Nascente do Rio Lis

The river Lis flows for 40 km through urban sprawl and forest before reaching the sea. It provides a welcome balance to the region’s dryness, watering areas at regular risk of wildfire.
Near to its origin, however, it is only a shallow stream, whose company has brought me great joy and contemplation.
Its Nascente (birthplace) consists of a pile of stones, topped by a header concealing a spring, which flows intermittently throughout the year. During that first visit, the afternoon was golden and the late sun threw sparkles over the water. We meandered upstream, stopping to delight in the algae-covered rocks and small fish swimming beneath the surface. As we walked, the stream slowly became a trickle, and eventually, a dry bed.

When I saw the stone, I knew that here was a Gatekeeper. It marked a doorway between the deep, heavy darkness of the Underland and the light-filled Overland.

I saw how the water inhabits all places, unafraid to move between realms. I stayed there for several minutes, still and silent, trying to make sense of what this stone sought to tell.

Moved and humbled, I built a small altar with leaves and figs from the gully and made a promise: I promised to honour the sacredness of this stone and all it represented, to honour the water. I did not know how to keep this promise, but in that moment, making it felt like enough.


Watercolour on paper