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The ancient wells in Leamington Spa have been a particular focus for our Community Events. Springs, wells and other bodies of water are sacred in Pagan (and many other) traditions, and our ancestors often undertook pilgrimages to wells which were thought to possess the power to heal illness. In addition, water was so vital for ancient people that settlements were always located close to a source of fresh water, and the consequences of the water running dry were grim. Hence, the tradition of Well Dressing evolved to give thanks to the God/desses of Water with flowers, ribbons, prayers and other offerings.
Our first Ceremony to honour the Leamington Spa Waters took place at the Spring Equinox 2006. It was a small, beautiful ceremony, during which we dressed the well with flowers and offerings. (Image right: Leamington Spa Wellhead, Spring Equinox 2006) A bigger Well Dressing Ceremony followed at the Summer Solstice 2006, together with a ritual in and procession from Jephson Gardens during the Peace Festival.
This event consisted of a Holy Wells Procession & Ritual Drama, which marked some of the original springs and wells in Leamington – many of which are now covered up. For a full account, please see the Sacred Drama section. You can read more about these ceremonies and find out about future events on the Warwickshire Spiritual Network site. |
Well Ceremonies
In Leamington Spa, the discovery of the ancient healing waters also made the town prosperous. Our Well Ceremonies are a way to reclaim these customs and give thanks to the waters in all their healing and life-sustaining forms.
Our most recent Well Ceremony took place on 17th June 2007 in line with the Leamington Peace Festival, and in conjunction with the Warwick District Faiths Forum, a new community group aiming to make a positive difference to living in harmony through mutual understanding and co-operation between different faiths.