This German term has been used as a synonym for "witch" for centuries.
- However, term was initially used to characterize pre-Christian Germanic women who were also known as priestesses, prophetesses, shamans, and magical practitioners.
- Alrauna seems to have the same origins as the words "rune" and "rowan."
- There is very little information on the alrauna that has survived.
- What's left is nearly entirely based on Roman observations: Tacitus portrayed the "aurinia" as having magical abilities, while Aventinus characterized them as "loose-haired, bare-legged witches."
- There are also a few cryptic allusions to "crossroads goddesses," which alrauna might have initially (or additionally) meant the spirits these prophetesses served.
- Mandrake roots are also known as alrauna.
CREATIVE ARTS:
Films: Alraune,
Literature: Alraune. Alraundelberin: Germanic synonym for “witch” first used in the sixteenth century.
It literally means “alraune bearer” and refers to the magical use of mandrake roots.
Related to: Alraune, Haljoruna;
BOTANICALS: Rowan Mandrake, Haljoruna.
You may also want to read more about Paganism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on Religion here.
