Forms of Water Worship Rituals
There are several pieces of history that include water in different forms of worship. Perhaps one of the best known rituals today is that of baptism in the Christian church. Infants or adults are either sprinkled or dunked into the water as a symbol of their sins being washed away. Even older than this custom, however, are other rituals involving the use of water.
Vatni aura
Prior to Christianity being introduced, the Norsemen had a ritual known as the vatni aura. Like the Christian baptism, this ritual involved sprinkling newborn infants with water. It is thought there may also have been some holy attribute to the water as well.
British wells
There are two wells, one in Gloucestershire and one in Yorkshire that were originally known as Woden’s well and Thor’s Well. Dedicated by the pagans, they were then rededicated to St. Margaret and St. Helena by the Christians. Until recent times, people would visit these wells every Sunday evening and drink sugar water made from the water.
Prophetic wells
The Palici springs in Sicily were known as prophetic wells. Originally, the deep pools would become agitated by volcanic springs. The springs themselves were considered to be gods that watched over oaths, and the most solemn oaths were taken in their presence, and those who lied were blinded.
Wells in Britain were also used for divination. There were numerous wells throughout the country that would be sought out by a person who was having difficulty with an issue. The person would throw a small object into the water, and by watching the bubbles, would have an answer to the problem. Vases and coins have also been found near the