Avebury – The Magical Stone Circle

Stukeley's Serpent Temple

I first came across Avebury stone circle on a day trip to visit Stonehenge; we’d planned to stop somewhere first for a cup of tea and a cake. I knew nothing back then about the centre-piece of what William Stukely called a “Serpent Temple.” It was the start of a love affair for me with ancient Wessex, crammed full of Ancient Monuments, White Horses and the epicentre of the UK’s prolific Crop Circle/alien activity.

When I needed a stomping ground for my medieval teens to experience their adventures, I looked no further than Avebury itself – a place that resonates with magical energies, unsolved mysteries and the clang of swords. I was – and still am – totally under its spell.

“But I’ve never heard of it,” I hear you say. “Why not use Stonehenge, it’s much more famous?”
Not that size matters, but the bank and ditch (i.e. the henge itself) at Stonehenge is only a quarter the diameter of Avebury’s – which, at 1,140 feet, is the largest henge (and stone circle) in the world.

The Priest's Chair

Many of the stones from the impressive outer ring remain and you can actually go and touch them – unlike the other place where you have to petition for a private viewing or join thousands of thrill-seekers at the summer solstice.
My personal favourite is the Swindon stone – an impressive, almost regular pentagon which guards the northern entrance.
A close second is the one at the southern portal which houses the priest’s seat. I was lucky enough to be on one of Maria Wheatly’s tours when she taught us to dowse the stones for the bands of energy which transmit an aerial form of electromagnetic ley-energy. As you sit in the seat, your head is level with one of these bands which can induce a state of heightened awareness necessary to connect to spirit in order to lead a ritual. If you ever get the chance, try it for yourself. Or if you’re interested in the science behind it, check out Sun, Moon and Earth. So. Much. Stuff! - P.S. It’s cheaper on AMZ, but only if you’re in the UK.

Avebury in Neolithic times

Inside, the northern (moon) and southern (sun) rings have diameters of 322 feet and 354 feet respectively. Compare this with the sarsen circle at Stonehenge - only 100ft in diameter. In theory you could get ten times as many people in either of the small Avebury circles than it’s more glamorous counterpart. When it comes to height, there’s no touching those horseshoe trilithons, but having experienced the solstice sun rising at both, there's no contest.

Avebury might not have scores of drunken youths spraying beer and crowing their achievements as they disrespect the sacred monument, but it does have a stack of friendly people only too ready to share their celebration (amid tribal drumming and fire-poy), their cakes and ale, and their stories as we all tap into a common magic.

I've barely scratched the surface - there's so many different aspects, like Michael and Mary ley-lines, the properties of the stones and the competition to outdo Stonehenge. Along with all the other components of the landscape (the Sanctuary, the ceremonial avenues, Silbury Hill and various burial structures). I'm hoping you'll share my spiritual journey, picking it up piece-by-piece.

To delve into Avebury’s chequered history and awesome facts about each feature, try these:
Avebury-web (aubrey/stukely)        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avebury
If you’d rather experience the magical aspects, and maybe plan a visit, I recommend these:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury       https://theaveburyexperience.co.uk/

Whatever, I hope I’ve piqued your interest about the first place to capture my heart.