Profile of a Sacred Space - William DuBose

StoneHenge

by William DuBose

General Description:

The Stonehenge is located in Wiltshire in Europe. It has been the center of many debates as to the true purpose of the Stonehenge. It is widely believed that the henges were used as a burial ground dating all the way back to 2500 B.C. Today there is still no clear answer on who built the henge, but many believe that the majority was constructed by the druids. Archeologists continue to examine remains and the origins of the materials used but a definitive answer will most likely never be reached.

Architectural Design:

It is widely agreed upon that the Stonehenge was created in three phases. Stonehenge I w

as a 320’ diameter circle comprised of pillars. After the circle was laid out a ditch was dug in the center. Two stone were also placed inside the inner circle to act as an entrance. Also, 56 holes were dug around the perimeter which was thought to be holes for human remains. Stonehenge II was comprised of a semi-circle known as bluestones. According to many it is believed that these stones travelled great distances from nearby mountains to be assembled (3). Stonehenge III was the final stage of construction. It encompassed an outer ring around the original 2 stages. These outer stones were topped with additional stones to

act as a cap. Also, a horseshoe type configuration was constructed within the 2 outer circles. The stones were arranged in a fashion that the summer solstice would align with the heel stones and strike through the inner and outer circle onto the Altar stone (5).

Harmony with Nature:

Stonehenge coexists with nature. It is constructed from the materials from nearby land. The stones were hauled from great distances and assembled by the peoples from many time periods. The remains that were found in the 56 dug holes resemble a recycling and purification of a sort. Through the process of construction all the previous pieces were re-used. There were remains of the previous sections while the 2^nd and third stages were completed but the original was never deliberately destroyed. All of the materials used are used from stones and tend to blend in with the overall landscape.

Symbolism and Sacred Objects:

I believe that there is symbolism in the way the Stonehenge was constructed. The circular construction can symbolize the unification and a strong healing structure. There are no weak points on any section of a circle. Since this area is believed to be a healing spot or remembrance location then the bonds would be strong and un-weathered.

How it is used by Worshippers:

It is thought that the original purpose of the structure was to be a burial ground. Professor Mike Parker Pearson believes that “the area around Durrington Walls Henge was a place of the living, whilst Stonehenge was a domain of the dead. A journey along the Avon to reach Stonehenge was part of a ritual passage from life to death, to celebrate past ancestors and the recently deceased.”(1) On the other hand many disagree and say that the henge was a place of healing. Timothy Darvill also suggests that the henge was used for multiple purposes including ancestor worship. By the mass amounts of burials that occurred in the immediate area it is clear that this was a place to worship the ancestors. Whether this was a place that was visited by the living on a regular basis is still uncertain.

Sources:

1. - ^ a b M. Parker Pearson. Bronze Age Britain. 2005. p63-67. ISBN 0713488492
2. http://www.britannia.com/history/h7.html
3. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/england/stonehenge
4. http://www.sacredsites.com/europe/england/stonehenge.html
5. http://www.soulsofdistortion.nl/Summer%20Solstice%20Galactic%20Alignment.html