DRESSING OF THE SACRED SPRING
Homage is paid to the benevolent spirit of the spring. Nature worship was at the heart of the celtic Pagan religion. The Celts believed the Divine to be inherent in the landscape, with every feature inhabited by the spirits of nature. To the early celts, springs, rivers and lakes of the Isle of the Mighty were the dwelling places of the spirits of water. For this reason many streams (especially springs) were considered sacred sites, each with its guardian spirit. The fresh waters that spring from the earth were thought to carry gifts from the underworld--cures for the sick, and in some instances, knowledge, inspiration, and future sight. Some wells were said to restore life; if offended, teh spirit would also take life, rising up and drowning the culprit. Given that the spirits of water were generally considered feminine, the dressing rites, and offerings to the goddess of the spring are thought to hve been performed by women. This traidtion, though somewhat modifie...
Comments
Post a Comment