20th February 2009, 12:57 PM
Hi folks,
I?m really torn by this fascinating debate. While CoBDO wish to promote knowledge, understanding and do not wish to restrict learning, we are specifically interested in decay as a process through which life and death are fully realised. So, while we consider the display and storage of our long dead ancestors as unethical, the decay process becomes the real issue in terms of spiritual belief. Council are suggesting this process of decay, along with reburial as a way of healing the heart of sacred landscapes, needs to be met. We hope other people will agree - real bones of contention and the focus of the potential conflicts.
The reburial request (not demand) may seem radical ? it?s certainly not militant, and I?m well aware there are many Pagans drawn to ancient landscapes through archaeology. As a student of archaeology and social anthropology, I assure you there are many who agree with our requests for rethinking of current thinking and practice in the field. I have met, both as a digger, and as a student, archaeologists, Drs and professors, who all try to avoid digging up the dead. Some simply refuse. Many do not voice their opinions due to the verbal violence voiced by some on this blog site.
Considering reburial and retention, I suggest we all put our minds and great abilities together to find a solution to the conflicts of interests here. The chambered barrow idea is a step toward this. Let?s not forget the beautiful process of decay, death and rebirth as a completion of the eternal cycle. We are the ancestors reborn ? me, you, everyone. /|\ O
Oddie
I?m really torn by this fascinating debate. While CoBDO wish to promote knowledge, understanding and do not wish to restrict learning, we are specifically interested in decay as a process through which life and death are fully realised. So, while we consider the display and storage of our long dead ancestors as unethical, the decay process becomes the real issue in terms of spiritual belief. Council are suggesting this process of decay, along with reburial as a way of healing the heart of sacred landscapes, needs to be met. We hope other people will agree - real bones of contention and the focus of the potential conflicts.
The reburial request (not demand) may seem radical ? it?s certainly not militant, and I?m well aware there are many Pagans drawn to ancient landscapes through archaeology. As a student of archaeology and social anthropology, I assure you there are many who agree with our requests for rethinking of current thinking and practice in the field. I have met, both as a digger, and as a student, archaeologists, Drs and professors, who all try to avoid digging up the dead. Some simply refuse. Many do not voice their opinions due to the verbal violence voiced by some on this blog site.
Considering reburial and retention, I suggest we all put our minds and great abilities together to find a solution to the conflicts of interests here. The chambered barrow idea is a step toward this. Let?s not forget the beautiful process of decay, death and rebirth as a completion of the eternal cycle. We are the ancestors reborn ? me, you, everyone. /|\ O
Oddie