Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning, and Mythology of Holy Wells & Waters, 2nd Ed.

Sacred Wells is an in depth study of springs, wells and waters that have been venerated from California to Cornwall, Russia to Australia. Tales of faeries, black hounds, hauntings and miraculous cures are explored. Many of these sites are still locations for religious festivals and ritual, unchanging for hundreds of years.This book is a welcome addition to the scant literature concerning holy wells, springs, and rivers around the world, one of just a few serious works outside of regional studies which discusses, in depth, the folklore, mythology, and archaeology of holy wells and springs, as well as rituals that still exist today at many of the sacred water sites around the world. Sacred Wells is a fascinating look at the continuation of ancient pagan traditions into modern culture. Many of these water sources, from California to Cornwall and from Estonia to Australia, are still frequented for their miraculous healing powers. Mysterious beasts, ghosts, fairies, and gods are still believed to reside in and near these holy areas. This study examines the universal appeal of these sites and provides an excellent reference for anyone interested in folklore, history, and the development of religion.Preface by the Author: Sacred Wells was originally published in 2002. Since that time, I have visited a large number of additional sacred sites, including those associated with Native American rock art, gargoyle-embellished cathedrals, sacred landscapes and, of course, sacred wells. I continue to travel back to the subject of holy wells and waters and when Algora Publishing gave me an opportunity to expanded and reissue the book in this present volume, I couldn t resist.Much of our mythic environment is forgotten, discarded or abused. The thirst for coal and oil, for land for housing developments and business parks, and the desire to control the few wild rivers to harness energy, consistently degrades our habitat and the habitat of the wild animals that continue to struggle to survive. It also destroys much of the landscape that, for a variety of reasons, has a special meaning for various people, some of that revealed in ancient tales that used to be told. Now, many of the mysterious locations our ancestors held in awe are forgotten. I am pleased to reissue Sacred Wells so that these sacred places and their legends will continue to be known to those who may wish to learn from them and perhaps even to experience their special nature for themselves.Sacred wells are recognized in nearly every culture and in every age. Long associated with feminine, divine power they are also seen as places of healing, magick, wisdom and sources to the Other World. Some believe that these wells were originally created to bring the moon and its powers to the earth, at least in its reflection. Water from these holy wells was believed to have the intrinsic value of fertility and life, and thereby love and sexuality. In many cultures, and for untold centuries, it has been believed that Holy wells are inhabited, or at least guarded, by nymphs and faeries. Holy wells are also contradictory. Traditions have held that they are life giving, they grant wishes, they heal, they foretell the future but also that they may take life, apply curses, and serve as residences for lost souls and supernatural mischief-makers.Most holy wells have been renamed after Christian saints but in many cases the ancient practices associated with them continue. Votive offerings are still left in secret at many out-of-the-way locations throughout Great Britain and Europe. What is most important is how these monuments affect us today. Do we find an important archetypal link in our concept of what is holy and divine through these wells? Do we find ourselves at peace when we visit these areas? [book Title] Discusses In Depth The Folklore, Mythology, And Archaeology Of Holy Wells, Springs, And Rivers Around The World ... And European Tales Of Faeries, Black Hounds, And Hauntings Are Explored As Are The Mysteries Surrounding Native American Cupholes And Sacred Springs Near Mt. Shasta And Neighboring Countries, And Miraculous Cures ... Traditional Beliefs Are Explained, Along With Rituals That Are Still Practiced Today At Certain Water Sites. This Study Examines The Universal Appeal Of These Scenes Of Natural Beauty And Legendary Mystique.--back Cover. The Sacred Well In Ancient History -- Spotlight On Sacred Wells -- Sacred Wells -- Holy Trees -- Wells And Votive Offerings -- Myths And Legends -- Healing Wells And Springs -- Ancient And Contemporary Rituals Observed At Holy Wells -- An Historical Perspective On Holy Wells -- Holy Wells And Divine Apparitions -- Holy Wells And Today's World -- Place Names And The Danger Of Language -- What Makes Healing Water Heal? Gary R. Varner. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Acknowledgements 10 Preface to the Algora Edition 14 Table of Contents 16 Introduction 20 Chapter 1. The Sacred Well in Ancient History 24 Chapter 2. Spotlight on Sacred Wells 34 Chapter 3. Sacred Wells — Holy Trees 80 Chapter 4. Wells and Votive Offerings 86 Chapter 5. Myths and Legends 108 Chapter 6. Healing Wells and Springs 126 Chapter 7. Ancient and Contemporary Rituals Observed at Holy Wells 144 Chapter 8. An Historical Perspective on Holy Wells 156 Chapter 9. Holy Wells and Divine Apparitions 164 Chapter 10 Holy Wells in Today's World 170 Chapter 11. Place Names and the Danger of Language 174 Chapter 12. What Makes Healing Water Heal? 178 Chapter 13. Gazeteer 184 Chapter 14. Resources 192 Bibliography 194 Index 202 Annotation. Sacred Wells is an in depth study of springs, wells and waters that have been venerated from California to Cornwall, Russia to Australia. Tales of faeries, black hounds, hauntings and miraculous cures are explored. Many of these sites are still locations for religious festivals and ritual, unchanging for hundreds of years. The book is illustrated with photos taken by the author