The "Pagan" Lady - Island Soul

Step back in time to around 950 AD, an era when the Vikings reigned supreme over both land and sea. Amidst the stories of their conquests and adventures, there lies a remarkable and mysterious tale – the burial of the Pagan Lady of Peel Castle in the pathway of the feminine pathway of the ventral Serpent Energy line. In a time when male burials were the norm for status symbols, the Pagan Lady’s resting place stands as a unique testament to her extraordinary life. Join us on a journey to uncover the captivating story behind this enigmatic woman and her treasures.

In 1984 an extraordinary discovery in the castle was made – the final resting place of the “Pagan” Lady. Unlike her contemporaries, she defied conventions, leaving behind a legacy that continues to baffle historians and archaeologists to this day. What sets her apart is not only her gender but also the exquisite treasures interred with her.

At the heart of this intriguing story lies a stunning necklace, a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Comprising glass, amber, and jet, this necklace has defied the ravages of time, retaining its superb colours and allure. The beads adorning her necklace tell a story of their own. Originating from far and wide, including Britain and Europe, these beads reflect a possibly well-traveled life. Some of them even predate the Pagan Lady by 300 years, each one a unique piece of history and a testament to her cosmopolitan connections.

Also discovered, were two pendants – one fashioned from two large amber beads and the other from a fossil ammonite. These pendants, like the necklace itself, hint at a life of opulence and exotic connections.

As archaeologists continued excavating, they unearthed an intriguing assortment of artefacts. A miniature mortar and pestle, a long iron rod cloaked in textile, feathers, and seeds, and the delicate feathers from a goose wing were all found alongside her. These curious objects invite us to ponder the multifaceted nature of her life and her role within her community.

The official narrative suggests that she may have been the affluent companion of a high-ranking Viking. However, the mysteries surrounding her life hint at something more profound. Could she have been a wise woman, a healer, or even a shaman? The artefacts speak of a deeper connection to the mystical and spiritual world.

The Vǫlva: Healer, seer and medicine woman

In the world of the Vikings, there existed a unique and revered role – the Vǫlva, a pagan sorceress with supernatural insight. They were known to foresee the future, a power deeply intertwined with the practice of Seidr magic, known as seiðr in Old Norse. The Pagan Lady’s burial, complete with the tools of this mystical trade, suggests the possibility that she herself was a Vǫlva, one of the seers who commanded respect and awe in Viking society.

Could her necklace also hint to a time spent in training with mystery schools, with each bead her qualification for each craft learnt?

The story of the Pagan Lady of Peel Castle is a captivating journey into the heart of a bygone era, where Viking legends and mysticism intertwine. Her unconventional burial and the treasures that accompany her remain an enduring enigma, prompting us to question the traditional narratives of history. As we peel back the layers of time, one thing becomes clear – the Pagan Lady was not just a woman of her age; she was a keeper of secrets, a weaver of mysteries, and a testament to the boundless possibilities of the human spirit.

The “Pagan” Lady

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