Secrets of the Avebury Stones : Britain's Greatest Megalithic Temple

by MEADEN, TERENCE

• ISBN13: 9781583940099
• ISBN10: 158394009X
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2000-01-01
• Publisher: Frog Books

Summary

Avebury, less than 20 miles from its more famous neighbor, Stonehenge, is rich in symbols linked to pre-Christian Goddess religions. This book reveals the wonders of the site, the largest and most complex prehistoric monument in Britain, through a lavishly illustrated guided tour encompassing history, archaeology, spirituality, and art.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	vii
Secrets in Stone	1	(9)
The early years of Avebury and the nature of the newest discoveries
Avebury's Story	10	(10)
Origins and plans
May Day Marriage	20	(7)
The Obelisk and its function
Shrine of the Goddess	27	(10)
The Calendar Stones of the South Circle
The Stones Come to Life	37	(10)
Stones of the Z-feature and south-east quadrant of the Great Circle
The Spirits in the Stones	47	(9)
The stones of the south-west quadrant
Symbols of the Feminine	56	(10)
The great stones of the north-west quadrant
Midsummer Marriage	66	(12)
The north-east quadrant, the North Circle and Cove
Midwinter Festival	78	(5)
Beckhampton Cove and Avenue
An Avenue of Faces	83	(19)
The Kennet Avenue, the Sanctuary, and Falkner's Circle
The Womb-Tomb of the Goddess	102	(7)
Fertility image and mural heads at West Kennet Long Barrow
Ancient Stones on the Hill	109	(6)
Harestone Circle and Cove
Neolithic Ruins and Mysteries	115	(6)
Megalithic monuments north of Avebury
Sacred River Goddess	121	(7)
Megalithic monuments south of Avebury
Artefacts and Symbolism	128	(8)
Sacred Marriage at Stonehenge	136	(9)
The Genius of the Ancient Britons	145	(3)
References	148	(3)
Index	151