A broad time sequence for the physical usage of stones (circles and monoliths) for use across the Celtic, Mithraic and Christian beliefs could cover the time periods of the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Picts and Christianity – from 2000 BCE.
The use and re-use of such stones ranges
- from the pre-Pictish period (when there would have been an initial use, then in some instances later re-use, of Bronze or Iron Age monoliths or stones in circles),
- to Pictish (perhaps with some form of belief) before Pictish-Mithraism,
- then to Pictish-Mithraism
- followed by Christian.
In the Pictish Mithraic time period some other contemporaneous carvings were included on the Stones – for example Celtic symbols. Several beliefs could have co-existed in the sense of Shared Space.
The PDF linked below summarises that:
- some Stone Circle stones from an earlier religious belief have been re-used for creating Pictish Symbol Stones,
- iconography from Class 1 Stones (referred to by some as pagan) is seen on Class 2 (Christian “transition”) Stones and
- various pre-Christian (Class 1) Stones and “transition” Stones have been re-located in (and under) some Christian churches and in church yards.
Across these changes there seems to have been some form of continued reverence, acceptance or superstition (but no apparent threat).
The Stone Circle at Lagmore is near Inveravon church where there are four Symbol Stones previously attached to an outer wall now in a porch. The church also overlooks the River Spey.
Click here for the Changes in Beliefs – Bigger Picture PDF.