Sacred Wells and Springs
/The Chalice Well
Our
Oceans are precious to us, but for hundreds even thousands of years
humans have regarded fresh water springs and wells as sacred. With a
long history of magic, spells, healing and cursing the UK has some
amazing sacred springs. Each month this column will introduce you to one
with a little history, folklore, and magic! Since it is spring I
decided to start with the Chalice well. The Chalice well has so much
history both Christian and Pagan. It is located in the small village of
Glastonbury which is located in the South West of the UK. It is called
the Chalice well due to the mythology of the Holy Grail being hidden in
its depths. Though it has never been found the Chalice well has become a
place of healing and of feminine transformation. The waters which
originate a few miles away bubble up in this sacred spot. The waters
flow red, rich with iron deposits and speak of the womb, the goddess,
and birth. No wonder the sign of the Vesica Pisces has been placed on
the well cover. A Sacred symbol, which is associated with the Flower of
Life and other Sacred Geometric formations. Strangely the Chalice well
flows just feet from the White Well at Glastonbury which we will discuss
in future newsletters. Today Glastonbury is very much like Salem and
Sedona with many shops catering to the new age and pagan folk and many
kindred spirits roaming the streets....
Montezuma's Well
Montezuma's
Well is Arizona's Sacred Spring. While we have other springs that are
used for recreation this particular one has a long history of being
sacred, and a place of magic and mysticism. The name Montezuma's well is
a misnomer as the Aztec King Montezuma has never been associated with
this sacred place. Montezuma's well is a natural limestone sinkhole that
pumps around 15,000,000 gallons of water a day. It is believed that
this place has been used by indigenous cultures as far back as 600 C.E.
However it is possible that this sacred springs has been used for 10,000
years. While there is still much mystery surrounding the well, it is
believed to be a place of spirituality. During the 1895 expedition and
exploration of this sacred land, it was noted that the pit house or
small cliff dwelling at the top of the well was a place of rest,
spirituality and possibly a resting place for a shaman or a place to
deposit offerings to the gods and the spring. We know that indigenous
cultures from the UK to South America have always had much respect and
spirituality surrounding sacred springs. It would not be too much of a
leap to think that the indigenous cultures of the America's and the UK
had a similar understanding and reverence for our sacred waters. Today
it is tended and cared for by our National Forest, and those that are
called to protect our sacred waters...
Click here to learn more about Montezuma's Well
Sulis is a
Brithonic Goddess that presides over Bath, where she has a temple first
built by the Romans. Though inactive for several hundred years during
the Victorian era the hot springs was resurrected and many would still
visit. Aristocrats from both the Roman and Victorian area would frequent
this sacred space. Today tourists flock to see the ruins and her temple
is alive and well with many patrons visiting and the Government caring
for the ruins. While it is now a museum the energy that surrounds it
keeps her alive and well. While Sulis is a water goddess, and healer
she is also the keeper of curses.
Bath: The Roman Temple of Sulis
Sulis
was also called Sulis Minerva by the Romans, while they are the ones
credited with the wonderful architecture of her temple, she was
originally worshiped by the Celts and other locals of the land. The
etymology of her name is still argued about today. Some believe it means
clear sight, while other think that it is associated with the sun.
Still others think it means gap, and she is often referred to as the
Goddess of the Gap. This is interesting as she isn't really an
underworld deity but isn't really an above world deity either. She is
the goddess of the gap, the place between, she is both here and there,
in and out etc. Hundreds of votive offerings
and over 100 curse tablets are found in her temple ruins. She is a
goddess of indulgence, chocolate, flowers, luscious waters, and votive
offerings. This liminal goddess was once loved and feared for being both
a Goddess of healing and cursing. Today she is honored by just a few
Priestess who are dedicated to working with her, keeping the waters
clean, and sacred springs.
Visit Sulis the Goddess of the hot springs at bath with this virtual tour
Tonopah and El Dorado Hot Springs
El Dorado Hot Springs which means "Hot water under the bush" is a Hot Spring in Tonopah Arizona. These hot waters bubble up from the subterranean hot springs that lie under the hot desert sands. The waters are thick with a soothing mix of natural minerals. Ducks, Peafowl and wild birds roam the desert oasis, which is full of life. Don't let the hot desert fool you, there is much life, wild and tamed that roam these grounds and call them home. I have visited this wonderful place before and you can read about it and see some other photos here.
