Mysteries of the Hopewell : astronomers, geometers, and magicians of the eastern woodlands /

Over eight chapters, this work proposes some interpretations of the Hopewell earthworks. Chapter 1 argues that the mounds are sacred places whose meaning is linked to biotic zones, specific terraces and soils, rivers, trails, and special resources. Chapter 2 explores the worldwide expression of their forms: circles, squares, and octagons. Chapter 3 proposes a "Hopewell measure" of 1,053 feet, with small units of 2.106 and 1.053 feet based on Hopewell skeletal body parts measurements. Chapter 4 documents the alignment of some enclosures to the sun and moon, while chapter 5 notes the alignment of earthwork charnel houses to the moon. Chapter 6 hypothesizes that the enclosures are linked to the cosmic symbols of earth and sky, while chapter 7 argues that they present "threshold locations of the human experience"--poised between the sun and moon's seasonal cycles but also "between life and death, existence and nonexistence, normal consciousness and altered states." Chapter 8 summarizes the book, while an appendix argues that the Serpent Mound is of Hopewell origin and astronomically aligned to the sun and moon. This book will intrigue archaeologists interested in reconstructing ancient cosmologies, will be loved by followers of New Age religion, and will be a "just so" story to processual archaeologists. All collections. P. J. O'Brien; emeritus, Kansas State University