Description
An investigation into the pagan past and the history of the ancient megaliths of the British Isles. The author draws on the experiences of a variety of people, including psychics, shamans, druids and daytrippers, to provide a portrait of Britain as a place of spiritual energy and mystery.
Review
Interestingly and perhaps strangely, I found a copy of this book in the library amongst the archaeology books on the Neolithic period. I would have expected to have found it amongst the 00.1 classified books ( you know- the types of books on UFOs and "Earth Mysteries" etc). I am very glad I did find this book as I have found it to be, so far, a far more interesting book on the subject of Neolithic sacred sites such as stone circles, henges and barrows, than general archaeology books (sorry archaeologists!).
In a nutshell this book describes experiences people have had at Neolithic sacred sites- mediums, mystics, Wiccans and witches and "ordinary" folk! Well known sites such as the Avebury complex and Stonehenge are included. People have related to Alan Richardson their experiences of meeting the Guardians of sacred sites, spirits of the dead, the faery folk, and described their visions of the past/other dimensions they had at sacred sites. Many of the experiences described are utterly magical and beautiful.
The overall findings of this study of experiences at Neolithic sites is that the stones themselves may contain energy which can be "awakened' , that these places appear to be linked with the mysteries of time and dimensions and may be gateways to other spiritual realms, and that spirits of the ancestors, deities and other spirit beings may be found at these sites.
What interests and in a way concerns me, is that if this premise is true- that these sites are immensely sacred ( much more so than we realise) then the implications of these sites being disrespected by being dug into, roads being built through them for example, is rather serious. What are we in danger of losing?
Although it can be seen that the experiences described are purely subjective, I had a feeling that somehow these "experiences" give a more accurate window into Neolithic rituals and spirituality than what the archaeologists have pieced together. It seems evident that the Neolithic people were extremely different to modern people in their mindsets and magical concepts. Whatever your views, this book is a very interesting read, and inspires you to search for yourself the mysteries that lie within sacred Neolithic sites. For those Druids who seek to connect with the ancestors and spirits of place of this island I highly recommend it- I will certainly be buying my own copy.
Fawn - 19th September 2005
Paperback 281 pages (January 4, 2001)
Publisher: Virgin Books
ISBN: 0753504146
