Hildegard, renowned as a mystic, author, musical composer; a researcher in science, medicine and herbs, she presented a powerful woman to the people of her time. Born in Germany, 1098, the 10th child of a wealthy family, Hildegard experienced visions from an early age. At age 8 she was sent to a Benedictine monastery as a “tithe child” under care of Jutta. A dedicated student and nun, she was elected abbess in 1136. She separated what was a double house and moved the women to Rupertsburg, gaining freedom for her female leadership in 1148.
