Photo Credit: MJTM
TWH – A century-long belief may have come crashing down this week: the stone at the center of Stonehenge’s iconic circle originated in Scotland, and not Wales. New research suggests it did come from hundreds of miles away but from the north now the west, raising new questions about ancient transportation methods.
A geological study of the Altar Stone indicates that it likely originated in the Orcadian Basin, Scotland, at least 466 miles from Stonehenge, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Nature. For over a century, archaeologists have known that some of Stonehenge’s stones were transported from Wales, covering about 125 miles (200 km) to reach the Neolithic monument on Salisbury Plain.
Now, the “jaw-dropping” study has revealed that one of Stonehenge’s central megaliths is not Welsh at all—it is actually Scottish.
In a discovery described as “genuinely shocking” by one of the scientists involved, new analysis has found that the largest “bluestone” at Stonehenge was either dragged or floated from the far northeast of Scotland, a distance of at least 466 miles (about 750 km).
The remarkable discovery that the megalith known as the “Altar Stone” was transported by prehistoric people from as far away as present-day Inverness, and possibly even the Orkney Islands, “doesn’t just change our understanding of Stonehenge; it reshapes our entire perception of the late Neolithic period,” said Rob Ixer, an honorary senior research fellow at University College London (UCL) and one of the experts involved in the study.
“Our discovery of the Altar Stone’s origins highlights a significant level of societal coordination during the Neolithic period and helps paint a fascinating picture of prehistoric Britain,” study co-author and Curtin University professor Chris Kirkland said in a news release. “Transporting such massive cargo overland from Scotland to southern England would have been extremely challenging, indicating a likely marine shipping route along the coast of Britain.”
“Our discovery of the Altar Stone’s origins highlights a significant level of societal coordination during the Neolithic period and helps paint a fascinating picture of prehistoric Britain,” Professor Kirkland said.
“Transporting such massive cargo overland from Scotland to southern England would have been extremely challenging, indicating a likely marine shipping route along the coast of Britain.” Kirkland added. “This implies long-distance trade networks and a higher level of societal organisation than is widely understood to have existed during the Neolithic period in Britain.”
“The more we uncover the secrets of Stonehenge, the more questions arise,” wrote English Heritage on social media.
A surprising find at Stonehenge! 🪨
New scientific research on the minerals found in the altar stone suggests that it may have been transported all the way from Scotland 🏴
The more we uncover the secrets of Stonehenge, the more questions arise ✨ pic.twitter.com/krzsMKX7Cn
— English Heritage (@EnglishHeritage) August 14, 2024
The goddess figurine from Lake Bolsena [Courtesy Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti Paesaggio Etruria Meridionale
The 3,000-year-old clay figurine, believed to represent an ancient goddess, has been unearthed in a volcanic lake in central Italy. Archaeologists suggest that the figurine, likely a votive object, was crafted to serve as a focus for prayers. Despite its rudimentary features, the figurine still bears the handprints of its creator and the impression of a fabric pattern, indicating it was once clothed in some sort of garment.
The Superintendency said “is made of undercooked dough, and still shows signs of the fingerprints of whoever modeled it and the imprint of a fabric texture under the chest, a sign that it was probably “dressed”. The figurine finds contemporary comparisons mainly in funerary depositions.”
The discovery was found in the remains of an Iron Age village that dates back to the 10th or 9th century B.C. and later sank underwater. The clay figurine, measuring approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) long, was found within the ruins of a residence at the sunken site. Archaeologists believe it was associated with a domestic ritual. Similar practices have been documented in the region during later periods, suggesting such traditions are ancient.
“This is an exceptional discovery, one of a kind,” the archaeologists noted in the post. “It reveals aspects of daily life in the early Iron Age, about which little is known in southern Etruria.” Geologists have determined that Lake Bolsena formed between 600,000 and 200,000 years ago during eruptions of the Vulsini volcano. Roman records suggest the volcano was active as recently as 104 B.C., and scientists now believe the ancient village was submerged when the eastern shore sank due to seismic activity.
Archaeologists believe the sunken village, where the figurine was found, was likely built by people from the Villanovan culture, an early phase of the Etruscan civilization that preceded the founding of Rome. Since the 1960s, thousands of artifacts have been discovered at the site, including pieces of wood, household items, jewelry, and pottery. Studies of the village’s layout have provided insights into the organization of Iron Age society but more research is necessary.
The Superintendency has published videos of the ongoing excavation.
The European Congress of Ethnic Religions released a statement on August 8th calling on countries to recognize new temples. The ECER is an organization dedicated to the preservation, revival, and promotion of Indigenous and ethnic religious traditions in Europe. Founded in 1998, ECER serves as a network for various groups and individuals who practice or advocate for the continuation of ancient European religions, often referred to as “pagan” or “native” faiths. It advocates for the revival and respect for Indigenous religions as well as the cultural preservation of practices.
In a post published on the ECER site last week, the organization listed 10 active sacred sites in Europe and called on host nations to recognize them as “National Shrines.”
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Happening this weekend!
Friday next week, #Midgardtalks explore the mystical north, sex, and the supernatural, plants, and bloodletting. We find the past endlessly intriguing, but our panel asks: “Are the sources lying to us about the supernatural past?”
Midgardsblot takes place in Midgard, a place for all human beings, no matter what nationality, cultural background, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation ❤ Our festival and our community are neutral grounds where we welcome you all to meet, to bond and to build friendship across all borders. A place where we celebrate all our different roots and our diversity so we all can share wisdom, learn from each other and learn to accept our differences 🔥 To do so we have a zero tolerance on politics and harrasments of any kind so you must all leave that at our Gates before entering
Join them at #midgardvikingcentre and top up your knowledge for future quiz battles. More information on their Facebook site.
Upcoming Conferences and Events
Enchanted! Metaphysics & Mystics Market (August 23- 24, 2024)
Artists, crafters, makers, readers, energy healers, witches, fairies, dragons, and oddballs… join us for a weekend of MAGIC in Fayetteville, AR! Learn about esoteric and healing arts, and metaphysical practices, and meet mystic-minded friends. Discover a world of spiritual tools, paths, and wisdom. Ask questions about yoga, tarot, crystals, and energy healing. Support unique, uncommon artists and crafters, and live musicians! Everyone has a little bit of magic inside… come and discover yours! This is a family-friendly, indoor, rain-or-shine event!
Southern California Divination Conference (August 24, 2024)
Anaheim, CA – Mark your calendars and secure your tickets, divination enthusiasts! The Commons of Modern Pagans and Spiritual Seekers (COMPASS) is thrilled to present the 2nd Annual Southern California Divination Conference, an exclusive event that will immerse Southern California in mystical insights and spiritual connections!
The portals will open on August 24, 2024, at our new location, the Crown Plaza Hotel, Costa Mesa, CA. This year, our theme is Dispelling Myths, Rumors, and Fantasies of Divination.
Join us for a transformative journey into the realm of the mystical, where seasoned practitioners and curious novices will explore ancient arts, modern techniques, and everything in between.
This year’s speakers include a diverse range of experts such as Thalassa, Jennifer Morris, Orion Foxwood, Juliet Kurth, and many more. Whether you’re drawn to Tarot, astrology, runes, or other forms of divination, this conference promises to ignite your intuition and deepen your connection to the unseen forces guiding our lives.
Don’t miss out on our early Bird Tickets, available online for just $75 and including a buffet lunch. On the day of the event, tickets will be $80 at the door. Secure your tickets through the COMPASS website before August 18 to enjoy this special offer.
Take advantage of this opportunity to immerse yourself in a weekend of magic, wisdom, and community. Save the date and get ready to unlock the mysteries of the universe at the 2nd Annual Southern California Divination Conference!
Swamp Mystics (September 7, 2024)
The Temple of Limitless Light has been serving the Tallahassee area by teaching the basics of magical energy techniques. We strive to empower people curious about the unseen and mysterious depths of the world and present ancient concepts as tools that can be used to consciously cultivate an abundant life out of the malleable material of energy. We focus on grounding, creating sacred space, and the elements. We offer our services freely.
Magic is alive and rising out of the humidity of the Southeastern USA. We call together Mystics, Witches, Sorcerers, Spellcasters, and Practitioners of the Ancient Paths for a Convocation! Magic will be the focus of all of our presentations culminating in the Mass of the Goddess Community Ritual. This year’s featured headliner is Frater Barrabbas.
Twilight Covening (October 11-14, 2024)
The Earthspirit Community announced the Twilight Covening event last month and that they “have already filled more than half of the available spaces! Thank you. It feels good to know that so many want to attend again this year.”
They said “Again, we are prioritizing Clan assignments by week so that everyone has a reasonable chance of getting into one of their top choices. The first week filled up one Clan already, but there is space in many others – and frankly, all of the Clans that are on offer will provide something special to those who attend.”
The Earth Spirit Community wrote,
Twilight Covening is a continuous 3-day ritual that holds and shapes an intensive learning experience of Earth spirituality and a time to develop our collective wisdom in a shared sacred space as we move into the dark time of the year.
Each year since 1986, members of the EarthSpirit Community gather deep into ourselves and into communion with this time of year and with all of Nature. We explore the depths of a range of spiritual practices, learn new skills together and experience the joy and power of a living community ritual. We invite you to join us.
Twilight Covening is held in the autumn during the strong natural transition taking place all around us from light into dark, summer into winter, and outward focus to inward contemplation. During the gathering, we use this current of change, along with our focused practices, to find inspiration and insight that can feed us in the dark months to come and motivate us to make changes that we can use to deepen our own spiritual practice.
The intensive work of Twilight Covening takes place in practice-specific Clans of 10-15 people and in full-community rituals that flow together through the weekend.
More information is available on the EarthSpirit website.
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Golden Black Cat Tarot, by Helena de Almeida, published by / Königsfurt-Urania Verlag GmbH.
Card: Major arcana VI (6) – The Lovers
This week ahead is apt to provide opportunities that place the emphasis on what is right and wrong. Decision-making that not only seriously considers, but also endeavors to undertake the path that will result in the least amount of harm, is heavily indicated. Finding the balance point for harmony will be key and lead the way to happiness and unity.
Conversely, the temptation to interject one’s self or another into matters that are not their concern could result in very negative outcomes and forever damage the affected relationships. Disharmony within the self is likely the core issue and should be addressed before any other action is taken.
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