Alpha - No 03 - 1979 07-08

Magazine Overview

Title: ALPHA Probes The Paranormal
Issue: 3
Date: July/August 1979
Publisher: Pendulum Publishing Co Ltd
Country: UK
Price: 60p

This issue of ALPHA Probes The Paranormal delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on ley lines, UFO encounters, psychic experiences, and mysteries like the Loch Ness Monster. The cover prominently features a striking image of Glastonbury Tor, hinting at the ancient mysteries explored within.

Key Articles and Features

Ley Lines Special

Britain's Long-Lost Legacy (p. 11): This section introduces the concept of ley lines, presenting the arguments of critics and new evidence supporting their authenticity. It explores what ley lines are and the ongoing debate surrounding them.

Putting the Past to the Test (p. 13): The Dragon Project is highlighted as undertaking intensive scientific investigation into ley lines and related mysteries. The results of this project are described as impressive, suggesting a significant breakthrough in understanding these phenomena.

The Dragon Stirs (p. 16): Dr G. V. Robins details a major breakthrough in energy detection at the Rollright stone circle. His research indicates that the stones emit high-intensity ultrasonic radiation at dawn, with patterns varying with lunar and solar cycles. This discovery is presented as a potential landmark in the study of ancient sites and their energy-generating properties, challenging conventional archaeological views.

Laying It On The Line (p. 20): This article provides practical guidance on how to chart ley lines and follow up on clues, empowering readers to explore these phenomena themselves.

UFOs and Strange Encounters

The Invasion of Ripperstone Farm (p. 5): Clive Harold recounts his extensive investigation into a series of alleged UFO incidents that plagued a Welsh farming family. What began as a journalistic assignment for 'Woman's World' magazine evolved into a deeply unsettling experience for Harold, leading him to write the book 'The Uninvited'. The article details the Coombs family's encounters, including sightings of strange lights, a humanoid figure in a silver suit, giant footprints, scorched earth, and unexplained electrical failures. The investigation involved local police, military personnel from Brawdy Air Force Base, and neighbours, all of whom reported unusual occurrences. Harold emphasizes the consistency of the family's accounts and the physical evidence, concluding that the story is either a massive hoax or true.

ALPHA's Ghost-Hunt Challenge (p. 8): This feature details an experiment organized by ALPHA where medium Margo Williams visited several sites to attempt communication with spirits. Roy Stemman reports on the communications received at Waverley Abbey and Farnham Parish Church, noting that while the messages were compelling, they were difficult to verify. At Waverley Abbey, Margo received scripts detailing a past romance and deceit. At Farnham Parish Church, a spirit named John Lacey sought his wife Ann. The article also touches upon the Williamses' ongoing work with earthbound spirits.

Psychic Phenomena and Beyond

New Music from Old Masters (p. 22): Rosemary Brown discusses her collaboration with deceased composers, including Beethoven and Chopin, to produce new music. The article covers a concert of her channeled works, noting the audience's mixed reactions and the debate surrounding the authenticity and originality of the music.

Loch Ness's Slippery Secret (p. 25): This piece highlights new attempts to uncover the truth behind the Loch Ness Monster legend, noting Nessie's continued elusiveness.

More Than a Monster (p. 26): Leading authority Tim Dinsdale offers another perspective on the Loch Ness legend, suggesting a deeper dimension to the mystery.

Oracle (p. 28): This section reports on Eric Von Daniken, Andrew Watson, Brian Snellgrove, and Dr Kenneth Cumming at the Festival for Mind and Body.

Skylab Psychic Experiments (p. 4): Two intriguing psychic experiments related to the Skylab space station are described. One involves predicting Skylab's descent and impact site, while another attempts to use psychokinesis to keep it in orbit. The article notes the public's participation and the media's coverage of these events.

Psychic Desert (p. 5): An experiment conducted at the Alpha stand at Olympia to test visitors' psychic abilities by predicting a hidden number and the order of Zener symbols yielded disappointing results, with no one achieving a perfect score.

Other Sections

Leader (p. 2): This section covers various news items, including the alleged 'fraud' of the Elizaldes, press treatment of the paranormal, and successes at a festival and concert.

Turning on the Inner Light (p. 6): David Harvey visits the London centre of Raja Yoga, a meditation movement that emphasizes spiritual development through refining mental energy. The article describes the philosophy, meditative techniques, and the accommodating nature of its practitioners, noting that the centre does not charge for its instruction.

News (p. 4-5): This section includes reports on the Elizaldes being dismissed as 'frauds' by the BBC, the press's handling of paranormal news, and a concert featuring Rosemary Brown's music.

Books (p. 30): Reviews of books such as 'Into Thin Air', 'The Ley Hunter's Companion', and 'The Astrology of I Ching' are provided.

Letters (p. 32): A section for reader correspondence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions the investigation of unexplained phenomena, encouraging readers to question conventional explanations and consider alternative possibilities. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of presenting evidence and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, rather than offering easy answers. The publication seems to advocate for a more open-minded and scientific approach to subjects often dismissed by mainstream media and authorities. The emphasis on detailed investigation, personal testimony, and the presentation of physical evidence suggests a commitment to uncovering deeper truths about the paranormal and potentially extraterrestrial phenomena. The magazine also highlights the importance of individual psychic experiences and the potential for spiritual growth through practices like meditation.

This issue of The Ley Hunter focuses on the controversial theory of ley lines, which are alignments of ancient sites, and explores recent research that may shed new light on this subject. The main cover headline poses the question: 'Are ley lines – alignments of ancient sites – fact or fiction? Recent research throws new light on the controversy.' The issue features an article by Paul Devereux, who explains the Dragon Project's plans to uncover the facts about Britain's ancient sites, with preliminary findings that could have far-reaching implications.

Articles and Features

Britain's Long-Lost Legacy: Are Ley Lines Fact or Fiction?

This article delves into the history and controversy surrounding ley lines, a concept popularized by Alfred Watkins in his 1927 manual. Watkins proposed that ancient sites were connected by straight lines, which he termed 'leys,' possibly remnants of ancient trackways. The article highlights a renaissance in ley line interest, driven by enthusiasts and scientists who have produced new evidence supporting Watkins's original vision. It discusses the etymology of the word 'ley' and its association with straightness and even a 'flaming' or 'sparkling' quality. The archaeological establishment has largely dismissed the theory, but recent statistical analyses and advancements in astro-archaeology, particularly Professor Alexander Thom's work on stone circles, are providing more robust support.

The article explores the technical objections to ley lines, such as the perceived lack of sophisticated surveying skills in prehistoric cultures, and how modern research, like Thom's, has demonstrated advanced astronomical knowledge. It also touches upon statistical methods, such as Michael Behrend's strip alignment formula, used by Robert Forest to provide statistical answers to the coincidence or otherwise of these alignments.

The Dragon Project: Putting the Past to the Test

Paul Devereux explains the inception and aims of the Dragon Project, a research initiative investigating earth energies at prehistoric sites and along ley lines. The project, which began in 1978, was inspired by Alfred Watkins's ley theory and the UFO phenomenon, particularly the concept of 'orthotonies' – UFO sightings falling on straight lines. The Dragon Project aims to integrate various disciplines, including UFO research, astro-archaeology, folklore, dowsing, and geomancy, to foster a new arena of human thought that combines intellectual analysis with intuitive understanding.

The project's initial focus was on the Rollright Stones, a megalithic complex in Oxfordshire, to study the postulated 'earth force' at ancient sites. The article details the experimental setup, including the use of ultrasonic detectors and electric field detectors, and the monitoring of ambient ultrasonic levels. Preliminary results from Rollright indicated a pulsing ultrasonic effect shortly before dawn, with intensity levels that were significant and varied between different parts of the site (the King Stone menhir, the Whispering Knights dolmen, and the circle).

The research also involved examining other stone circles and control sites, such as a concrete OS Trig point, to compare findings. The article notes the serendipitous nature of some discoveries, such as the ultrasonic detector being developed due to a chance encounter with a zoologist.

The Energy Enigma

This section, attributed to Dr G. V. Robins, a materials chemist, focuses on the scientific investigation of stone and its potential for energy conversion. It discusses how stone, particularly through its defect structure, can trap electrons and other particles, a phenomenon utilized in techniques like thermoluminescence (TL) for archaeological dating. The research explored the possibility of energizing these trapped electrons using microwave radiation, leading to the search for ultrasonic emanations.

The experiments at Rollright revealed significant ultrasonic pulsing, particularly around sunrise. The article explains the working hypothesis that microwave radiation, possibly from the rising sun, could trigger electrical activity within the stones, generating ultrasonic waves. The findings suggest that the geometry and location of the site play a role in harnessing this energy. The research also noted the presence of an electric field at the circle, which showed coincidental pulsing with the ultrasonics.

Ghost Investigations

The issue includes accounts of Margo Williams's experiences communicating with alleged spirits at various locations:

• Farnham Parish Church: Margo received a script from a communicator identifying himself as John Lacey, though with some inaccuracies in the name and his wife's name.
• The William Cobbett pub, Farnham: A communicator identifying as Sir Reginald Bloomfield provided a script.
• Farnborough Abbey: No ghosts were detected at this location.
• Mytchett Place: Margo received scripts from communicators identifying themselves as Harvey and possibly Henry.

The assessment of these scripts concludes that while Margo's communications were recorded, they did not provide evidence that was precise or unusual enough to definitively prove paranormal production. The misspelling of surnames in some instances is noted as a potential indicator of psychic translation errors rather than conscious fabrication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient mysteries, particularly ley lines and earth energies, and the intersection of scientific investigation with paranormal phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet critical stance, presenting research and anecdotal evidence while also acknowledging the need for rigorous scientific validation. The editorial stance encourages interdisciplinary research and the integration of different modes of understanding, suggesting that a combination of scientific inquiry and intuitive insight is crucial for uncovering the secrets of the past.

The issue highlights the ongoing debate between established archaeological views and alternative theories, emphasizing that the field of Earth Mysteries is continually evolving and seeking to bridge the gap between conventional science and more esoteric investigations. The emphasis on empirical data collection, such as the ultrasonic monitoring at Rollright, alongside the exploration of psychic phenomena, reflects a commitment to exploring the unknown from multiple perspectives.

This issue of ALPHA magazine, identified as issue number 19, delves into a diverse range of topics including paranormal phenomena, ancient mysteries, and artistic endeavors. The cover story, "New music from old masters," focuses on Rosemary Brown, a medium who claims to channel compositions from deceased classical composers. Other articles explore the practicalities of ley line mapping, the enduring mystery of the Loch Ness Monster, and the scientific and anecdotal evidence surrounding these subjects.

New Music from Old Masters

The lead article introduces Rosemary Brown, a woman who claims to have received over 500 musical compositions from composers like Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, and Schubert. Brown describes her interactions with these incorporeal entities, detailing how they dictate music note by note for her to transcribe. The article highlights the unique nature of her mediumship, which differs from typical personal messages, focusing instead on artistic creation. While some musicians have been skeptical or dismissive, others, including experts like V. G. W. Harrison of the Liszt Society, have found the music too compelling to dismiss lightly, even if they cannot fully accept its claimed origin. The article notes that Brown has faced jealousy and resentment but has also gained champions like Leonard Bernstein and John Lill. Her music has been recorded and published, and academic interest, including analysis by Professor Ian Parrott, has lent weight to her claims. The music's authenticity is further supported by computer analysis of its style, which has been compared to that of Sir Donald Tovey. Brown emphasizes that the composers' intention is not just to prove survival after death but to show that there is more to life and potential in the present, encouraging a spiritual expansion and a move away from materialism.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum and Ancient Sites

This section presents data and analysis related to electromagnetic phenomena at ancient sites, specifically the Rollright stone circle. Graphs illustrate ultrasonic intensity and duration variations at 40kHz, correlating with solar and lunar cycles. The intensity shows a post-sunrise maximum, while the duration of pulsing is related to dawn phases. Notably, the duration of predawn pulses is significantly influenced by the lunar cycle, with the lunar cycle being a major factor. The text suggests that the geometry of sites like Rollright plays a crucial role in the energy transduction mechanism, potentially acting as a three-dimensional dielectric antenna. The varying ultrasonic levels imply interactions between individual stones. The article draws parallels with astro-archaeology, noting that astronomically aligned sites were often located with precise geometries that were uniquely effective. While solar and lunar alignments are discussed, the complexity of astronomical observations and the long periods required for certain cycles (like the moon's 18.6-year cycle) are highlighted. The sophisticated geometries of stone circles are seen as potentially superfluous to their astronomical function, suggesting a deeper purpose related to energy conversion.

Leying it on the Line

This article, co-authored by Paul Devereux and Ian Thomson, provides a practical guide to mapping and surveying ley lines. It outlines three basic phases: mapwork, fieldwork, and follow-up archive research. The standard Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 scale map is recommended for initial work, with advice on selecting unfolded sheets and using a sharp pencil for accurate plotting. Potential ley markers indicated on OS maps include tumuli, long barrows, cairns, stones and stone circles, dolmens, ancient wells, earthworks, crosses, fords, and ancient structures. Confirmatory evidence can come from aligned roads, crossroads, hilltops, and square moats. The article stresses the importance of investigating the age of these markers to ensure they predate modern development. It discusses the accuracy required for line-plotting, warning that sloppiness can lead to misalignments of tens of yards. The ideal ley is described as one with five or more authentic markers and a length of less than 12 miles. Ley width is defined by the finest that can be worked to by expertise, typically around five yards at the 1:50,000 scale. Fieldwork requires a compass, binoculars, stout boots, and a backpack. The authors emphasize the need for courtesy when crossing farmland, avoiding damage to crops, and leaving gates as found. The article also touches upon the immediate parallel alignment of roads with leys, citing examples like the road between Fowlemere and Thriplow.

The Slippery Secret of Loch Ness

This section investigates the Loch Ness Monster, detailing recent attempts to find evidence. Dr. Robert Rines, president of the Academy of Applied Science, has led expeditions using dolphins trained to carry cameras and strobe lights. His research has yielded sonar readings of large moving objects and photographs suggesting a creature with a flipper and a long neck. Sir Peter Scott was involved in this research, even proposing the scientific name "Nessiteras Rhombopteryx." The article mentions a BBC report of a suspected monster sighting that turned out to be a duck. It also highlights a significant film taken by Tim Dinsdale in 1960, showing an animate object in the loch, which was later confirmed by the Royal Air Force as not being a boat or submarine. Dinsdale, a dedicated monster-hunter, has written a book on the subject and also recounts paranormal experiences related to Loch Ness. The article also touches upon a "ghastly cry" heard at Loch Morar and the use of dowsing in locating potential monster targets, with sonar confirming "blips" in the indicated areas.

Oracle Section

The Oracle section features several short pieces:

• Andrew Watson: Discusses his approach to healing, emphasizing the importance of listening and acting as a "funnel" for energy, advising healers to refer patients they cannot help to others.
• Absolute Proof?: Mentions Erich von Däniken's talk, where he reiterated his ancient astronaut theories, citing Brazilian Indians as an example of "absolute proof for extraterrestrial visits in deep antiquity."
• New Age Theories: Rev. Dr. Kenneth Cuming explores correspondences between astrological cycles and Christian history, suggesting parallels between the Age of Aries and the Christian era, and the upcoming Age of Aquarius.
• Spiritual Surprise: Maurice Barbanell's speech at a Psychic News dinner-dance is recounted, highlighting his call for unity among mediums. The awarding of a joint "Spiritualist of the Year" to Doris Collins and Doris Stokes is described, with a note on the competitive undertones despite the sentiment of unity. Colin Wilson's speech at the event is also mentioned, with some attendees expressing boredom and ill-mannered reactions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific understanding, including mediumship, ancient mysteries, and paranormal events. There is a clear interest in presenting evidence and theories that challenge conventional views, whether it's Rosemary Brown's channeled music, the potential energy fields at ancient sites, the elusive Loch Ness Monster, or the concepts of ley lines and New Age spirituality. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond the purely material and rational, while also providing practical information and anecdotal accounts to support these explorations. The inclusion of diverse topics suggests a broad definition of the paranormal and the unexplained, aiming to engage readers interested in a wide spectrum of unconventional subjects.

Title: ALPHA
Issue: 3
Volume: 1
Date: August 1979
Publisher: Pendulum Publishing Company Ltd
Country: England
Price: 60p

This issue of ALPHA magazine, subtitled 'The Magazine of Earth Mysteries', presents a collection of articles and reviews focusing on science fiction, paranormal phenomena, mysteries, and ancient history. The cover boldly proclaims 'FASCINATING, STIMULATING AND PROVOCATIVE READING', suggesting content designed to engage the reader's intellect and curiosity.

Book Reviews

Into Thin Air by Paul Begg Reviewed by Carol Kennedy, this book examines the phenomenon of unexplained disappearances, from the Mary Celeste to the Bermuda Triangle. Begg's meticulously researched work aims to provide rational explanations for most cases, stripping away accretions of error and myth. The review highlights how popular versions of events, such as the disappearance of the Japanese freighter Raifuku Maru and the steamship Anglo-Australian, are often distorted. Begg's analysis of the Bermuda Triangle legend is particularly scrutinized, with the reviewer noting his debunking of theories involving Atlantis, UFOs, and time-stream rips. The article also touches upon the fictional origins of some enduring mysteries, like the Mary Celeste, attributing its popular narrative to Arthur Conan Doyle. While Begg offers rational explanations for many Triangle disappearances, he admits that the exact cause of the Mary Celeste's fate remains unknown, favoring the waterspout theory. The review concludes by commending Begg's skeptical, scrupulous, and open-minded approach.

The Ley Hunter's Companion by Paul Devereux & Ian Thomson This review, also by Carol Kennedy, discusses a book that addresses the controversial subject of ley lines. The authors are praised for their thorough research and excellent presentation, particularly for their efforts to verify alignments through field surveys and map analysis. The book details 40 ley lines across England, statistically found to be significant alignments. The first section reviews the history and theories surrounding ley lines, while the latter part offers new insights into Britain's landscape and raises questions about the people who constructed ancient monuments. The review notes the book's contribution to understanding the relationship between humanity and the universe, and the psychological aspects of belief and skepticism surrounding ley lines.

The Astrology of I Ching by W. K. Chu and W. A. Sherrill Reviewed by Jo Logan, this book is described as an excellent and comprehensive explanation of the I Ching's philosophy, translated from Chinese. It details three basic systems of Chinese astrology, with a focus on the 'Ho Map Lo Map Rational Number' system. The review explains how the book connects the five elements, Celestial Stems, and Horary Branches to astrological predictions. It emphasizes that the book offers more than just divination, presenting a complete philosophy of life and compatibility. While acknowledging that the concept of I Ching may be radically different from Western thinking, the reviewer finds the book to be a clear and concise grounding for beginners and an essential addition for serious students.

Pick of the Paperbacks This section reviews several books: * Modern Mystics and Sages by Anne Bancroft: Focuses on 19 influential figures in spiritual matters, including those with Hindu backgrounds like Maharishi and Ramana Maharishi. * Spiritual Healing by Dudley Blades: A priest and healer's book that aims to demythologize healing through the laying on of hands, mixing autobiography with practical advice. * The New Waite's Compendium of Natal Astrology: A revised edition explaining how to cast a horoscope, with an abridged ephemeris.

Features and Articles

Kind words about Uri A letter from Majories Butterworth expresses strong support for Uri Geller, defending him against detractors and praising his 'gifted psychic with a formidable power'. The writer highlights Geller's ability to influence metals and reactivate clocks, and commends ALPHA magazine for its informative and fascinating content.

EM side-effect? Another letter, from P. J. Mosby, discusses Uri Geller and Professor John Taylor's theory on electro-magnetism. Mosby, who uses 'powers' as a healer, suggests that EM might be a side-effect of healing rather than the cause, proposing that healing gifts may come from an 'outside' force beyond scientific measurement.

To publish or not? A letter from Rick Plewes raises a critical question about publishing research on telepathic abilities. Plewes expresses concern that such research, if successful, could be used for thought control by governments or police. He questions whether all information should be published or withheld, citing potential Russian research in this area and the fear that neuropsychiatrists may be withholding results.

The Science Fiction Book Club The magazine advertises the Science Fiction Book Club, offering new members three books for 20p each. It describes the club's benefits, including a monthly news bulletin and access to SF books at discounted prices.

The Ley Hunter An advertisement for 'The Ley Hunter', described as 'The Magazine of Earth Mysteries', promotes its coverage of ley lines, ancient sites, earth forces, and phenomena, along with book reviews and reader contributions.

UFO-LINCON '79 An announcement for the First London International UFO Congress, scheduled for August 26-27, 1979, at the Mount Royal Hotel. It lists speakers including Dr. Allen Hynek, Dr. Leo Sprinkle, and other international ufologists.

Previous Issues Advertisements highlight the contents of previous issues of ALPHA: Issue One featured an interview with Michael Bentine, the story of medium Margo Williams, an analysis of Professor John Taylor's changing views on psychics, and a full story on Uri Geller. Issue Two covered Korchnoi's Complaint regarding Russian psychic research, an analysis of New Year sightings in New Zealand, an interpretation of a UFO phenomenon, and an interview with Lyall Watson.

Tarot Spectacular An advertisement for Thoth Tarot Cards and 'The Book of Thoth' by Aleister Crowley is featured, offering a special combined price.

Alpha Premonitions Bureau This section calls for individuals who have experienced premonitions of future events to contact the Alpha Premonitions Bureau for a pilot study aimed at verifying such claims.

Summer reading from Thames and Hudson

This section presents a curated list of books from Thames and Hudson, categorized for 'Summer reading':

• The Ley Hunter's Companion by Paul Devereux and Ian Thompson: Details forty-one ley line examples with maps and illustrations.
• The Fantasy Book by Franz Rottensteiner: Surveys Western fantasy literature from Gothic horror to Kafka.
• Simulacra by John Michell: Explores interpretations of natural figures and artwork.
• The Silbury Treasure by Michael Dames: Offers an explanation of Wiltshire's enigmatic monuments.
• The Earth Spirit by John Michell: Discusses ancient geomancy and the earth's vital spirit.
• Phenomena by John Michell and Robert J.M. Rickard: A survey of over fifty curious and well-documented strange phenomena.
• Rose Windows by Painton Cowen: Examines the art and symbolism of rose windows in Western European churches.
• A Little History of Astro-archaeology by John Michell: Charts the rise of theories linking megalithic sites to celestial movements.
• The Ancient Science of Geomancy by Nigel Pennick: Outlines ancient geomancers' knowledge through folklore and myth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ALPHA magazine revolve around the unexplained, the paranormal, and the speculative. There is a strong emphasis on debunking myths while simultaneously exploring the allure of mysteries, particularly in the context of unexplained disappearances and psychic phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, encouraging rational investigation while acknowledging the persistent fascination with the unknown. The editorial stance seems to be one of presenting diverse viewpoints and research, inviting readers to engage critically with subjects ranging from science fiction's predictive power to ancient earth mysteries and psychic abilities. The inclusion of book reviews, event announcements, and reader letters indicates an aim to foster a community of interest around these topics.