Powered by Max Banner Ads 

Stonehenge, the English circle of stones, is well known to people as many things – an altar, an astronomy tool and in some stories even a gateway to other times and worlds. But although famous, Stonehenge isn’t unique. The world is full of other similar circles, some with one astronomy henge stone, others with many. The term henge is derived from the Old English word, henge, that became part of the Stonehenge name. Henge doesn’t mean circle or stone or earthwork, it means hang. To create Stonehenge special stones were hung on top of vertical pillars. The name eventually came to denote a variety of similar sites, generally populated by some sort of stone formation within an earthen circle. But a henge only refers to stones set within an earthen circle. Without the earthen circle, either raised or dropped to be lower than the surrounding ground, it isn’t a henge, but rather a stone circle.

All of these stone henges have some astronomical purpose, even though they’re considered burial grounds or sites for sacrifices. Even today scientists marvel at the precision contained within these structures. The elements that have to do with astronomy include the markings of important dates, such as the summer or winter solstice, when the sun would rise at a point marked exactly by a stone placement. This might include the sun being viewable through a tiny window at sunrise from a point at the center of a circle. Stonehenge includes a number of precise measurements. It’s not important if they were the design for the site or an afterthought. They still represent a great skill and knowledge.

Less famous but no less amazing is Wiltshire’s Avebury Henge. The henge neighbors a number of other smaller stone circles, and encompasses the entire town of Avebury. It is believed that this henge had astronomical purposes as many of its stones, now mostly fallen, had positions that corresponded with key phenomenon. In addition there were elements of ancestry and gender concerns in the design, because it had male and female looking stones. Some archaeologists dispute this, however, claiming the stones were chosen for no other reason than their beauty and size.

It may be a compelling idea to grab an authentic astronomy henge stone to set up in your living room. But they’re meaningless when removed from their earthen circles. Try painting an image of one instead.


Tagged with: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Filed under: La Mesa Medical

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!

Possibly related posts