On 21 December, thousands of people will descend on Stonehenge in Wiltshire to celebrate the Winter Solstice at the ancient monument and Unesco world heritage site. The sunrise after the shortest day marks the return of the light and heralds the longer days to come, an event of huge significance to our ancient, hunter-gatherer ancestors.
Back in August, archaeologists confirmed that the monument’s altar stone had been traced to its source. Rather than arriving from south-west Wales, as originally thought, experts now believe the six-tonne rock was transported from north-east Scotland, nearly 500 miles away.
The discovery begs two questions: How? And why?
The answers, meanwhile, could have some lessons to teach about the importance of financial goal-setting and focusing on your long-term plans.
The exact position of each stone was hugely significant for our ancient ancestors
Stonehenge was built more than 4,000 years ago. At that time, the weather and passing seasons were fundamental to the lives of our forebears, dictating the food available and spelling the difference between life and death.
The solstice was the last feast celebration before deep winter, a celebration of rebirth as they welcomed the “new sun”.
The configuration of the stones – specifically those of the Great Trilith (a three-stone archway in the inner horseshoe, of which only one upright still stands today) is perfectly aligned to frame the setting winter solstice sun when viewed from the centre of the circle. The six-tonne stone that set off from north-east Scotland was always destined for a very special resting place.
Your journey to a dream retirement might not be as arduous as that undertaken by our neolithic ancestors, but there could be times when it feels like it.
One of the main goals of your long-term financial plans will likely be reaching retirement with sufficient funds to provide your desired lifestyle for the rest of your life. Sitting down with a planner to think clearly about what your dream retirement looks like will ensure you always have a definite end goal to aim for.
It’s not yet clear how our ancestors moved this mammoth altar stone such a large distance
We know that Stonehenge’s altar stone arrived from Scotland, but we don’t know how.
One train of thought suggests that the site’s stones hitched a lift on glaciers, but the new glacier data seems to rule this out. Which means the stones were moved by hand.
Professor Richard Bevins of Aberystwyth University states, “Based on our fieldwork in south-west Wales it is likely that the stone was extracted, rather than just lying loose on the surface… The altar stone […] could be exploited in exactly the same way with rock wedges and hammerstones, enabling extraction of a large slab-like rock piece.”
It then had to make the 500-mile journey, either by land or sea. Again, the jury is out. It is likely, though, that a team of 40 or 50 people was required, and a huge amount of teamwork. It’s also likely they didn’t rush, treating the journey as a pilgrimage rather than a race.
Your retirement journey won’t require us to traverse hills, marshland, or dense forest – and you won’t be racing to reach your goal – but we will need to work together.
From budgeting during your accumulation phase to consolidation as the big day arrives and managing decumulation, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Throughout the decades of a long-term plan, life milestones and events can turn your world upside down and switch your priorities, by a robust plan, and a focus on your goals will help you to tackle even those challenges that seem unsurmountable.
The Winter Solstice will see visitors converge on the site for a spiritual celebration dating back millennia
Back in 2023, 6,000 people braved the cold to attend the Winter Solstice celebration, a testament to the hard work and perseverance of those who made the incredible journey 4,000 years ago. The discipline, craftmanship, and ingenuity are appreciated long after the goal has been reached and this can be the same with your retirement too.
Having reached your goal, be sure to give yourself permission to enjoy it.
Back in September, you might’ve read How cashflow modelling can leave you free to enjoy your wealth and make memories, in which we spoke about the importance of making the most of the wealth you accumulate.
Get in touch
If you’re looking for an independent financial adviser in Milton Keynes or Olney, look no further. At Jane Smith Financial Planning, we’ve been helping clients for 30 years, so contact us at info@janesmithfinancial.com or call 01234 713131 to see what we can do for you.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
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