Hello everyone!
Hope all have had a good summer. Afraid I have little to contribute at the
moment to current discussions due to limited internet access. However I
have a query from a couple of months back which I would like to reiterate,
if anyone has any pointers or answers. (The following is taken from a prior
message of mine):
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As regards your interest, I have a vague recollection (probably from Janet
and Colin Bord’s books) that wells were revered and had to be treated with
extreme care and respect. If they were in any way misused or ‘clooties’
were not hung from neighbouring trees to express gratitude to the God/~dess
for healing, then an horrible fate would befall the desecrators, usually in
the immediate vicinity of the well and shortly after the misdeed.
Sometimes, however, this could take place some while afterward and/or some
distance away. I’m wondering if anyone can recall specific tales relating
to this enquiry, or give me some pointers as to:
- appeasement ceremonies regarding some perceived wrong done to the
God/~dess at said well;
- names (generic or dialect) of deities or woodland beings associated with
wells;
- or indeed, whether the presence or absence of surrounding trees is
understood to make any difference to the character of a well inasmuch as:
- whether its healing properties are greater or lesser than those in
non-wooded areas;
- whether its location affects or is affected by the sex of the
protective deity;
- whether there are any myths or legends that suggest a rapport between
wells and trees, or those deities associated with those places, or if there
are any tales in which the relation is more antagonistic;
- to what extent the character of a well is seen to spiritually affect
the life of the surrounding area.
It may sound a bit New-Agey, but my point of interest is in examining the
extent to which wells and trees / water and forests, were viewed as entities
with personalities in harmony or at war with each other or separate entities
(e.g., animals, people). […] Many thanks for your interest. I look forward
to interesting responses!
Stephen Beebee.
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Wells and spas is always interesting to read, the websites are fascinating,
keep up the good work!
Steve BB
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