The Alignment of Winter Solstice

I did manage to get out for two walks today, and also to conduct various bits of Christmas business, so I've been feeling a little bit better today. The warmer weather expected for today had still not arrived, and as I write, a mist is forming to ensure a tricky ride in to work in the morning.

Sunset today found the sky clear, and a strange effect took place along certain streets of Newark, as Winter Solstice approaches.

In neolithic times, the wise men of the day bought buildings and formations of stone that would align with the rising and setting of the sun, the moon, or perhaps the stars, at certain times of the year. Stonehenge is the rising of the sun at midsummer. At Newgrange the sun shines straight down the entrance to the burial chamber at midwinter. Some of the Nazca lines in Peru are reckoned to line up with the stars of Orion's belt.

Here in Newark, there are two streets aligned with the winter sun; Cartergate, where the orange glow at sunset lights up the three nail bars and four vape shops - and a Cash Converters! - and Millgate where orange rays light up the more socially acceptable housing and only the one beauty parlour.

Perhaps modern man, like his ancient coutnerpart, feels the need to line up his constructions with the forces of the universe. Perhaps it is ingrained in us.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 18.12.17