1️⃣ I do not leave offerings behind. I don’t bury offerings.
Sites may have had offerings made at auspicious times of year. However, these offerings would have been cleared away afterwards. No magic cleaner comes and takes away tea lights, plastic, glass and metal offerings. Even biodegradable offerings build up over time and can begin to erode the integrity of ancient sites. Burying offerings at a sacred site can impact the integrity of the soil and of the surrounding land.
➡️ Alternative: sit in quiet contemplation, giving your time and attention to the spirits and ancestors of the place you visit. We will also take Mirren and play {depending on the place} as I believe it brings the energy of family and community back to ancient places. We also teach her reverence of these ancient sites.
2️⃣ I do not tie anything around trees or branches.
I have done this in the past at places called Clootie Wells but I didn’t realise the negative impact. Tying cloth around tree branches can kill or significantly hinder their growth through ring barking. Sometimes, the sheer weight of these items can bring down trees.
➡️ Alternative: go through the practice of tying cloth to a tree and then untie it to take home for your altar.
3️⃣ I never take momentos {like stones} from ancient sites.
Some sites are visited by hundreds of people a year. If everyone takes something, soon there will be nothing lift to see. I’ve even seen people chip off bits of standing stones… obviously this is a NO NO!
➡️ Alternative: take a stone with you, lay it down as you explore with the intention of transferring the quality of place {stones are great for that!}. Pick up your stone and take it with you when you leave.
In summary, please leave everything as you find it, and if you see any rubbish, please take it away with you as an act of stewardship and reverence.