Mairwen
May 24th, 2001, 11:02 AM
(taken from Welsh-Gwyddonic Bardic Lore)
The Dwelling Place of the Gods
by: Gwidd’Ana
Pagans, realizing that no life could exist without the element of water, and seeing the great effect of water as a symbol of their Lady, the Moon, had over all waters; the seas, the tides, etc., have given always a great amount of importance and reverence to all sources of this precious substance. As well as the mystery and awe inspired by the oceans, rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds, a place of great significance was given by the Pagans of old to their secret wells.
The Church found the ancient practice of well worship one of the most difficult features of Paganism to eradicate. Many sacred wells still exist today. In many parts of Britain, wells are still decorated with flowers and greenery on special occasions. Well worship has been dated as far back as before the Bronze Age. The Ancients regarded water as one of the prime sources of life and rivers, springs, and wells were believed to be the dwelling place of the gods. Many rivers still carry names that express the Pagan beliefs of long ago. In our pantheon, a remarkable number of wells are dedicated to Bridget and also to Bride, which is another form of Bridget. This goddess’ influence was so great that with coming of Christianity she was renamed St. Bridget.
In Ireland, many of the sacred wells were dedicated to Anu, the Mother of our gods. This goddess was incorporated into the Catholic Church as St Anne; most of her wells have been renamed to reflect the Church’s takeover.
Legends related that when Christianity triumphed over Paganism that the Old Gods retreated into the rivers and lakes and would dwell there until called upon by those who understood the Old Ways.
The Dwelling Place of the Gods
by: Gwidd’Ana
Pagans, realizing that no life could exist without the element of water, and seeing the great effect of water as a symbol of their Lady, the Moon, had over all waters; the seas, the tides, etc., have given always a great amount of importance and reverence to all sources of this precious substance. As well as the mystery and awe inspired by the oceans, rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds, a place of great significance was given by the Pagans of old to their secret wells.
The Church found the ancient practice of well worship one of the most difficult features of Paganism to eradicate. Many sacred wells still exist today. In many parts of Britain, wells are still decorated with flowers and greenery on special occasions. Well worship has been dated as far back as before the Bronze Age. The Ancients regarded water as one of the prime sources of life and rivers, springs, and wells were believed to be the dwelling place of the gods. Many rivers still carry names that express the Pagan beliefs of long ago. In our pantheon, a remarkable number of wells are dedicated to Bridget and also to Bride, which is another form of Bridget. This goddess’ influence was so great that with coming of Christianity she was renamed St. Bridget.
In Ireland, many of the sacred wells were dedicated to Anu, the Mother of our gods. This goddess was incorporated into the Catholic Church as St Anne; most of her wells have been renamed to reflect the Church’s takeover.
Legends related that when Christianity triumphed over Paganism that the Old Gods retreated into the rivers and lakes and would dwell there until called upon by those who understood the Old Ways.