WellMaidens

Vision

At the center of The Mab is the story of Branwen, Daughter of Llyr, who dies of a broken heart and is buried in a four-sided grave alongside the river Alaw. Those who have troubled to look up the meaning of the personal and place names in the Mab will know already what is about to be revealed. For the rest, let this serve as a reminder of how very much we misunderstand when we do not pause to explore what is unfamiliar. The word 'alaw' means 'lily', and is specifically associated with the white lily, the flower of the Lily Maids or 'Ladies of the Lake'; the Druid novices who served at the ancestral springs and wells and who were remembered in later lore as 'Faery women'.

We know the flow of life force through the three Cauldrons of the soul shrine, and our places of power were (and are) chosen for the manifest presence of these features in the landscape. Every Avalonian site has its Well, its Perpetual Flame, Hollow Hill, and Sacred Grove or Wood. The lore tells us that it was women who tended them. Who tends these, tends the well-being of the individual and the whole. Clean and clear of weeds and debris we keep them still, and daily resanctify them to their dedicated purposes. In time past, our sister-ancestors answered the needs of kin and passing travelers alike. Ours was one of the three tests which confronted the candidates for sacred lordship, and we did not give over our secrets lightly. The lore of the 'inundations' graphically details the consequences when our services are abused or our duties neglected. As the responsibility has not diminished, so neither have the consequences of our successes and failures.

Today, our folk observe these ways in local Groves and in the solitude of personal practice; yet it seemed appropriate to us, since so many solitary members are reliant on the Web for their primary sense of spiritual community, that we should all share in feeling the motion of the Three Cauldrons as they are affected by the keeping of the Harmonies directly. While we cannot offer a literal cup from the spring to those who come to visit us at our cyber well, we can offer them the blessing, prayers and healing of the Sisters who serve here. Therefore let this place be both a place of spiritual dedication for the one, and of spiritual replenishment for the other.

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ADO had (informally) established its own Order of Well Maidens long before ever contemplating re-establishing a modern Order of Flame Keepers. Its work was established in two primary meditations: one centered on the Red Spring (Chalice Well) and the other on the White Spring in Glaston, Somerset. These two springs arise from very different sources separated by hundreds of miles underground, and have two different patronesses (or "devas" as they are sometimes called). It was important to firmly establish the first two practices before adding the third and final component to the working: a meditation for Briga's Well. Briga is the earlier form of the Lady known to the Gaels as 'Brighid' or 'Bride'; the Ladies of the Red and White Springs are her Sisters. In time past, all the Tribes knew Her by all of Her names; but in our own day this is no longer true. Few are the people familiar with the Lady as Briga (Brig, Brigantia) and many those who know Her as the Gaelic Goddess and Celtic Christian Saint. By calling upon Her by Her ancient name, we hope to avoid being subsumed in the more widespread and familiar work of the Gaelic Celtic Sisterhoods and remain firmly rooted in our own time, Tribes, and practice. To our knowledge, there is no established Order of Well Maidens anywhere else; and perhaps this is appropriate, since it is a function specific to Avalon and particularly to our branch of Avalonian Tradition.

As more members began to participate in the meditations, we began to notice a correlation with world events. When more people meditated, world tensions eased and peace seemed more attainable. If participation dropped off, the world would plunge once again into the darkness of Shadow and unresolved soul debts. This effect was greatly amplified when the Well Maidens offered their moonblood to the land during vigil. Moonblood is our original gift to the land in thanks for all her nuturing of us. It is freely given (it comes every month) and so no unnatural act must be taken to obtain it. It is the richest source of nutrients on the planet and, when given appropriately, does a great deal to restore the health and fertility of the soil. We are taught that it also contains constituents that slow aging and promote "eternal life". The ancients made preparations of it for use in the Sacred Marriage, the union of opposites that represents the universal restoration of Unity and wholeness. Because moonblood is intended to nourish new life, it is far more potent than blood drawn in other ways. It is said that when men forbid the women of the Tribes to gift their moonblood to the land, the offering was required of them; but their blood offerings were neither "willing" nor could they match the potency of the women's offering. Thus, was the balance upset and the world plunged into a mass blood-letting from which it has yet to free itself ... While the modern, sophisticated mind may want to smile at this thought, direct observation will soon prove its truth. We encourage those of you who are able to include the moonblood gift as part of your Well vigil for at least six months. During this time, watch world news and events carefully, and see what unfolds to you.

The Well of Wisdom

For the far ancestors, the Well was the centre of the settlement, providing cleansing, life-giving water for everyone. If the Well went dry or its water went bad, the life of the community was threatened; thus the Well represents the Wisdom of community, the knowledge to maintain and preserve our natural resources. The ancestors taught that the Dead cross the waters of life on their passage to the Otherworld, where Truth is illuminated and the soul healed and replenished. The waters of the Well symbolise our connection with our ancestors and the power of the Otherworld. We offer the Well our Compassion in all that we do; our Honour in facing and telling the truth and in paying our debts; and our Service to Avalon, to Tradition, the Order, our families, and our community.

Well Lore, Customs & Prayers

There are many customs attached to keeping and visiting sacred wells that are nearly forgotten in our own time, and so we thought it beneficial to review a sampling of them here. When we speak of "wells", we are also speaking of springs (for the first wells were but springs around which stones were piled and the weeds pulled away). Most wells have a lid to protect the waters from contamination and to reduce evaporation. The necessity of opening and closing the well demands its own ceremony. It is customary to "open" a well at dawn by lifting the lid, dressing it with flowers, and "singing it awake" to its purpose. At midday it is common to hold a vigil, prayer or meditation at the wellhead. At sunset the well is "closed" by "singing it to sleep" and closing the lid for the evening. In between waking and sleeping, wells are used according to their appointed purposes: for drinking, healing, bathing, anointing, etc. One important, ancient use of the water from sacred wells is to bless other nearby bodies of water; an act performed in ceremonial procession after waking the well at dawn. The lore of the well is kept alive by its keeper, who tells its story to those who come to visit as part of the refreshment offered them. Those who receive of a well are expected to leave a gift for its attendant and for its Deva (or indwelling Spirit).

You will find no sacred well without its guardian tree (symbolism which is fraught with meaning for the keen Avalonian), yew, rowan, hazel, bay laurel, and willow being the most common, On occasion, combinations of two or more of these species may be found together at once; each fulfilling its own special function in relation to the well or spring. It is important to take time to observe and acquaint yourself with each site's unique relationships and dynamics, for these are important keys to the site's long past and may greatly facilitate its use in the present. The ancient lore of trees will also prove most helpful here and we encourage you to explore it in depth -- not as an intellectual study, but in direct relation to your hands-on experience at specific sites. Such contemplations provide a window into the Celtic mindset, providing a useful segue into a Braithion context for understanding the Mysteries that are about to unfold.

Today, few wells have keepers and those that do seldom have Druid novices to mind them! Nonetheless, there is a proper way to approach a sacred well or spring. The manner of approach depends upon the features (such as trees, graves or mounds, and standing stones) that surround it. If you are not sure and there is no one present to show you or provide guidance on the matter, it is best to pause and consult with the Spirits of Place. Sacred wells and springs are always attended by Guardians who may become perturbed if the well is approached improperly. Remember to leave a gift in token of thanks for their help (even if you are told not to enter), and always respect their responses in the matter. If there are standing stones between the entrance and the wellspring, it is likely you will have to circumambulate them somehow. Ask the Guardian how this is to be done. Remember that you are being entrusted with sacred information to the site, and that the approach you are given is the approach that you need right now (i.e. it may change later on, or be different for others). You will not be sure this is the usual approach until you have visited a number of times, so it's best to approach each time with a fresh outlook and no expectations. Once you arrive at the wellspring, circle around at least three times before approaching. Stop at the front of the well and kneel, touching your forehead to the ground. This both grounds you, and allows the well stones to communicate more directly with you. Lean forward and gaze into the water. Smell its fragrance.

Now is a good time to say or sing your prayer to the indwelling Spirit of the Well. If you are at a public site, be mindful and respectful of others who may be meditating nearby. If you have to, whisper your prayer to the Well Maiden. You may then begin your contemplation (based on the meditations you have been taught). When you feel you have connected deeply with the Spirit of the Well, leave her a gift in thanks for what you have received, acknowledge her (and her attendant, if any) with a ritual gesture, and back away. Circle the well three times and, if you are with others, return to your place in the circle. When all have communed, if there is a wishing tree near or over the well you may tie a clootie there with your wishes for healing as you pass on your way out. Remember to be gentle and do not harm the tree. (Never push nails, pins, or coins into a living tree. While this is some people's custom, it is very damaging and does no more for you than the harmless clootie.) Go out the way you came in -- including retracing your circumambulation of any stones enroute.

A sample prayer is shown below. It is taken from a carving on a sacred healing well on Mona (Anglesey). It has become very popular and a number of religious groups have laid claim to variations on it, but its origins are in Avalon. We hope you enjoy it.

Prayer of the Chalice

[Ynys Môns, Wales]

Mother, To thee I raise my whole being, a vessel emptied of Self

Accept, Lady, this, my emptiness and fill me with thyself

Thy light, thy Love, thy Life, that these thy precious gifts

May radiate through me and overflow the chalice

Of my Heart, into the hearts of all with whom I meet

This day, revealing unto them

The beauty of Thy Joy

And Wholeness

And the serenity of Thy Peace

Which nothing can destroy.

Intention

Once you are prepared, begin as you would for any ritual or journey. Use the prayer above or make one of your own to evoke Briga's presence. The intention of holding this vigil is to meditate, pray, and raise energy for peace, spiritual healing, and wisdom for the world. (If you are also keeping the Flame vigil on this night, you may combine the two by placing your mirror pool to the side of the flame, blessing its waters after you have lit the flame. When you have finished with your healing work at the Well, simply shift your focus to the flame.) Since Briga is Patroness of both of these activities, it will not be necessary to evoke her presence again. She is there already, and will be visibly, palpably present until you signal the end of the working.

It is important to consider your own home circumstances when considering where and how to arrange your 'Well' overnight. It should be someplace where you will see and be reminded of it often during your shift, but where it will not be in danger of upset from children or pets. If you must travel, try to take your 'kit' with you and keep vigil wherever you are. Do not simply abandon it or you will spoil the momentum of energy built by the circle and diminish the potential of its work. If you keep your vigil consistently and carefully you will begin to notice that the ebb and flow of events in the world without seems to change according to how you have kept your watch. Remember this, for it is verification of how important we each are in setting the course of history...

Method

In earliest times, Druid maidens served the sacred wells in shifts lasting until the end of their Novitiate and progression to other duties. Thus when ADO first began formal observation of this practice, the Order of the Well was organized in a manner similar to the Order of Flame Keepers (by rotating shifts, mirroring the intention of the ancient ways). This system was also more familiar to most people and allowed for individual choice of dates to serve. Perhaps because of the different natures of fire and water, the rotating shifts have worked well for the Flame Keepers; but it has proven to be a more powerful experience for circles of women to share the Well vigils, much as we share in the meditations held at Chalice Well. Thus we have abandoned the schedule of individual, rotating shifts for a shared vigil to be held at sunset the day before dark, new, and full moons. These moon phases are shown on the "Sacred Year" page of this site, as well as on the Forum Calendar (see the "Calendar" link at the top of the Forum main page).

To tend the Well is simple. You need only a few items and the willingness to do it:

A stone, pewter, or silver bowl or a fountain to hold the waters. This bowl will be your mirror pool.

A matching cup for pouring.

Blessing waters from springs or wells at any of Avalon's ancient sites. (The waters of Chalice Well and the White Spring in Glaston, and Bride's Well in Kildare, may be obtained directly online.)

A small dish of water or bud vase and flower.

Time set aside for contemplation and meditation -- daily at noon if you wish to coordinate with the daily meditation at the Chalice Well, or one day out of nine on a regular rotation.

Each time you you tend the Well, Place a fresh flower in your bud vase. Fill your cup with fresh, cool spring water and pour it into your bowl or fountain while speaking the Prayer of the Well Maiden (below). Bless the waters with three drops from one of Avalon's sacred springs. When you are ready, perform the meditation (or immram) for either the Red or White Springs in Glaston, or to Bride's Well in Kildare. If you have moonblood to offer, do so just prior to sitting down to begin your meditation by gifting it to the land. Take time to notice how the energy of the land changes in response to your gift!

When your vigil is over you may drink the waters, use them to anoint ritual garb and appropriate tools, or gift them to a guardian tree on your property. This water has been blessed with the Lady's energy and has great healing properties. Gift it with respect; never throw it down the drain or toilet! Remember to post your experiences at the appropriate place in our members Forums.

In Closing

It is important to understand that we do not seek here to supplant the work of Chalice Well or to "steal the fire" of the Brigandine Order in Kildare. Such organizations play an important role in physically maintaining these sacred sites that ADO could not possibly hope to fulfill. But neither can they serve all sacred places or fulfill their spiritual work alone, anymore than anyone can assume sovereignty *for* another. The ADO Orders of the Well and Flame provide a locus for continued prayer, meditation, and the fulfillment of our basic vows as world stewards. The lore of the Well Maidens is not so clearly remembered as that of the Keepers of the Flame; yet it is before us in all of the lore that we study from the remotest Goddesses to the Arthurian Queens. Therefore it will likely not seem so unfamiliar once we revisit it. For the purposes of this work we will be focusing on three wells, rather than two: the Red and White Springs in Glaston (Somerset), and Bride's Well in Kildare.

May your Sojourn prove Healing and Inspirational