Witches and Stone Circles: Caring for the Past | Suite101.com

Do tourists drain the power out of magick rituals at stone circles or other prehistoric sites? Are we trashing these powerful areas in the name of consumerism? - Tater

Witches and Stone Circles: Caring for the Past

Sep 21, 2011
Jo Harrington

Photo: Vandal Damage, Rollright Stones - Brian Robert Marshall

Pagans of all denominations are drawn to stone circles and other prehistoric sites; and tourism booms at the Sabbats. But are we caring for our heritage?

No-one knows for certain what prompted our ancestors to drag huge chunks of rock, over many miles, then arrange them in patterns and enclosures. One of the most likely explanations for stone circles was that they were meeting places for related communities dotted across the landscape. They might well have been status symbols and calendars too, but their basic function was as a focal point for gatherings. These could have been ceremonial; it could equally have been a market or a place for eligible young people to meet each other. It could have been all of the above.

When Pagans visit these prehistoric constructions now, it can feel like we're continuing a tradition stretching back into antiquity. But unless we're careful, our celebrations are at risk of doing more harm than good.

Witchcraft and the Charge of the Goddess

The great Doreen Valiente wrote the Charge of the Goddess. It's not an ancient text, but it doesn't need to be. It highlights all it means to be a witch and walks us through our ritual meetings. Being Wiccan, this is generally more a guideline than hard and fast rules.

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Tater Scot, the Skype Psychic, known for his enlightening tarot card spreads, is a modern day wizard, tarot card reader, comedian, actor and hermetic, casting real spells of healing, encouragement and laughter in Phoenix, Arizona.