Stonehenge: Lyssa Dennis: Art Appreciation: Spring 2009
General Description:
One of the best known and most mysterious structures of the world; a trademark of England, and a timeless masterpiece; Stonehenge. It has been linked to Arthurian legend, magical powers, and endless folk lore. Some say that it is the source of healing powers, some have said that it is the place where Gods once lived, and others say it is the place where the aliens will return. Whether it still possesses the purpose it was originally built for or not, it is one of our world's most sacred spaces.
Architectural Design:
Stonehenge, when it was created, was a series of circles. Today, it mostly resembles the original design. The entire structure is made of sarsen (or, sandstone blocks), which forms the inner and outer circles, as well as the trilithons (the larger "doorway" figures). No one quite knows when it was built, the estimates range from 3000 BC to 2200 BC. What is evident is that it took over 1000 years to complete. Along with the sarsen stones, there are also bluestones, which emit a blue tone when wet or cut. Stonehenge has also gone through different "versions" over time. The first people built it, and with each civilization that "discovers" it, they adapt it to how they see fit.
Stonehenge has gone through a few successful renovations and reconstructions, in attempt to restore it to its original design.
Harmony with Nature:
The entire structure is made of natural materials; the sarsen stones are common among that region in England. One of the few things that is known about Stonehenge is its relation to the solstices. With the sunrise of the summer solstice (the longest day of the year), the sun aligns with the altar in the center of Stonehenge and the heel stone, at the far Northeast corner. It can only be presumed that the ancient builders of Stonehenge were Sun worshippers.
Symbolism and Sacred Objects: Some say that originally, Stonehenge was used as a burial ground, which indicates both religious beliefs and a respect for the dead. There is also a theory that Stonehenge was an early sex symbol. According to Freudian belief, any circle represents a yonic symbol (meaning vaginal). These theorists argue that there isn't any tombs or burials here, indicating its celebration of life (which also ties into the summer solstice; being a time of life, growth, and reaping of harvests). Its relation to the summer solstice is also sacred to many cultures.
How it is used by Worshippers: Today, Neo-Druids (pagans) use Stonehenge as a place of worship. The Neo-Druids' spiritual belief lies in harmony with nature, and their ceremonies usually take place in a circle, and therefore make pilgrimages to Stonehenge. The most important time for these ceremonies is around the summer solstice.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonehenge
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2003/jul/06/research.arts
Images:
Lithology - http://stonehenge.zorger.com/
Sun - http://puzzleofthepyramids.tripod.com/megalith.htm
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