As an alternative to burial, ashes scattering has become quite popular in recent years. According to funeral home statistics over 75 percent of people are now opting for cremation rather than burial. As a licensed cremated remains disposer, I have witnessed many ash scattering ceremonies. The one thing that they all have in common is the finality of the mourning period, the closure of the loss. Instead of traveling to the cemetary to visit, I see a transendental to the new life, to heaven, to earth. It's not that we don't want to remember our loved ones, it is an opening to the new life within us. The soul is set free. Jesus said not to worship idols, let us free ourselves from an urn on the fireplace, a plot to visit and stare at, let us feel the spirit of God and let our loved ones be free from idol worship. Ashes can be scattered almost anywhere without a permit, although, all states have different regulations. Cremated remains ash scattering at sea is regulated by the federal government and must be 1) At sea - no bays or rivermouths 2) at least 500 yards from shore - no docks or piers can be used for ashes scattering.