![]() ![]() ![]() Veneration of the Fates persisted under many titles, as the Norns, sudice, fatas and fées, Wyrd or the Three Weird Sisters.Witches and Pagans looks at women&rsquos sacraments in early medieval Europe, a subject that has been buried deep for centuries. They include Berthe Pédauque, also known as the &ldquoSwan-footed Queen,&rdquo whose spinning began at the proverbial beginning of time. ![]() Archaeological finds of their ritual staffs show that many symbolize the distaff, a spinner&rsquos wand that connects with wider European themes of goddesses, fates, witches, and female power. ![]() She shows that the old ethnic names for &ldquowitch&rdquo signify &lsquowisewoman,&rsquo &lsquoprophetess,&rsquo &lsquodiviner,&rsquo &lsquochanter,&rsquo &lsquoherbalist,&rsquo and &lsquohealer.&rsquo She fleshes out the oracular ceremonies of the Norse völur (&ldquostaff-women&rdquo), their incantations and &ldquositting-out&rdquo on the land seeking vision. In this compelling exploration of language, archaeology, and early medieval literature, Max Dashu illuminates hidden cultural heritages. ![]()
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