StoneLore Podcast

Jonathan "Wulfgar" Shears
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Join Jonathan as he welcomes international guests to journey through history and time – discovering and recovering the fables, myths, and legends of ancient stones and stones of strength.

  1. Sieidi Stones

    5 days ago

    Sieidi Stones

    Journey into the sacred landscapes of the Arctic as we explore the spiritual world of the Sámi, Europe's Indigenous people. In this fascinating conversation, researcher and author, Dr. Francis Joy, shares decades of work studying Sámi cosmology, shamanism, and the mysterious Sieidi Stones. Sieidis are natural rock formations believed to serve as places of communication between humans and the spirit world. We discuss the origins of the Sámi people, the role of the Noaidi (shaman), ancient offering traditions, and how Sieidi stones were used to seek guidance, protection, successful hunts, healthy reindeer herds, and more. Dr. Joy also explains how many of these sacred sites were destroyed, why some are still revered today, and the importance of treating these places with respect. Whether you're interested in Indigenous spirituality, ancient sacred sites, folklore, shamanism, or the history of Northern Europe, this is an episode you won't want to miss. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things SIEIDI STONES. Sámi Shamanism, Cosmology and Art as Systems of Embedded Knowledge By Francis Joy BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

    37 min
  2. Ogham Stones

    1 Jun

    Ogham Stones

    Were you aware that at the start of the Medieval period, a new alphabet emerged apart from the Latin alphabet by the name of Ogham? Ogham has a very unique and primitive style and can be seen on ancient stones all over Ireland’s countryside, especially in the southwest. Joining me to discuss this topic is Irish historian and tour guide Tony Corcoran, owner of Wild Irish Tours (@wild_irish_tours). Tony breaks down how Ogham was written and read, what these ancient inscriptions reveal about land ownership, the role monks played in preserving Ogham knowledge, and the surprising possibility that the language was never truly lost at all. Along the way, Tony shares personal stories passed down through his own family and offers a rare glimpse into how Ireland’s ancient past still echoes through the landscape today. This episode is packed with mythology, archaeology, language, and living oral tradition, so sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things OGHAM STONES. Book a tour of Ireland: wildirishtours.com BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

    44 min
  3. Omphalos Stone

    1 May

    Omphalos Stone

    Delphi was revered as the spiritual center of the ancient Greek world, marked by the enigmatic Omphalos Stone. Said to be either the stone swallowed by Kronos and later cast back out, or a marker placed by Zeus after his eagles identified the center of the cosmos, the Omphalos represented far more than a geographic midpoint. But beyond its symbolism, could this mysterious stone possibly be a device used by the Pythia to communicate with the Greek gods? Returning guest, author and historian Tom Billinge (@waryoga) joins me to examine the mythology surrounding the site, where the Omphalos was positioned within the temple, its distinctive shape, and the unusual “web of wool” carving seen on the surviving replica. Tom explains the true function of the Omphalos and how it could represent far older earth-based traditions predating Olympian gods.  From cosmic mythology to archaeological uncertainty, this episode offers a fascinating look at how myth, religion, and history intertwine at one of antiquity’s most sacred sites. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things THE OMPHALOS STONE. Please visit: waryoga.com BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

    40 min
  4. Aberlemno Kirkyard Stone

    1 Apr

    Aberlemno Kirkyard Stone

    The Picts were an ancient people who lived in what is now Scotland between the 3rd and 9th centuries. With no written records of their own, the Picts remain one of history’s most mysterious cultures. Known to us only through Roman accounts, archaeology, and their ornately carved stones, what stories did they leave behind? My guest, author and historian Graeme Johncock (@scotlands_stories) joins me to examine the Aberlemno Kirkyard Stone, one of the most unique Pictish stones that we have today. Graeme explains the meaning behind its symbolic designs and early Christian imagery to a dramatic scene that may depict the pivotal Battle of Dun Nechtain in 685 AD. Could this stone commemorate a decisive Pictish victory over the Anglo-Saxons? Or does it tell a different story entirely? With insights into archaeology, myth, and history, this episode brings ancient Scotland vividly to life and reveals how much we still have to learn from these inspiring stones. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things THE ABERLEMNO KIRKYARD STONE. BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849 Scotland's Stories: Historic Tales for Incredible Places by Graeme Johncock linktr.ee/ScotlandsStories

    32 min
  5. Norwegian Lifting Stones

    1 Mar

    Norwegian Lifting Stones

    In Part Two of my conversation with Knut Einar Skår (@knuteinarskar), we uncover even more hidden lifting stones scattered across the Norwegian landscape. Knut opens up his private research map, revealing dozens of stones not yet published on his website. Drawing from Norway’s National Library archives, obscure local history books, and word-of-mouth discoveries, he shares stories of the following: legendary giant Sterke Nils, churchyard lifting traditions tied to community gatherings, and even a forgotten farm stone rediscovered in a family garden.  This conversation highlights both the depth of Norway’s strength heritage and the urgent need to document it before it disappears. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things NORWEGIAN LIFTING STONES! Norwegian Lifting Stones Website: loftestein.no/en BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

    19 min
  6. The Lonton Egg

    1 Feb

    The Lonton Egg

    In an age gone by, after a few pints, young men would challenge each other to lift the Lonton Egg on their way home from the pub. People would go through Lonton on their walk between Mickleton and Middleton because they could drink for longer. They would pass the old smithy and challenge each other to see who was the strongest by attempting to lift the stone as high as possible. My guest, Calum Stott (@sherlock_stones_), shares the remarkable rediscovery of the Lonton Egg, explaining how very thin threads and a bit of perseverance brought a nearly forgotten lifting stone back to life. Along the way, we dive into rural history, magical strength stories, and how one rediscovered stone helped spark a wider revival of England’s lost lifting stone traditions. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things THE LONTON EGG. Article: The Lonton Egg & Teesdale Feat Stone by Calum Stott BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849.

    40 min
  7. Irish Curing Stones

    1 Jan

    Irish Curing Stones

    Season two begins with a deep dive into Ireland’s ancient landscape and its powerful relationship with stone. I am joined by Deirdre O’Neill (@remnantsofourpast), author of Remnants of Our Past, a book that explores how the Irish landscape acts as a living record of ancestral belief, tradition, and everyday life. In this episode, Deirdre shares her research into Ireland’s sacred sites, particularly curing stones often found at holy wells and ancient ritual spaces. We explore the folklore, history, and mystery surrounding stones believed to heal physical and spiritual ailments. The conversation weaves through pagan traditions, early Christianity, folklore collected from local communities, and the ways ritual, prayer, and landscape merged organically over time. Deirdre also discusses her research process, drawing from old newspapers, folklore archives, local histories, and firsthand conversations with people living near these sacred sites. Featured stories include: Cloch an Phoill, the Petrified Dairy, St. Patrick’s Chair, the Mad Chair of Dunany, and St. Ronan’s Altar. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things IRISH CURING STONES. BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849 https://www.remnantsofourpast.com/ Instagram: @remnantsofourpast Facebook: @remnantsofourpastofficial TikTok: @remnantsofourpast YouTube: @remnantsofourpast

    50 min
  8. The Stone of Destiny

    01/12/2025

    The Stone of Destiny

    In the book of Genesis, Jacob uses a stone as a pillow while traveling from Beersheba to Haran. He dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels moving upon it, and God promises him protection, descendants, and the surrounding land. When Jacob wakes, he declares the place sacred, sets the stone upright as a pillar, anoints it with oil, and names the site Bethel, marking the stone as a sign of God’s covenant with him. This is just one of the many origin stories surrounding the infamous Stone of Destiny. From ancient Celtic legends to biblical theories and royal coronation lore, we explore the competing narratives that have followed the stone through history. Join me and Dr. Mark Hall, leading expert at the Perth Museum in Scotland, as we trace its journey, unravel its symbolic power, and examine why this enigmatic artifact continues to inspire debate, wonder, and national pride today. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things THE STONE OF DESTINY. Life in Pieces: Lessons in the Value of Fragments from the Secret Lives of the Stone of Scone/Destiny by Sally Foster Visit the Stone of Destiny BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

    46 min
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About

Join Jonathan as he welcomes international guests to journey through history and time – discovering and recovering the fables, myths, and legends of ancient stones and stones of strength.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan "Wulfgar" Shears
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jonathan "Wulfgar" Shears
  • Show Website
    StoneLore Podcast