We
were supposedly on a tight schedule to reach Moletai by one, but no one
told Ignas that we were supposed to stop at the Zodiac Café first. Had a
very leisurely lunch there and pre-ordered dinner as we were spending
the day at Kulionys with the other Jonas. I have been to Moletal at
least four times; once with Jonas T. and Michael York when we were given
the grand tour of the observatory, the top of which is 7 storeys above
ground, but there are also seven storeys below ground with some pretty
amazing artwork and artifacts including a piece of the meteorite which
fell in 1906. We were allowed to touch and handle everything.
Moletai is a fascinating place and is located in the exact geographical
center of Europe (according to the ley lines). Jonas Vaiskunas has an
enchanting encampment in sight of the observatory. I remember when he
was building the place, and it was heartwarming to see how much it’s
grown! The ritual circle is more elaborate now and is ringed with the
signs of the Lithuanian zodiac. I didn’t even know Jonas V. was
interested in astronomy, but he published a book on it in 2012 and I
purchased a copy. Apparently, they’ve found a large bronze bowl many
thousands of years old with a Baltic version of the zodiac. I’ve been
there at least three times for Jore, the spring festival held near 4/20.
The first year they were building their shrine to Perkunas, and he had
asked everyone to bring a rock from their place. I brought an abalone
shell. The rocks are now at least two meters high and there is large
wood carving of the Thunder God. He actually makes a living giving
tours, renting out the meeting hall, and even camping space when he’s
not hosting his own events.
I'm in Lithuania till 8/5. www.prudenttravels.blogspot.com | |
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Moletai - Part 1
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