Mother Shipton’s Cave

Believed to be born as Ursula Southwell in a cave in the forests of Knaresborough, Mother Shipton was associated with all kinds of tragic events and dark doings in the area, including the bewitchment of a nearby well that turned objects into stone.

One of the mystical secrets of Mother Shipton has been solved by modern science. The well nearby her dwelling petrifies that objects left in its waters has been something of a visitor’s attraction since 1630, making it one of the oldest tourist spots in England. Once thought to be the work of witchcraft, it’s now known that the water that can turn things like teddy bears, hats and other random items into “stone” within 3 to 5 months is due to the natural process of evaporation and an unusually high mineral content.

Mother Shipton was said to be a witch and seer, she had powerful psychic abilities which made her revered and feared in her times. Books have been published of her prophecies, many came true. Of course, it is important to remember that with any kind of foretelling that events can only be predicted on events based in the current stream of consciousness. Some events I believe are set in stone, however, the powerful collective influence of others can intervene and the future can be reshaped. This is the same with any form of divination. It can only give you an indication of what may happen if you continue with a particular course of action. We can change our paths with a single decision and also our destiny.

Mother Shipton’s is a place of incredible beauty and a wonderful place to spend a day. We have visited here many times over the years and it never fails to cast its magic spell on us! We like to go during quiet times so we can soak up the energy of the place and visit her cave. It’s peaceful place to sit and meditate in. I have certainly felt her energy there.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mother-shipton-s-cave-and-the-petrifying-well