[Updated Mar 10, 2013]
On a recent trip to England I had the opportunity to experience one of the items on my own personal bucket list: a visit to Stonehenge. And may I just say that it was everything I’d hoped it would be, and more.
Competing theories abound as to the origination and purpose of Stonehenge: the massive Saren stones are thought to be markers for summer and winter solstices and equinoxes, anciet astronomical site, a giant lunar and solar calendar of eclipses, pagan ‘house’ of worship, place of human and/or animal sacrifice, ancient burial ground. (Daughter informs me I must add site of alien landings to the list.)
I can only tell you this: when I approached it, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe and positive energy. If you know me personally, you’ll believe me when I say that the latter were not a result of my eagerness and excitement to visit this world renowned site.
I felt a very strong positive ‘vibe,’ almost a rush of energy as I worked my way around the monumental site. Halfway around, the energy dissipated. It wasn’t replaced by anything negative or sinister or scary. It just stopped.
Standing on top of that wind-swept plain, I could only imagine what the dark night sky and the moon, stars and planets must have looked like all those centuries ago.
It was stellar, in every sense of the word.
Mar 10, 2013 Update: Now it seems proof Stonehenge is actually a burial site for ‘elites’ has been unearthed (pun intended):
The manner of transport of the stones to their spot is mind-boggling in itself.
The plain itself is supposed to be laced with ley-lines and therefore energy-laden. I wonder why you only felt it up to a point and then stopped?
Good to realise that we don’t know it all, despite our self-congratulation – the Ancient Ones are still having the last laugh as we keep on trying to guess the purpose of these great slabs.
How they managed to transport the ‘stones’ (such a diminutive word doesn’t seem to fit – they’re colossal) is interesting. Our guide showed a drawing of how they think they raised the top stones: slowly building a wooden raft, using levers and adding a log on one side and then the other. They left ‘nipples’ on top of the supporting stones on which the carved out indentations on the underside of the top stones would fit over tightly. Definitely built it to last. Just amazing. BTW, I hadn’t heard of ley lines until a couple weeks ago. If that’s the energy they radiate, it’s pretty strong! I only felt it on the semi-circle away from the Heel stone.
I think Stonehenge (and other lesser known circles) maintains its power because we don’t know why it was built or how it was used. Fascinating and mysterious.
Exactly. Even if it were simply the result of bored, half-drunk ancestors playing a practical joke on us and it’s just an interesting pattern, they outdid themselves.
How fabulous, Linda. I’d love to experience Stonehenge — not even Spinal Tap can change my mind! Can you still get up close, or do you have to stay behind a barrier?
You have to stay behind a simple rope about 30-40 feet away, but it’s close enough to marvel (especially given the size of the stones and entire layout). Really worth it. BTW, little bro Russell’s parents live nearby!
They sure do. Just down the road. You should have popped in for a cuppa
Stonehenge is great and, even on my trip back last year, I still marvelled at them as we drove past. Something so very mysterious about the stones. Even more so that so many have fallen over or been removed over the past X-thousand years. They would have looked quite different once upon a time. There are other similar sites to Stonehenge (but much smaller) across the length and breadth of England. I walked past a random field in Cornwall last year and there was a miniature Stonehenge sitting untouched in the field.
Once upon a time, you could wander amongst the site itself but they soon changed the rules after too many folk were caught (or not) chipping away at the stones and taking away souvenirs. Has always been a source of contention in terms of the Druids, the effect on the local road which is the only route down to the west coast and is constantly blocked, and other reasons. Last I heard they were going to build a tunnel under Stonehenge for the traffic. Maybe not such a great idea.
Have a read of Bernard Cornwell’s historical novel handily titled ‘Stonehenge’. It traces the very early days and gives you some interesting insights. I’m part-way through and enjoying it – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonehenge_%28novel%29
You’ve made me a tad homesick now, Linda. But thanks for sharing your experience
For those who haven’t been, Stonehenge is on a fielded plain surrounded by other fields, with only the typical rural road running nearby. (I guess I had visions of a major intersection, massive parking lots, etc.) There’s now a pedestrian tunnel that crosses under the road so visitors can cross safely without impeding traffic, so hopefully that’s helped some.
The book by Cornwell sounds interesting, will definitely add it to my reading list. Enjoyed Salisbury and the glorious Cathedral, then the trip through the rolling countryside. Had a peek at Sting’s house as we drive past, do your parents wander over for a cuppa with Trudie and him?
Warned you about those ley-lines, the natural energy they produce is amazing. There’s so much we don’t understand about these ancient sites. So glad you got to see this amazing monument!
You did indeed, and you’re right: there is much we don’t understand about these sites. I was worrying that I’d be a bit disappointed (due to the hype) but not so. Absolutely amazing!
Fascinating. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be able to peer into the past at sites like these!
I think ‘yes!’ and then wonder whether I’d really like to know… Definitely fascinating, thanks Aisha.
The stone is a specific type – Preseli bluestone, from near my home in Wales, and there has long been a mystery involved in just how they transported those massive pieces all the way to Stonehenge. A few years ago, they tried to recreate the journey, using the waterways and ancient techniques. Somewhere, there is a hilarious recording of the support boat captain’s response as the raft gradually capsized and the enormous rock slid gently overboard.. We have a lot to learn.
They have two huge ‘stones’ near the visitors center, and the Welsh Preseli bluestone is noticeably warmer to the touch than the other stone. You almost wished they’d included a ‘letter to the future’ spelling out the answers to all these mysteries, but they probably assumed we’d be as bright as they were. Thanks Rachel
It’s been many, many years since I visited Stonehenge. Thanks for taking me back!
You’re welcome Heather. It’s nice when something not only meets expectations, but exceeds them.