The Chalice Well

Glastonbury, a quaint town nestled in the rolling hills of Somerset, England, is known as the mythical Isle of Avalon, and said to be the final resting place of King Arthur, and the legendary site of the Holy Grail. 

At the heart of Glastonbury lies the Chalice Well, its sacred springs a place of pilgrimage and healing for centuries.

The well’s believed to be named after the cup, or chalice, allegedly used by Joseph of Arimathea to collect drops of blood from the wounds of Christ on the cross (legend has it Joseph brought the chalice – the ‘Holy Grail’ – to Glastonbury and buried it at the foot of Glastonbury Tor, where the Chalice Well now resides). 

However, the site was a holy place to the Celts and Britons, long before modern Christianity and the influence of Rome, and the ‘chalice’ far more likely represents the sacred feminine and the ancient Great Goddess.

The Glastonbury Ley Lines

A ley line is an invisible line of energy which connects various sacred sites, landmarks, and natural features. They hold powerful and spiritual energy which influence the surrounding land, and even affect those who interact with it. Some believe ley lines are pathways for spiritual beings, while others view them as channels for psychic energy. Many ancient cultures, including the Celts and early Britons, placed great importance on ley lines, building monuments, standing stones, tombs, or temples along these lines to harness the energy for ceremony and ritual. 

The Chalice Well lies at an intersection of the Mary and Michael ley lines. The Michael line runs directly east to west across the UK, and is closely aligned to the Beltane sunrise (named after the Celtic god, Bel, which means ‘bright fire.’) The Michael line is solar and masculine energy. The Mary line twists and twines around the Michael line, joining with it at certain points. The Mary line is lunar and feminine energy.

The Red and White Springs

The Chalice Well has two springs – one with ‘red’ water, and one with ‘white’ water.

The Red Spring is named for the striking colour of its water, rich in iron oxide giving it a deep red hue. The White Spring has calcite, which sometimes gives its water a paler, milky appearance. Both springs hold powerful healing properties, and many drink from the well and bathe in the spring waters to experience their magic and connect with Source.

The gardens around both springs hold soothing qualities, and have been maintained for centuries. The Red Spring gardens are at ground level, sunlit and lush, while the White Spring garden is found down a series of darker steps, with cool water running into serene pools. The White Spring is also dedicated to the Celtic goddess, Brigid, and considered a temple. It’s a peaceful and meditative place, and deeply sacred.

Chalice Well is where you can seek healing, spiritual guidance, connection to deity, or simply a moment of peace and reflection. The tranquil gardens, the soothing sound of running water, and the energy of this ancient site all contribute to a powerful, transformative experience. 

Many believe the Chalice Well is where the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thin, allowing for profound moments of connection and insight. Visiting this place during the Celtic festivals of Beltane and Samhain furthers this connection, as the veils thins even more and we can connect with the fae, and our ancestors.

The Chalice Well Trust is a charitable organisation run by volunteers dedicated to preserving and protecting the site, which means we can continue to explore the history and mystery of the Chalice Well today.