Stones of Adoration - Sacred Stones and Mystic Megaliths of Ireland (Hardcover, Illustrated Ed)

The controversy over the discovery of ancient burial sites on the route of the planned M3 road has reminded us of the importance of our heritage. Questions have been raised over some people's willingness to sacrifice these ancient monuments for the sake of progress when there are alternatives available. Sacred stones and stone monuments feature the world over and Ireland is no exception. Our landscape is dotted with them, from the Cloch Daha in Ardmore to St Brigid's Chair at Lough Derg. Since prehistoric times people have acknowledged their special nature, an unbroken link from ancient sun-oriented monuments to the present. Some are considered the abodes of deities or otherworld ladies, some are memorials to mythical heroes and historical kings, others reminders of the miracles of early saints. This book explores their secrets, myths, legends and folktales, many persisting to this day, and describes the role of sacred stones in the religious and spiritual life of modern Ireland. Different beliefs, practices and rituals behind the notion of their magical powers and virtues are revealed, and the situations in which people resorted to them, such as determining chieftains, establishing the truth, curing sickness, and promoting fertility. This is a wonderful reminder of our spiritual past as some of these stones and monuments enter their fifth millennium and the wisdom of the Celtic tradition re-emerges.