The photograph shows the constellation of Orion rising before dawn over the megaliths of Karahunj, Armenia. The three stars of Orion’s belt can be seen standing almost vertical in the sky above the tip of the menhir just to the right of center in the photograph. Apologies if the reproduction viewed on small devices may be faint but this was a difficult night shot.
In recent years, in response to requests from many readers to accompany me on research trips, I have been experimenting with hosting groups of travellers on journeys to countries of interest for my work. I try to do this a couple of times a year. So far I am very happy with the way these adventures have turned out and the great people who have chosen to travel with me. Armenia is the latest trip and I have spent the past ten days on the road here with a wonderful, open-minded, enquiring group of people exploring the many mysteries of this beautiful and ancient land.
We gathered at Karahunj at 4 am to observe Orion rising close to due east over the ring of jagged mountains surrounding this incredible megalithic site that was established as a stellar observatory more than 7,000 years ago. What made it all the more special was that we were present amongst the megaliths on the night of 10/11 August which marks the beginning of Navasard, the ancient Armenian New Year – no longer officially celebrated as such but, despite censure from the Christian Church, still honored and respected by many in this wonderful country.
Our group is an international one consisting of citizens of the United States, Russia, Australia, Italy, Germany, India, Malaysia, the UK, South Africa, Holland and Armenia and we mingled amidst the stones, beneath the luminous sky, with many Armenians who had made their own pilgrimages to Karahunj from local towns and villages.
The rising of Orion at the ancient New Year is an event of great significance here since this majestic constellation is regarded as the celestial figure of Hayk the legendary hero of Armenia – just as, in ancient Egypt, Orion was viewed as the celestial figure of the god-king Osiris. It was a moment of profound and numinous beauty as the three belt stars came into view over the mountains in alignment with the weathered megaliths, and the constellation began its slow ascent towards the meridian accompanied by a crescent moon a little to the north. After an hour the sun followed, filling the sky with its light and the stars vanished but we all knew we had shared the experience of a very special union of sky and ground, macrocosm and microcosm, human consciousness and the universe that gave us birth and sustains us.
We danced and sang with our Armenian hosts and wished each other a happy New Year. The hope that we were all present to express and to manifest was for peace in this troubled world — so fraught with unnecessary pain and difficulty, so disordered and awry with deliberately manipulated hatred, fear and suspicion. No matter how deviously our politicians, religious authorities and corporate money-men seek to mislead us and divide us from one another, the possibility nonetheless exists for a new spirit of forgiveness, love, trust and tolerance to dawn in which humankind can move forward to create a brighter future in harmony with one another and the universe, and nurturing to spirit.
I recently stumbled upon one of the podcasts you have done with joe rogan and you immediately enthralled me with your views and everything you have to say. I have ordered a copy of fingerprints of the gods and i cannot wait for it to arrive and indulge myself. thank you very much for everything that you have done… I must ask thou.. i recall you saying that you believe your whole life has been a series of accidents that have lead you from journalism to being a historical writer.. what are your views on maybe that this was her plan from the beginning and the vine had drawn you through all these accidents.. have you ever entertained the possibility that starting the changes that we so desperate needed for human consciousness to evolve was meant for you and that the vine chose you?
. . . Extraordinary! . . A remarkable alignment in the sky. . . Living in Japan several years in the early 90’s, one became more aware of a mystery in the skies. It involved that constellation popularly called Orion. While there one came across a story suggesting that that same constellation represented two sparing Samurai? Each Samurai warrior, sword in hand, in readiness to strike as well as defend, positioned as if confronting the three stars of Orion’s Belt. The middle star of the belt and two bright stars outward on a perpendicular line away from the middle, made up part of a constellation likeness of the Samurai warriors. . . Since the Yonaguni Monument discovery, one has become more interested in finding that story, validating its references, establishing its ancient meaning, and understanding its celestial representation, (if any). . . I must admit, that the general coordinates of the Dragon’s Triangle has given motivation to pursue this unlikely collection and these possible connections being related. . . I find “fringe exploration,” fascinating as well as fulfilling. . . By the way, thank you for your website and insights into your pursuits. One has much catching up to pursue and a celestial motivation to carry onward. . .