Significance
For centuries wishing wells have been steeped in cultural significance. What is it about them that resonates so deeply with us?
Ancient Beliefs and Practices
Across millennia, wishing well rituals and beliefs have been rooted in divination, healing, and the supernatural. In the Germanic tribes there was a deep faith in the power to divine or control fate through the supernatural. Norse mythology brings us the tale of Odin sacrificing his eye to gain wisdom and the ability of future sight. Ancient practices involved the use of wishing wells for divination, where individuals would throw coins into the well and interpret the patterns made as a sign of the gods'. Throughout many cultures the healing properties of water were believed to cure disease and ailments.
The Power of Wishes
The act of using a wishing well evokes in many a deep feeling of hope, optimism, gratitude, and generosity. This tradition is still with us today, serving as a source of intention and goodwill in our lives. Making wishes activates the area of the brain responsible for decision-making and goal-setting, as well as our emotional center. This leads to feelings of comfort and security that help us to cope with challenging situations as well as having a profound effect on our emotional well-being.
Traditions
There are certain customs and traditions one must follow when using a wishing well. It is customary to make a wish to yourself, either out loud or silently, and throw a coin or token of some sort into the well. As you throw your coin, meditate on your wish and remember the timeless wisdom that lies at the heart of this enchanting tradition.
The Shining Well