The Spiritual Threat to Ancient Sites

Some of the damage to ancient sites is unavoidable and can only be managed, rather than completely prevented. For example a certain degree of soil erosion is inevitable if access is to be permitted. But much of the damage to ancient sites is unnecessary and avoidable

Ironically, one of the greatest threats comes from the very people who hold such places sacred, the pagan and new-age communities, and also people from Celtic Christian traditions. These people often feel compelled to leave or bury an offering at a site, as our ancestors may have done, and they also sometimes light fires and burn candles. These may seem like harmless activities, but they can damage the stones, harm wildlife, destroy protected species of lichen and moss, and hinder future archaeological research. Offerings such as these can also be construed as litter, since they are often made of unsightly non-biodegradable materials. For a complete list of offerings that can damage sites, please click here.

Before you do decide to leave an offering or light a candle, it is wise to ask question: how might this affect the site? Is it something that might be harmful to nature in any way, and will it significantly alter the timeless ambience of a site? If the answer to such questions is yes, it is unlikely to please the Spirits of Place, could upset other site visitors, and may even cause the landowner to block future access.

Remember the wise saying: take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.