I immediately see animals being hoarded together towards the circle. ‘Why?’, I wonder. Not to kill and simply eat them just like that. To honour them? Is this circle about the animals?

The Standing Stones of Stenness are clearly different than the ones in the Ring of Brodgar. The ring is much smaller with only 11 original stones of which 4 are still standing. There used to be a henge (a gutter and higher bank in a circle), but it has disappeared after centuries of agriculture.

I had spent my morning finishing the work at the Ring of Brodgar, tracking and catalogueing all 35 stones that are still visible. In total I estimated 74 stones could have been there in total, depending on the actual positioning. I had really lovely and intriguing encounters with peculiar energies I found in each stone. I dare say that somehow each stone seemed to represent a different aspect of life. All of them harnessing a sensation of what life is or how it can be lived, experienced or felt. I was so aware that all I was receiving was very much tailored to me, and it was a great practice to combine the various arts of receiving information: through body, emotion, image, thought and knowing, sound and energy. And the beauty I found in the combination of them all and how it speaks to me and what the stone represented. Fascinating and very much inviting to go deeper into them all.

But then, the circle ended and my work was done, and I went to see the Standing Stones of Stenness, only a couple of hundred yards away from Brodgar.

As I drew closer to the Standing Stones of Stenness, I felt the presence of the very high stones, which felt like ancestors to me. Watching over the place, a strong guarding presence.

In the centre there is a quadrangle which was used as a fireplace. They have found animal bones there of specific body parts, which imply the preparation of food. But still, they wouldn’t just use this circle to prepare food right?

I walked further into the circle and took my place in the centre next to the fire. The energy hit me and, as it often does, shot through my body and information started to seep in. I saw the image of a gathering of the village with elders, children and animals present. Everyone is there. Stories are being told, events remembered and celebrations held.

The place has a very local feeling to it, quite opposite of Brodgar that feels very universal. A place of gathering for people from far with otherworldly energies. This felt very much like home. A place of family and community. I thanked the ancestors for their presence and protection and hope that one day this community of Orkney will come together again around the fire to honour their ancestors.

I took my leave and enjoyed the afternoon and dinner, and then came back for a last spectacle with these stonecircles. The sunset.

It was like a beautiful dessert, the cherry on the pie. I made many pictures and enjoyed the beautiful images of this place in the golden light of the setting sun.

Sardinia Expedition

4-10 August

Info & bookings

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Sardinia Expedition

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