Sibilla
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Sibillia; Sibylla
ORIGIN:
Italy
According to Italian legend, after vanishing from Rome, the Cumaean Sybil took refuge in a cavern in the Apennines. Her underground paradise was reached through a grotto filled with snakes in the mountains of Norcia, an Italian region renowned for witches and mushrooms. She’s allegedly still in this cavern, teaching the magical arts to those who wish to learn. (
SEE ALSO:
Sybil.)
A Christian rendition of Sibilla’s legend acknowledges her powers of prophecy but claims that the Sybil didn’t enter her cave voluntarily but was instead locked in as punishment for her arrogance in believing that she, not the Virgin Mary, was destined to bear the Messiah. It’s possible that this refers to now-suppressed claims that the Sybil would bear a holy child who would be a savior.
This is no fairy tale. A real life shrine, the Ridge of the Sibillini, once existed below Mount Vettore. During the fifteenth century, visitors from throughout Europe traveled to Norcia to see the cave. As her acclaim and reputation grew, the ancient prophetess transformed into a goddess of witches. Sibilla, her craft name, allegedly presides over witches’ flight and witches’ balls.
By the end of the fifteenth century, the Church had a standing order to excommunicate anyone who made the pilgrimage to Sibilla’s shrine. (On the other hand, those who defied the decree and visited were reputedly blessed by Sibilla with a lifetime of joy.) Should you stay in Sibilla’s cavern for over a year, you would allegedly never be able to leave, but on the plus side, you would remain eternally youthful, living amid abundance and revelry in a witch’s paradise.
Of course those are the positive legends: witch-goddesses usually weren’t permitted such good press, and so other stories exist, too, although even these may be interpreted in various ways:
• Sibilla sprouts a snake’s tail every Saturday.
• The legendary Wandering Jew finally settled down, transformed into a snake, and serves as Sibilla’s door guardian.
• At night, all the inhabitants of Sibilla’s paradise turn into snakes.
• To gain admission to Sibilla’s Cave, one must copulate with snakes.
FAVOURED PEOPLE:
Christian legend describes Sibilla as the ancestress of all witches, magicians, and occultists.
Spirit allies:
Diana and Fata Morgana sometimes reside with Sibilla. The three may be venerated together.
Creature: Snake
SEE ALSO:
Diana; Fata Morgana; Sybil
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.