Christine Zucchelli

Stones of Adoration

Sacred Stones and Mystic Megaliths of Ireland

Dublin 2007

Stron XVI+223, format: 23x23 cm, papier kredowy

150 rysunków i kolorowych zdjęć.

Sacred stones and stone monuments feature the world over and Ireland is no exception. Our landscape is dotted with them, from the Blarney Stone in Cork and the Royal Pillars of Tara in Meath to Meadhbh's Grave in Sligo and Saint Patrick's Chair in Tyrone. Since prehistoric times people have acknowledged their special nature, an unbroken link from ancient sun-oriented monuments to the present. This book explores their secrets, myths, legends and folktales, many persisting to this day. 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.

Different beliefs, practices and rituals behind the notion of their magical powers and virtues are revealed. The situations in which people resorted to them are also examined: selecting chieftains, establishing the truth, curing sickness, and promoting fertility. In conclusion, the role of sacred stones in the religious and spiritual life of modern Ireland is described. This is a wonderful reminder of our spiritual past as some of these stones and monuments enter their fifth millennium.