[17] See especially "The Golden Bough," by J. G. Fraser, for the midsummer and Beltaine fires.
[18] "Antiquities," b. 8, c. 4, p. 401, Whiston's edition.
[19] Josephus, "Antiquities" III., c. 8, § 9.
[20] The italics are mine—J. N. L.
[21] "Antiquities" III., c. 8, § 9.
[22] Warren: "Underground Jerusalem."
[23] Acosta, in his "History of Indies," lib. vi., p. 459. quoted by Maurice ("Observations Connected with Astronomy and Ancient History and Ruins of Babylon"), states that some of the stones in the Mexican temples to sun and moon measure 38 feet by 18 feet by 6 feet.
[24] See "Palmyra and Baalbek." R. Wood, 1827. Plates.
[25] On this point I gather the following information from the article "Orientation" in the "Grand Dictionnaire Universel du 19 Siècle," by M. Pierre Larousse:—"From the fifth century to the time of the Renaissance, the orientation of churches was generally carried out. The mystical reasons furnished by the sacred writers—according to St. John of Damascus and Cassiodorus—were that Jesus on the Cross had His face turned towards the West, hence Christians during prayer must turn to the East to see it. Further, in the sacred writings Jesus is called the East (Oriens ex alto). Again, Christians hope to see Christ descending in the East on the last day. Finally, the faithful when turning to the East during prayer establish a difference between themselves and the Jews and heretics, for the Jews when praying turn West, and certain heretics South, and others North, hence the heathen said they were sun-worshippers." In the ninth century there was a strong protest against orientation. Catholic churches were built any way, and it was said, "Nunc oremus ad omnem partem quia Deus ubique est."
[26] See Builder, Jan. 2, 1892.