I wanted to share this interesting article about the toll of visitors to heritage sites in the UK. We visited and did a powerful working at Stoney Littleton Long Barrow, which is in Somerset UK, during the 2009 SOA Pilgrimage. It was one of several sites where we saw beautiful offerings such as crystals and flowers — and, to be sure, we left some ourselves.
The author talks of respecting these offerings but also clears them away, which I do not think particularly necessary unless they become burdensome. For example, Chalice Well periodically drains the well head in order to clear out offerings left by pilgrims; obviously, a buildup of items would be detrimental in this case. However, flowers left behind will eventually break down or be carried away, though I can understand the need for balance for the sake of conservation.
However, I can see where the use of tealights is problematic because of the damage they can do by scorching the walls of the ancient stones, or marring them with soot; we found them to be ubiquitous, alas. I think this article does a good job of explaining how we need to be better caretakers of these ancient monuments and sacred sites, and especially to consider what damage may come from the things we use or leave behind.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Stoney Littleton Long Barrow