Nexus
In his 1927 lecture to The National Secular Society entitled “Why I Am Not a Christian”, the British philosopher Bertrand Russell said, “Religion is based primarily upon fear. It is partly the terror of the unknown and, partly, the wish to feel that you have a kind of elder brother who will stand by you in all your troubles and disputes.”
Early human survival was dominated by fear: fear of injury, fear of ill health, fear of starvation, and fear of the unknown. To cope, humans used their imagination to create and believe in a protective presence - in essence, using their imagination to create God.
Over 30,000 years ago, those survival fears led to specific tribe members becoming keepers of myths, traditions, and natural medicines. This figure became known as a wise person, medicine person, or Shaman - the name originated in Siberia.
Shamans cultivate a deep sense of awe and enter altered states of consciousness to embark on shamanic journeys with their power animals. Journeying in the Akashic Record, they seek the wisdom of their ancestors for divination, healing, and guidance. Rituals for entering a trance state vary by region and culture, incorporating drumming, chanting, dancing, fasting, and sensory deprivation.
During trance states, individuals often perceive geometric patterns—circles, spirals, zigzags, and squares known as entoptic or hypnagogic imagery. These patterns were carved into the passage walls leading to inner sanctuaries where shamanic rituals took place. Consequently, these symbols became deeply associated with spirituality and decorated elaborate megalithic structures like Newgrange and Knowth in Ireland, and Gavrinis in Brittany, France - providing the inspiration for Tattooed Stones!
Gavrinis passage stone
Kerbstone K52 at Newgrange