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Hydromancy still survives into the modern world, despite millenia of religious conflict and a rejection of the superstitious. It is no exaggeration to say that now, wells attract as much interest and as many offerings as they have ever done. Most interest now stems from the pervasive notion of a wishing well, but existing amongst such an idle interest in hydromancy are a series of ancient practices. Foremost amongst these are the Christian [though Pagan influenced] festivals such as Well Dressing, and the blessings of, and pilgrimages to, Wells such as the group at Walsingham. Although in a form that is increasingly both unrecognisable and overly commercial, the basic drive behind such displays remains the continuity of an ancient practice. However, outside of these events, few Holy Wells are now propitiated as once they were, for medical benefit, for the gift of water or for insight into the future.
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