StoneLore Podcast

Omphalos Stone

Delphi was revered as the spiritual center of the ancient Greek world, marked by the enigmatic Omphalos Stone. Said to be either the stone swallowed by Kronos and later cast back out, or a marker placed by Zeus after his eagles identified the center of the cosmos, the Omphalos represented far more than a geographic midpoint. But beyond its symbolism, could this mysterious stone possibly be a device used by the Pythia to communicate with the Greek gods? Returning guest, author and historian Tom Billinge (@waryoga [https://www.instagram.com/waryoga/]) joins me to examine the mythology surrounding the site, where the Omphalos was positioned within the temple, its distinctive shape, and the unusual “web of wool” carving seen on the surviving replica. Tom explains the true function of the Omphalos and how it could represent far older earth-based traditions predating Olympian gods.  From cosmic mythology to archaeological uncertainty, this episode offers a fascinating look at how myth, religion, and history intertwine at one of antiquity’s most sacred sites. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things THE OMPHALOS STONE. Please visit: waryoga.com [http://waryoga.com] BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW https://pod.link/1772997849 [https://pod.link/1772997849]

Aberlemno Kirkyard Stone

The Picts were an ancient people who lived in what is now Scotland between the 3rd and 9th centuries. With no written records of their own, the Picts remain one of history’s most mysterious cultures. Known to us only through Roman accounts, archaeology, and their ornately carved stones, what stories did they leave behind? My guest, author and historian Graeme Johncock (@scotlands_stories [https://www.instagram.com/scotlands_stories/?hl=en]) joins me to examine the Aberlemno Kirkyard Stone, one of the most unique Pictish stones that we have today. Graeme explains the meaning behind its symbolic designs and early Christian imagery to a dramatic scene that may depict the pivotal Battle of Dun Nechtain in 685 AD. Could this stone commemorate a decisive Pictish victory over the Anglo-Saxons? Or does it tell a different story entirely? With insights into archaeology, myth, and history, this episode brings ancient Scotland vividly to life and reveals how much we still have to learn from these inspiring stones. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things THE ABERLEMNO KIRKYARD STONE. BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW https://pod.link/1772997849 [https://pod.link/1772997849] Scotland's Stories: Historic Tales for Incredible Places [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scotlands-stories-graeme-johncock/1143949013?ean=9781803992662]by Graeme Johncock linktr.ee/ScotlandsStories [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2FScotlandsStories%3Futm_source%3Dig%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_content%3Dlink_in_bio%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnzK0dDAvASaKSiehmxPJX8CVqdQyhHEiz5n1b8BuwqxyN9EtPNXcHhDBU56Q_aem_H3j9JZdJyArkhJJATKNg9g&e=AT6EaOKLSkMhrDwCpacuOYyE5BRcMbZ-NCyuCmmtUBRobB6YejIdPNCnzX-M1wN90f4A7-cRidlllYp6fX5t4NULOO32nI7gEBUkT7zVrQ]

Norwegian Lifting Stones

In Part Two of my conversation with Knut Einar Skår (@knuteinarskar [https://www.instagram.com/knuteinarskar/?hl=en]), we uncover even more hidden lifting stones scattered across the Norwegian landscape. Knut opens up his private research map, revealing dozens of stones not yet published on his website. Drawing from Norway’s National Library archives, obscure local history books, and word-of-mouth discoveries, he shares stories of the following: legendary giant Sterke Nils, churchyard lifting traditions tied to community gatherings, and even a forgotten farm stone rediscovered in a family garden.  This conversation highlights both the depth of Norway’s strength heritage and the urgent need to document it before it disappears. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things NORWEGIAN LIFTING STONES! Norwegian Lifting Stones Website: loftestein.no/en [http://loftestein.no/en] BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW https://pod.link/1772997849 [https://pod.link/1772997849]

The Lonton Egg

In an age gone by, after a few pints, young men would challenge each other to lift the Lonton Egg on their way home from the pub. People would go through Lonton on their walk between Mickleton and Middleton because they could drink for longer. They would pass the old smithy and challenge each other to see who was the strongest by attempting to lift the stone as high as possible. My guest, Calum Stott (@sherlock_stones_ [https://www.instagram.com/sherlock_stones_/]), shares the remarkable rediscovery of the Lonton Egg, explaining how very thin threads and a bit of perseverance brought a nearly forgotten lifting stone back to life. Along the way, we dive into rural history, magical strength stories, and how one rediscovered stone helped spark a wider revival of England’s lost lifting stone traditions. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things THE LONTON EGG. Article: The Lonton Egg & Teesdale Feat Stone [https://liftingstones.org/articles/lonton-egg] by Calum Stott BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW https://pod.link/1772997849 [https://pod.link/1772997849].

Irish Curing Stones

Season two begins with a deep dive into Ireland’s ancient landscape and its powerful relationship with stone. I am joined by Deirdre O’Neill (@remnantsofourpast [https://www.instagram.com/remnantsofourpast/?hl=en]), author of Remnants of Our Past, a book that explores how the Irish landscape acts as a living record of ancestral belief, tradition, and everyday life. In this episode, Deirdre shares her research into Ireland’s sacred sites, particularly curing stones often found at holy wells and ancient ritual spaces. We explore the folklore, history, and mystery surrounding stones believed to heal physical and spiritual ailments. The conversation weaves through pagan traditions, early Christianity, folklore collected from local communities, and the ways ritual, prayer, and landscape merged organically over time. Deirdre also discusses her research process, drawing from old newspapers, folklore archives, local histories, and firsthand conversations with people living near these sacred sites. Featured stories include: Cloch an Phoill, the Petrified Dairy, St. Patrick’s Chair, the Mad Chair of Dunany, and St. Ronan’s Altar. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things IRISH CURING STONES. BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW https://pod.link/1772997849 [https://pod.link/1772997849] https://www.remnantsofourpast.com/ [http://remnantsofourpast.com] Instagram: @remnantsofourpast [https://www.instagram.com/remnantsofourpast] Facebook: @remnantsofourpastofficial [https://www.facebook.com/Remnantsofourpastofficial/about] TikTok: @remnantsofourpast [https://www.tiktok.com/@remnantsofourpast] YouTube: @remnantsofourpast [https://www.youtube.com/@remnantsofourpast]