The Well and the Flame

In our Story, titled "The Well and the Flame" from the book Circle Round, a brother and sister are wondering when the long winter will end. Saint Bridget gives them the message that Spring will come when "clean water rises in the sacred well and bright flame burns in every hearth". The children are not sure what it means. But they decide to go and make sure there is a fire in the hearth of every villager and ask them if they know of a holy well. They end up at Old Man Mad-dog's house. He is a grumpy man who is not kind to children. In fact, he usually shakes a stick at them as they run past. But the children realize that Old Man Mad-dog does not have a fire in his hearth and that he is in need of help. He tells them that there is an old well in the forest. After helping the old man, they find the old well, which has been littered with sticks and garbage and start to clear it out. They find out that "inside the heart of every girl and boy is a holy well, full of the waters of love and joy and new ideas. This is the well you must keep clean, because it can easily be choked by hatred, greed, and selfishness, And inside you also is a sacred flame, the flame of life. This is the fire you must tend and feed and keep burning, so that you grow to be strong and wise and brave" During our walk in our the nature area in our new neighborhood what do you suppose we stumbled upon? Needless to say this is now a project for us to keep clear and clean! Homeschooling can be so magical and inspiring at times!