Re: A Poem About Human Sacrifice
Teacup
tiicupp.@aol.com
Sat Jan  1 13:04:16 2000
Searles O'Dubhain wrote,*br*: On an e-mail list I responded to some discussionaboutwhether *br*: the Druids had ever engaged in human sacrifice.  What I *br*: presented surveys the writings that are available through *br*: Irish sources:*br*:*br*: Hi there,*p*I just discovered/joined you last night and am spending this morning cruising around the site.  I would just like to say thank you for the posts on "What is a Druid?" etc.  Though I hope I'm no dummy, I've always found the Druid authors a bit daunting and confusing (though I still enjoy Bonewits immensely).  After reading your posts, it all makes far more sense.*p*RE human sacrifice:  this happened to come up in a conversation the other day, where it was mentioned that the allegations of Druids practicing human sacrifice were propoganda put out by Julius Caesar to discredit his enemies (there was a war on, after all).  While I find this very reasonable, I also believe human sacrifice was also practiced under needful circumstances, and I don't think this is something Celtic pagans ought to be ashamed of, because in order to be effective, the sacrifice must be willing (otherwise it's black magick).  The idea of *willingly* sacrificing one's life out of love/duty in desperate circumstances certainly continues to be viewed as a noble act and if we regard those long-ago sacrifices in such a light, instead of "victims" or else purporting to deny their existence in the first place, we honor the decision they made and the devotion that led them to it.*p*Just a few of my thoughts.  I'm looking forward to spending time here.  Blessed Be.*p*Teacup*p**br*
A Poem About Human Sacrifice
Searles O'Dubhain
569
Thu Dec 16 14:52:38 1999