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Littlestone L
Littlestone Oct 14, 2004 21:36:51
Replying to FourWinds

Many Japanese Shinto shrines are built on or near springs (many of these shrines were subsequently absorbed by the Buddhist tradition in much the same way as pagan sites in Britain were absorbed by the Christian tradition). I lived for many years in the grounds of a Buddhist temple known as Sennu-ji (Spring Temple); within the temple grounds there are two very ancient springs one of which is frequented by pregnant women to ensure the safe delivery of a healthy child - my wife used to go there nearly every day while she was pregnant with our two children.

F FourWinds
FourWinds Oct 14, 2004 23:02:37
Replying to Littlestone

Wells are very female in the same way that standing stones are very male. A well is basically a life-giving hole ... what could be more female than that!?

In Ireland the majority of wells are dedicated to St Brigit, who was, as we know, the Celtic Brigid. One of St. Brigit's roles is Mary's midwife (great bit of invention to make the old goddess fit). However, the odd thing is that I have never come across an Irish well with fertility associations. Many standing stones do have ease-of-labour, marriage or fertilty folklore though - especially holed ones.

There must be a well somewhere that does.

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