Stonehenge is a famous English stone circle associated with things such as druids, ancient computers and even a gate system to other dimensions and worlds. It’s the most well known, but not the only one. The world is full of other similar circles, some with one astronomy henge stone, others with many. The term henge is derived from the Old English word, henge, that became part of the Stonehenge name. Oddly, henge doesn’t mean circle or even stone, it means hang. Stonehenge was created by placing, or hanging, large stones on top of crude vertical pillars. The name eventually came to denote a variety of similar sites, generally populated by some sort of stone formation within an earthen circle. But a henge only refers to stones set within an earthen circle. Without the earthen circle, either raised or dropped to be lower than the surrounding ground, it isn’t a henge, but rather a stone circle.

All of these stone henges have some astronomical purpose, even though they’re considered burial grounds or sites for sacrifices. Even today scientists marvel at the precision contained within these structures. Many of these stones followed phases of the moons or marked the sunrise and sunset at certain key times of year. This could include an opening, like a lens, coinciding with the sun’s position. There are many exact ratios and aspects built into Stonehenge. It really doesn’t matter if they were the purpose for the site or added later. They still represent a great skill and knowledge.

Less famous but no less amazing is Wiltshire’s Avebury Henge. Many small stone circles surround it, and the town of Avebury is inside it. It is believed that this henge had astronomical purposes as many of its stones, now mostly fallen, had positions that corresponded with key phenomenon. But it also had a relationship to ancestral and gender worship as the stones come in two main types – tall, slender stones and short, squat stones – that may have represented female and male archetypes. Some archaeologists dispute this, however, claiming the stones were chosen for no other reason than their beauty and size.

It may be a compelling idea to grab an authentic astronomy henge stone to set up in your living room. But they’re meaningless when removed from their earthen circles. Try painting an image of one instead.