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The Surprising, and Extraordinary Healing Power of the Peat Bog

 

Hello again. The month has rolled around quickly, and I’m aware we’re nearly out of it, and heading swiftly into March! I’ve been thinking of several different topics to write about, but settled on sharing a personal experience I had a few days ago – a deeply animistic, spiritual, and healing experience that I neither expected nor was I prepared for.

 

I had been teaching the weekend before and had a scare with my son being rushed to hospital. Thankfully, he is fine now and on the road to recovery. As a mother, it was a terrifying time and I felt quite ‘on edge’ in the days that followed. To relieve a bit of stress, we decided to visit the ‘Sweet Track’ at Shapham Marshes near Glastonbury, so I could do a spot of historical geeking and enjoy time out in the natural world. This ancient trackway, dating to the Neolithic period some 5,800 years ago, was built to allow people to traverse the terrain of the peat marshes safely, and linked areas of high ground, likely the sites of human settlements. Before I dive into my healing experience, I wanted to share some information on peat bogs, and their ancient relationship with humans.

 

Peat bogs have long held a significant place in British consciousness, intertwining with the cultural, historical, and spiritual fabric of the region. These unique wetland ecosystems, found extensively across Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales, have been sources of fascination, fear, and reverence through the ages. Bogs have been considered sacred or mystical places in British and broader Celtic mythology and they were often seen as liminal spaces, thresholds between the worlds of the living and the dead, or between the mundane and the magical. The deposition of valuable items, from jewellery to weapons, suggests that bogs were sites for offerings to deities or ancestors, reinforcing their role in rituals and religious practices.

 

Peat bogs have remarkable preservative properties due to their acidic and anaerobic conditions. This has led to the discovery of very well-preserved ancient human remains, known as bog bodies, some of which date back thousands of years. These bodies often come with tales of ancient rituals, sacrifices, and punishments, fuelling speculation and stories about past peoples and their beliefs. The enigmatic nature of these findings has woven bogs into narratives of mysticism and the supernatural. Our most famous bog body is Lindow Man, or ‘Pete Marsh’ as he was affectionately named by the archaeologists who studied him!

 

Lindow Man died somewhere between the 2^nd century BCE and 119 CE, in the area that is now Cheshire, England. He is one of the most studied bog bodies found across northern Europe. His remains were discovered in 1984 by commercial peat-cutters in a bog at Lindow Moss. His body was so well-preserved that his hair, soft tissues, and some clothing survived. Evidence shows he died a violent death - he suffered a severe wound to the back of his skull, possibly from repeated blows with a blunt object or narrow-bladed implement. His neck was also broken in two places.

 

Analysis revealed further gruesome details - a tight cord was likely used to strangle him, and his throat was cut. Some scholars believe this indicates he was the victim of a ritualistic human sacrifice. Lindow Man was middle-aged at death, around 25-30 years old, an age which seems standard for male sacrificial offerings in Britain. Analysis of his gut contents showed his final meal was a burnt bread product, along with grains of mistletoe pollen, further traces of charred grain - possibly burnt emmer or spelt wheat, which were common cereal crops in ancient Britain.

 

There was also faecal matter containing vegetable fibres, suggesting he had consumed a diet rich in vegetables or plant materials in addition to grains, along with eggs from a parasitic intestinal worm. The presence of the mistletoe pollen has added weight to theories that Lindow Man may have been offered as a ritual sacrifice by Iron Age Britons. According to Caesar, Mistletoe was revered in continental Celtic cultures and often used in ceremonial contexts. Some have speculated that if Lindow Man did meet his death through ritual sacrifice, his last meal containing mistletoe may have held religious significance as part of the rites performed before his killing.

 

Ecologically, peat bogs are important natural powerhouses that provide numerous vital benefits. They act as massive carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide and helping to mitigate climate change. Their sponge-like properties absorb and slowly release water, regulating water flow and preventing floods and droughts.

 

Peat bogs support a diverse array of specialised and often rare plant and animal species adapted to their acidic, nutrient-poor conditions. They play a crucial role in water purification by filtering pollutants and sediments. Additionally, the layered peat serves as a paleoenvironmental record, allowing scientists to study the Earth's ecological history. These invaluable ecosystems not only maintain biodiversity but also provide cultural, educational, and recreational value to humans. Protecting and restoring peat bogs is essential for preserving their myriad ecological functions.

 

Humans have found many uses for peat over the centuries, extensively exploiting this natural resource. Peat has served as a traditional fuel source for heating and cooking, particularly in regions where it is abundant. The horticultural industry relies heavily on peat moss as a soil amendment and component of potting mixes due to its excellent water retention and aeration properties.

 

In agriculture, peat is utilised as a soil conditioner to improve structure and fertility. Its absorbent nature has made peat moss a popular bedding material for livestock. Historically, peat has even been used in construction for insulation and moisture control. Peat plays a role in certain industries, such as whisky production, water purification, and as an absorbent for oil spills. While versatile, the large-scale extraction of peat can be environmentally damaging, and this has led to efforts to explore sustainable practices and alternative materials.

 

When I stepped onto the peat marsh at Shapham, I was initially struck by the peace of the area. I wondered if the soft ground somehow acted as a natural soundproofing. I couldn’t hear a thing apart from the birds, despite there being roads nearby. The second experience that I had was a feeling of softening all around me, and I remarked to Roger how soft and gentle the energy of the place felt. He suggested I tune in more deeply and see what came back to me, and the results were astonishing. I decided to open myself spiritually and walk with attention, speaking out loud to the Spirit of Place which was so evidently present. I felt it viscerally. Despite the landscape still appearing ostensibly barren, it was positively humming with energy.

 

As we walked deeper into the marsh, I became extremely aware of the strong feminine energy of it. I can best describe it as ‘motherly’, as it had a soft, nurturing quality to it, and a feeling of ‘kindness’ – I literally felt like I was being embraced. I had the strangest thought cross my mind – that I would not have minded being laid in the bog as a sacrificial offering, because the feeling of the place was peaceful, restful, and welcoming. I felt a tiredness wash over me – I could happily have curled up and taken a nap there and then – it was quite hypnotic.

 

As we walked the ancient track, I became aware of a new sensation. I was overcome with the feeling of nostalgia and aware of the weight of the energy of the ancient ancestors coming towards me as I walked further into the bog. It triggered a sensation that Welsh speakers describe as hiraeth, a word which has several layers of meaning and connected to the sense of nostalgia I was feeling. Hiraeth at its deepest level may be understood as a yearning, a kind of homesickness, but for a time and place that one has never been to or can never return to.

 

The sensation was incredibly strong and emotive, and I felt a deep sense of grief as I felt an overwhelmingly loving ancient energy coming back to me, knowing that most humans are completely unaware that this kind of nurturing is freely available to them if only they would remember. I experienced love coming back to me from this place, in a way I have not experienced before. I would go as far as to say, the land knew I needed healing and relaxation and that’s exactly what it gave me. The softness of the peat forced me to soften into the land, and I was strongly and blissfully aware of the feminine, fleshy nature of it.

 

The deeper into the marsh I went, the slower and deeper my breath became. I felt as if I was breathing properly for the first time in a long time. When we got to the centre of the walk, I became very aware of the Spirit of Place again. I always know when spiritual energy is around me, as I experience it as a flushing, or mild goosebumps feeling around my face and head, as if someone is touching me. I felt it in the bog, as if the spirit was standing right next to me, and the energy of it was gentle, compassionate, and loving, and, as I have noted previously, extremely welcoming. I gave some offerings, and I didn’t want to leave, but all things must end, and after a couple of hours, it was time to go home.

 

When I returned home, I expected that to be the end of the experience, but I was very wrong. The hypnotic feeling persisted – in fact it increased as I settled down for the evening. I was completely exhausted, and by 7.30pm I had to go to bed! This is very unusual for me as a person with ADHD – sleep often evades me, and I find it difficult to switch off. I went to bed immediately and fell asleep. The healing continued in my dreamtime. The themes were the same feminine, nurturing, mothering energy I received from the marsh. I dreamt all night of being with my children, but they were little again, and it was a beautiful, healing experience.

 

I awoke the next morning after a 12-hour sleep, feeling so much better; I felt relaxed, free of anxiety, and renewed. The cyclical nature of bogs, where plant material dies and slowly transforms into peat, perhaps symbolises themes of death, renewal, and regeneration. This can be seen as a metaphor for personal or spiritual healing, where old wounds or negative patterns are allowed to die, leading to renewal and growth, just as I experienced for myself.

 

My experience of the peat marsh has opened new worlds of possibilities for me to explore. Its healing energy was profound, palpable, and at times, beautifully overwhelming. I don’t feel I’ve done it justice here, because some experiences go beyond our ability to describe them. However, I wanted to know what folklore existed around it, and whether the healing energies are noted anywhere in the historical record. Here’s what I found:

 

• In British and Irish traditions, peat bogs were considered sacred, mystical places. Bathing in or drinking the waters from peat bogs was thought to have rejuvenating effects and provide visions or divine inspiration.
• Across Northern Europe, peat bathing has long been used for healing and ritual purification. Archaeological evidence from peat bogs shows they were gathering places for Iron Age Europeans. Peat was seen as a magical substance with protective powers.
• Peat has a prominent role in Sámi shamanistic traditions. The smoke from burning peat moss was used by Sámi shamans, called noaidi, to induce trance states and connect with spirits. The noaidi were said to receive their powers from the bogs.
• In folk medicine across Britain and Ireland, peat moss was made into tonics or poultices to treat wounds and diseases. 19th century texts discuss rural folk beliefs in the curative properties of peat.
• Some believe peat bogs absorb human pain and suffering, leading to their healing effects. This is an effect I certainly felt with surprising depth.

 

It turns out that these folkloric beliefs may have some scientific evidence to support them. Peat bogs contain humic acid, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Studies have found humic acid can help treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema when applied topically. Compounds in peat called fulvic acids may stimulate the immune system and have antimicrobial properties. Some studies suggest fulvic acid supplements can help reduce symptoms and progression of autoimmune conditions.

 

Sitting in peat bog water, known as ‘balneotherapy’, has been used traditionally to treat musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, and skin disorders. The warm, mineral-rich water is thought to increase circulation and provide anti-inflammatory effects. Inhalation of compounds from peat bogs may benefit respiratory conditions through their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Some small studies found reduced symptoms in patients with chronic bronchitis and sinusitis using peat inhalation therapy. Antioxidants like polyphenols present in peat are thought to help protect skin from UV damage when applied topically. There is some early research showing peat creams may prevent skin aging.

 

Thus, peat bogs in British folklore and mythology encapsulate a rich tapestry of stories, beliefs, and values. They are places where history, culture, and nature intertwine, offering a glimpse into the past and a reminder of the complex relationships humans have with the natural world. If you get the chance to visit, or indeed live near a peat marsh, be sure to open yourself to the mystery, and if you feel so moved, drop me a line and let me know about your experiences of it.