Do You Want a Stone Circle?

What is the intent/purpose of the stone circle?

Will it be overlooked?

What will the neighbors think?

Will they need consulting?

What size of stone do you envisage?

How many stones do you see in the circle?

What shape/geometry does the stone circle have?

What diameter is the ring of stones?

For large stone circles you may need planning permission.

What material do the stones consist of?

Granite, slate, limestone, sarsen, other?

What color/s do you want the stones?

Are the stones to be freshly cut, weatherworn, already mossy, or rounded by water/glacier action?

Do you want the stones to have any specific alignments to sun/moon/stars?

Any specific alignments to special places on the Earth’s surface?

Do you want it constructed by machine, or by hand, or a combination of the two?

What sort of access is there to the site?

How long do you want construction to take?

Would you like additional megalithic features such as menhirs (standing stones), underground chambers, dolmens, stone avenues, etc.?

Would you like any landscaping done, e.g. a pathway, interesting features such as trees planted, mounds, ponds, fountains, waterfalls, etc.?

Do you have a budget?

Do you want to know how much will it cost?

I can help you with any or all of these questions.

A stone circle 40 ft across, consisting of 12 stones averaging 3 tons each, standing 5 ft above ground level (see the Star Circle) could cost as little as £6,000

A stone circle 75 ft across, consisting of 12 stones averaging 6 tons each, standing 6-9 ft above ground level (see the Dragonstones) could cost as little as £12,000.

NOTE: These prices are estimates for stone delivery 100 miles from the source.

Preliminary discussions with the client

Visiting the proposed site

Agreeing in principle to construct a stone circle

Finding the centre of the circle

Working out the size and number of stones

Delivery of the stones

Moving and erection of the stones

These two methods of constructing a stone circle have the same (apparent) result, yet the journey undertaken is very different. Using machinery is more efficient, causes less mess, takes a fraction of the time, and is cheaper. Sometimes the practicalities of modern life dictate the use of machinery, and that’s simply it.

A temple is a space with boundaries that contain the sacred. Its physical aspect can be likened to the visible part of an iceberg. The sacred part of a temple can be likened to the 80 per cent of the iceberg that is hidden underwater. It takes a lot of focused, conscious energy to create this invisible temple, by a skilled and practiced team.

My team of megalithic engineers are such a team, having already constructed four large stone circles by hand. They have a deep and profound knowledge of temple building, and have the skills to create a living, breathing sacred space. This knowledge is primarily stored in the cells of the body, so if asked, they might not even be able to answer very comprehensively! No matter, they know, where it counts. Before, during, and just after the actual physical construction, we weave an intricate and powerful pattern of energy and prayer, creating a space suitable for the God and/or Goddess to enter, and take up residence. This can only really happen successfully if a suitable team of people are working and living together over an extended period of time.

In general, it is illegal to pick stones up from the ground. Sometimes it is permitted to remove them from private land, with the permission of the owner. Usually it is necessary to visit a quarry. Depending on the type of stone chosen for the stone circle, a quarry is contacted and an appointment made. Usually the quarry manager will show us around the different areas of the pit, providing safety helmets and can of spray paint. We then choose the stones and mark them with a distinctive symbol. When enough stones have been chosen, a machine picks them up and places them together ready for loading. When possible, it is energetically preferable to use stones from the immediate, or near, vicinity.

What sort of vehicle will carry the stones onto site?

An articulated truck will carry and protect the stones, yet this vehicle is difficult to maneuver and does not drive over soggy fields very well. Most importantly, IT NEEDS A LARGE MACHINE TO UNLOAD THE STONES ON ARRIVAL. This can be expensive.

On the other hand, a tipper truck can maneuver well, and can drive upon a field (up to a point). It requires no crane or other machine to unload the stones, because it simply tips them onto the site. It is handier and cheaper, but TIPPING ALWAYS DAMAGES THE STONES. Whenever I use tipper trucks, I always choose a spare stone in case one splits. There will always be some deep scratching, crumbling and scoring on some stones. Usually, the budget will decide which way is chosen.

If the stones are no heavier than 4 tons, they can be transported on a flatbed truck with an on-board crane (Hymac). This is the best option, and is a middle-cost option. The stones arrive on site undamaged, too.

From the intent of the person commissioning the stone circle, the guidance of the stone circle builder, and instructions from the Spirit of the Land, the design of the new temple will emerge. It is an ongoing process, and is rarely completed in one sitting, or even by the start of construction. It is a magnificent, organically complicated process and multiple-layered. It happens in its own time and much trust is needed that all is unfolding well. There may be times when the designer loses inspiration or becomes stuck. Then there is a whole team of eager, tuned-in stone movers to put the problem to. So many resources! Eventually, a multi-dimensional sacred temple will have been birthed, each individual layer resonating in harmony with the others. This harmony must be pleasing, even irresistible, for the sacred, providing it with a suitable home where it will find a suitable home and base for the healing of all worlds and all beings everywhere.

The first action taken in physically manifesting a stone circle is to find the central point. The second action is marking out the elements of the temple on the ground.

1) The circumference

2) The position of each stone

The circumference we are interested in is the line that defines the inside face of the stones.

Each stone has a different shape, which necessitates custom-made holes. First the base of each stone is measured. The marking on the ground shows the width of the hole, plus about a foot on all four sides. The depth of each hole depends on the length, and shape of its stone.

I provide a team for the duration. They consist of a core of experienced megalithic engineers, with a small proportion of “apprentices”, people who are eager to learn this science. Numbers: for a typical stone circle consisting of a dozen stones up to 5 tons each, 8 -10 people should be sufficient. Over 5 tons and up to 8 tons, 14 people will be needed. From 8 to 10 tons, 16 people would be needed, and so on.

The largest stone we have moved and erected by hand is a single megalith, in New York State, USA. It weighed over 20 tons. We needed 30 people, but most of the time could only raise 24. We still did it!

It is difficult to estimate how long a stone circle will take to build by hand. It depends on so many factors. The last stone circle we built took 20 days for 4 stones, but we suffered with too few people and seriously adverse weather, which transformed the site into an 8-inch deep quagmire. Two people sank without trace and still haven’t been found (It’s a joke...).

Let’s try our two examples again:

A stone circle 40 ft across, consisting of 12 stones averaging 3 tons each, standing 5 ft above ground level (see the Star Circle) could take 40 days

A stone circle 75 ft across, consisting of 12 stones averaging 6 tons each, standing 6-9 ft above ground level (see the Dragonstones) could take 70 days.

The last stone circle we built was unique in our experience, for we erected the 4 direction stones by hand, and placed the rest by machine. As it happens, this worked out well for all, after adapting to the new circumstances. Despite the weather and mud-bath, it took us 30 days.

Usually, the team lives on site, either in space provided by the client, or in structures we provide ourselves (yurts, geodesic domes, benders). Members of the crew may bring a caravan (trailer), or camper vehicle. In the summer there may be tents. We like to provide outdoor showers, and a hot tub. We cook ourselves. We like sitting around an outside fireplace, to sit around it, to create music and stories together.

The temple site is a non-drug, and non-alcohol space. If anyone appears “under the influence”, they will be asked to leave.

During work sessions, there are no spectators, except for the owner of the land and visitors he/she specifically invites. It sometimes arises that the media wants to film us in action. Special rules apply, and we will communicate those clearly upon request.

During the construction phase, there will be a community of megalithic workers camping on the land, engaged in practices which are probably very similar to the ancients when they were building their stone circles. Everyone involved with the project will perform those tasks associated with living in community, including general tidying up, cooking, washing dishes, buying food and supplies.

We want to “walk lightly on the land”. All due respect will be given to the client and his/her land in regards to noise, litter, damage to the land, vehicle movements, neighbors, and disturbances of any kind.

They are volunteers and work for free.

They will be given good quality food (organic veg, etc, within reason). We will do the actual cooking.

They will be given accommodation either in a building, or in a structure on site.

They will have access to a hot shower (either in a building, or on site).

Wood will be provided for the central fire, and for the wood burners in the sleeping structures.

Appropriate travel expenses will be paid (to be negotiated).

NOTE: Structures and hot showers can be hired at a reasonable cost.

In the old days I believe every community had their stone circle. It provided a sacred space within which all sorts of events could take place. Its presence ensured fertility and all manner of good things. It kept the community in contact with other communities and sacred spaces throughout the land. The God and Goddess were happy, for they were respected and were provided with an appropriate space to live. I would love to see this happen again, in this age, with new applications.

If you are interested in constructing a stone circle, please let me know. I am interested in all things megalithic (meaning: big stones) and have the experience to advise you on the project, if you so wish.



	Are you interested in constructing a new stone circle on your land? If you do, and want experienced advice, a professional job done, and your stone circle harmonizing with the spirit of the land and the sacred, please contact me. I would be delighted to advise you.	Dragon Stones Ceremony

	I have built ten stone circles so far, with three more planned, in three continents around the world (Britain, USA, Canada and Australia). I am prepared to construct stone circles in most countries.

Some of the details you need to consider are:

	What is the intent/purpose of the stone circle? Will it be overlooked? What will the neighbors think? Will they need consulting? What size of stone do you envisage? How many stones do you see in the circle? What shape/geometry does the stone circle have? What diameter is the ring of stones? For large stone circles you may need planning permission. What material do the stones consist of? Granite, slate, limestone, sarsen, other? What color/s do you want the stones? A combination? Are the stones to be freshly cut, weatherworn, already mossy, or rounded by water/glacier action? Do you want the stones to have any specific alignments to sun/moon/stars? Any specific alignments to special places on the Earth’s surface? Do you want it constructed by machine, or by hand, or a combination of the two? What sort of access is there to the site? How long do you want construction to take? Would you like additional megalithic features such as menhirs (standing stones), underground chambers, dolmens, stone avenues, etc.? Would you like any landscaping done, e.g. a pathway, interesting features such as trees planted, mounds, ponds, fountains, waterfalls, etc.? Do you have a budget? Do you want to know how much will it cost? I can help you with any or all of these questions.

Reality check

	A stone circle 40 ft across, consisting of 12 stones averaging 3 tons each, standing 5 ft above ground level (see the Star Circle) could cost as little as £6,000 A stone circle 75 ft across, consisting of 12 stones averaging 6 tons each, standing 6-9 ft above ground level (see the Dragonstones) could cost as little as £12,000. NOTE: These prices are estimates for stone delivery 100 miles from the source.

The Stages in Stone Circle Construction

	Preliminary discussions with the client Visiting the proposed site Agreeing in principle to construct a stone circle Finding the centre of the circle The design process Working out the size and number of stones Choosing the stones Delivery of the stones Moving and erection of the stones

Landscaping and completion.

	My style of stone circle building is to proceed as if I am constructing a working temple which will eventually be inhabited by the sacred. I am particularly careful to build an open and honoring relationship with the spirit of the place, particularly with the leys and energy lines present. Each stage of the process is undertaken with respect, and simple ceremony. At the same time, don’t assume it is a terribly precious, serious procedure - if there isn’t lots of laughter and good humor, there is something very wrong

Construction by Hand, or by Machine?

	These two methods of constructing a stone circle have the same (apparent) result, yet the journey undertaken is very different. Using machinery is more efficient, causes less mess, takes a fraction of the time, and is cheaper. Sometimes the practicalities of modern life dictate the use of machinery, and that’s simply it. A temple is a space with boundaries that contain the sacred. Its physical aspect can be likened to the visible part of an iceberg. The sacred part of a temple can be likened to the 80 per cent of the iceberg that is hidden underwater. It takes a lot of focused, conscious energy to create this invisible temple, by a skilled and practiced team. My team of megalithic engineers are such a team, having already constructed four large stone circles by hand. They have a deep and profound knowledge of temple building, and have the skills to create a living, breathing sacred space. This knowledge is primarily stored in the cells of the body, so if asked, they might not even be able to answer very comprehensively! No matter, they know, where it counts. Before, during, and just after the actual physical construction, we weave an intricate and powerful pattern of energy and prayer, creating a space suitable for the God and/or Goddess to enter, and take up residence. This can only really happen successfully if a suitable team of people are working and living together over an extended period of time.

Choosing the Stones

	In general, it is illegal to pick stones up from the ground. Sometimes it is permitted to remove them from private land, with the permission of the owner. Usually it is necessary to visit a quarry. Depending on the type of stone chosen for the stone circle, a quarry is contacted and an appointment made. Usually the quarry manager will show us around the different areas of the pit, providing safety helmets and can of spray paint. We then choose the stones and mark them with a distinctive symbol. When enough stones have been chosen, a machine picks them up and places them together ready for loading. When possible, it is energetically preferable to use stones from the immediate, or near, vicinity.

Transporting the Stones

	What sort of vehicle will carry the stones onto site? An articulated truck will carry and protect the stones, yet this vehicle is difficult to maneuver and does not drive over soggy fields very well. Most importantly, IT NEEDS A LARGE MACHINE TO UNLOAD THE STONES ON ARRIVAL. This can be expensive. On the other hand, a tipper truck can maneuver well, and can drive upon a field (up to a point). It requires no crane or other machine to unload the stones, because it simply tips them onto the site. It is handier and cheaper, but TIPPING ALWAYS DAMAGES THE STONES. Whenever I use tipper trucks, I always choose a spare stone in case one splits. There will always be some deep scratching, crumbling and scoring on some stones. Usually, the budget will decide which way is chosen. If the stones are no heavier than 4 tons, they can be transported on a flatbed truck with an on-board crane (Hymac). This is the best option, and is a middle-cost option. The stones arrive on site undamaged, too.

The Design Process

	From the intent of the person commissioning the stone circle, the guidance of the stone circle builder, and instructions from the Spirit of the Land, the design of the new temple will emerge. It is an ongoing process, and is rarely completed in one sitting, or even by the start of construction. It is a magnificent, organically complicated process and multiple-layered. It happens in its own time and much trust is needed that all is unfolding well. There may be times when the designer loses inspiration or becomes stuck. Then there is a whole team of eager, tuned-in stone movers to put the problem to. So many resources! Eventually, a multi-dimensional sacred temple will have been birthed, each individual layer resonating in harmony with the others. This harmony must be pleasing, even irresistible, for the sacred, providing it with a suitable home where it will find a suitable home and base for the healing of all worlds and all beings everywhere.

Orientation

	In order to “orientate” the new stone circle, we must find and mark the position of Polaris, the North Star. Orientation is a magical operation to find the point of balance and harmony from which all measurements in the stone circle are made. In the magical and sacred worlds this is vital. It is said that, if one has a good relationship with Polaris, one will never become lost, day or night. The North Star marks the one point in the sky (in the northern hemisphere) that is constant, and is the extended axis of the spinning planet Earth. Magnetic North is never used, as its position is inconsistent and varies from year to year.

Preparing the Site

	The first action taken in physically manifesting a stone circle is to find the central point. The second action is marking out the elements of the temple on the ground. In order, they are: 1) The circumference 2) The position of each stone The circumference we are interested in is the line that defines the inside face of the stones. Each stone has a different shape, which necessitates custom-made holes. First the base of each stone is measured. The marking on the ground shows the width of the hole, plus about a foot on all four sides. The depth of each hole depends on the length, and shape of its stone.

Construction by Machine

	Once construction starts, the holes need to be dug. A good digger operator should be capable of creating neat and accurate holes. The holes for a medium to large sized stone circle with up to 16 stones should take a JCB driver no longer than a day to dig. A crane is used to drop the stones into their respective holes. Before each stone is placed, I will conduct a simple, short ceremony to welcome it into its new home. Again, installing the entire stone circle should take less than a day. As each stone is positioned, a team of workers tips earth back in the hole, and compresses it around the stone. This ensures the stone is secure and immobile. It is a surprisingly delicate operation, as most stones need to be accurately placed, especially if they are aligned to any celestial or topographical phenomenon. Once the stones are in place, the site needs to be landscaped and tidied up. Dependant on the conditions, this should take 1-2 days. Conclusion: Construction of a simple stone circle using machines usually requires a maximum of a week on site.

Construction by Hand

	I provide a team for the duration. They consist of a core of experienced megalithic engineers, with a small proportion of “apprentices”, people who are eager to learn this science. Numbers: for a typical stone circle consisting of a dozen stones up to 5 tons each, 8 -10 people should be sufficient. Over 5 tons and up to 8 tons, 14 people will be needed. From 8 to 10 tons, 16 people would be needed, and so on. The largest stone we have moved and erected by hand is a single megalith, in New York State, USA. It weighed over 20 tons. We needed 30 people, but most of the time could only raise 24. We still did it! It is difficult to estimate how long a stone circle will take to build by hand. It depends on so many factors. The last stone circle we built took 20 days for 4 stones, but we suffered with too few people and seriously adverse weather, which transformed the site into an 8-inch deep quagmire. Two people sank without trace and still haven’t been found (It’s a joke...). Let’s try our two examples again: A stone circle 40 ft across, consisting of 12 stones averaging 3 tons each, standing 5 ft above ground level (see the Star Circle) could take 40 days A stone circle 75 ft across, consisting of 12 stones averaging 6 tons each, standing 6-9 ft above ground level (see the Dragonstones) could take 70 days. The last stone circle we built was unique in our experience, for we erected the 4 direction stones by hand, and placed the rest by machine. As it happens, this worked out well for all, after adapting to the new circumstances. Despite the weather and mud-bath, it took us 30 days. Usually, the team lives on site, either in space provided by the client, or in structures we provide ourselves (yurts, geodesic domes, benders). Members of the crew may bring a caravan (trailer), or camper vehicle. In the summer there may be tents. We like to provide outdoor showers, and a hot tub. We cook ourselves. We like sitting around an outside fireplace, to sit around it, to create music and stories together. The temple site is a non-drug, and non-alcohol space. If anyone appears “under the influence”, they will be asked to leave. During work sessions, there are no spectators, except for the owner of the land and visitors he/she specifically invites. It sometimes arises that the media wants to film us in action. Special rules apply, and we will communicate those clearly upon request. During the construction phase, there will be a community of megalithic workers camping on the land, engaged in practices which are probably very similar to the ancients when they were building their stone circles. Everyone involved with the project will perform those tasks associated with living in community, including general tidying up, cooking, washing dishes, buying food and supplies. We want to “walk lightly on the land”. All due respect will be given to the client and his/her land in regards to noise, litter, damage to the land, vehicle movements, neighbors, and disturbances of any kind.

Conditions for workers

	They are volunteers and work for free. They will be given good quality food (organic veg, etc, within reason). We will do the actual cooking. They will be given accommodation either in a building, or in a structure on site. They will have access to a hot shower (either in a building, or on site). Wood will be provided for the central fire, and for the wood burners in the sleeping structures. Appropriate travel expenses will be paid (to be negotiated). NOTE: Structures and hot showers can be hired at a reasonable cost.

Inauguration Ceremony

	Stone circles have a deep and profound effect on the immediate area, and on the land as a whole. It is essential that a new stone circle be welcomed and “plugged into” the energetic network of the land when the time is right. After construction, we usually let it settle in awhile, and then perform an inauguration ceremony to “switch it on”. Friends and the public could be invited to attend, if appropriate. Sometimes we perform a fire labyrinth ceremony inside a new stone circle. It makes a spectacular completion ceremony!

Cost

	No two stone circle projects are the same. I will negotiate fees before each project.

Conclusion

	In the old days I believe every community had their stone circle. It provided a sacred space within which all sorts of events could take place. Its presence ensured fertility and all manner of good things. It kept the community in contact with other communities and sacred spaces throughout the land. The God and Goddess were happy, for they were respected and were provided with an appropriate space to live. I would love to see this happen again, in this age, with new applications. If you are interested in constructing a stone circle, please let me know. I am interested in all things megalithic (meaning: big stones) and have the experience to advise you on the project, if you so wish.