of the mountain, stood an image full of eyes on all sides, in which, because of those eyes, I could discern no human form. In front of this image stood another, a child wearing a tunic of subdued color but white shoes, upon whose head such glory descended from the One enthroned upon that mountain that I could not look at its face. But from the One who sat enthroned upon that mountain many living sparks sprang forth, which flew very sweetly around the images. Also, I perceived in this mountain many little windows, in which appeared human heads, some of subdued colors and some white."
This vision is only Hildegard's first introduction to what are purported to be God's insights, which are transmitted to her through especially unique and often jarring visual symbolism such as described above. Hildegard's theological exegesis unfolds in numbered lists that follow each vision; after a brief recounting of Lucifer's fall, an affirmation of the reality of damnation (the pre-King James "Gehenna," distinct from modern popular conceptions of "hell"), and original sin ("Because [the Devil] knew that the susceptibility of the woman would be more easily conquered than the strength of the man; and he saw that Adam burned so vehemently in his holy love for Eve that if he, the Devil, conquered Eve, Adam would do whatever she said to him."), Hildegard deftly transitions directly from Eve's transgression in Eden to "What things are to be observed and avoided in marriage."
In proscribing specific behaviors, there is (unsurprisingly) a particular focus on sexual intercourse, marriage, and proper gender roles. For example, Book I. Vision 2.22: Those who have intercourse with the pregnant are murderers. "...The woman is subject to the man in that he sows his seed in her, as he works the earth to make it bear fruit. Does a man work the earth that it may bring forth thorns and thistles? Never, but that it may give worthy fruit. So also this endeavor should be for the love of children and not for the wantonness of lust. Therefore, O humans, weep and howl to your God, Whom you so often despise in your sinning, when you sow your seed in the worst fornication and thereby become not only fornicators but murderers; for you cast aside the mirror of God and sate your lust at will."
God forbids women from the priesthood: Book II. Vision 6.76: Women should not approach the office of the altar. "So too those of female sex should not approach the office of My altar; for they are an infirm and weak habitation, appointed to bear children and diligently nurture them. A woman conceives a child not by herself but through a man, as the ground is plowed not by itself but by a farmer..."
In another illustrative example, God forbids straying from gender restrictions on clothing; Book II. Vision 6.77: Men and women should not wear each other's clothes except in necessity. "A man should never put on feminine dress or a woman use male attire, so that their roles may remain distinct, the man displaying manly strength and the woman womanly weakness; for this was so ordered by Me when the human race began. Unless a man's life or a woman's chastity is in danger; in such an hour a man may change his dress for a woman's or a woman for a man's, if they do it humbly in fear of death. And when they seek My mercy for this deed they shall find it, because they did it not in boldness but in danger of their safety, But as a woman should not wear a man's clothes, she should also not approach the office of My altar, for she should not take on a masculine role either in her hair or in her attire." Hildegard's words on this subject aren't trivial: nearly 300 years later, the only heresy charge of which Joan of Arc would be convicted was cross-dressing. It was enough to warrant her being burned alive at the stake.
Most of the text reads like this, though Hildegard (through what are purportedly God's direct words) also seeks to expound and justify existing church doctrine, as well as to address apparent contradictions. This is aided by judicious use of excerpts from the Old Testament.
Hildegard's final vision is prophetic rather than prescriptive: The church is depicted as a woman (the bride of God), and interestingly, the antichrist is depicted as a monstrous face where the woman's genitalia should be. Book II. Vision 11. The Last Days and the Fall of the Antichrist: "...And I saw again the figure of a woman whom I had previously seen in front of the altar that stands before the eyes of God; she stood in the same place, but now I saw her from the waist down. And from her waist to the place that denotes the female, she had various scaly blemishes; and in that latter place was a black and monstrous head. It had fiery eyes, and ears like an ass', and nostrils and mouth like a lion's; it opened wide its jowls and terribly clashed its horrible iron-colored teeth."
Also, Book II. Vision 11.14 Antichrist will horribly rend the faithful and cruelly tear humanity. "And thus in the place where the female is recognized is a black and monstrous head. For the son of perdition will come raging with the arts he first used to seduce, in monstrous shamefulness and blackest wickedness. It has fiery eyes, and ears like an ass', and nostrils and mouth like a lion's; for he runs wild in acts of vile lust and shameful blasphemy, causing people to deny God and tainting their minds and tearing the Church with the greed of rapine. It opens wide its jowls and terribly clashes its horrible iron-colored teeth; for with his voracious and gaping jaws he evilly infuses those who consent to him with his strong vices and mordant madness."
Recent decades have seen a resurgence of popular interest in Hildegard von Bingen, perhaps due mostly to the modern New Age movement. I humbly suggest that anyone who thinks Hildegard’s brand of mysticism fits neatly into the New Age pastiche might be disabused of this notion if they took the time to read Hildegard’s actual literary works written in her own words.
Hildegard was a woman who was arguably one of the most creative and productive intellectuals of her time (her creative output includes decades’ worth of books, letters, poems, and songs), a period in which a deeply, unabashedly patriarchal society held women to be something almost less than human. Yet, whatever her value as an inspirational feminist figure, those looking for an anti-patriarchal hero will find little to admire in Hildegard’s plainly abhorrent and backward views of women and gender roles. Like almost everyone that’s ever lived, she was a person firmly embedded in the culture of her time and place.
When appreciated for historical rather than spiritual insight, when taken on her terms rather than ours, the value of Hildegard’s work nevertheless remains for those interested in the past. They'll find that, beyond the beautiful, hypnotic illuminations, Scivias offers a relatively concise and readable glimpse into the prevailing cultural and spiritual/religious values of medieval Western Europe.
Read
March 12, 2015Hildegard, you didn't see shit.
August 22, 2011
Hildegard caught my interest years ago when I realized how popular albums of her music were at the library I worked at compared to everything else in our religious section. Then came to learn that she was both a very early female Christian thinker and mind of her day, as well as being something of an icon to a quasi-mystical, New Age and heterodox niche of spirituality today.
I found Hildegard's visions to have rather imaginative, dream/nightmare-esque qualities to them. Sort of reminded me of visions Dante presented. Her insights on the images she saw point to someone who wasn't crazy, but who could speak coolly to ecstatic visions. And she is most definitely *not* what the New Age wants to get in bed with. She a lot about judgment and the fallen nature of mankind, her theology is what you would expect from her day, a very God vs. Satan view of things.
I found Hildegard's visions to have rather imaginative, dream/nightmare-esque qualities to them. Sort of reminded me of visions Dante presented. Her insights on the images she saw point to someone who wasn't crazy, but who could speak coolly to ecstatic visions. And she is most definitely *not* what the New Age wants to get in bed with. She a lot about judgment and the fallen nature of mankind, her theology is what you would expect from her day, a very God vs. Satan view of things.
December 28, 2014
Beautiful book.
An inspiring classic.
If you enjoy Hildegard, please visit:
http://www.hildegardchristianmystic.com
Thank you.
God bless,
An inspiring classic.
If you enjoy Hildegard, please visit:
http://www.hildegardchristianmystic.com
Thank you.
God bless,
March 20, 2021
Hildegard was a nun from the 12th century who had prophetic visions of the metaphysical nature of the Persons of the Trinity, the human soul, the mystical Body of Christ, and the Church on earth and beyond. At times very hard to read (being written in 12th century, cut-and-dry good and evil morality, etc.), but a lot of striking passages with thought-provoking imagery. Great read for those looking for a unique perspective on Christian mysticism, as Hildegard is one of only four female Doctors of the Catholic Church and a female voice from the male-centric Middle Ages. Monotonous at times, but truly a good read.
Want to read
December 26, 2021haven't actually read this yet oh no just wanted to say yess!! my lesb!an queen!!!
November 18, 2025
A monumental and expansive meditation on the journey of the soul back to God, from the creation and fall of the cosmos through the building of God’s redemptive people to eternity, told from a cosmic and allegorical perspective.
“But let the one who has ears sharp to hear inner meanings ardently love My reflection and pant after My words, and inscribe them in his soul and conscience. Amen.”
“But let the one who has ears sharp to hear inner meanings ardently love My reflection and pant after My words, and inscribe them in his soul and conscience. Amen.”
February 15, 2019
An amazing visionary woman who wrote on so many subjects. This book is focussed on her spiritual visions. There is much truth in them and beauty showing that the Spirit has spoken to the children of God throughout all history. I didn't read the whole book but what I did read was very interesting and well written.
April 20, 2019
Read this day by day as a Lenten practice this year. As a musician, Hildegard is nigh on sacred territory. Her contributions to our field are legend. This was my first foray into reading one of her larger works without the medium of music accompanying. The experience did not disappoint. The world of Hildegard's visions is bizarre and vivid, both firmly inside the world of medieval mysticism yet somehow also managing to feel apart from it and unique. The most famous section of this work, (this book is basically a slightly abridged version of 'Scivias'), is the 'Ordo Virtutum,' which Hildegard also famously set to music. The virtues, in the form of various women, appear throughout this book and make their last stand to guide a repentant soul back to the light in the final pages of the work. I would be interested to read another translation of the work, as this one does not seem to be the most scholarly of interpretations. It just happened to be what was sitting around our house! Of course, it will bother me forever that the translator also chose to omit certain sections of the text, but with certain evocative titles like "Those Who Defile Themselves with Sexual Union While They are Pregnant Are Murderesses," can you really blame them? It does fly a bit in the face of our idea of Hildegard as medieval proto-feminist heroine. All the same, this woman was a fount of creativity and brilliance whose work was a foundation for much good in the Western canon.
February 20, 2019
The visions have the archetypal, Imaginal qualities which someone like Henry Corbin would point out. Though i feel Hildegard was being conservative with her interpretations. If she really interpreted these visions in there esoteric depths- and not just limit them to a theological, exoteric level- these writings would never have been published, quickly supressed by the catholic church. None the less, there is still Knowledge in these vast, subtle and intricately symbolic visions for those with Heart's which See.
December 13, 2022
She used cannabis. Probably a lot of it. That doesn't mean this case is closed. I don't doubt the authenticity of her visions, even if drugs were involved. However, I'm barely getting even the most basic meaning out of her interpretive lessons-- much less learning anything about God or the soul. Also, the illustrations are ridiculous and barely match the text. Sorry, Jesus.
July 30, 2008
I was more interested in her life and history than her actual visions. I enjoyed this book though. It was still worth reading. I feel very connected to her experience in a way. She was an amazing woman, especially for her time (1200's).
August 23, 2009
A biography of this incredible woman's life would be much more interesting to most readers than this collection of her visions.
Want to read
June 26, 2017She is being proclaimed a doctor of the Church this weekend! I've sung her music and have read her visions. I am intrigued to read the reasons she is being named a DoC.
November 29, 2019
I want to start this review by stating that just because I have given Scivias 5 stars does not mean I agree with everything in it. This book contains many sexist, homophobic and religiously discriminatory comments which are absolutely out of place in our modern age. That being said, that does not mean I cannot appreciate this book as a landmark in literature and especially women's writing. I discovered Hildegard a few months ago now while reading for one of my modules. I instantly connected to her because of her use of pagan and natural imagery in her work. I am not calling her a witch, just stating that her comparison of God to nature resonated with me. Scivias is her first published work, and it is a collection of visions given to Hildegard by God and her interpretations of them. These visions range from images of biblical events to prophecies of judgment day. This edition is particularly helpful because it has a summary of the visions in the introduction. These, along with several other useful notes, made this otherwise dense text easy to read. My only criticism is that I found the visions to be slightly repetitive towards the end, but this is because Hildegard was really trying to reinforce her message.
May 10, 2025
I LOVE HILDEGARD VON BINGEN! I first learned of Scivias in a medieval women writers course. This writing shows us that Hildegard knew how to make her writing known. During the time she was writing, women's writings were not taken seriously, and often women who spoke out about visions were accused of being in contact with the devil. Hildegard actually hid her visions from others for a long time (until about age 13 I believe) before becoming a Holy Hermit and finally writing about them. Hildegard was able to cater her writing to religious society. She uses lots of Biblical themes and verses, especially in ways that perhaps only religious folk at the time would pick up on. She has a way basically saying, "if you don't believe the accounts of my writings, then you must not believe in the Holy Spirit", making it to where you at least had to consider her work.
My favorite, favorite thing about this piece is her clear knowledge of the Bible and other religious writings of the time. She was truly intelligent and gifted, and ahead of her time.
My favorite, favorite thing about this piece is her clear knowledge of the Bible and other religious writings of the time. She was truly intelligent and gifted, and ahead of her time.
November 15, 2020
Hildegard von Bingen was a genius composer, poet, theology, mystic, philosopher, scientist, physician, pharmacist, and, above all, a visionary. She shook the Middle Ages with her writings and revelations. Her minimalist a cappella songs have the force of symphonies with massive choirs of angels. Watching her illustrations and reading and listening to her opens a gap to a universal spirit's unsuspected dimensions.
August 28, 2023
The editor's use of italicization is questionable at times, as it pretends to but does not actually divide the text into prophecy and commentary. De-italicizing all of the dialogue serves the purpose of making it seem less important or equal to the lengthy commentaries that follow each vision.
The introduction is great.
The introduction is great.
May 10, 2018
Part of my Middle Ages program. A really interesting woman for her time. Definitely needed to be part of a class.
August 13, 2018
I found it difficult to reconcile how Hildegard would see the ecclesial hierarchy a mirror to heaven and think of Creator God as feminine while the ecclesial hierarchy is so patriarchal.
February 11, 2020
I mean she was really cool
August 22, 2021
Reading this slowly in order to savor each detail. Mind blowing heavenly matter....
Read
February 17, 2023technically i “read” this but i heavily skimmed so i can’t count this without feeling fake lol (spring semester 2023)
June 26, 2023
Confession: I read -selections- of this in preparation for my comprehensive examinations in September. On one hand, I found Hildegard as a person, and her place in this text, to be fascinating. I did, however, find her explanations of the visions she had to be extremely dense and hard to wrap my mind around (which may be the point, I suppose).
January 25, 2024
Everything’s on fire!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 15, 2025
hildegard you are so cool but why WHYYYY do you talk about milk and cheese so much????
October 3, 2025
"Power, will, and burning: these three are crowns on the summit of work."
October 6, 2025
a good but dangerous private revelation if you're of weak faith or of poor scriptural understanding. The translation is decent and reads easily enough.
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