What Happens to Stonehenge on Autumnal Equinox
Stonehenge is one of the world’s most mysterious prehistoric monuments. Where is Stonehenge located? On a plateau called Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. It’s a ring of enormous standing stones, some weighing up to 25 tons, arranged in a circular pattern.
The moment you look at these stones, you know they were placed meticulously by ancient builders. But, what does it all mean? Stonehenge has fascinated scholars, archaeologists, and visitors for centuries due to their sheer size, age, and the complex engineering – an interesting term to use for ancient times.
What is Stonehenge?
Beyond the complex engineering that took place during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, something truly spectacular happens during the autumnal equinox each year – and it can’t be a coincidence.
But, before we get into the mystifying feat men from thousands of years ago achieved, let’s take a closer look at the monument.
Key Features of Stonehenge
Sarsen Stones and Bluestones: Stonehenge mainly consists of two types of stones: large sarsen stones and smaller bluestones. The sarsen stones are made of sandstone and were likely sourced from the Marlborough Downs, about 20 miles away. The bluestones, however, were transported from the Preseli Hills in Wales, over 150 miles away – a remarkable feat considering the lack of modern tools during this time.
Lintels and Trilithons: The most striking feature of Stonehenge is its trilithons, which are pairs of large vertical stones topped by a horizontal stone called a lintel. These stone formations form part of the inner horseshoe shape.
Circular Earthworks: Surrounding the stone circle is circular earthwork – a ditch and an embankment – which is part of the original henge. The term "henge" refers to these circular earthworks and, although Stonehenge is the most famous example, there are many “henges” throughout prehistoric sites in Britain.
Heel Stone: Outside the main circle stands the Heel Stone, a single upright stone that plays an important role in the monument’s astronomical alignment. On certain days of the year, particularly during the solstices, the sun perfectly aligns with this stone through its central circle.
In the center of the monument, you’ll also find the Altar Stone. Even after centuries of study, historians, archeologists, and scientists are befuddled by its purpose and significance.
Unlike the larger sarsen stones that form the outer ring, the Altar Stone is a single, flat stone. The best guess people can make is that it served a ceremonial or religious role. But, its true purpose may never be fully known.
Purpose and Significance of Stonehenge
How old is Stonehenge? Well, it was built in several stages between 3000 BCE and 2000 BCE during the Neolithic and early Bronze Age. While its exact purpose remains a mystery, people remain open to a few different theories:
Astronomical Observatory: One of the most widely accepted theories is that Stonehenge was built to mark important celestial events, especially the solstices and equinoxes. The way the stones are aligned to precisely match the rising and setting of the sun during the solstices suggests it may have served as a calendar to track the seasons.
Ceremonial or Religious Site: Stonehenge may also have been a sacred site for ceremonies. Its alignment with the sun and moon might have held spiritual significance. Cremated human remains and nearby burial mounds have also been discovered nearby. That’s why it makes sense to believe it may have been used as a site for ancestral worship or funeral rites.
Healing Site: Another theory is that Stonehenge may have been a site of pilgrimage for healing. The bluestones, in particular, were believed by some ancient cultures to have healing properties. It’s possible people came from distant lands to perform rites of healing.
Social and Political Gathering Place: Stonehenge may have served as a gathering place for large groups of people during important times of the year, like the solstices. It would have been a site for social, political, or economic gatherings, where tribes or clans met to form alliances, trade, or celebrate significant moments.
Construction and Engineering
Knowing what we know now – and having a rough idea of when it was built – the engineering that went into the construction of Stonehenge is absolutely astonishing. It’s estimated it took over 1,000 years to complete, in several phases.
The stones were transported and positioned with remarkable precision, demonstrating an advanced understanding of geometry, engineering, and astronomy.
Theories about how the stones were moved to the site include rolling them on wooden logs, using sledges, or dragging them with ropes.
Can you imagine the organized labor force it would’ve taken to position these massive stones – particularly the trilithons with their horizontal lintels? Remember, we’re talking about 25 tons in some instances!
What Happens at Stonehenge?
Now, for the good part (as if that wasn’t enthralling enough.) At sunrise on the autumn equinox, something truly magical takes place at this historical site.
First, it’s important to note that the autumn equinox marks the point when day and night are nearly equal in length. That’s why this is such a unique opportunity to witness the connection between the monument and the movements of the sun.
As the sun rises in the east, it perfectly aligns with the central axis of the circle. During this moment, sunlight pours through the gaps between the stones, casting a soft glow that frames the formation in a most magnificent way.
During the autumnal equinox, the alignment is not as dramatic as the summer solstice, but it's equally spectacular. And it still marks a turning point of the year, when the balance between light and dark shifts – right before the days begin to shorten.
What Do People Do at Stonehenge During Sunrise?
Even today, thousands of years later, people still gather at Stonehenge to celebrate the sunrise on the autumn equinox. Some people come for spiritual reasons. Others book a Stonehenge tour to witness that engineering feat when the sun is in perfect alignment with the stones. Let’s take a look at how people celebrate, even today.
1. Spiritual Ceremonies and Rituals
For many, especially modern-day pagans, Druids, and other spiritual seekers, the autumn equinox is an important time to honor the changing of the seasons.
Known in some pagan traditions as Mabon, the equinox is a time to celebrate balance, harvest, and the cycle of life. Druids and pagans often lead ceremonies and rituals, which might include:
Prayer or Chanting: to honor the Earth and nature's cycles
Offerings of Fruits or Grains: as thanks for the earth's abundance
Meditation or Reflection: on the notion of balance, as the equinox represents a time when day and night are of equal length.
Drumming or Singing: to celebrate the turning of the seasons
2. Photography and Observation
Many visitors simply want to experience the beauty of the sunrise at such a significant location. The way the sunlight shines through the stones is completely remarkable. Everyone marvels at how the ancient builders were able to align the monument with such precision.
3. Cultural and Educational Activities
While the autumn equinox isn’t as widely attended as the summer solstice, English Heritage, the organization that manages Stonehenge, sometimes offers educational programs or events around the time of the equinox.
4. Peaceful Celebrations
Unlike the summer solstice, which draws the largest crowds and can have a more festive or party-like atmosphere, the autumn equinox is generally more serene and intimate. People tend to focus more on meditation, spirituality, and reflections upon nature.
A Unique Moment of Balance and Reflection
Whether for spiritual ceremonies, personal reflection, or simply to admire the stunning alignment of Stonehenge with the rising sun, the equinox offers a unique and meaningful way to connect with history, nature, and the universe’s cycles.
If you plan to attend a sunrise one year, don’t forget to check out our weather updates before you go. What do you think the gods might be communicating if a rainshower befalls your sunrise dance around Stonehenge? And, if you enjoyed this article, please share it with friends and family on social media. Who knows -- maybe you'll even start planning a trip to England!