Observations placeholder
Symbols – Picts – Constellation - Unicorn [Monoceros]
Identifier
026518
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
The symbolism for the unicorn is described in the entry in the symbol section found by using the link. This stone is to be found in Inverurie Old Churchyard and all that can be seen is the unicorn as all of the rest of the stone has gone. As it is damaged and has been moved to the churchyard, all context is also gone.
Pictish stones were used as signposts. They described in pictures the sacred site to which the pilgrim was being directed, they gave directions in which it was to be found and they gave the constellations that could be used for navigation by the stars. Every constellation has a symbol and each picture of the symbol then maps onto the constellation.
The constellation that describes the Unicorn, or the "One Horned" is Monoceros. Monoceros (Greek: Μονόκερως) is a faint constellation on the celestial equator, which leads to some fairly tantalising areas such as the worldwide existence of sacred geography. Its name is Greek for unicorn. It is bordered by Orion to the west, Gemini to the north, Canis Major to the south and Hydra to the east. Other bordering constellations include Canis Minor, Lepus and Puppis.
Monoceros is not easily seen with the naked eye, containing only a few fourth magnitude stars.
