Visitor Experiences

Foot Washing in King Arthur’s Court on 1st April ’10

by companion Earth Angel Ian

‘The ‘Foot Washing’ took place in King Arthur’s courtyard where the healing pool is situated. Two women, soon joined by another three, were placing lights around the pool, giving out towels and anointing oil in bottles. The leader then explained what the procedure would be.

First you took a partner. You sat down and the partner would undo your shoes, remove them and your socks and roll up your trouser leggings. Holding the partners hand you entered the healing pool with the partner outside of it.

After coming out of the pool you walked to and stood in the cascading waterfall area and with the blessed water the partner placed some of the water on your head to bless you. Holding hands you returned to the seat, your feet were dried and oil from the bottle was massaged into your feet. The partner then replaced your socks and shoes.

As all this occurred there was some wonderful singing bowl sound and some excellent inspiring singing by quite a few people. Before we had started, holding hands in a circle we gave silence which was gifted with the sound of new life crying from a 11 week old baby…what a reminder of innocence and purity that was.’

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 Maxine’s Personal Account of Visiting Chalice Well

I have visited the Chalice Well several times independantly to relax and also to take part in courses there. Each time I visit its really like coming home… it’s a truly wonderful place to be.

The photograph of the waterfall was taken directly after I had booked the meditation room when there was an almighty thunderstorm but the meditation was very serene and I was aware of the thunder only later on when I thought about the experience.

I went down stairs after the meditation and took this lovely picture of the well and the flowers in the well, which I truly sat there and appreciated the beauty of.

The last picture that I have added was taken again in the upper room, the yellow colours are so vivid. I really felt guided to enjoy the beauty of the picture.

I have shown the picture to a few people and without me prompting have all commented on the fact that the photo looks like it was taken in the past as it has captured what looks like a really old scene in the background. 

I hope you find the pictures interesting and lots of love, Maxine Akins

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Memories of Imbolc by Laurence Samuel Murray

This was Bride’s time, the time of new beginnings, new birth, new light, and washing the old debris away – both physically and metaphysically. The rain seemed perfect. I pressed on towards the South West, a short pilgrimage from Brighton and Hove in worldly terms, but over 250Km nonetheless to my destination, the Chalice Well and Gardens...

Even though the form of the gardens has grown and changed over the years since I have known it, indeed since its very inception, and will doubtless continue to do so over the coming years, there is something there that never changes. All who have visited it with an open heart will know what I mean. Yes, the same water flows that has been flowing since ancient times, but it is beyond that. The gardens have this gracious quality that brings one home to oneself, inside. Peace inside leads to peace outside eventually. This place is special indeed.

Morning comes and with it the dawn of new promise. The sky is utterly clear, the low harsh winter sun already rising to take its place on this day of Imbolc. The gathering at the White Spring in Wellhouse Lane must be numbering over a hundred souls by the time it’s nine-thirty, and the ritual is about to begin. The doors are shut and inside we are all in a womb-like surround, dark and wet. The spirit of Bride is invoked, songs are sung and then wondrously, gradually, candles are lit and the doors open to bring light in to the darkness. New light.

If you have had a memorable time at The Chalice Well Gardens then we would be delighted to hear from you. Please forward your story and pictures to info@chalicewell.org.uk