At the apex of large hill (or perhaps a small mountain) between the towns of Foncebadón and Manjarín on the Camino de Santiago de Compostella is the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross). It is a tradition, for a pilgrim to bring an item of significance that represents a burden that they've been carrying. We've all got our demons and burdens, I am no exception, That being said it has been a bit of a struggle for me to figure out what small token item could best represent the most of these in a meaningful way. I am still fighting this virus I have had, and last night I had a vision, the vision of what I should bring came to me in a unsettled, fitful, fever laden dream-state, It did stick, however, and I woke-up with the knowledge of what was to be laid at the cross. Here is a photo of what I am bringing. Only a very few will be able to connect the dots on this one. If you cannot, don't feel left-out, it is more an accident of this item being pretty obscure than anything else, and the mystery shall remain. Only an individual face to face discussion, perhaps with some red wine, would be the forum to peel back the layers of this psychological onion.
Here is a picture of the Cruz De Ferro
There is a traditional prayer that is often recited as one leaves their burden at the site.
Lord, may this stone,
a symbol of my efforts on the pilgrimage
that I lay at the foot of the cross of the Saviour,
one day weigh the balance in favour of my good deeds
when the deeds of my life are judged.
Let it be so
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