As we mark the turning point of the year with the Solstice, a time of balance and reflection, we are drawn closer to the enduring rhythms of nature and our ancestors.
This significant day in the Wheel of the Year invites us to honour the light and the dark, the seen and the unseen, and the turning of seasons that shape our lives. It's a moment to not only embrace the joy and warmth of the solstice but also to turn our attention to the sombre matters that challenge our commitment to preserving the sacred balance of our world.
Desecration of Stonehenge: A Line Crossed by Just Stop Oil
In a recent act that has stirred shock and dismay, the activist group Just Stop Oil defaced Stonehenge, a move that many believe crosses a line of respect and decency. While the urgency to address the ecological crisis is undeniable, this particular action has ignited a heated debate about the limits of protest and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Just Stop Oil has a history of controversial actions aimed at drawing attention to the catastrophic impacts of climate change. From large-scale protests to public demonstrations, their tactics have often been met with criticism. While these actions are intended to provoke thought and spur action, the desecration of Stonehenge has left many questioning the group's tactics. Stonehenge is not just a monument but a symbol of ancient human achievement, spiritual significance, and cultural identity. Defacing such a site undermines the very message of preservation and respect for our planet and its history.
Anthony Nine intelligently remarked that this mode of protest, where they target cultural artefacts in museums and sites such as Stonehenge, seems like a new thing. We never saw this type of approach before anywhere until pretty recently. It would be interesting to see where these tactics have been seeded and by whom. It doesn't need to be a fevered right-wing style "false flag" narrative for ideas like this, which ultimately alienate large swathes of the population who would otherwise support the protest in principle, to be introduced into spaces filled with impressionable and marginalised people who will then enact them. It isn't any more far-fetched to imagine oil companies cultivating this than it is to imagine undercover police officers entering into multi-year romantic relationships with protestors to gather information and undermine them.My friend and fellow author,
Francesco Dimitri, encapsulated the sentiment perfectly in his recent post. He argues that while the fight against ecological destruction is vital, there are sacred boundaries that should not be crossed. These boundaries, he explains, are the ethical considerations that guide our actions and ensure we do not compromise our values in the pursuit of a cause. Dimitri emphasises that the damage done to Stonehenge does not advance the cause but rather alienates potential supporters and disrespects the cultural heritage that belongs to all of humanity. You can read his full thoughts here.In the aftermath of this event, social media erupted with outrage. Among the many comments, one stood out for its sheer ignorance. A known internet troll declared that this act was proof that magick, witchcraft, and ancient gods do not exist, claiming that if they did, they would have intervened.
This crass remark misses the point entirely, showing a lack of understanding about both the nature of activism and the deeper mythological and spiritual significance of Stonehenge. However, it's important to note that not all reactions were as dismissive. Many expressed their shock and disappointment, while others called for a more nuanced discussion about the intersection of environmental activism and cultural preservation.
Traversing the Wasteland
To understand why this statement is misguided, one must delve into the myth of the Wasteland. The Wasteland is a recurring theme in mythology, symbolising a desolate and barren land that results from a failure to uphold sacred duties and maintain harmony with nature. This myth is often tied to the health of the land, which is directly linked to the moral and spiritual integrity of its leaders and inhabitants. In the context of our current environmental crisis, the Wasteland myth serves as a powerful metaphor for the consequences of our neglect and exploitation of the Earth.
In many versions of the myth, the Wasteland is a kingdom that has fallen into ruin due to the moral failings or wounds of its ruler, often linked to the neglect of sacred duties or the desecration of holy sites. The land becomes infertile, rivers dry up, and life withers. Restoring the Wasteland requires a quest for redemption, a renewal of faith, and the reestablishment of balance with the natural world.
The heresy of Stonehenge can be seen as a modern reflection of this myth. It symbolises our failure to protect and honour our environment. The ecological crisis we face today is the Wasteland of our time, a result of humanity's neglect and exploitation of the Earth. The myth teaches us that restoration and healing come not from external interventions by gods or magick but from our own actions and commitment to change.
In this light, the actions of Just Stop Oil, while well-intentioned in their aim to prevent ecological collapse, must be carefully considered. It's crucial to remember that protest and activism are vital, but they must be balanced with respect for our cultural and spiritual heritage. Desecrating a site like Stonehenge does not lead to healing the Wasteland; instead, it further alienates those who might be allies in the fight for a sustainable future.
Rise up!
As we navigate these challenging times, it is essential to remember the lessons of the Wasteland myth. Our world can be restored, but it requires us to honour the sacred, respect our heritage, and commit to a harmonious relationship with nature. Those gods, those spirits, those genii locorum already left long ago, and this is why they didn't act to defend Stonehenge.
We are the final stewards of the temenos, if we dare take on this herculean task. That’s it, no cavalry is coming, we are the ones who must finally recover the Graal and heal the Land.
Only then will the numinous truly return.
Thank you. I see the ancient ancestors of the land as the guardians of the Earth, so the protesters' actions are way out of sync. As was the case with the attacks of religious fundamentalists, nowhere now is safe!