The Stones of Time: Calendars, Sundials, and Stone Chambers of Ancient IrelandThis revealing text describes the exciting discovery and deciphering of the 5,000-year-old stone chambers and standing stones of pre-Celtic Ireland. At midwinter sunrise, Martin Brennan and his research partner observed a beam of light shining into the central chamber at Newgrange, illuminating a series of glyphs on the back wall. They went on to observe significant solar and lunar events at other chambers and stone complexes in the Boyne Valley and Loughcrew Mountains. Through a combination of careful observation, analysis of the astronomical alignment of the sites, and personal insight into the meanings of megalithic symbols and carvings, Brennan demonstrates conclusively that the passage mounds and chambers are actually sophisticated calendar devices, and that the abstract wheels, spirals, zigzags, and wavy lines are symbols of solar and lunar timekeeping. |
Common terms and phrases
ancient Irish appears archaeologists arcs astronomical alignments autumnal equinox backstone of Cairn beam of light beginning Boyne Valley Brú Brú na Bóinne Cairn H calendar Carnbane East Celtic circle count crescent cross-quarter day Cúchulainn cycle diagram Dowth Druids early Elcmar emblem engraved stones enter Cairn enter the chamber entrance stone FOURKNOCKS full moon Gavrinis gnomon horizon illuminated imagery indicate Ireland kerbstones Knockmany known Knowth light beam light entering lintel Lockyer Loughcrew lunar luni-solar major mounds megalithic art megalithic mounds month monuments Neolithic Newgrange night observations Óengus passage mound phase photograph projected quadrangle radial recess represent rising sun rock engravings roof-box satellite mounds setting sun shadow shows solar construct spiral spring equinox standing stone stars stone 14 stone basin strikes the backstone summer solstice sun and moon sundial sunset symbols Tara Tuatha Dé Danann Vallancey vertical line wavy line WEST winter solstice