Sacred Wells in Scotland

                           Sacred Wells in Scotland

A major part of Celtic religion and particularly that centred in what is now Scotland was the worship of wells. This was because divinities were believed to live at or in wells and springs. They were also thought to own these well. With their agents guarding them. The power of these sacred wells pervades Celtic religion. Possessing as they did strong healing properties including of blindness and of disabled people. There were also believed to able to doom an enemy and contribute to a plentiful harvest. Not surprisingly the local inhabitants made offerings to these wells including of expensive jewelry to fertility wells. While quartz stones were used to prevent storms and to safeguard sailors from their effects.

                              Ceremonies with the Sacred Wells 

In ceremonies the wells were festooned with flowers. This ceremony known as “well-dressing”  is still carried out today in many locations with attendant fetes. A good example of one of these sacred wells is Bar Hill. Situated to the North-East of Glasgow. Bar Hill has both the remains of a fortified Celtic site and a Roman fort that formed part of the Antonine Wall constructed in the 140’s AD.

                                                    Bar Hill

Bar Hill is also the site of a sacred well which was found to contain many votive offerings . It is believed by historians to be a place used by the Druids for religious practices. It is thought that it may also be the site of Medionemeton (Middle Sacred Place) mentioned by a later anonymous writer. The most famous sacred wells were on the island of Iona on the west coast of Scotland where there no less than three. The first used by sailors to ensure a fine North wind and hence known as the “Well of the North Wind”. The second has disappeared while the third is known as the “Well of the Age” and has reputed strong restorative powers.