Stenness Full Moon 

The standing stones of Stenness, known as the “Temple of the Moon” is often associated with Winter Solstice. A key player in the Orcadian wedding traditions, the standing stones of Stenness are the largest of all the Orkney’s standing stones, reaching six meters (19 feet) high. Built around 3,000 BC, the stones predate a number of stones found in Britain. Only a few of the original twelve stones are still intact and upright.

As part of the Orcadian wedding tradition, a couple wishing to become engaged, would first visit the Ring of Brodgar where the man vowed his love to his bride-to-be, then together they walked nearly a mile south to the Stenness Stones where she would do the same. They then walked a short distance to the Odin Stone, and while kneeling from opposite sides, the couple held hands through the opening of the stone, and declared their love to each other. This wedding rite was binding as any mortal law.  The Ring of Brodgar, the Stenness Stones and the Odin Stone are often referred to as “The Wedding”.