Re: The Uffington White Horse | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

tjj Jan 3, 2020 16:03:46

Replying to Ilex Aquifolium

Hello,
I'm glad Moss answered your post as it deserves an answer. Generally I think people are nervous of coming to this forum to share 'other-worldly' experiences at ancient sites in case they get derided - so thank you.

Uffington White Horse/Castle is one of my favourite places and luckily I live not too far away. In the past I have been up there in the depths of despair (usually self-inflicted) and have come away feeling renewed and energised with the problem I took up there no longer all-consuming. This feels quite different to what you experienced but then you were talking about the approach to Dragon Hill. What I have experienced around there, especially after coming down from the always breezy hill, is a stillness - which maybe because geographically it is very sheltered just there.

Earlier this year, I discovered the site of Cairn Holy (almost by accident) just across the Scottish border. I had what I can only describe as an almost mystical experience there. The evening sunlight seemed golden, the nearby spring sparkled - it seemed to me the ancient gods were present. All this was my perception - not just of the site but elements around me too. On another day it may have seemed quite different, in fact the next day was overcast and dull. We found a stone circle near to where we stayed before taking our ferry - unfortunately the 'magic' of the previous evening had gone and everything seemed a bit flat.

Kindest regards
tjj

Mrs Ahab Jan 5, 2020 01:41:25

Replying to tjj

I almost feel awkward that I assumed this person was taking the P. Its true I think any folks feel weird expressing similar thoughts here, which is really daft cos this is Cope Right?

annoyed that I feel unsure if this is a genuine effort of not, but I guess we can make it one. To feel the magnetism and sacred power if the land is nothing new.

Ilex Aquifolium Jan 6, 2020 17:44:18

Replying to tjj

Hi tjj, again, thanks to you also for replying to my message.
I have spent a great deal of my life so far adventuring in our beautiful countryside and love our mountains and the rivers and the lakes and the waterfalls. I've wandered around ancient sites and felt spine tingly wonderment towards our ancestors along with the simple happiness being outside in the fresh air gives me.
But, yes, as said, I've never felt anything quite so physical before as this heaviness around me as I was walking up the lane, the air was different, and yes, the stillness! Like cool crystal clear water. So very beautiful.

I've spoken to lots of my friends about my experience since and they don't deride me, but I feel like I need to know more. I remember watching Julian Cope do something about Avebury many moons ago. By the way, I haven't yet explored much of his music, but I'm glad the memory of that programme brought me here.

Thank you for being so welcoming. It really means a lot. I look forward to learning more and sharing my experiences with you all along the way.

Happy new year
Holly x