Megalithic Visions
  • Home
  • Sites
  • Symbols
  • Articles
Megalithic Visions
Entoptic Phenomena

Entoptic Phenomena

June 3, 2018

Entoptic phenomena (or just entoptics) are visual sensations that occur in the human visual system itself without external stimuli. That means the sensations can be observed even with closed eyes. The figure below gives some examples of the entoptic phenomena. These are usually simple geometric patterns, like lines, grids or nets, dots, zigzags and spirals. …

June 2, 2018
Yoke-symbol – or Horns

Yoke-symbol – or Horns

Described from finds in Breton megalithic art this symbol is named yoke in literature (e.g. [1] ). Locations This symbol can be found in a number of passage tombs in Brittany. A fine example can be found in the passage tomb of the Mané Lud mound in Locmariaquer with eleven ‘yokes’ on one orthostat. Interpretation …

June 1, 2018
Spiral

Spiral

Tri-sprial A spiral is a linear curve that winds around a centre point with increasing distance to that point although it can be also interpreted the other way round. There are examples of spirals in nature, like the shells of snail. It is a very old symbol and was used all over the world. Locations …

June 1, 2018
Mané Rutual symbol

Mané Rutual symbol

This symbol was named after the Mané Rutual (also known as Mané Rutuel or Mané Rethuel) chambered cairn where it was first found. It is also called ‘Mane Rutual axe’ or ‘plough axe’. Locations The symbol is found in a number of megalithic cairns. Although there is believe that some (if not all) carvings are …

May 31, 2018
Crossed circle or Wheeled-cross

Crossed circle or Wheeled-cross

This symbol was subject to a shift in meaning. In ancient Greece it was standing for a sphere or globe. The recent meaning in astronomy is the Earth. In the Bronze Age it was associated with the sun. Hence its alternative name: Sun wheel. Locations The symbol can be found in several rock art sites …

May 31, 2018
Crook

Crook

Described from finds in Breton megalithic art this symbol is named ‘crook’ in literature (e.g. [1] ). Locations This symbol can be found in a number of passage tombs in Brittany, including Mané Hroeck, Mané Rutual, Mané Lud, Gavrinis. The backstone of the passage tomb ‘Table des Marchands’ in Locmariaquer shows a number of this …

May 31, 2018
Cup marks

Cup marks

Locations Cup marks are found in many areas of Europe with main concentrations in north/west Europe and the Alps. In Germany and Scandinavia they are found on single rocks and sometimes on capstones of megalithic structures (e.g. Bunsoh). In the north of Britain cup marks are often found together with ring marks (ring and cup …

May 20, 2018
Circle

Circle

The circle is the simplest, but also most perfect geometrical shape. All points on the circle have the same distance to the centre. As symbols circles were used in many ways in Neolithic times and are still today, either solely or composed with other elements.   Locations In nature circles appear for example in the …

May 20, 2018
Ceramic disk

Ceramic disk

Flat ceramic disks were found as votive deposits in TRB monuments and flat graves (Flat grave of Issendorf). Flat ceramic disks are also found in other cultures (Michelsberg, Globular Amphora culture). The disks are often interpreted as bread baking plate. In the passage grave Denghoog on Sylt, Germany a number of votive offerings were found. Amongst …

Avebury: A neolithic ritual landscape

Avebury: A neolithic ritual landscape

May 19, 2018

Avebury is a small village in Wiltshire in the south of England and home of the famous stone circle. Although this circle is the biggest in Britain and probably the best known there are many more very remarkable monuments and relicts from the early to the late Neolithic period in the area which is therefore …

Posts navigation

Newer Posts
Older Posts

About This Site

The aim of this site is to collect data and thoughts about prehistoric megalithic culture and symbolism in Europe.

Privacy

Privacy Policy

Further Materials

References, Online Resources

© 2023 Megalithic Visions | Powered by Outstandingthemes