nazSTUFF - Intuitive Hiker, Solstice Marker

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Intuitive Hiker Journal Reports

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Dear Reader... This is an interpretive series of pages taken from the personal journal of Mr. JH Thomas. For over 25 years Mr. Thomas hiked, explored and photographed the limestone canyons and vicinity of northern Arizona. As a result he recorded several scientific "firsts" in archaeology regarding the activities of the ancient people we now call Sinagua. He also acquired some basic knowledge of local geology, the native plants and wildlife. It is a pleasure to present some of these observations in this format. Sincerely, John Vroom, Editor

Discovery of Ancient Seasonal Solstice Marker 02

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Sure enough, on June 21st, at 11:45 exactly (middle of the day to the Sinagua), the shadow of the sun created this vertical shadow across the circle glyph. That it was vertical instead of horizontal was the first surprise. This glyph had been so cleverly positioned that it used the horizontal edge of the stone in winter and the vertical edge in summer. This photo provided graphic evidence of his suspicion. He reported all of this to the local professional archaeologists.

Thomas waited patiently for December to witness his hope on December 21st, the winter solstice. He arrived early at this place and watched the remarkably different shadow approach. You could taste the suspense.

THEN, the greatest surprise of all!

A heretofore unobserved indentation in the overhanging stone formed an arc in the line of the shadow. This occurred at the last minute and, to Thomas' amazement, it actually matched the curve of the outer glyph circle. It fit. It was goosebump time the first time this was seen. Now, the size and placement of the glyph was justified.

Five minutes later this intersection occurred. It was again just before noon by our time.

This archaeological site has been observed and recorded several times by professionals, including Harold Colton - the founder of Northern Arizona Museum. But none of them spent enough time there, apparently, as no reference to it being a solstive indicator exists in their notes.

Thomas had personally discovered an ancient solar marker indicating the longest and the shortest day of the year, in a uniquely horizontal and vertical way. This has all been documented and reported to Coconino National Forest's archaeological office. -JV

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