MONDAY’S MAGICAL MOMENT: SOLSTICE SUNSET

The rays of the rising sun, on the Winter Solstice, light the central chamber of the Newgrange Tumulus, part of the Bru na Boinne complex.  What is little known is that the rays of the setting sun that same day illuminate the inner chamber of the passage tomb at Dowth, also part of Bru na Boinne.  Although not open to the public, nor fully excavated, Dowth, as well as Newgrange and Knowth, are within 15 miles of my home in County Meath, Ireland, where this was taken on 21 December 2013.   Magic is all around!

Copyright 2013                             Mary Jane E Clark

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NEWGRANGE: ARISE, AWAKE!

RIVER BOYNE

PLAINS OF MEATH

NEWGRANGE TUMULUS

NEWGRANGE SKY BOX

Nestled on the banks of the River Boyne in County Meath, Ireland, is the complex of ancient passage tombs known as Bru na Boinne (Palace on the Boyne).  Chief among these ancient monuments is Newgrange.  Built over 5000 years ago, predating both the Great Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge, it gazes out over the lush plains of Meath as it has for ages.  Although no one knows for sure why it was built, we do know that today, the 21st of December, the day of the Winter Solstice, is ITS day!  For on this morning, as I am writing this, the rays of the rising sun (and it is rising gloriously) will pass through the sky box located above the imposing oval-shaped inscribed stone at the entrance.  Slowly, then seeming to increase in speed and splendor, the light enters the passage tomb and finally pierces the very center of the chamber.  The illumination seems to be a reminder, and a promise, that even now, on the darkest day of winter, the light is returning, as it always has, as it always will.

NEWGRANGE:  ARISE, AWAKE!

Copyright 2013                                              Mary Jane E Clark

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