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Part 4: A Journey Home: Reflections from South Africa’s Sacred Waters

Part 4: A Journey Home: Reflections from South Africa’s Sacred Waters

Engaging with the Element of Water at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, emphasizing flow, emotion, and mindfulness through water-inspired meditation practices.

Concluding the Journey: South Africa's Sacred Waters

– Composed by Douglas Webber, and edited by Ekan Nangaku Leisching

As this exploration of sacred waters—a journey that began at Glastonbury springs, then drawn by a peculiar mist beckoning me eastward to the crystalline fjords of Norway—now draws to a close, finding a resonant resting place: South Africa, the home of Born as the Earth School Zen Academy (BEZA). This exploration mirrors the essence of water itself—life-giving, nourishing, and intimately connected to the very source of existence. And now, I find myself here, drawn to a landscape both starkly beautiful and deeply challenging.



Northern Cape: Embracing the Arid Heart

I awaken gently beneath the red sands of the Northern Cape, where the heat pulses like a living heartbeat, shimmering and insistent. Around me, the land breathes slowly, deeply, each breath a patient prayer for rain. The arid expanse stretches endlessly, with the Kalahari Desert‘s parallel red sand dunes and acacia-dotted savannas painting a picture of desolate beauty. In this stark landscape, I feel an ancient thirst stir within, pulling me gently upward, a yearning that echoes the profound spiritual connection the indigenous Khoisan people have with this ancient land. For them, water, precious in its scarcity, holds deep ancestral significance, with spirits believed to reside in the life-sustaining springs scattered across this dry terrain. Rain, a rare blessing, is often associated with powerful weather beings, including the revered !Khwa, the Rain Bull of their myths, who embodies the dual nature of water. At sacred sites like Die Oog (The Eye) near Kuruman, a perennial spring that has nourished life for generations, I sense a palpable reverence, a testament to water’s enduring power in this arid realm, a place where ancient rituals connect communities to the life-giving source. A haven where those who had transgressed laws and pursued by the authorities would find sanctuary. Authorities, not permitted to enter, bowed and waited outside the sanctuary of Die Oog. Finding shelter within the holiness of this place of repair, they were untouched by human’s rules. Caressed instead by the healing touch of my spirit and its cleansing, compassionate and regenerative motion of my endless eye. Eventually law enforcement would leave. Having absorbed the medicine of water, the hunted, now healed and forgiven were free to go – like the pure essence of my body. 

Beneath this intense sky, an ancient impulse awakens within, lifting me gently from the embrace of the red earth.

Rising silently, becoming lighter than air, I surrender to this ancient thirst that echoes through valleys and hills. Below, the faint outlines of riverbeds etch tattooed memories into the dust, ghostly reminders of abundance once flowing freely. Yet, even now, in this dryness, there is reverence. I sense the slow, patient rhythm of a land that knows how to wait, that understands scarcity as sacred, every drop a treasure, every cloud a whispered prayer.

Gathering Above the Barrier of Spears

Gathering strength, we converge above the mighty Drakensberg, uKhahlamba, the “Barrier of Spears” piercing the heavens. Here, the sky becomes heavy with promise. The Zulu call this place sacred, a communion between earth and sky, guarded by Nomkhubulwane, goddess of rain and fertility. It was she who commanded uBaduza – the great rhinoceros, to travel to the end of the world, and use his strength to turn the soil and make all the square edges round, so that the parched desert may receive her blessed rains and flourish again. Having reached the outer edge of his sacred task, he was told by the goddess to hook the setting sun upon his mighty horn and return home with it for a new day, and a new name.

As clouds grow dense and darken, I feel a thrilling pull—then release. I plunge, roaring downward, unfurling into the Tugela Falls, a cascade tumbling in wild, unbridled joy. Mist rises, creating rainbows, bridges between worlds, and here I sense Nomkhubulwane’s nurturing presence, blessing the land, renewing life.

Nomkhubulwane's Cascade

I surge onward, swift and purposeful, coursing through the rolling hills and lush valleys of KwaZulu-Natal. Drums pulse along the riverbanks, their rhythmic vibrations resonating deeply within me, echoing in ripples across my surface. The voices of Zulu women rise, vibrant and rich, singing praises as they perform sacred rituals—celebrating the Nomkhubulwane festival to honour their goddess of fertility, guiding initiates through the spiritual cleansing of Ukuthwasa, and immersing themselves in rhythmic ceremonies of renewal and ancestral communion. Every beat of the drum vibrates through the water, creating a profound spiritual connection, a living testament to the river’s sacred role in their lives.

Drums Along the Riverbanks

The beat of drums gradually fades into silence, the rhythmic ingungu and gentle harmonies of isicathamiya chants soften into quiet incantations, blending seamlessly with the smouldering embers, ash, and bone as trails of smoke ascend into dawn. In quiet reverence, I depart, silently witnessing as ancestral spirits gently withdraw, returning to their sacred realm. Westward now I soar, toward cooler mysteries hidden within Basotho lands. The Free State reveals itself, arid yet patient. The caves of Motouleng beckon softly, dark mouths, calling invitations. I seep downward, penetrating cool shadows, joining slow droplets that gather into pools below. Here, quiet echoes hold the murmurs of generations past, and I become—a silent guardian of ancestral waters, respected, revered. The Basotho pilgrims bring their prayers, their hopes, and I absorb these reverberations, becoming both witness and participant in their ongoing dialogue with the sacred. Within these hallowed caves, water is not merely a physical presence but a conduit to the divine, integral to rituals seeking healing, fertility, and ancestral connection. Pilgrims collect the sacred Sediba water, believed to possess healing properties, from the dripping cave walls, incorporating it into ceremonies that intertwine the physical and spiritual realms. At the cave’s entrance lies the ‘Sediba sa Bophelo’ or ‘Fountain of Life,’ where offerings are made, and the water is revered for its life-giving essence. In these sacred spaces, water serves as a bridge between the temporal and the eternal, a testament to its profound significance in the spiritual tapestry of the Basotho people.

Into the Quiet Chambers

Flowing gently outward again, I join the rivers threading through the Mohokare Valley. Here, the earth feels softer, a fertile tapestry interwoven with springs and pools of profound spiritual resonance. Sedibe sa Moshoeshoe speaks the name of King Moshoeshoe I, a symbol of resilience, its waters carrying ancient healing secrets known intimately by those who seek ancestral guidance. Tempeleng, the sacred temple pool, nestles serenely within its rocky embrace, providing pilgrims a space for meditation, prayer, and quiet reflection—a place to reconnect with the divine. Diepsloot, alive with cascading waters, pulses gently with life’s continuity, drawing visitors into its cleansing embrace, purifying bodies and spirits alike. I see and feel these rituals, sensing deeply the subtle exchanges, the transmission of wisdom, and the enduring reverence these waters inspire, carrying forward the sacred bond between humanity and the natural world, weaving tightly the spiritual and cultural fabric of these communities.

Pools of Memory

Yet, the journey pulls me onward with compelling gravity, eastward toward the wild coast, where whispers of ancient stories speak of waters mysteriously retreating and reappearing—a myth gently passed down among generations. They say the waters vanish when evil spirits linger and only return when peace is restored within those who seek healing. With curiosity, I am drawn into the ancient depths of the Isinuka Mud Caves and Sulphur Pools, wondering if the legend might hold truth or remain forever an enchanting mystery. I seep tenderly into the mineral-rich earth, tasting its earthy essence, sensing its potent healing force. Named “Isinuka” by the Mpondo people, meaning “place of smell,” this sacred site breathes the pungent aroma of sulfur, a sign of its profound medicinal potency. Local women gather the sacred white clay, gifted from their ancestors, to lovingly spread onto their skin, shielding them from the sun’s fierce gaze. I witness sangomas – the medicine men and women of these parts, moving gently through the caves, whispering prayers and performing rituals, their presence deepening the connection between this place and the ancestral realm. My waters bubble softly through the thick mud, each rising bubble a gentle promise to cure ailments, soothing troubled stomachs, healing swollen feet, and cleansing skin, offering restoration to bodies and spirits alike. Those who enter the waters do so with reverence, trusting in the ritual to cleanse misfortune, ward off evil spirits, and restore harmony within. A knowing belief drifts among visitors, a gentle reassurance carried softly on their breath—that these waters hold the ancient wisdom to mend what has been broken, and to realign the spirit with the rhythm of the earth itself.

The mighty Letaba River

Northward again, the Letaba River welcomes me with powerful currents, a lifeblood for the land, a sacred stream in Limpopo. As I flow through this region, I sense the deep reverence the Venda people hold for water, a reverence that manifests powerfully at sites like the Phiphidi Waterfall. The fish eagle’s cry pierces the air, a reminder of balance, purity, and strength. Here, flowing waters sustain life, both physical and spiritual. Communities along these banks honour the river’s sacred nature, safeguarding it as a divine gift meant for future generations. Indeed, the very waterways of this land are often seen as conduits to the ancestors, and the Phiphidi Waterfall, known as LanwaDzongolo to the Venda people, is particularly revered as a dwelling place for these spirits. The pool below, Guvhukuvhu, is also considered sacred. Rituals unfold quietly on my banks and at these sacred falls, with offerings of beer and grain made on the rocks of LanwaDzongolo to invoke ancestral blessings. Those called to spiritual service immerse themselves within my depths and at the base of powerful cascades like Phiphidi, believing that beneath my surface lies a pathway to the ancestors, a crucible for transformation and rebirth. 

This special connection between the Ramunangi and Netshiavha clans and the waterfall dates back generations, a testament to the enduring spiritual significance of these waters. Yet, stories also speak of caution and humility—of seekers drawn too deeply beneath the current, claimed by the very mysteries they pursued. I flow onward carrying these truths, etched gently into each ripple, a subtle testament to the profound, delicate balance between reverence, humility, and the unseen realms that I bridge.

Flowing Life Blood

At last, my journey draws me to the embrace of Lake Fundudzi, cradled gently within the lush Soutpansberg mountains—a sanctuary where the veil between worlds is thin. Named by the Venda people, who regard this lake with profound reverence, its shores seldom touched by outsiders, Lake Fundudzi embodies a deep mystery guarded by sacred traditions. Here, locals perform the respectful ritual of viewing its waters through parted legs, a humble gesture acknowledging ancestral spirits who dwell beneath. Within the lake’s depths resides a sacred presence—a legendary white crocodile, elusive guardian and ancient protector of sacred truths, and a revered python god whose undulating presence beneath the waters symbolizes fertility, regeneration, and the eternal cycle of life. The crocodile’s appearance is an omen, a rare glimpse granted only to the pure-hearted, embodying the lake’s mysterious and protective energies. Local legend speaks of kings passing from this world, their spirits claimed gently by the crocodile, which then returns to the shores to offer a sacred stone—symbolising the birthright and legitimacy of a new leader. Such stories bind the community to the timeless rhythms of leadership, renewal, and ancestral guidance. At dawn, as mist rises softly above the lake’s surface, the community gathers to perform the Domba dance, rhythmically mimicking the powerful and undulating movements of the python deity said to inhabit the lake’s depths, symbolising spiritual rebirth, wisdom, and the eternal cycle of life. Together, these beings serve as living embodiments of Lake Fundudzi’s profound spiritual significance, bridging the visible world with the ancestral realm.

Local lore speaks of a leper who, turned away by villagers, cursed their settlement, causing it to be submerged beneath these very waters. These waters and muds, believed to cure ailments and shield skin from the sun, are seen as ancestral gifts, deeply embedded in cultural wisdom passed down through generations. As I settle quietly into the lake’s serenity, I sense clearly the harmony here—a sacred equilibrium maintaining the lake’s eternal balance, silently uttering truths only to those who approach with humility and openness to its mysteries.

The Waters Remember

Through each landscape, I’ve flowed—through drought and deluge, through sacred caves and sunlit pools, through chants carried on riverbanks and whispers rising from mineral springs. South Africa has offered no simple passage—it has asked me to remember, to listen, to slow. From the red sands of the Northern Cape to the sacred drip of Motouleng’s caves; from the thunderous cascade of the Drakensberg to the quiet reverence of Sedibe sa Moshoeshoe; from the sulfur breath of Isinuka to the serpentine dances of Fundudzi—each place held memory, a distinct note in the great song of water. Here, I witnessed water not only as giver of life but as keeper of spirit, ancestor, healer, guide. And I carry these stories, this rhythm, as sediment in my depths. The South African journey is not just a passage across landscapes—it is a returning to source, a remembering of what water has always known.

The Eternal Cycle

But I do not stop. I never do. I am the pulse beneath the earth, the breath between worlds. This water journey—beginning in Glastonbury’s springs, flowing through Norway’s crystalline fjords, and now echoing across South African soil—has been a remembering, a rekindling. I have spoken in whispers and roars, in stillness and storm, inviting those who walk the Way of Water to hear again. And now, at this threshold, I soften—becoming mist once more, ascending silently into the unseen. But the invitation remains: to sit beside the river, to feel the pulse beneath stone, to gather what has been forgotten.

The waters still speak—will you listen?

A Call to the Seekers

Throughout the world, people of the Way of Water—across continents, from east to west, north to south—priests, goddesses, shamans, and druids have given their human voices over to Water Speaking Water. In this eternal conversation, wisdom flows freely, carried by those who listen. Among them, Ekan Nangaku, an initiated Elder and Shaman in the ancient West African lineage of the Dagara (the Wild People), shares the teachings received through compassionate transmissions from Water itself. His mentorship and teachings illuminate the path for those called to the waters, those who seek to listen, to learn, and to carry forward the voice of the unseen.

The flow continues, and the invitation remains. Come, listen to the water’s voice, and let it guide you toward the next part of your path.

The waters are calling—will you answer?

Part 3: Norway’s Sacred Waters: A Journey Through Myth, Ritual, and Flow

Part 3: Norway’s Sacred Waters: A Journey Through Myth, Ritual, and Flow

The Call of Norway’s Ancient Waters

– Composed by Douglas Webber, and edited by Ekan Nangaku Leisching

At the break of dawn, I drift upon the breeze, a peculiar mist, drawn eastward by the calls of Norway, absorbing the secrets of its ancient waters. The salt spray, a taste of the ocean, carries whispers of ancient powers. I feel them now, the currents that pull me eastward, towards the towering peaks and deep-cut fjords of Norway.

They speak of Ægir, the master of the ocean’s depths, and Rán, his consort, who gathers the lost with her shimmering net. Even the gods, I sense, are reflections of my own essence. They are the waves, the storms, the calm, the unfathomable depths.

The Daughters of the Sea

And I feel the presence of their daughters, the spirits of the waves themselves: Himinglæva, whose surface gleams like the sunlit sky; Dúfa, who dips and dives beneath the surface; Blóðughadda, whose crest is stained with the crimson of a dying sun; Hefring, who rises powerfully from the depths; Uðr, who froths and foams with untamed energy; Hrönn, who rolls and swells in a relentless rhythm; Bylgja, who crashes against the shore with fierce intensity; Dröfn, whose white foam trails behind her like a shroud; and Kólga, whose chilling touch brings the bite of winter to the waves. Each a facet of the sea, each a part of me.

The Waters That Feed Yggdrasil

And from their watery realm, a greater power arises. The waters nourish Yggdrasil, the World Tree, roots delving deep into the earth, drawing sustenance from the Well of Urd, that primordial spring where fate itself is woven. I feel the pull of its mighty roots, the ancient connection between the sky, the earth, and the waters that bind them.

A tremor runs through the earth, a subtle vibration that speaks of immense power, a primal hunger. Nidhogg.. The serpent, gnawing at the roots of existence.

I am drawn, inexorably, towards the source of that tremor, towards the roots themselves. This is no simple flow; it is a journey through a labyrinth of earth and stone, a descent towards the heart of the world. I must navigate the twisting channels, avoid the crushing pressure, the snapping jaws that consume all that falls within their reach. I am but a single drop, yet I carry the memory of the ocean, the strength of the tides, and the enduring resilience of life itself.

I slip past the primordial form, feeling the heat of its breath, the spray of its spittle, the rumble of its discontent. And then, I am through, drawn into the embrace of the roots of Yggdrasil, a network of life that spans worlds.

A Drop of Dew Returns to Earth

Absorbed into its wood, I am part of Yggdrasil itself, flowing through its veins, rising with the sap, carrying the wisdom of the Well of Urd to the highest branches. I witness the unfolding of seasons, the cycle of life and death, the turning of the Great Wheel, where life feeds on death and death gives birth to life..

And then, I am released, a single drop of dew on a leaf, catching the first light of dawn, before falling, once more, to the earth below and the embrace of Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake.

The Ancient Echoes of Mjøsa

Mjøsa stretches out before me, another mirror reflecting the heavens. Born of glacial melt, cradled in a valley carved by ice and time, its depths hold secrets older than the sagas. Falling gently onto its surface, joining the timeless waters, ready to begin a new chapter of my unending journey.

I sense the echoes of ancient rituals: the rhythmic beat of a shaman’s drum, calling upon the spirits of the lake for guidance; the careful placement of stones along the shore, forming a sacred circle for ceremonies honouring the ancestors; the hushed chanting of blessings for a bountiful harvest, the lake’s bounty intertwined with the land’s.

I hear the voices of Sámi noaidi, seeking visions in the still, dark water, perhaps using the reflective surface as a scrying mirror to glimpse the future or communicate with other realms. The prayers of pilgrims echo, too: a plea for healing, a whispered vow of devotion, a song of gratitude for safe passage. All drawn to this place, a reflection of the World Tree. The memory of offerings shimmers – swords and silver gifted to its dark embrace.

Offerings to the Depths

I spread across Mjøsa’s surface, feeling its cold depths. The wind whispers across the water, carrying the scent of pine from the surrounding forests. I touch the smooth stones of the lakebed, remnants of offerings cast long ago.

A sword, its edge dulled by time, yet still holding the intent of the warrior who offered it. This was a gift to Njord, god of the sea and seafaring, of wealth and fertility – a blade given in thanks for safe passage home. The battle was over, the journey complete.

The Guardian of Mjøsa

And within that realm, within Mjøsa’s depths, legends speak of a guardian. A serpent, vast and ancient, its scales shimmering, a reminder of the wildness that lies beneath, the forces that shape this land.

From this inland sea, I join a river flowing west, a silver thread weaving through the heart of Norway.

The Majesty of Sognefjord

The journey is long, a descent through a land of rising mountains, capped with snow, and ancient forests. The air grows colder, carrying the scent of pine and salt.

Then, I see it. Sognefjord. The King of Fjords. A breathtaking chasm where mountains meet the sea, a mirror to the heavens and the soul of Norway. Fresh and salt water meet, echoes of glaciers linger in the depths. I spill into the fjord, a final release, a merging with the immensity. The journey from lake to ocean is complete.

The Sacred Waters of Selja

I am drawn to Selja, a small island, a speck of land in the fjord’s vastness. Here, the air hums with peace, sanctuary, ancient devotion.

I sense not just quiet encantations, but resonant chants of monks, heartfelt pleas of pilgrims, the presence of those who sought refuge here. I touch the stones of the ruined monastery, cool and smooth, worn by time and countless hands.

A Journey That Never Ends

And as I rise, drawn upwards by the setting sun, I carry these memories – a testament to water’s power to shape land and spirit.

From Viking longships to Sámi drums, from sacred springs to crashing waves, Norway’s story is inseparable from its waters. It is a story of reverence, respect, understanding that water is not a resource, but the essence of life, a connection to the past, a guide to the present, a promise for the future.

This story, my story, I carry. And I invite you too to explore it further. The Compassionate Water Module awaits. Delve into the Meditation practices. Listen to the ancient call of ‘Since the Beginning – Water Announces Life’. Consider the Apprentice Gatekeeper Training. Seek out Mentorship & Teachings.

For within the flow, the wisdom waits. The journey continues, and the waters will lead.

A Call to the Seekers

Throughout the world, people of the Way of Water—across continents, from east to west, north to south—priests, goddesses, shamans, and druids have given their human voices over to Water Speaking Water. In this eternal conversation, wisdom flows freely, carried by those who listen. Among them, Ekan Nangaku, an initiated Elder and Shaman in the ancient West African lineage of the Dagara (the Wild People), shares the teachings received through compassionate transmissions from Water itself. His mentorship and teachings illuminate the path for those called to the waters, those who seek to listen, to learn, and to carry forward the voice of the unseen.

The flow continues, and the invitation remains. Come, listen to the water’s voice, and let it guide you toward the next part of your path.

The waters are calling—will you answer?

Part 2: The Water Journey through the United Kingdom

Part 2: The Water Journey through the United Kingdom

Engaging with the Element of Water at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, emphasizing flow, emotion, and mindfulness through water-inspired meditation practices.

The Eternal Journey of Water

– Composed by Douglas Webber, and edited by Ekan Nangaku Leisching

Today’s journey begins in the ancient land of Somerset, but my existence stretches far beyond the boundaries of time. I have flowed through countless landscapes, touched by the hands of seekers, molded by the rhythms of the earth. My journey is endless, my origins lost in the great expanse of the waters that came before land itself.

Where I first emerged remains a mystery, hidden in the eternal body of water. Yet now, I find myself here, where the Red and White Springs of Glastonbury have flowed for centuries, carrying with them the essence of the earth. Beneath the watchful presence of Glastonbury Tor, I emerge from deep underground.

The White Spring: A Sanctuary of Stillness

The White Spring, rich with calcium, emerges cool and clear, nourishing the moss-covered stones of the well house that enshrines me. This is a sanctuary. The well house, dimly lit and hushed, embraces those who step inside, inviting reflection and reverence. Phones and cameras are forbidden, ensuring that those who enter do so with full presence, free from distraction. The air is thick with incense, and candlelight flickers across the sacred pools, illuminating the offerings placed with care—tokens of gratitude, requests for healing, and symbols of devotion. Shrines line the chamber, honoring different spiritual paths, weaving together traditions and beliefs into a sacred space where Divinity manifests in many forms. Among them stands a shrine in honor of Brigid, the Celtic Fire Goddess and guardian of sacred springs, where the Brigid Flame perpetually burns. Nearby, a shrine venerates The Lady of Avalon, watching over the healing pools, while another honors the King of the World of Faerie, marking the portal to the Otherworld. The powerful ley-line known as the Michael Line runs through this sacred space, connecting the energy of Michael, forever linked to Glastonbury Tor, to the flow of these waters.

The Red Spring: The Blood of the Earth

Just a few steps away, the Red Spring seeps through iron-rich earth, its hue reminiscent of lifeblood, revered by those who seek renewal. I have absorbed the whispered stories and murmured prayers of those who believe in my power to cleanse, restore, and strengthen, carrying their hopes in my endless flow. The iron that tints my waters is not just an earthly element—it is my essence, my vitality, long believed to rejuvenate the weary and mend the broken, infusing those who immerse themselves in my depths with renewed energy and strength.

The Waters and Energy of Avalon

For centuries, people have bathed in my embrace, believing in my ability to heal not just the body, but the spirit. The contrast of my twin sources—one flowing pure and clear, the other tinged red with life’s force—embodies the dual nature of existence: the balance of strength and surrender, of the seen and unseen. Scientists speak of the minerals within me, their effects on circulation and well-being, while mystics claim that I hold the very pulse of the land, channeling energies that awaken and transform those who come seeking something more. Whether through chemistry or divinity, I am a source of healing, and I have watched as those who arrive burdened with sorrow leave lighter, renewed, as if they have been reborn within my waters.

I have borne witness to seekers, and druids, and pilgrims who have journeyed to my waters in search of peace and wisdom, as well as the wild creatures who once roamed freely, their presence leaving ripples upon my surface long before human footsteps arrived. Deer bent their slender necks to drink from me, their breath rippling across my surface, while birds skimmed the water’s edge, their songs merging with the whisper of my current. The ancient roots of towering trees reached deep into the earth, drawing my essence upward so they may grow. Through it all, I have felt the reverence of those who have come after—the trembling hands that cup my waters to drink, the bowed bodies that submerge in my embrace, seeking something beyond the physical, something timeless and true. I have listened to chants that echo through the chamber, prayers murmured to the rhythm of flowing water, voices seeking clarity, healing, and renewal. I have felt their wounds ease, their burdens lighten as they listen to the whispers I carry from the deep earth. I have seen the mourning of knights, the prayers of mystics, and the silent hopes of those who come in search of something unseen. I have been present at Avalon’s heart, where legends and spirits intertwine. Legends whisper of the Grail hidden here—but ah, who am I to spill the secrets I may or may not hold? I simply flow, carrying the determined whispers of divine resolution between the past and future in my current as I watch seekers seek what is already found. I swirl with the echoes of Joseph of Arimathea’s presence, and Arthurian lore drifts within me, woven like mist upon the surface of my waters.

Flowing Toward the Bristol Channel

My journey must go on. Seeping through the bedrock of Glastonbury, I emerge into a stream that feeds the River Brue. Winding through the Avalon Marshes, I flow past the remnants of what is now known as Glastonbury Lake Village, a testament to those who once thrived in harmony with these wetlands. Here, where water has always been both friend and master, I have seen lives unfold and histories take shape. Reeds and willows bow to my passage, egrets lift effortlessly into the sky, and dragonflies trace delicate patterns upon my surface. I carry with me the whispers of the marsh, the secrets of those who built upon my banks, and the endless rhythm of life sustained by my touch. Merging with the River Parrett, I am drawn inevitably toward the Bristol Channel.

As I approach the sea, the tide pushes against me, resisting my flow, holding me in a delicate balance where fresh and saltwater meet. In the essence of flow, I rise, lifted into mist and carried by a breath of life as a storm gathers over the Welsh hills, drawing me into the embrace of the clouds. Suspended in the sky, as more of me gathers, the heavens swell with my presence, both seen and felt. Then, with great exhale, I bless the land below, pouring life upon the thirsty land, carrying within me the essence of every sacred place I have touched, descending upon the rugged peaks of Snowdonia.

Rising to the Clouds and Returning as Rain

Among these ancient mountains, I find my way into a spring that feeds St. Winefride’s Well in Holywell, North Wales. For centuries, I have been sought by the faithful, my waters a source of devotion, a refuge for the weary, a sacred current carrying the hopes and burdens of those who come seeking cleansing and healing. I remember the legend of St. Winefride, whose severed head, cast upon the earth, gave birth to me—a moment of divine grace, where death was met not with an ending, but with restoration. The faithful have gathered here ever since, their hands trembling as they reach for me, their prayers of hope merging with my waters. Some seek my touch for the healing of body and spirit, others come burdened with prayers they dare not speak aloud but rather to let them dissolve into my depths. I carry the wisdom of all dilemmas when waters flow where the mind cannot. I have carried these offerings for centuries, bearing silent witness to the unbroken pilgrimage of belief. And whether the legend is woven from truth or something else, I do not say. I have been flowing since time beyond memory, knowing all that has come before, yet I do not seek to shape the understanding of those who walk their own path of discovery. I receive devotion, cradle secrets, and offer my embrace to all who seek me. From that place of rebirth, I never ceased to flow. Pilgrims dip their hands, splash their faces, and fill their flasks with my sacred essence, carrying a piece of me forward into the world beyond…

One such traveler, an elderly woman, with a lined face and kind eyes, fills her bottle and sets off eastward toward England’s heartlands. As she crosses into the ancient kingdom of Mercia, she pauses at the banks of the River Trent, emptying the last drops of her flask into my flowing waters. I become part of a greater current, carried northward, past the spires of Nottingham, where I have witnessed the march of Romans, the rise and fall of kings, and the silent prayers of monks long gone.

Merging with the Great Currents of England

I merge with the River Ouse, a name that simply means ‘Water’ in its ancient origins, as if to remind the world that I am what I am. For centuries, I have borne witness to the tides of history, an ever-present stream through time. Before the longships arrived, Benedictine monks had settled upon these lands, their chants rising softly with the mist upon my surface, their devotion carried upon my currents for I am the medium, the vessel, the bringer of news. Then came the Viking raiders, their ships slicing through my waters, warriors wading ashore, their voices as rough as the northern winds. They carved their presence into the tides of time, leaving behind echoes that still linger along my banks. Long after their war cries faded, the monks remained, seeking solace in my embrace, their prayers weaving into the fabric of flow, a quiet contrast to the clashes that once disturbed my surface. I have known conquest and quiet contemplation alike, bearing witness without interference, ever-moving, ever-knowing, ever-being and seeking stillness without rest.

Leaving behind the echoes of ancient prayers and Viking longships, I surrender to the pull of the tides, drawn into the embrace of the Atlantic Ocean, where currents weave stories between distant lands. I drift with these currents, carried past craggy cliffs where seabirds wheel above, until the sky darkens, and the cold northern winds gather me into their grasp. Suspended within the mist, I fall once more, descending upon the rugged Scottish Highlands, where the air is crisp, and the mountains cradle deep, mysterious lochs. Here, in the shifting waters of legend and time, I am called toward an island shrouded in mist, where sacred wells and hidden lochs guard the wisdom of ages—the Isle of Skye.

Drifting Northward: The Sacred Waters of Scotland

I flow into a land of untamed beauty and deep spiritual resonance, where sacred waters have long been revered for their healing and mystical properties. Among these, I find Loch Shianta, meaning “Holy Loch,” a place of pilgrimage and folklore, where my waters carry blessings of renewal and protection. Tucked away in a secluded glen, I have been visited for centuries by those seeking cures for ailments, their offerings left at the nearby well in quiet reverence. Infused with the spirit of the land and its ancient traditions, I am not just a body of water—I am a living vessel of reconciliation, holding the messages of the past and the energies of the present. I am deeply intertwined with Celtic beliefs in the sanctity of nature, where springs, lochs, and wells are seen as portals to the divine. Even today, I awaken a sense of connection to something greater, drawing seekers and wanderers who come to drink, to cleanse, and to listen to the echoes of harmony carried in each ripple.

The Final Sanctuary: St. Nectan’s Kieve

Drawn once more toward the endless rhythm of movement, I surrender to the pull of the waters that weave through this ancient land. I follow the rivulets trickling from mossy stones, merging with mountain streams rushing towards the vast embrace of the Atlantic. Carried southward by unseen forces that tend me toward balance, I become one with rolling tides, drifting along the western edge of the isles, where the ocean cradles the mysteries of myth and memory. The winds rise, guiding me ever onward, until I am drawn toward a land where the echoes of the past still dance upon cascading waters—a sacred glen hidden in the Cornish landscape, where St. Nectan’s Kieve awaits my return.

St Nectan’s Glen is a place where the veil between worlds feels thin, a final resting place on this journey where the echoes of my path still ripple through time. Drawn here by unseen currents, I have traveled through sacred wells, rushing rivers, and boundless seas to reach this sanctuary, where water has long been revered as a force of transformation and renewal. Nestled within Cornwall’s lush woodlands, this sacred site is home to St Nectan’s Kieve, a breathtaking waterfall that cascades through a naturally carved rock arch into a crystal-clear basin below, standing at an impressive 18 meters high. Long considered a place of spiritual cleansing and renewal, the glen is steeped in Celtic legend, pagan traditions, and Christian mysticism. Pilgrims and seekers have visited for centuries, leaving offerings of ribbons, crystals, and heartfelt prayers, drawn to the site’s powerful aura of healing and transformation. The legend of St Nectan, a 6th-century hermit said to have lived in a cell above the falls, adds a layer of divine presence, as does the belief that knights once blessed themselves here before embarking on quests. The glen is not just a place of beauty—it is a living sanctuary, where the sound of rushing water and the chants of the forest weave together, calling those who seek connection, guidance, and an experience of the sacred.

 

Suspended within the vast embrace of the waters, I wait, lingering in the endless rhythm of ebb and flow, listening to the murmurs of journeys yet to come. I have carried the wisdom of ancient wells, the prayers of pilgrims, the essence of sacred rivers—and still, I move, seeking, becoming, forever entwined with the great cycle of existence. But even as I drift, I invite you to pause, to listen, to immerse yourself in the sacred flow that has carried me through time.

The waters do not merely touch the land—they whisper secrets, they guide, they call. Those who listen find themselves drawn deeper, moving beyond the surface, feeling the pulse of something ancient stirring beneath. If you wish to follow the current, to explore the depths of water’s wisdom, let me carry you toward greater understanding. Journey with me through several sacred waters on my “Since the Beginning – Water Announces Life” reflection and hear the first whispers of this path. Sink into the stillness of Meditation, where the waters within reflect the waters without, or flow into the teachings of the Compassionate Water Module and allow its currents to reshape and renew you. If you feel called to guard these waters, to walk the path of the apprentice, the gateway awaits within Apprentice Gatekeeper Training.

A Call to the Seekers

Throughout the world, people of the Way of Water—across continents, from east to west, north to south—priests, goddesses, shamans, and druids have given their human voices over to Water Speaking Water. In this eternal conversation, wisdom flows freely, carried by those who listen. Among them, Ekan Nangaku, an initiated Elder and Shaman in the ancient West African lineage of the Dagara (the Wild People), shares the teachings received through compassionate transmissions from Water itself. His mentorship and teachings illuminate the path for those called to the waters, those who seek to listen, to learn, and to carry forward the voice of the unseen.

The flow continues, and the invitation remains. Come, listen to the water’s voice, and let it guide you toward the next part of your path.

The waters are calling—will you answer?

Part 1: Since The Beginning, Water Announces Life

Part 1: Since The Beginning, Water Announces Life

Engaging with the Element of Water at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, emphasizing flow, emotion, and mindfulness through water-inspired meditation practices.

Water - Way of Balance

– Composed by Douglas Webber, and edited by Ekan Nangaku Leisching

Before language, before thought, water was the first breath of life. It is the primordial element, the ancient memory, the silent witness to all that has ever been and all that will ever be. Water moves, carves, erodes, reshapes and restores. It is the unshackled traveler, crossing lands and lifetimes, dissolving what was and making space for what is yet to come.

Sacred Water

In every sacred tradition, water has been the great life giver and healer, the irresistible way-shower over thresholds between states of being. Across cultures and spiritual paths, water flows through rituals of cleansing and renewal, weaving a timeless thread that connects humanity to something far greater than itself.

In Japan, the graceful movements of Misogi invite the spirit to be cleansed beneath cascading waters, while in Islam, the mindful practice of Wudu prepares the body and soul for prayer through purifying touch. The sacred immersions in the Ganges River call millions to its banks, the waters believed to carry away burdens beyond the physical. In Bali, the Malukat ceremony unfolds like a prayer in motion, each drop of water a blessing, washing over body and spirit alike. And within Christianity, baptism becomes a passageway, where the water cradles the seeker between old and new, cleansing not just the skin but the very essence of being.

These sacred acts do not stand apart—they are ripples in the same vast ocean, reflections of an ancient knowing: that water is more than substance; it is memory, medium, and the tender hand that invites us to live anew. Indigenous traditions have viewed water as the lifeblood of the Earth, with ceremonies dedicated to honouring its presence and seeking balance, such as the various forms of Water Blessing Ceremonies practiced by so many indigenous cultures, where communities gather to offer prayers, gratitude, and songs to rivers, lakes, and oceans, recognising water as a living being and vital source of life. Water flows through these practices as a gateway between worlds, a medium through which the old is washed away and space is made for the new. A baptism, a river crossing, an offering at the feet of the divine—it is the gateway. Yet beyond eternal washing, beyond the physical, water is the carrier of energy in motion -emotion, sensing deep inner knowing.

To be intimate with water is to connect with ourselves, for we, too, are mostly water—rivers running through the soil of our flesh and over the stones of our bones.
Engaging with the Element of Water at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, emphasizing flow, emotion, and mindfulness through water-inspired meditation practices.

As the new moon rises on March 27 2025, Born as the Earth Zen Academy, under the guidance of Ekan Nangaku and his Apprentice Mentors, opens the Water Gateway for seekers ready to attune to the subtle currents of water, emotion, and deep conscious awareness.

This is an invitation to walk the Middle Way – the Way of Balance, to cultivate compassion, resonance, and harmony—learning to navigate the complexities of human and non-human relationships through the wisdom of water’s way. Collectively, we will be holding space for transformation, immersing participants in two months of guided meditations, elemental rituals, and deep self-inquiry. Born as the Earth Zen Academy’s training invites you to step into a living stream of wisdom—an immersion into Water’s essential intelligence of fluidity, healing, and emotional depth. This experience can be gentle and subtle, like the tender touch of the early morning dew kissing your face at day break, or it can be energizingly rapid, as though you are swept into its surging currents alive with restorative power. Always still, always in motion, Water’s natural medicine resolves all dilemmas for a fresh day to reveal itself. How you journey is yours to choose—whether to lightly tread the surface, cautiously wading the shallow, or dive headlong into its depths, it’s wisdom unfolds immediately and in its own time. In this way, the journey will reshape the way we sense, feel, and dissolve into the world around us.

During this Prelude to the Water Module, we will release a new article each week, offering an unfolding stream of stories and insights that invite reflection and preparation for the journey ahead. These writings will explore the significance of water through the ages—its spiritual connection, its resilient determination, and its role as a mirror and medium of communication —guiding readers to sense the deeper currents that flow beneath the surface of everyday life. Like stepping stones placed across a river, each exploration leads intuitively to the next, revealing the passageways across the eternal flow of time with spaces in between to pause, reflect, and feel the Water Way speaking to you. This training is not merely a transmission of information; it is an invitation to align and sense the currents of your journey toward the ocean of peace and harmony.

Water: The Vessel of Emotion

When we stand at the edge of the ocean, why do we feel the weight of our thoughts begin to dissolve? Why does the sound of a running stream bring a sense of clarity? Water holds the imprints of emotion, etching its ancient story into the land, as riverbeds remember every flood and drought. Science tells us that it carries memory, that its structure shifts in response to energy, emotion, and sound. Ancient traditions knew this long before science—every drop is the whole ocean and a medium of revelation, carrying the whispered vibrations over the land and sky.

To truly work with this element, we intimately listen. We allow ourselves to be fluid, carried and held and moved by its eternal force toward stillness and flow. It teaches surrender—not as passivity, but as intelligent adaptation. It teaches that resistance creates suffering, that a river does not break against a rock, instead its flexibility moves around obstacles, its constant resilience softening edges without the constriction of time.

Flowing into the Water Module: What Apprentices Will Experience

2 x Mentoring Sessions:

One guided by an Apprentice Mentor, the other with Ekan Nangaku, offering structured wisdom and personalised insight, spiritual guidance, intuitive mentoring, and essential practices for transformation.

1 x Divination:

A channeled journey into the ancient art of divination, where apprentices receive the subtle messages of the unseen, gaining insight into the deeper currents shaping their path. Through symbols, visions, and intuitive practices, this session reveals the deeply held wisdom within us.

4 x Nature-Based Wisdom Teachings:

A deep exploration of animism and the living essence of nature—learning how land, water, and sky breathe as one, and how we are intrinsically connected to them. Apprentices will uncover how to listen to nature’s voice, integrate its wisdom into daily life, and align with its rhythms for greater balance and insight.

8 x Community Talking Circle’s:

A journey into the ancient practice of communal wisdom and shared leadership. Apprentices will learn how to hold space for collective dialogue, navigate group dynamics with presence and integrity, and foster a deeper sense of connection within BEZA and their own communities.

1 x Zen & Elemental Meditation Training:

Rooted in the principles of Zazen meditation, this training shifts the focus from breath to the five Earth elements—Fire, Water, Earth, Nature, and Stone. Apprentices will learn to align with each element, understanding its presence within and around them, and cultivating a meditative practice that deepens their connection to the natural world.

Unlimited morning group meditation (Online, 7 AM – 8 AM daily)

Beyond these immersive sessions, apprentices will learn to tune into the rhythms of water, refining their ability to sense, relate, and respond with emotional intelligence and deep presence. Water teaches the art of harmonisation—flowing between interactions, sensing the unspoken, and embracing the unseen. Through this fluid connection, apprentices will develop a heightened awareness of balance, sensitivity, and relational depth, discovering how to embody compassion and resonance in both the tangible and intangible aspects of life.

Each session will bring apprentices into a deeply intimate relationship with water, not just as an element, but as a living guide to balance, presence, and relational flow. Emotions are the oscillations of Water, reflecting the ebb and flow of our inner world. Tears become the body’s release, like fresh rain cleansing parched earth. Our clear, still waters hold the weight of what is unspeakable, quietly resolving distorted into calm. It teaches us to cleanse, recharge, and realign our inner states, revealing the body itself as a flowing system—a harmonic hologram of the great waters of the world. By learning to listen deeply, apprentices will cultivate a profound sensitivity, allowing them to respond to themselves and others with openness, clarity, and compassion.

Through meditation, elemental rituals, and reflections on ancient wisdom, apprentices will learn to resolve dilemmas, engage in shadow work, and strengthen their emotional intelligence—deepening their understanding of how water nourishes and connects all life.

A Call to the Seekers

This Module is not just a program or another workshop—it is a Gateway, an invitation to step beyond the known and into the depths of emotional and spiritual intelligence.

Approaching any sacred waters—be it an ocean, a river, or a hidden stream—you are invited to choose how deeply to immerse yourself. You may dip a toe, feeling the cool surface shimmering with a touch of magic, or slowly wade the shallows, letting the sparkling waters embrace you with a gentle, mystical pull. Perhaps you will choose to dive into the deep end, immersing yourself in the majestic depths where the currents hold ancient whispers and hidden truths. Each layer of depth offers its own wisdom and empowerment. It is for those who feel the pull of the tides within themselves, who know there is a call in their longing, who understand that healing is not about force, but about flow.

If you feel the call, the waters are waiting.

Compassionate WATER Module

Compassionate WATER Module

Compassionate WATER Module

Way of Balance

27 March – 10 May 2025

Engaging with the Element of Water at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, emphasizing flow, emotion, and mindfulness through water-inspired meditation practices.

Learn harmonising techniques – how to sense and relate to others. Access your emotional intelligence. Navigate the complexities of human and non-human relationships. Acquire the skills of meditation; compassion; resonance; resolving dilemma; and shadow work.

Unlock the transformative power of Water with BEZA. Journey through the element of Water to cultivate compassion, deepen your sensitivity, and reconnect with the flow of life. This sacred training invites you to immerse yourself in Water’s wisdom, nurturing emotional healing, intuitive insight, and a profound sense of interconnectedness.

A group of deeply curious and dedicated BEZA Students and Apprentices will embark on an 8 week deep dive into their authentic medicine.

This training is for committed ones who are eager to uncover their authentic selves and give the gift of their unwavering Truth to the world.