Dunino

As I was looking through my pictures yesterday, I stumbled across these from my time in Scotland.  They are of the Dunino well, close to St Andrews.  I'm not sure the exact sacred significance of this place, but a few things are certain...

In a world where water is available at the touch of a button, it can be easy to forget that water is the gift of life.  It is a precious resource without which life is impossible.  It is no surprise then, that springs and wells are common sites of worship.  The well at Dunino clearly has pagan roots, but the religious significance of the site was later usurped by the church.  

Carved into one of the stone walls surrounding this idyllic stream, is an ancient, nearly faded cross.  It is not a far leap of the mind to envision a priest standing in front of this rock face, his congregation splayed out along the banks of the creek.  I am always fascinated by sites such as this, that possess such cultural history and significance.  Here, it is clear that many people have not forgotten the pagan beginning.  They have tied trinkets, keys, and ribbons to branches, hoping for what?  Health?  Luck?  Love?  The mystery is more inviting than the fact.  

Whether the energy at Dunino is from a sacred presence or from the touch of generations of people who came here to worship, I couldn't say.  But you can definitely feel that something is different here.  I hope these pictures provide a glimpse into the mystery and beauty of this place.