Summer Retreat Day 4: Water Magic
How to ask for a water blessing
It’s day four of our Summer Solstice Retreat! In case you missed day one, two or three, you can find them here.
I originally had something different in mind for today, but in light of the heatwave we’re having here in the UK right now, I thought we might all be in need of a little water magic.
So I’m going to share a little extract from my book about water blessings and well dressing.
Wishing you all the coolness and peace of wild water on this day of intense heat!
Give and receive a Water Blessing
(extract taken from The Solstice Yearbook, A year of rituals, festivals and ancient magic for modern life, on sale 2nd September)
At this time of strong solar energy, you might need to balance things out by seeking out some water to counteract the summer heat.
In many ancient cultures blessings were offered, and sought, near springs and natural water sources during the summer months.
In the UK, well-dressing is a ritual that still continues today, particularly in the north of the country where, around the time of the solstice, wells and natural springs are decorated with beautiful and intricate offerings made from natural materials.
It’s thought this tradition has links back to Ancient Roman or Celtic traditions of water blessings and it has been adapted and developed over time.
Find out more about the modern tradition of well dressing here.
Well-dressings are made by pressing natural materials such as flower petals, stones, leaves, and moss into natural clay to form a mosaic image which is left near the water source as an offering to Mother Nature or the water gods.
They can be as elaborate or as simple as you like, or you could perform a simpler version of this by placing flowers, leaves, or natural offerings close to your local water spring, river, or lake.
And, as always, take nothing with you when you leave, treat the local area with respect, and only offer natural materials.
The aim of a water blessing is to appease and thank the water spirits at the height of summer when we need them the most.
And if you’re very lucky the water may give you a blessing in return.
Ok, that’s all for today!
I’ll see you tomorrow, on the Solstice, for the final day of our Summer Retreat.
Until then, stay cool,
Vicky x
That’s such a lovely idea.
Such a beautiful idea to create a well dressing - thank you so much for this! 🌸🌿💙