The moon is a symbol for the Church for it waxes and wanes like the Church depending on the state of human affairs and is the second brightest. The sun represents Jesus as it is the brightest, most intense, and allows the moon and stars to shine. First, Hildegard compares the sun, moon, and stars to the order of the world. In Book 2 Vision 5, Hildegard discusses the three orders of the Church, which deals heavily with social structure in the medieval world. It should be noted that Hildegard did recognize corruption could occur, so she clarifies that governments that only exercise the will of God have authority (Mews 52). While Hildegard does not draw a distinct line between which secular group matches which spiritual group, it is clear that she views the authority to rule with that of spiritual identity (Flanagan 27-28). Hildegard corresponds these groups with four spiritual groups: the outstanding, the superior, the obedient, and the supervisors. She then further divides the secular population into four groups: nobles, nobler, servants, and serfs. Hildegard states this was done "so would not kill each other off and perish". She also dictates that some people have a natural claim to authority as God divided humanity into two groups: one to rule and one to be subject. To her, government was "ordained by the Ruler of all things" and therefore should be obeyed. In Book 3 Vision 6, Hildegard sheds light on her ideas concerning government. By having these characteristics, Hildegard reimagined the apocalyptic tradition while expressing her thoughts (Mews 47-48). These virtuous people will be the ones who build the true church. In Scivias, Hildegard says that humans who are morally righteous can become virtuous.
For example, she described the true church as a female dressed in episcopal garb and creates a symbol for celestial love as a woman carrying a mitre over loose white hair. Finally, Hildegard's writing is unique because it focuses on the density of humanity and the true church being built. Instead of criticizing the Church order, Hildegard subtly insists for the corruption to be removed and keeping the current order. Secondly, Hildegard uses feminine imagery through Scivias. Most apocalyptic works call for the destruction of a current system. The first reason is that is calls for moral reform instead of institutional reform. Hildegard of Bingen wrote Scivias, or Know the Way, around 1151 or 1152. It is considered to be an apocalyptic work and is the first in her visionary triology.