Anthony,

Reading through the chapter about Dowth in your book (near to the end of the chapter), you mention the number of kerbstones as, possibly, 115 (best estimate from surveys so far ??). By doubling this number [230]- or counting twice around the henge - and multiplying by the synodic lunar month then the equivalent time in solar years (18 and 11 and 1/3 days) gives the period of time known as a Saros.
However, a quick Google will show that the figure usually given is 223 synodic months.

The debate upon the number of kerbstones at the site is therefore obviously up for contention; my point, however, is to show that this eclipse calculation was also carried out at Phaistos, Crete.
Charles F. Herberger's book 'The Thread of Ariadne' has a chapter (the last chapter of the book) dedicated to a clay table, of libation offerings, showing bull, snake and solar motifs around the sides. There are 111 motifs which after doubling gives 222 but Herberger gives a thesis that 111 and a 1/2 was intended (and implied) - thus equating with the value of 223.

The reason that i started to re-read Herberger's book was the mention that you give of counting the total number of kerbstones twice. This took me back to the other major ICON that Herberger describes in his book - The Bull-Leaping Fresco from Knossos. The solar-lunar calendar inherent in this fresco has to be read twice also, giving the half period (4 years - 1st reading) and full period (8 years - 2nd reading) of the luni-solar calendar. [Markers given as period from coincidental winter solstice and new/full moons]
Note, also, that whilst counting around the Phaistos table the period of 8 years is a significant point in the counting/no. of motifs.

Scott,

I'll try to respond to your posting in more detail later, but just to correct something you say about chapter 6.



In that chapter, we say that 115 kerbstones is "half the moon swing cycle in synodic months". (P.134).

The moon swing cycle, otherwise known as the standstill cycle, is different to the Saros. The Saros is the cycle which sees the eclipse pattern repeated. There are three cycles: 1. Saros; 2. Moon-swing; 3. Metonic.

So, just to correct, 230 synodic months is the moon-swing cycle, NOT the Saros. If you need further explanation, just ask and I'll help.

I stand corrected....that's what i get for posting without having the book in front of me !

The eclipse nature of Dowth is still relevant tho' ???

Scott,

For serpentine counting devices, see the page about the Calendar Stone at Knowth:
http://www.mythicalireland.com/ancientsites/knowth/calendarstone.html