Wild Spirits: The Ancient River Goddesses
In our journey of Spiritual Rewilding, we seek to reawaken our animistic ways of seeing the world and to reignite our sacred relationship with the other-than-human beings with whom we share this Earth. A significant aspect of this journey involves reconnecting with traditional ways of relating to the land, including honouring the ancient river goddesses that once held sway over the waterways of our land. Across the isles, many ancient Celtic river names pay homage to these revered deities, serving as reminders of the deep reverence and offerings once bestowed upon these sacred spaces.
The rivers of our land were not merely bodies of water but were seen as living entities, embodying the spirits of the goddesses they were named after. Names such as the Severn for Sabrina, the Thames for Tamesis, and the Clyde for Clota are steeped in myth and legend, evoking images of powerful and revered figures from ancient times. These river goddesses were not only worshipped but also celebrated in rituals and ceremonies that honored their presence and acknowledged their importance in the landscape.
However, in modern times, the sacredness of these rivers has been largely forgotten or overlooked. Many rivers suffer from pollution, disrespect, and neglect, as their significance in our culture has diminished over the centuries. Yet, recent events have sparked a renewed interest in honouring and protecting these ancient waterways, bringing attention to the rich spiritual heritage they embody.
Remembering the River Goddesses
Photo of Trisentona sculpture by Dr Mark Knight
One such event is the unveiling of the River Goddess statue in the Trent Valley, a powerful tribute to the goddess Trisentona and the ancient sacred landscape discovered at the confluence of the Mease, Tame, and Trent rivers. Trisentona, known as the thrice beloved, was the goddess associated with this sacred place, whose name evolved over time to become Trent. The statue, crafted by sculptors Miranda Wakeman and Geraint Lloyd, serves as a tribute to Trisentona and provides visitors with an opportunity to delve deeper into the site's spiritual significance and connect with the spirit of place.
Archaeological discoveries led by Professor Henry Chapman of the University of Birmingham shed light on the site's ancient past, uncovering a remarkable series of finds at nearby Catholme. This ritual landscape, centered around the confluence of the Trent, Tame, and Mease rivers, dates back to the late Neolithic period and continued into the Bronze Age. The discovery of ceremonial monuments and burial mounds underscores the importance and sanctity of this triple confluence, highlighting its national significance as a sacred site deeply intertwined with the spiritual beliefs of our ancestors. Through the unveiling of the River Goddess statue, visitors are invited to explore and engage with the rich tapestry of history and culture woven into the fabric of the Trent Valley, fostering a deeper connection with the land and its ancient heritage.
Similarly, a cycle of ceremony at Herefordshire council has captured the public's imagination, as waters from the River Wye were welcomed with poetry, song, and reverence. Led by campaigners from Save the Wye, including Kim Kaos's striking 3m puppet embodying the River Goddess, this event symbolises a profound shift in perception, recognising rivers as more than mere bodies of water but as sacred beings deserving of our reverence and protection.
The ceremonial action, characterized by a procession, inspiring speeches, and songs, culminated in a deeply symbolic gesture—the ceremonial introduction of the waters of the Wye into the council chambers, carried in a vessel specially crafted for the occasion. This act, accompanied by the presence of the River Goddess, served as a powerful reminder of the sacredness of our waterways and the intrinsic connection between humanity and the natural world.
The significance of this extends far beyond the confines of the Herefordshire Council headquarters; it serves as a beacon of inspiration for other governing bodies. By formally recognising the importance of the River Wye through this ceremonial action, the council has taken a bold step towards acknowledging the vital role of our waterways in sustaining life and preserving ecological balance. However, the journey towards safeguarding our rivers is ongoing, with persistent threats from pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. It is our hope that Herefordshire's example will spur similar acts of reverence and commitment across the nation, paving the way for concrete measures to protect and preserve our precious waterways for generations to come.
These events not only inspire us to revive our ancient bond with rivers but also encourage us to weave animistic perspectives into our culture and local politics. By reshaping our perception of rivers as sacred entities, we can begin to restore the balance between humanity and the natural world, honoring the Wild Spirits of the land and reaffirming our commitment to their preservation for generations to come.