Animal use.

[thecyfarwydd]

I’ve noticed an increase in animal products, for example skulls and skins for the use of ritual, and ritual items

Comments

[thecyfarwydd]

I understand that the examples you have given, are a long standing tradition.

I was talking about the horses manes, and cat skulls and other items of animals, which have seemed to increase in shops maybe over the last year.
And to my knowledge, I didn't think that these such items were a essential tool.

Thanks for replying.

[gwenyvere4]

I'm not a huge fan of it, personally. I'm not really opposed to using something found, like feathers on the ground or hair you've combed off your pet, though. That's just me. I think it's a personal choice.

[thecyfarwydd]

since reading all of the replies, I think Ive come to the same conclusion that you have really, its a personal choice, where personal ethics and beliefs come into play.

Thank you for taking the time to reply and read my post.

[seshen]

If the spirit of the animal is honored, I see no real issue with it. My husband tosses chicken bones for divination, for example. Religions such as Santeria are respectful of the animal, yet they are still used in ritual. It's a matter of perspective.

[thecyfarwydd]

I am starting to come to the conclusion that it really is a matter of personal choice.
I understand and respect that different people will have different views.

From my point of view, as a earth loving pagan, I'm just not sure how this sort of use can be respectful to animals.
I'm particularly considered where these items are sourced.

[ivy_sylvan]

In an ideal world, we would know exactly where the parts came from. But, since we can't always, I check in with the spirit of the animal in question to see if it minds if I use its remains. I've been told yes, they mind, leave them alone, and I've been told no, go ahead. The key, I feel, is in honoring those wishes.

In this way, it's rather like much anything else. You have a wooden pentacle? How do you know that the tree wasn't bulldozed to make room for a strip mall? You have a silver chalice? How much natural habitat was destroyed for the mine? The important part is how respectfully you use it now that you have it.

[thecyfarwydd]

Its interesting to get a meat eaters perspective on things, considering Im a veggie.
Also I found "we're playing king of the hill with every other living thing in the universe that isn't us, whether we like it or not." a refreshing way to look at things.

Thanks

I eat meat

[fogwolf]

I wear leather where it is necessary.

I don't think that we have to take a life of any kind to power a ritual. I know that it is done in Santeria, and I do not judge them for that, I merely believe...actually I know...that there are ways of raising energy without killing or harming anything.

Re: I eat meat

[thecyfarwydd]

I suppose this is how I feel, I just don't see the need for animal parts to be used, but having posted this question and viewed peoples answers on this community and others, I guess I'm starting to think that like eating meat, and other choices people make, its just a personal preference.