The Cosmic Vision of Hildegard of Bingen

Ecologist, The, Jan, 2000 by Stephanie Roth

The equilibrium is further held together by the binding of the elements. The opposites result in a harmonious order to guarantee perfection for whatever is central to the particular cosmogram. However, the centre plays a vital part in maintaining the balance; the relationship is reciprocal.

The Balance of Nature

The cosmic wheel in her fourth vision, entitled On the Articulation of the Body explains the celestial influence on Men, animals and plants. Here Hildegard shows Man's activities within the natural cycle of the seasons, again corresponding to their natural qualities, temperaments and elements. If Man sins, he will disrupt the harmony of the cosmos. Nature will be too dry, too wet, too hot or too cold.

"The Earth is strengthened by rocks and trees. Like it, we humans are created because our flesh is like the Earth; our bones... like rocks... and... trees." [9] And she adds: "the just embrace the wisdom and know what is living" [10] and "Because of such considerations, humanity should regard almighty God as a seal and recognise all the divine wonders and symbols." [11]

The second vision, entitled On the Construction of the World, describes the human body and soul as a microcosm, repeating the divine plan and the natural world in miniature. Man as microcosm is at the centre of Creation, with which he shares a special relationship. "The ball in the midst of the circle... represents Earth... such a ball, which is round and rotating, most resembles that form of the world in all its details. It is maintained on all sides by these circles, is tied to them, and receives constantly from them the greening freshness of life and the fertility needed for the Earth's support." [12]

Man is framed by the elements in the traditional manner, except for one significant difference: "The figure in whose breast the cosmic wheel appears is the source of true love in whose knowledge the wheel rests. And this order... preserves and nourishes everything." [13] The head on top represents the Godhead, the source of Divine Love. The feet of "true love" represent thrones of justice and righteousness that support the universe.

Through the act of blessing, God infused Humankind and Creation with Divine Love, thus established his 'covenant'. Righteousness and justice are its guarantors. Christ, the Son of God, the 'second Adam', re-established this oath, which, according to Hildegard, involved the protection of nature. "Those who trust in God will also honour the stability of the world: the orbits of the Sun and the Moon, winds and air, earth and water... We have no other foothold. If we give up this world we shall be destroyed by demons and deprived of the angels' protection." [14]

References:

(1.) ed. Matthew Fox, Hildegard von Bingen's Book of Divine Works, Vision 1:2; Bear & Company, 1987.

(2.) Hans Liebeschutz, Das Allegorische Weltbild der Hildegard von Bingen, Studien der Bibliothek Warburg XVI, Berling, 1930.

(3.) Hildegard von Bingen, Physica, 755.

(4.) Hildegard von Bingen, Scivias, 3.5.17.