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e Healing Stones e
“The Lithopuncture Project”
Apiece of landscape sculpture by Marko Pogacnik from Slovenia was
completed in the Derry landscape in 1992. Pogacnik lives and works in
Slovenia where he has been using his art as a tool for healing the earth. Through
his Derry/Donegal “Lithopuncture Project” he attempted to map the flow of
different energies within the body of the Irish landscape. Where these energy
lines have been blocked or disturbed, he uses stones which act in a way similar to
acupuncture needles, allowing the energy to flow freely again.
The Lithopuncture Project covers a triangular area of the landscape from Bocan
stone circle in Inishowen in north Donegal to Dungiven in the centre of County
Derry. Another side of the triangle extends from Bocan circle south west to
Beltany Stone Circle near Raphoe, also in Donegal. According to Marko the apex
of this triangle is a point of “cosmic inbreath” at Bocan. Energy flows south west
to Beltany circle which is the main point of the “outbreath”. This energy is also
said to run south east to Dungiven and continues to the Mourne Mountains in
the county Down.
The lines of energy created by water he calls “aquastats” created due to a constant
interaction such as people moving along a particular line. In Marko’s work there
is an appreciation of the soul dimension of the landscape which also refers to its
inner identity. In Ireland this soul identity has been recognised as the sovereignity
goddess – also known as Éiriú ( other ancient Irish Goddesses are Banba and
Fodhla- it is a triple deity from the time of the Tuatha De Dannen). According to Marko, in the centre of this particular
triangle of energies, the goddess is present as Gráinne – a sun goddess. She is present in the sun temple known as the Grianán
of Aileach.
The cosmic energy within the landscape is understood in three aspects which can be recognised as three aspects of the
goddess. The virgin aspect is present in the Donegal landscape at Inch Island in Lough Swilly. A mother aspect is present at
the Grianán of Aileach and the had or transformation aspect is present at Derry. Energy lines are said to run between and
around these three points. Sometimes these lines divide into male and female and it is their dance that ensures the well being
of the landscape. The Celts understood this and worked with this energy in their ceremonial marriage or Bán Fheis between
an incoming king or chief and the landscape goddess herself.
In earlier times this work was less symbolic. Marko’s understanding demonstrates to us that builders of our ancient megaliths
were co operating with this energy within the landscape.
289
“The Lithopuncture Project”
Apiece of landscape sculpture by Marko Pogacnik from Slovenia was
completed in the Derry landscape in 1992. Pogacnik lives and works in
Slovenia where he has been using his art as a tool for healing the earth. Through
his Derry/Donegal “Lithopuncture Project” he attempted to map the flow of
different energies within the body of the Irish landscape. Where these energy
lines have been blocked or disturbed, he uses stones which act in a way similar to
acupuncture needles, allowing the energy to flow freely again.
The Lithopuncture Project covers a triangular area of the landscape from Bocan
stone circle in Inishowen in north Donegal to Dungiven in the centre of County
Derry. Another side of the triangle extends from Bocan circle south west to
Beltany Stone Circle near Raphoe, also in Donegal. According to Marko the apex
of this triangle is a point of “cosmic inbreath” at Bocan. Energy flows south west
to Beltany circle which is the main point of the “outbreath”. This energy is also
said to run south east to Dungiven and continues to the Mourne Mountains in
the county Down.
The lines of energy created by water he calls “aquastats” created due to a constant
interaction such as people moving along a particular line. In Marko’s work there
is an appreciation of the soul dimension of the landscape which also refers to its
inner identity. In Ireland this soul identity has been recognised as the sovereignity
goddess – also known as Éiriú ( other ancient Irish Goddesses are Banba and
Fodhla- it is a triple deity from the time of the Tuatha De Dannen). According to Marko, in the centre of this particular
triangle of energies, the goddess is present as Gráinne – a sun goddess. She is present in the sun temple known as the Grianán
of Aileach.
The cosmic energy within the landscape is understood in three aspects which can be recognised as three aspects of the
goddess. The virgin aspect is present in the Donegal landscape at Inch Island in Lough Swilly. A mother aspect is present at
the Grianán of Aileach and the had or transformation aspect is present at Derry. Energy lines are said to run between and
around these three points. Sometimes these lines divide into male and female and it is their dance that ensures the well being
of the landscape. The Celts understood this and worked with this energy in their ceremonial marriage or Bán Fheis between
an incoming king or chief and the landscape goddess herself.
In earlier times this work was less symbolic. Marko’s understanding demonstrates to us that builders of our ancient megaliths
were co operating with this energy within the landscape.
289
