"Where her head was lifted, a spring was found....
Healing for every disease is within it....
Making body and soul whole."
____ Life of St. Gwenfrewl, anon, Welsh chronicle (trans CM)
The communion with the holy waters of a well or sacred spring is intrinsically part of Celtic tradition. All natural places of water have their own indwelling spirit, but many wells and springs frequently have holy, curative properties.
The way in which we approach these sacred waters matters a great deal. The tendency among many people now exploring and discovering the sacred sources of land, heritage, and culture is to act as consumers, demanding that the sacred otherworld give to us unstintingly. We do not participate in the sacred by such action, rather, we disconnect ourselves from participation. We can so easily become takers rather than givers. The act of sacred participation always requires us to give the gift of ourselves, to honor the sacred presence, to respond and reciprocate with our very best. This means behaving appropriately when we visit: not using the sacred place as a site for mundane refreshment, for example, smoking or picnicking or listening to the radio or Ipod. When we come within the compass of ancient springs, we are on holy ground. When we take the waters, it should prayerfully and thankfully, engaging spiritually with guardian spirit of the waters.
By not allowing ourselves to become consumers of the otherworldly gifts that present themselves so generously to us, by reciprocating with thanks, we permit those gifts to work their own healing, reconnective magic upon us.
"Find out where your own nearest source of sacred water is to be found. What are the traditions surrounding it? Go and visit it if you can, and experience the waters for yourself."
[From: The Celtic Spirit by Caitlin Matthews]
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