Re: IS Thornborough Orion? | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

pebblesfromheaven Mar 10, 2004 08:48:13

Replying to nigelswift

OK I've been quietly browsing these 'astro' posts but I have questions...

So what? I mean what IS Orion? Why would they want to copy it? Why not another star feature?

From a young age we are taught about the plough and it pointing to the north star. But Orion? Does it point to another feature or direction?

Why that constellation and not another? Cos it looks like a man, vaguely?
Do we really know they interpreted it as?
Hmmm.

I think I'm with the Too Good to be True brigade on this one!

I think it's more likely the three henges were supposed to be in allignment and it went astray, due to eg the lie of the land or ownership or foggy weather or wonky eyesight...

.o0O0o.

tiompan Mar 10, 2004 09:04:08

Replying to pebblesfromheaven

i'm very sceptical on most alignments , ruggles has shown a lot don't really measure up, but i must admit thornborough does look as good as bauval's pyramid alignment ,which was probably the reason someone spotted this one . if your'e going to pick a constellation to worship/align on / base yer cosmography on ,then orion is a pretty obvious one to pick.

FourWinds Mar 10, 2004 09:11:29

Replying to pebblesfromheaven

Orion disappears below the horizon and re-emerges at a significant time of year (you're right .. I can't remember which significant time it is - is it spring?)

Therefore it can be seen as a good indicator of when the weather is about to change etc. In a farming community without digital watches that's mighty useful.

You can the go the sympathetic route and say that it is the actual appearance of these stars in the sky that CAUSES the weather change ... hey up - we have a god!