Stonehenge, the English circle of stones, is well known to people as many things

– an altar, an astronomy tool and in some stories even a gateway to other times 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. In fact the word henge is an old English word that's part of the Stonehenge name. Henge doesn't mean circle or stone or earthwork, it means hang. It refers to the Stonehenge site specifically as horizontal stones were hung around the circle by placing them on top of vertical stone pillars. Eventually there was no need for hanging, the name was applied to any similar stone formation. However the term henge necessitates an earthen circle. If there's no earthen circle there's no henge. It's just a stone circle.

While many of these stone henges, including the famous Stonehenge, were used as burial grounds and sacrificial sites, almost all of them have some element related to astronomy. Even today scientists marvel at the precision contained within these structures. The elements that have to do with astronomy include the markings of important dates, such as the summer or winter solstice, when the sun would rise at a point marked exactly by a stone placement. This could include an opening, like a lens, coinciding with the sun's position. Stonehenge has an amazing array of astronomical measures built into the circle. It's not important if they were the design for the site or an afterthought. They still represent a great skill and knowledge.

Less famous but no less amazing is Wiltshire's Avebury Henge. It encloses an entire town, Avebury, and is surrounded by a host of smaller stone circles. Because so many of the now downed stones were in precise locations, it's well known the henge was used for astronomy. In addition the stones came in two types, tall female and squat male, possibly having to do with gender and ancestor worship. Some experts claim stone selection was purely for aesthetic purposes, however.

It may be a compelling idea to grab an authentic astronomy henge stone to set up in your living room. Not only would you never be able to lift them, they aren't really important when taken away from their setting. Try painting an image of one instead.