“i don’t believe in magic”

said the young boy, the old man smiled

“you will, when you see her”

~ atticus

Uragh Stone Circle is one of my favorite thin places. I happened upon it on a cool October day as the sun was setting. It is located between two lakes surrounded by volcanic mountains facing the sea on the shore of the Beara Peninsula. The stone circle is only a short walk from the road however, it is not visible from the road. In search of it, I walked up a small hill. Before the circle came into my sight, I felt a change in the air. The sound of silence surrounded me as the air became cooler and deeply peaceful. As I continued walking, the tallest stone came into my vision. It was breathtaking. My heart pounded and increased in rhythm as I moved towards it. I marched to the beat of my heart, each step revealed more of the stone circle. The circle is about eight feet in diameter with five large standing stones. Just below the stones is a lake, across the lake is a field surrounded by mountains one of which has a waterfall flowing down. I was overcome by the beauty and peace and instinctively knew I was on sacred ground. I stood in the distance for several moments before placing my backpack and camera on the ground. I removed my boots and socks. Yet, I could not approach. I climbed onto a nearby rock and sat in reverence absorbing the view, waiting for my body to regulate the energy and emotions that was flowing through it. I am unsure of how long I waited, somehow time did not exist. Eventually, I made my way to the circle. The sun was warm upon my face and cool wind encircled me as my feet kissed the cold grass. They knew this space. The tall stone towered over me at more than ten feet high. I placed my hands upon it and its energy pulsed through my body. Slowly I visited each stone making my way around the circle. Each stone was powerful with a unique energy signature. I was cautious at first slowly circling them but as I became more comfortable I was engulfed by their essence. Completely surrounded by nature and her elements I was safe and at home within my stone circle.