Orkney Island: Stones of Stenness & Ring of Brodga

Yesterday we visited the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar on Orkney Island.

My experience there was very different from Clava Cairns. At Clava Cairns, the energy was so intense that I was literally fighting the urge to pass out. Here, the connection was quieter and more subtle.

At the Stones of Stenness, I couldn’t help but think about the history of the site. Centuries ago, a local farmer destroyed several of the stones, permanently altering the circle. Standing there, I had the distinct impression that something of the original coherence had been lost. The place still holds power, but the energy felt fragmented, as though parts of an ancient conversation had been silenced.

The Ring of Brodgar was different. Although public access is currently restricted and I could only view it from a distance, I immediately sensed that it is a profoundly sacred place. What struck me most was the entrance stone. Even standing near it for a short time, I felt a strong presence—as if it were marking the threshold between worlds.

Unfortunately, a modern road now passes very close to that area, making it difficult to linger and fully experience the space. Still, the message was clear: this is not a place that reveals itself all at once.

My strongest feeling was that I need to return.Read more