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     Alignments- (And orientation of prehistoric sites)

It was a common practice in prehistory to orientate and align constructions to significant celestial objects or landscape features. They represent the communication between our ancestors and their environment. This section of the site explores the themes most commonly associated with these alignments and tries to interpret their meaning.

 

 
 

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So common was the orientation of ancient structures that in-fact, it is rare to find a site that wasn't orientated towards something or other. Although by no means exclusive, it is evident that orientation was an integral part of almost all ancient constructions, endowing them with properties which presumably re-enforced the function(s) of these structures.

 

 

 

Objects of orientation:

 

Cardinal orientation: Many ancient structures were orientated cardinally, such as the pyramids of Giza. Sites that have been orientated in this way demonstrate a fundamental understanding of astronomy. Lockyer noted that in Egypt, the majority of northern sites were cardinally orientated cardinally (to the solstices), whilst in the south, there was a preference for equinoxial orientation.

Solar orientations: Although by no means exclusive, an extra-ordinary number of  structures from around the ancient world were orientated to important phases of the Solar cycle, and solar worship seems to have been the dominant form of worship for several millenia. For example, the Hypogeum on Malta contained the remains of approximately 7,000 humans, and both the entrance and the 'Holy of holies' within the underground necropolis were found to be orientated to the winter solstice. Similarly, the West Kennet long-barrow is orientated to the rising Sun. This connection between death and the orientation to the Sun is repeated around the ancient world.

Lunar orientations: There is an apparent transfer from lunar orientation (worship) to solar orientation  (worship) in important sites such as Stonehenge and at Carnac. The hundreds of recumbent 'circles' in Scotland are orientated to phases of the lunar cycle.

Statistical proof of lunar alignments has now been provided by an exhaustive study of 276 sites in Western Scotland. The monuments concerned are not stone circles but free-standing lines formed of usually two or three stones. The analysis showed a strong preference for lines to the south-east. This implies that the structures were deliberately aligned on the southerly limit of the rising moon in its monthly cycle. (1)

Pleiades (The Seven Sisters): Alexander Thom suggested that certain sites he examined were orientated towards the seven sisters, the rising of which signified the beginning of the agricultural year throughout the ancient world. (Pleiades sits at the centre of our galaxy).

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Geometric Alignments.

 

There have been several suggestions of evidence for prehistoric geometric alignments, that is - alignments between ancient sites and/or landscape features which demonstrate geometric principles.

 

Sir Norman Lockyer made the first 'professional' observation of geometry in the lay-out of the ancient landscape. He realised that a geometric connection existed between Stonehenge, Grovely (Grove-ley) castle and Old Sarum. The three form an equilateral triangle with sides 6 miles long. The Stonehenge-Old Sarum line is continued another 6 miles to the site of the present Salisbury Cathedral, then the Clearbury rings and Frankenbury, while the  Stonehenge, Grovely castle line is also astronomical as it is orientated along the path of the summer solstice, and also connects other ancient sites.

 

 

Stonehenge has been shown to be connected to other sites through geometry. In particular, the connection between Stonehenge, Glastonbury and Avebury, which also extends to other important megalithic sites. The Glastonbury- Avebury line is orientated along the line of the summer solstice and the Glastonbury-Stonehenge line is also a part of the great 'Decagon' discovered by John Michell.

(More about Geometric alignments)

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 Ley-lines.

 

A look at some of the more popular theories proposed to explain the frequency of alignments between natural objects and megalithic constructions.

Most cultures have traditions and words to describe the straight, often geometrical lines that run across landscapes, connecting ancient or sacred features together. Usually the names given to represent these invisible lines are translated to an equivalent of 'spirit', 'dream', or 'energy' paths. Apart from the physical presence of these connected sites however, little remains from which to deduce much about their origin or purpose.

Their existence was suggested in 1921 by the amateur archaeologist Alfred Watkins, whose book The Old Straight Track brought the alignments to the attention of the wider public. He said of them:

"It is quite useless looking for existing fragments, however old, of roads which may remain from the first track, although, as we shall see, some bits may form useful indications of its site. The changes from early days have been so many in the matter of roads. We must therefore clear our minds, not only of what we think of roads, even Roman ones, but of our surmises, and begin again."Alfred Watkins (4)

(More about Ley-lines)

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The World grid.
 
 
How far do alignments extend, and their relationship to each other.
 
 
 
The idea that there may have once existed a so called 'World-grid' has been explored by several people in the past.
 
Flinders Petrie was the first respected European to conclude that Giza complex had been placed geodetically, at the 'Geographic centre of the land surfaces of the whole world'. This theory has been expounded by several researchers including Hancock and in particular Livvio Stecchini, who's work was highlighted by Peter Tompkins ( ), who had the following to say on the subject:
 

'Because of the advanced geodetic and geographic science of the Egyptians, Egypt became the geodetic centre of the known world. Other countries located their shrines and capital cities in terms of Egyptian 'zero' meridian, including such capitals such as Nimrod, Sardis, Susa, Persepolis, and apparently, even the ancient Chinese capital of An-Yang... As each of these geodetic centres was a political as well as geographical 'navel' of the world, an Omphalos or stone navel, was placed there to represent the northern hemisphere from equator to pole, marked out with meridians and parallels, showing the direction and distance to other such navels'.

(More on the World grid)

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Earth-Navel's:

A look at the ancient tradition of 'Earth Navel's'?. Features: Oracle centres, Chakra's, the relationship between navels.

 

 

Coming soon.

'Mis-aligned' ancient constructions - (A difficult subject) - With so much orientation and aligning going on, why do some sacred sites appear to be orientated almost cardinally. Deviations of 5° - 8° are found commonly around the world. Is this simply the result of a magnetic bearing, or perhaps something else?

 

 The 'Rough Guide' to ancient sites from around the world.

References:

1). J. Manley. Atlas of Prehistoric Britain. 1989. Oxford University Press.

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