The June-August 2006 issue of PanGaia Magazine reviews Gary R. Varner's Menhirs, Dolmen and Circles of Stone.

Most people, when they think of magical stones, think of something that will fit in their hand. Gary Varner talks about those too, but this book is primarily about larger stones. Think Newgrange; think Stonehenge; think BIG.

Chapter 1: The Folk Nature of Sacred Stones introduces holed stones, thunderstones, talking stones, stones that move, and much more. Chapter 2: Magical Stones and Charms considers the
ritual use of stones and particular types such as flint, jade, cog stones, and Druid’s Eggs. Chapter 3: Standing Stones and Ancient Cultures delves into the history of Avebury, Beth-El, and more. Chapter 4: Standing Stones in America explores wonders such as the Balanced Rock in New York and Ceremonial Rock in California. Chapter 5: Stone Circles and Aligned Stones looks at groups from Scotland to Tanzania. Chapter 6: Stories from the Stones accounts tales related to the Rollright Stones, Externsteine, and others. Chapter 7: Simulacra – Nature’s Artwork shows human faces and other images naturally appearing in stone. Chapter 8: Caves, Rocks and Mountains: Portals to the Otherworld describes how these places can be used as transition areas to cross realities. Chapter 9: Cairns investigates the allure of rock piles. Chapter 10: Carved and Painted Stones: Mystic Symbolism reveals different shapes such as phalluses, vulvas, cup marks, and spirals. Chapter 11: The Gods of Stone goes around the world with Kane of Hawaii, Shiva of India, and the stone godlings of Nepal.

There is also an afterword, a megalith timeline, a selected bibliography, and a good index.

Menhirs, Dolmen and Circles of Stone: The Folklore and Magic of Sacred Stone is an excellent guide to large-scale magical stones and stone magic. This book is a must for anyone interested in megalithic sites. Though probably best for intermediate to advanced practitioners, it’s accessible for beginners too. With examples from around the world, it’s suitable for all branches of Paganism. Most highly recommended.