Places where pristine water bubbles up to the surface and begins its journey as a mighty river are called by the Spanish Nacimiento.

It is a beautiful word conveying the birthplace or source of a river. These exceptional places were revered by ancient people worldwide and recognized as having unique healing energies and qualities. Often, these sources were named after local gods or goddesses, and sanctuaries were built to honor them. The names of these deities can be found in village names along the winding river’s path.

One such river is the Danube, the longest river in Western Europe. It flows through many countries, including Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Croatia, and begins its journey in southwestern Germany and the Black Forest. In older times, headwaters and springs were usually associated with river goddesses and Naiads. These places were full of legends, mythology, and healing. During one of our travels, we were fortunate to visit two places that claim the distinction of being the birthplace of the Danube, called the Donau in German.

Visiting sacred sites energetically is quite different from typical tourism. After years of practice, I’ve learned to sense the energy of these places with my body. This is a skill anyone can develop, and we teach it in our classes and tours. Basically, drop into your body (and out of your mind) and be neutral, then pay attention to subtle nudges as you become aware of where you feel a change in sensation in your body.

Sacred places often have higher vibrations that you can feel as you approach. To do this, take a moment to tune into your body’s sensations, which can be felt in your chakra system, central channel, and some of your organs. As you learn your unique language, traveling to sacred places becomes much more rewarding and fun.

It was fascinating to notice the difference in sensations and energy quality in these two Danube birthplaces using the body dowsing method described above. The first, called Donaubach, is located in Donaueschingen, Germany. Here, the spring bubbles up in a beautiful circular sanctuary by the Donaueschingen Palace. The statues depict the mother, Baar, a plateau and the source of the Neckar River, showing her young daughter, Danube, the way. The energy felt strong and balanced, opening all the chakras.

The visit to the source of the River Breg, which joins with the stream Brigach to form the Danube, was more impressive. It is located near the village of Furtwangen, in the Black Forest. Above the spring is a little church dedicated to St. Martin. Driving up to this source, we could feel the energy rising even before we arrived. Danuvuis, the Roman river god representing the Danube, guarded the spring.

This Danube source felt more pristine, opening all chakras and creating a special connection with the eyes and clear vision. The sparkling, clean energy made it a wonderful place to sit and soak in the high vibrations.

It was a wonderful place to spend time and enjoy the sparkly, clean, high-vibrational energy. Sitting and soaking up the place's powerful energy made it easy to understand why water has been worshipped and held sacred for millennia. These springs carry a special kind of sacred that offers healing and a deeper spiritual connection. As birthplaces of rivers, they can also birth deeper connections within us.

By Karen Crowley-Susani