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November 20, 2009 |
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Created and Maintained by: The Photoimaging Information Council |
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by Emily Grazia |
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Although Stonehenge was subjected to the inevitable weathering and the imprint of time, it has maintained much of the majesty that it surely held in its mysterious past. It has been debated whether the stone circle was used for rituals of renewal, as a type of lunar or solar calendar, or a burial ground. But even if archaeologists can’t agree on the ultimate purpose or builders of Stonehenge, it never fails to inspire awe and amazement in those who visit it in Wiltshire, England. (90 miles West of London.)
I was surprised to find myself more comfortable inside that circle of mossy, crumbling stones than I had ever felt anyplace else. Maybe it was their mysterious history, their unknown past, that fascinated me, or the precise relationship between their arrangement and various celestial happenings. I’m still not sure just what it was about them, but to me they were the most fantastic man-made structures. It was also among them that I discovered my love of photography. My silver Olympus Stylus 300 glinted as I pressed the “Shoot” button again and again, irresistibly motivated to try and capture the feelings of joy, of fascination, that the stones stirred in me.
The more I learned about Stonehenge, the more curious I became. Each little detail provided by the guide of my special-access tour sparked me to take yet another picture, such as those below of the “Master stone” monolith and the carvings of a hammer and anvil that are faintly visible today.
I was captivated by the textures caused by centuries of weathering. The top of one of the structures was perfectly jagged, as though it had been carved. Another seemed to display a face, though I learned this was also a coincidental weathering pattern.
Energized, I walked briskly through thick grass, trying to find new angles, new combinations to capture. I knelt, lay on my back, stomach; stood on tiptoe, leaped, to get the shots I wanted. I’ll never forget that day, that incredible sun shining through a fresh blue sky; that curious electricity in the air; lying in the grass in the shadows of Stonehenge.
I would strongly suggest a special-access tour to Stonehenge (which allows you to walk right up and touch the stones) to anyone who will be in England for the first time. By following the link below, you can find some information about the tour I went on, which also takes you through picturesque Salisbury Cathedral. There are also other options for Stonehenge tours available on this site. Traveling anywhere can show you infinite nuances and open your mind to other cultures and histories. Visiting Stonehenge in particular can also provide an opportunity for self-reflection and wonder. I never knew that a bunch of gray stones could awaken my curiosity and new passions.
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