====== Berchta ======

<div #singlebox>
---- dataentry gods ----
name: Berchta
other_names: 
meaning: the bright one
sex_tags: F
origin_tags: Germanic
domain_tags: babies, children, afterlife, weaving
metal_tags: silver
herb_tags: birch
tool_tags: keys, spinner
rune_tags: ᛒ
----
</div>

Christianization turned Berchta from the loving guardian of children and babies into a child-eating witch of a gruesome nature. This is, of course, false demonization. [[https://otherworldlyoracle.com/ancient-germanic-goddesses/|Otherworldly Oracle]](([[https://archive.ph/M1ZLe|Page archive]])) notes that in Teutonic mythology, Berchta was the guardian and protector of babies and children.

She was also associated with the afterlife, and was responsible for ferrying the dead to the spirit world. She carried a set of keys for this purpose, and wore a shining white gown to guide spirits along the way. This suggests a connection to [[metal:silver]].

She is also associated with the cyclical nature of the universe through spinning and weaving.