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Returning to the Orchard... ...continued from page 21
Land As Legacy: A Living Memorial 7RGD\0RUULV2UFKDUGLVKRPHWR0DU\ODQG¶VQHZHVWJUHHQEXULDO site. But more than a burial ground, it is a sanctuary — a place where people return to the soil naturally, without embalming, concrete, or synthetic markers. Bodies are wrapped in biodegradable shrouds or simple pine boxes, placed gently in the earth. Nature takes it from there. 7KHUHVXOWVDUHVXEWOHEXWSURIRXQG1DWLYHZLOGÀRZHUVDQGFKHVW - nuts grow where headstones might have stood. Families plant trees instead of granite slabs. The land becomes a living memorial — one that evolves and regenerates over time. Each burial nourishes the soil. Each remembrance breathes life into the orchard. $W0RUULV2UFKDUGWKHUHLVQRUXVK*RRGE\HVKDSSHQVORZO\)DP - ilies are invited to be fully present — to help carry their loved ones, to walk the path together, to take part in the return. The experience be- comes not just about death, but about intimacy, reverence, and heal- ing. ,QDZRUOGRIWHQGLVFRQQHFWHGIURPGHDWKWKLVUHWXUQWRHDUWKIHHOV like coming home. The chestnut trees bear witness to it all — standing tall, rooted in continuity. There is sorrow, yes; but also something sa- cred. Something that transcends loss. %\HVWDEOLVKLQJWKHEXULDOJURXQG0LFKDHODQG-DQHGLGPRUHWKDQ conserve land — they created a space where grief and regeneration FRH[LVW7KHDFUHRUFKDUGLVQRZSURWHFWHGIURPGHYHORSPHQWE\ its designation as a licensed cemetery, safeguarding it for generations WRFRPH,QGRLQJVRWKHODQGLVVKLHOGHGIURPIXWXUHFRQVWUXFWLRQRU sale, ensuring the trees, soil, and wildlife remain untouched. A Movement of Meaning Natural burials themselves are not a new idea; they are an ancient practice rooted in the wisdom of cultures around the world. Long be- fore modern embalming and vaults, people simply returned to the HDUWK DOORZLQJ QDWXUH WR FRPSOHWH WKH F\FOH ,Q WRGD\¶V DJH RI WHFK - QRORJ\ DQG UDSLG XUEDQL]DWLRQ WKLV UHWXUQ WR WKH ODQG KDV D GHHSHU UHVRQDQFH,W¶VDFRQVFLRXVDFWRISUHVHUYDWLRQUHPHPEUDQFHDQGUH -
Discover Earth Addictions Located in Historic Occoquan
Step into a world of wonder where each piece has been individually chosen, bringing you one-of-a-kind treasures from over 17 countries. From stunning crystals, fossils, and handcrafted jewelry to unique décor , every item holds a story and a special energy. ) Earthly Offerings for Every Spirit ) Explore an array of minerals, carvings, geodes, dream catchers, books, pendulums , and more. With so many captivating pieces, you’re sure to find the one that speaks to you. ) A Safe Space to Explore and Discover ) Our customers love our great pricing and welcoming atmosphere—come experience Earth Addictions for yourself and discover something truly unique.
connection to something older than ourselves. *UHHQEXULDOVRUQDWXUDOEXULDOVGL̆ HUIURPFRQYHQWLRQDOEXULDOVLQ IXQGDPHQWDOZD\V7KH\DYRLGHPEDOPLQJÀXLGVXVHELRGHJUDGDEOH PDWHULDOV OLNH VKURXGV ZLOORZ FDVNHWV RU XQ¿QLVKHG ZRRG FṘ QV and often forego concrete vaults. This simplicity honors the deceased and helps regenerate the land, restoring habitats and improving soil health. There are variations within natural burials. Some cemeteries use only native plantings; others combine meadow restorations or re- IRUHVWDWLRQ H̆ RUWV <HW WKH KHDUW RI JUHHQ EXULDO UHPDLQV WKH VDPH WRPLQLPL]HKDUPDQGWRJLYHEDFNWRWKHHDUWK8QOLNHFRQYHQWLRQDO
Open Daily 11am–6pm • Saturdays 11am–7pm
125 Mill Street, Suite 4 Occoquan Historic District, VA 22125 703-457-7625
22—PATHWAYS—Fall 25
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