Alban Eilir, meaning Light of the Earth, is a design inspired by a solar symbol carving I saw inside Cairn T at Loughcrew Passage Tombs, Oldcastle, Co. Meath. The tombs were built around 3200 BC. Cairn T is aligned with the spring and autumnal Equinox.

My inspiration for this design came from the wonderfully inscribed backstone of Cairn T, stone 14. The passage of Cairn T is constructed in such a way that the sun’s rays on both equinoxes forms a narrow shaft of light that highlights the rock art on the backstone.

During the time of the spring equinox, this shaft of light highlights the solar symbol on the top left of the backstone and slowly descends to the solar symbol at the bottom of the stone as the sun rises.

This can still be seen today during the equinox periods - a sturdy pair of boots and an early rise are all that’s needed.

Finished Measurements:
Length 24” 60 cm. Height 9” 22.5 cm.

Yarn:
MC: 170yds 156mtrs Aran or Worsted weight yarn.
CC: 36yds 33mtrs Aran or Worsted weight yarn.

Needles:
US size 7 4.5mm or size to obtain correct gauge.

Skills Required:
k2tog,yo

Gauge:
20 sts and 26 rows = 4” 10cm stockinette stitch.

Notions:
6 1” 2.5 cm buttons.
1 stitch marker

This pattern has both charted and written instructions.

TERMS OF USE:
This pattern is intended for your personal non-commercial use only. Do not copy, share or sell the pattern.