Left, a well in Glencolmkille, Donegal. Photo courtesy Geoff Burton.

Since the time of the earliest Celts, holy wells and springs have been sources of healing, inspiration and knowledge, as well as sites where one may encounter the divine. Holy wells and springs continue to be sites of devotion in the Celtic countries, combining Pagan and Christian elements. Stone carved heads often have been found with the excavation of wells, rivers or springs, such as those found at the La Tène site on the shore of Lake Neuchâtel. Most likely these artifacts were votive offerings made to the local water deity or guardian (or later, saint).

We believe that acquiring sound knowledge is one of the best ways to encourage healthy spiritual growth and inspiration. By assembling together in this virtual forum, we hope to promote knowledge and heal divisions among Celts of all religious persuasions.

We will be discussing the objective evidence for Celtic religion as found in the art, architecture, archaeology, folklore, hagiography, history, language, mythology, and other sources. We recognize that intuition and personal experience form an essential part of one's personal religious practice. However, because there are other lists where personal practice can be discussed, such subjects generally are considered off-topic here.