Madron
As the narrow lane twists and turns it takes us deep into the heart of this ancient Land. Soon a narrower path beckons. We leave behind the world of Everyday, for this Way leads to the Well and Baptistry. Meandering gently beside the stone hedge, overhung by aged thorn trees, the path is soft beneath our feet. Dappled sunlight filters through the branches, to glisten from the still waters around their roots. For this is the Well of legend. As we gaze into the clear water we see reflected there many colours. Looking up we see that the trees all around this magical pool are bedecked with rags and ribbons of every colour imaginable... left here as offerings to the Spirit of the Well. For it is believed that as the offering decays, so that for which the Pilgrim prays will manifest. Making our way a little further along the old pilgrim path we reach the Baptistry. The roof is long gone, and the ancient stones are clad in soft green lichen and ivy. We sit on the granite bench, listening to the gentle notes of the sacred water as it trickles into the font beside us. The sacred aura mesmerises the senses. We spend a long while in silent contemplation, before returning slowly along the ancient Way, once more to the world of Everyday. This holy well is visited for it's healing qualities. Pilgrims leave rag offerings here, just as they do at Glastonbury, Sancreed, La Bonne Fontaine, Courbefy and La Fontaine à devotion de la Fontenille.
Madron is north west of Penzance in Cornwall, England. The baptistry is approached along a grassy path which passes Saint
Maddern's bed and the boggy source where rag offerings are tied to the surrounding bushes. In Secrtet Shrines Paul Broadhurst gives the full account of how in 1640 John Trelille was miraculously cured in this way, as
testified by the Bishop of Exeter. An Otherworld Encounter
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