If you are interested in exploring ancient religious practices and are looking for pagan places of veneration nearby, you may be surprised to find that there are several options available. These places offer a glimpse into the history and customs of paganism, allowing visitors to connect with the spiritual beliefs of our ancestors. One such place is Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. This iconic prehistoric monument consists of a ring of standing stones, some of which date back over 4,000 years. While the purpose of Stonehenge is still somewhat of a mystery, many believe that it was used for religious ceremonies or as a burial site. Visitors can explore the site and learn about the different theories surrounding its construction and significance.
"Nine Ladies stone circle in the Peak District at night. Hugely popular on significant dates of the Pagan Calendar, such as the Summer Solstice."
The establishment of Christian sacred sites in the Holy Land was a 4th century phenomenon which occurred 300 years after the death of Christ, says an authority on the history of the early Church, Dr Joan Taylor. Nine Ladies stone circle at dawn, included in the series as an illustration of the passage of time and the day night cycle, something hugely significant in nature.
Visitors can explore the site and learn about the different theories surrounding its construction and significance. Another noteworthy pagan site is Avebury, also located in Wiltshire, England. Avebury is home to the largest stone circle in Europe, with a circumference of over a mile.
History: Hiding pagan places: David Keys reports on research which casts doubt on the authenticity of several Christian holy sites
CHRISTIANITY'S most sacred places - said by the Church to be the site of the birth and death of Christ - were built as part of a ruthless campaign against paganism, and have no real connection with the events they purport to commemorate, according to new research by an ecclesiastical historian.
The establishment of Christian sacred sites in the Holy Land was a 4th century phenomenon which occurred 300 years after the death of Christ, says an authority on the history of the early Church, Dr Joan Taylor.
In a new study of Christian sites in the Holy Land, Christians and the Holy Places, published by Oxford University Press, Dr Taylor states that the famous Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem was built primarily to replace a pagan shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture Tammuz-Adonis. She also says the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to mark the site of Christ's crucifixion and burial, replaced a temple of the goddess of sex and fertility, Venus.
Neither of these sites had been venerated by Christians before the 4th century, her research has revealed, and both sites were seized from the pagans in the reign of the pro-Christian 4th century Roman emperor Constantine.
'These sacred sites were established as part of a Roman imperial policy which sought to destroy non-Christian religion in the land of the Bible and develop a focus for Christian piety there', says Dr Taylor, a fellow in Religious Studies at Waikato University in Hamilton, New Zealand.
'The 4th century Church systematically appropriated pagan shrines and other non-Christian religious sites, in order to create Christian holy places', she says. 'This marks out the region as a Holy Land - a zone of spiritual significance.
'This contrasts with the situation prior to the 4th century, for in the 1st to 3rd centuries Christians had rejected the idea that earthly sites could be sacred, deeming it to be a pagan notion', she says.
Some scholarly early Christians had travelled to what is now Israel out of historical interest, but they were not pilgrims spurred on by any feeling that the area had any intrinsic sanctity. 'It was the then emperor Constantine who injected the pagan concept of sacred shrines into Christianity', says Dr Taylor.
At the site now occupied by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Constantine personally ordered the tearing down of the Temple of Venus and proceeded to erect a church in honour of the Holy Cross - his personal battle emblem.
Most early literary evidence suggests that the real site of the crucifixion was 200 metres south of this church. Today's 'Rock of Calvary' was actually a rocky outcrop where a statue of Venus had stood within the pagan temple.
The place's association with the crucifixion stems from a dream by Constantine's mother Helena in which the site of the temple of Venus was revealed as being where Christ died. Inspired by the dream, a Roman 'archaeological' excavation is said to have then 'found' the true cross. Another important pagan site taken over by Christians, purporting to mark the location of a major Christian holy event, was the Temple of Aphrodite at Ein Karim near Jerusalem. It was demolished to make way for a church dedicated to the birth of St John the Baptist.
Christians and the Holy Places by Joan E Taylor, published by Oxford University Press at pounds 45.
The stones at Avebury are believed to have been arranged in a specific pattern to align with celestial events and are thought to have served as a religious site for ancient pagan communities. Visitors can walk among the stones and experience the spiritual energy of this ancient monument. For those interested in Norse paganism, the Gamla Uppsala in Uppsala, Sweden, is a must-visit. This ancient place of worship was dedicated to the gods Odin, Thor, and Freyr. It was an important religious center during the Viking Age and is believed to have been the site of sacrifices and other pagan rituals. Today, visitors can explore the three large burial mounds at Gamla Uppsala and learn about the ancient Norse religious practices. Closer to home, if you are in the United States, you may want to visit the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, Illinois. This archaeological site was once home to a Native American civilization and is believed to have been an important spiritual center. The mounds at Cahokia are thought to have been used for religious ceremonies and burials, and visitors can climb to the top of Monks Mound, the largest mound on the site, for a panoramic view of the area. Overall, these pagan places of veneration offer a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with ancient religious traditions and explore the history and spirituality of our ancestors. Whether you are interested in Stonehenge, Avebury, Gamla Uppsala, or Cahokia Mounds, each of these sites provides a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of paganism. So, if you are looking for a spiritual and historical adventure, consider visiting one of these fascinating places..
Reviews for "A Spiritual Pilgrimage: Journeying to Nearby Pagan Places of Worship"
1. John - 2 stars - As someone who is not very interested in pagan or religious sites, I found "Pagan Places of Veneration Nearby" to be quite uninteresting and not worth the visit. The descriptions in the guidebook were lacking details and the photographs provided were not very impressive. Overall, I felt bored and uninspired while reading about these places. I would not recommend this guidebook to anyone who is not specifically seeking pagan sites.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I was highly disappointed with "Pagan Places of Veneration Nearby". The information provided was inadequate and I found the language used to be cliched and unengaging. Additionally, the guidebook did not offer any historical context or cultural insights about these places, which I believe are vital in understanding their significance. I expected a more comprehensive and well-researched guide, but unfortunately, this fell far short of my expectations.
3. David - 2 stars - "Pagan Places of Veneration Nearby" did not live up to the hype for me. The descriptions of the sites lacked depth and failed to capture the spiritual or cultural significance of these places. I was hoping for a more immersive experience, but this guidebook left me wanting more. The directions to these locations were also unclear and I ended up getting lost a few times. Overall, I did not find this guidebook to be very helpful or enjoyable.