Off the beaten path, outside of Cookstown, you will find one of Ireland most unusual and mysterious (and possibly very haunted) sites, Beaghmore Stone Circles, attracting many ghost hunters. Are they just rocks in a field or is there a strong, unearthly power behind the unique formation? Here are seven reasons to visit these seven circles.
#1 Location, Location, Location
Beaghmore Stone Circles attract paranormal investigators and curiosity seekers from all over the world, but it is not an easy journey. Maybe that adds to why they are worth the trip. Perched on the edge of the Sperrin Mountain range, the location gives spectacular views of the countryside. Was that why ancient peoples built this formation? Researchers have performed careful excavations of the site only to discover that it was once agricultural fields used for cultivation by a Neolithic tribe who surrendered the crop fields to build the stone formations. Was this as a sacrifice? Again, research suggests that this would have been a huge sacrifice by an early agricultural tribe, giving up farm land.
It is also worth noting that Beaghmore Stone Circles location is on of the best dark sky sites on the island. Due to the elevation and the remoteness, Beaghmore is an excellent location for stargazing.
Beaghmore Stone Circles
#2 Old
No one is really sure how old the structure is. It was discovered in the late 1930s and 40s by farmers harvesting peat. As they were cutting away the peat, they realized the stones made a formation and called in experts. Early analysis indicated that the circles were created during the early Bronze Age, approximately 2000-1200 BC. More recent findings using carbon dating show work on the site as far back as 2900 BC.
#3 Unknown Origins
Why was this built and what was the purpose? First, look at the name, Beaghmore. This is a translation from Bheitheach Mhor meaning “big place of birch trees”. The site was cleared of birch trees by Neolithic farmers for crops. Agriculture and farming was how they survived. So why spend years of hard work clearing good farmland only to abandon it and create stone circles? Referring back to the name, was it a “big place” because of the square area or was it a “big place” because it was important?
#4 Creepy Children
At the site, there are 7 stone circles. 6 are said to be “paired” however, at one end is the circle called Dragon’s Teeth. This circle contains over 800 small stones. Researchers have uncovered the remains of children buried within this circle. Visitors often report hearing children laughing, crying and playing while in the circle. Some have even reported feeling a child touch their hand. When investigated using a pendulum, visitors report a very strong counter clockwise spin indicating a strong nurturing female energy.
Dragon's Teeth
#5 A Portal
Almost directly across the site from the Dragon’s Teeth circle, is a circle with 3 larger stones. The 3 larger stones are balanced in such a way that they form a doorway or portal. Local legend claims it to be a portal to or from another dimension. Visitors using a pendulum have found a very strong masculine energy within the circle. This is manifested by the pendulum swinging in a pronounced clockwise motion even in strong winds.
Cairn Near Portal
#6 Number Seven
At the site there are 7 stone circles, six of which are “paired” with a seventh being very different, Dragon’s Teeth. 7 is considered a Divine number by many cultures and religions. Seven is also related to moon phases and is used to divide the days equally between the phases. There are also 7 major Chakras in a human body.
#7 Powerful
Every circle will exhibit either a strong male energy by making a pendulum swing clockwise or a strong female energy as manifested by a counter clockwise swing. A combination of the 2 energies symbolize reality and creation/manifestation. Elements of the circles directly align with both the sun rise and the moon rise on the summer solstice. Some even claim that the circles themselves mark the constellations of Ophiuchus, Serpens Caput, Scorpio,Corona Borealis, Ara, and Telescopium.
During a recent visit, we tried and experiment. We walked barefoot through the circles. The damp, chilly grass was invigorating but the sensation seemed to spiral up our legs. The spiral sensation was in the same direction as the pendulum swings.
Visit for yourself, armed with a pendulum, and discover for yourself the mysteries of Beaghmore Standing Stones.
Food for thought: How much knowledge has been lost because of advanced civilizations destroying old ways?
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