Re: Castlerigg desecration and vandalism | Forum

Myrddin ap Cwmbrai Jul 13, 2008 17:41:25

Replying to Littlestone

I know of no Internet-based research that states that Castlerigg is the home of Gods, so can't pass you a link for you to enjoy at your leisure, there are certain alignments there to suggest a calendar-like application though, perhaps you might be interested in going to the plave and finding out for yourself?

Nigel:

The leaving of small gifts, such as a personal item, quartz, whatever, to show homage to the Gods and Ancestors has long been common practice in these Isles. What is your stance on prayer shrines throughout Ireland, where rags are tied to trees and around 'Holy Wells'? I believe these gifts are a sign of leaving a pierce of yourself, some of your personal energy in exchange for what was gained by being there. A feather, crystal, packet of herbs, cake for the birds and wine for the land - do they physically harm the beauty of the place? I imagine if it got to the level of creating a landfill on a SAM, then the answer would be yes. But, as the naked fire scorches the land within the circle, and on an archaeological level makes it impossible to take Geophysical readings, it is much more damaging.

nigelswift Jul 13, 2008 18:09:21

Replying to Myrddin ap Cwmbrai

"The leaving of small gifts, such as a personal item, quartz, whatever, to show homage to the Gods and Ancestors has long been common practice in these Isles. "

Has it? How long is long? Not very at most sites, if truth be told.

Anyhow, I know there are two schools of thought, I was just pointing out that it wasn't possible to recommend leaving a site as you found it AND leaving stuff at it.

BTW, "a quartz pressed into the mud by someone giving thanks for the rain stopping" - what's that about then?? An attempt to avoid breaking the law by saying "I didn't bury it?" I'm no lawyer but I bet it DOES breach the law. The Pagans that I know wouldn't dream of doing such a thing. Maybe you should write to EH, get a definitive opinion and transmit the results to those that do it?

Littlestone Jul 13, 2008 19:08:01

Replying to Myrddin ap Cwmbrai

I know of no Internet-based research that states that Castlerigg is the home of Gods...

Yet you assert above that Castlerigg is a place where the 'Gods and Ancestors of Castlerigg' are loved - your 'home of gods' being the operative words here. What evidence do you have that Castlerigg was ever the home of gods?

I have the greatest respect for people with alternative (indeed any) belief systems but frankly this sort of mumbo-jumbo doesn't advance their case and, sadly, can result in practices that lead to the damage or degradation of our ancient sites.