Norman J. Penny - pictish-mithraism.com

9 Pictish Stones Deciphered – the Roman Mithraic Connection
To avoid introducing a new terminology, the symbol names used here are those popularly found in
Pictish Symbol Stone texts and web-sites.
The Stones contain carvings which are either symbols without immediate clear meaning or items
which on the surface may require no interpretation. In reality if there are “secrets” which obscure or
protect “mysteries” then every symbol and other item will have a meaning, possibly several; and so
require interpretation. Some of the shapes might be thought of as symbols but could be
embellishments added at the discretion of the carver or, simply, errors. Deciphering 100% of the
shapes may be overly ambitious – I will initially stick with the more abundant. Some bear
resemblance to tamgas (Central Asian markings used to identify property or cattle and also with
wider use to represent birds and other meanings) but none so far researched fit. Looking at
Scandinavian symbols some similarities with Pictish symbols can be found but not with a high
correlation. Often they are described as “unique” bearing no resemblance to symbols or marks or
depictions seen anywhere else but this can be a way of dismissing further investigation. Overall they
surely must “evoke” something.
A few examples of the “crescent” shape seen on Pictish Stones can be seen on Roman carvings –
some taken from around Hadrian’s Wall now in the Great North Museum, Newcastle and from
Cappuck, Roxburghshire now in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. The Cappuck Roman
carving also has a Boar – not dis-similar to the Knocknagael Stone (in the foyer of the Highland
Council, Inverness) which is the symbol of the Roman Twentieth Legion further prompting a Roman
connection.
Cappuck Stone – courtesy of NMS, Edinburgh (X.FR567)
In deciphering the symbols on the Stones there is always a need to consider context. The greatest
over-riding difference between Pictish and other Mithraic symbolism is that, almost exclusively, the
Pictish symbols are outside. Hence it might be deduced that the seeming lack of Tauroctony
symbolism is due to the fact that the “bull killing” does not need to be represented – it can be seen
in the night sky (Perseus representing Mithras over Taurus the bull).
Pictish Stone Symbols
The clearly identifiable symbols are listed overleaf. The first four groupings account for two-thirds of
the symbols. The additional, more obvious (maybe?) items include (in no particular order):-
Christian (Latin) Cross – often with squares or circles by the intersection.
A person or groups on foot - variously with axe, spear, shield.
A person or groups on horseback – variously with sword, shield, horn.
People holding boxes.
Bulls.
Bossed circles.
Decorative interlace patterns.
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