Shells and staffs -- Michael's two sense

[Michael P. Barham]

here are some of my thoughts - probably more for my benefit, but reactions
welcome!

the shell is also the symbol of baptism, and renewal of life -- and the
symbol of the Saint -- so I think it is appropriate to wear it as a asymbol
of one's pilgrimaging to the Cathedral of Saint James -- even though
tradition is that one obtains it there.

I have a shell I picked up in Virginia Beach, and plan to exchange it with
nature for one on the other side of the pond.  I was visiting in VA Beach an
aunt who is having a really rough time, so, in a sense, it will be symbol of
my being in prayer for her as I travel, and letting it go at the end will be
a symbol of my giving her over in prayer through trust in God.

I don't think I will be displaying it though -- probably have it somewhere
in my pack on pocket.  We'll see.

(maybe I will paint a rainbow on it, hehehehe).

But concerning any symbols, I think they can be very important to the way we
understand our pilgrimage.  I am leary of putting too much emphasis on the
literalizing or making real of symbols (remember our argument a while back
about transubstantiation). . . but, I think they are a great way of keeping
us present to our objectives, while also being open to our objectives being
formed and developed as we pilgrimage.Not so much to others, but to
ourselves.

Ritual acts function in the same way, so I have set aside some time each day
for specific spiritual disciplines I will be doing along the trail.



----- Original Message -----
From: Gabrielle Milanich <Eshlingaaol.com>
To: <GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU>
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2001 5:10 PM
Subject: Re: Shells and staffs


> Robin:
>
> In all honesty, the staff does not own me at all.  Yes, it has value to
me, and yes, I am choosing to not take it because of that value.  I'll be
forthright and say that this staff is used as a sacred and spiritual tool.
It has been carved into andhas become a story book of sorts.  However, for
all of that, I am not at all heart-broken to leave it at home.  Leaving the
staff is in no way a reflection of my trust/faith, or potential lack
thereof, in God.  It's heavy, it's bulky so it's staying home.
>
> As for the shell, no, it's not a "club badge."  I choose to carry it
because I will be a pilgrim.  I have not before heard that the shell was
only for those who had already been to Santiago.  If I am wrong, someone
please correct me.  I carry it as a form of identification.  Again, let me
be forthright and say that the shell itself, TO ME, is not indicative of
anything but a symbol of THIS Camino, or Way.  Now people may get angry
because I seem to have refused it's medieval intent, but there it is.  This
pilgrimage is highly personal and will carry with it highly personal
interpretations of all its symbols and acoutrements.  The use of the term
"club badge" implies that I have in some way diminished it's meaning or
intent.  I won't defend my use of the shell because I hold it in high
regard.  If that regard is not the same as anothers, so be it.  I will be
proud to wear that shell, just as I will be proud because I will conduct
myself along the Camino with self-respect, res!
> pe!
> !
> ct for the land upon which I tre
> adand the people whom I shall meet.  When I walk away, and that shell is
apparent on my pack, those who see it will hopefully see a person who is an
honest, considerate human being and pilgrim, and who offered a smile,
conversation, aid if needed and a willingness to learn about a new culture.
>
> Finally, regarding the hoof/foot and mouth disease.  Simply, I want to be
as inevasive as possible.
>
> I hope this clarifies things.
>
> Gabrielle
>