The Living WellThe symbol of the well is one found in the legends of many cultures. In the Celtic world, 'Connla's Well' symbolises the place of deep wisdom and spiritual knowledge that we each hold within. In the Irish legend, nine hazel trees overhang the well where salmon swim and catch the hazelnuts of wisdom as they fall from the tree. Both the salmon and the hazel tree are symbols of wisdom in Celtic spirituality. Seven rivers of knowledge flow out from the Well.
The Well of Eternal Youth, Iona There is another well that is dear to my heart. The 'Well of Eternal Youth' is a small pool which nestles among a cluster of rocks at the highest point of the Isle of Iona, off the coast of Mull in the West of Scotland. The waters ripple in a bowl of rock and earth, open to the elements, swept by the changing light of the wild Northern skies. At dawn, the Well is aflame with the crimson red of birth. When the numinous mist descends, there is a quiet pearly grey sheen on the silent water. Associated with myth and legend since ancient times, this small pool has been the site at which I have watched the sun rise over the mountains, chanted Gaelic prayers, played my harp and made Celtic Harp Essences. The secret waters, peaty golden in the morning sun, have a potent atmosphere - of mystery and beauty, a place where we can touch, for a brief moment, a deep sense of connection with The Source. 
The Well of Eternal Youth, Iona
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The Living Well - the light of a Celtic Harp Essence
Spiritual Harp - The Living Well
Celtic Harp Essences - are they a 'Living Well'? Do they provide a source of crystal water, which is purified by the sound of my harp, blessed by words spoken from the deep well of the heart and embued with the sacred vibrations of a wild and holy place? I hope so. The words 'The Living Well' came to me as I woke from a dream on a winter's morning. In the grey pre-dawn light, I heard a fox calling in the birchwoods near my home, and listened to the music of the beck, swollen after heavy rain, rushing through the Dene, bringing golden peaty water down from the moors. I was thinking how much I am nourished by being held in the heart of this green valley, and how much joy it had given me to share the first offerings of 'Music, Words and Images from the Dene' on this website. The response from others has lifted my own heart, with the knowledge that the music and images had touched other hearts and souls, and brought a little light where it was sorely needed. It seemed to me that the beauty and music of this green valley has reached out into the world and, I hope, become a 'living well' from which we can all drink and be filled with the light of 'the living waters' for a while. So that we can all 'live well'. Celtic Harp and Birdsong in The Dene - Julie DarlingThe Living Well
The music here and on the Music, Words and Images page is free for everyone to access at any time - in the hope of bringing light, peace and spiritual nourishment to those who may need it. |
'An ainm an Ti as airde'
( Gaelic - 'In the Name of the Highest Being, Highest Intent')
Julie Darling
( Gaelic - 'In the Name of the Highest Being, Highest Intent')
Julie Darling
