Thank you for your post, while it does give me some insight, it does not however make me feel any better. I too believe that animals posess pure, natural holiness and I marvel at that daily. And I believe that when they die, their spirit soars to the gods and is welcomed. But, I don't know why their lives are given up prematurly to be sacrificed when thier spirit will join the gods naturally. Just because you have a power and deem it benevolent, doesn't mean that in the eyes of another it isn't as apreciated. We are a forest guild, and we honour and protect nature, and all we see is our wildlife being taken from thier homes and their life ending. I cease seeing it as a privilage to give their spirit to the gods, when I hear phrases such as how many bears it takes to get a shrine from wood to granite. If a spirit is so revered and treasured, why not allow it to fullfill its life, instead of choosing to end it for them?

Blackleaf

Penned by my hand on the 13th of Daedalan, in the year 226 AF.