Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review - No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKILLS AND WISDOM REVIEW
Issue: No. 2
Publisher/Editor: Paul Screeton
Subscription: £2 p.a.

This issue of the Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review is primarily a collection of book reviews, focusing on subjects related to archaeology, earth mysteries, ancient sites, and alternative historical perspectives. The publication appears to champion a viewpoint that often contrasts with or challenges mainstream archaeological orthodoxy.

Book Reviews

The Stone Circle of the British Isles by Aubrey Burl

This review praises Burl's book as a "model of excellence" for providing technical material for investigators of ancient sites, placing scientific information in perspective, and discussing astroarchaeology and chronological aspects intelligently. The reviewer notes that the book covers the local diversity and integral scheme of stone circles, suggesting techniques and inspirations for their construction. It is described as a "thoroughly workmanlike synthesis of archaeological as opposed to speculative knowledge." The reviewer finds the conclusions of professional archaeologists reasonable and sees them as complementary rather than adversarial. The book is lauded as a comprehensive reference, detailing hundreds of individual circles with grid references, sizes, types, excavations, astronomical possibilities, and biographical data. It includes 36 photographs and 50 maps and diagrams. While acknowledging it as a "standard work," the reviewer suggests the sheer weight of detail detracts somewhat from the atmosphere and charisma of the sites themselves. The review also touches upon "outlaw" earth mystery lore, mentioning similarities to Amerind techniques, quartz usage, burial "red herrings," and geometrical differences between sites with and without burials. Lethbridge's pendulum dating experiment at the Merry Maidens is mentioned, with Burl leaving the "rocking stone" phenomenon as a curiosity.

The style is described as academic and dry, though interspersed with folkloric material. Burl concludes that astronomy and magic were likely complementary in ceremonies, not pure science. The reviewer notes Burl's alignment with those questioning "outmoded prehistoric paradigms" and his views on the continuity of folk memory. The book is recommended as an "essential reference book."

Earth Mysteries: A Study in Patterns edited by Keith Critchlow & Graham Challifour

This review discusses the book accompanying an exhibition of "Earth Mysteries: R.I.L.K.O. Artists." The reviewer did not see the exhibition but found the book to be a literary and photographic representation of the artists' visions. It is noted that the book offers nothing "greatly new" for seasoned researchers but covers earth mysteries intelligently. Contributions include an article by Prof. Alex Thom on Stonehenge, astroarchaeology by Keith Critchlow, leys by John Michell and Paul Devereux, and discussions on ley power by The Bords. Tom Graves contributes on earth energies, John A. Glover writes about Cumbria's Castlerigg, and Christopher Castle discusses stone markings. Graham Challifour's essay on traditional knowledge is highlighted as deserving "serious consideration," despite being outside mainstream thinking. The book is described as "pleasantly balanced, well laid out and visually pleasing," offering a "first-class cross-section of opinion" on the subject, with only terrestrial zodiacs absent. It is recommended for both novices and adepts.

A Little History of Astro-Archaeology by John Michell

This review praises John Michell's essayistic style, finding it "most apposite" for the subject of astroarchaeology. The book explores the roots of the subject and critiques the idea of steady progress in civilization, suggesting that "sophisticated technologists" may have created aligned monuments. The reviewer highlights Michell's critique of Stuart Piggott's assertion that only "professional archaeologists have the right to put forward new ideas." The book aims to encapsulate the history and arguments of astroarchaeology, featuring 75 illustrations. The reviewer suggests the text could have been longer and notes the omission of Edward Milles Nelson and Gerald Hawkins's work, while giving Prof. Lyle B. Borst significant attention. The book's conclusion "damns orthodoxy" and clarifies the current situation regarding prehistoric heritage. It is described as a "superbly-designed book" that amounts to "a pirahna in archaeology's Mississippi of lies."

Earth Magic by Francis Hitching

This book is designed to summarize the beliefs of orthodox archaeologists and speculative investigators. The reviewer notes that while Hitching seeks scientific verification of power in megaliths, he fails to evoke the "spiritual charisma" of the landscape. The author's approach is compared to "a grope in the cinema backseats." The book is seen as a sympathetic understanding of ideas opposing conformity, offering a balanced view of ley hunting and explaining Thom's theories. However, the reviewer finds that speculation on the production and properties of stone power is not fully synthesized. The book is considered a good primer for those unaware of recent developments in the "Great Prehistory Debate," but the author is urged to decide which side he is on.

The Past is Human by Peter White

Described as an "admirable antidote to current archaeological fantasies" by Prof. Glyn Daniel, this book examines topics like Easter Island statues, the Great Pyramid, Nazca lines, Mayan calendar, Stonehenge, Zimbabwe, and the Piri Reis Map. The reviewer agrees with White, a senior lecturer in prehistory, regarding the origin of monuments but distances himself from the "von Daniken brigade," arguing that human ingenuity is sufficient without extraterrestrial intervention. The reviewer criticizes Dr. White's dismissal of Stonehenge's astronomical properties and his poor appraisal of Gerald Hawkins's work, while neglecting Alexander Thom's research. The book attributes motivations to "hazy ritual" rather than scientific inspiration. While erasing confusion caused by the "ancient astronaut clan," it leaves new questions unanswered. Its "non-sensational nature" is noted as a potential barrier to sales.

Dowsing: Techniques & Applications by Tom Graves

This review describes Graves's book as a practical, down-to-earth guide to dowsing, written in a casual, non-technical manner. The reviewer revived his interest in practical dowsing, recounting personal experiences with pendulum tracing and angle rods. The book covers various divining methods, including map and time dowsing, prospecting, agriculture, and medicine, with an emphasis on objectivity and common sense. Graves's application of dowsing to archaeology is noted, with his critique of the "dogmatic" professional side. The reviewer finds the book's examination of Underwood's claims and reservations sympathetic, aligning with those who experience "fluctuating earth powers." The book also includes information on dowsing resources. The reviewer awards the book "full points for its comprehensiveness, conviviality and obvious ability to command for itself the place of No. 1 manual in a fascinating subject."

The Power of the Pendulum by T.C. Lethbridge

This review acknowledges that Lethbridge's work may not make sense to everyone due to its unorthodox nature. The reviewer found the book to make sense after careful reading, aided by familiarity with Lethbridge's earlier work. The book explores psychic research, dowsing, paganism, and archaeology, with some repetition. Lethbridge's thesis is that the pendulum can establish realms beyond normal consciousness in space and time. He analyzes dreams foreshadowing the future and discusses "vibrational rates" for objects, suggesting the "soul" may be immortal and exist in multiple dimensions of time. The review mentions Lethbridge's observation about the pendulum rate for sleep and his discussion of psi faculty in cats. The book includes a foreword by Colin Wilson, who comments on Lethbridge's perspective on leys. The reviewer notes that Lethbridge revealed skepticism about leys shortly before his death. The book is described as the work of an "original mind working independent of dogma."

The Findhorn Garden & The Magic of Findhorn

These two books complement each other, focusing on the New Age community in Scotland. "The Findhorn Garden" details how the garden was created through organic gardening and "nature devas," with documented opinions and photographs. It describes the community's early years, contacts with "cosmic entities," and advice from "landscape angels." The underlying objective is personal consciousness growth. "The Magic of Findhorn" is reviewed as being written journalistically, with personal impressions and interviews. The reviewer expresses contradictory feelings, finding the author "gullible about people" and noting a shift in writing style between documentary and novel. The book is compared to Geoffrey Ashe's novel "The Finger and the Moon."

The Secret Country by Janet & Colin Bord & Folklore of Prehistoric Sites in Britain by L.V. Grinsell

These two works are seen as complementing each other spectacularly. Grinsell categorizes folklore of ancient sites by county, while the Bords interpret folklore of megalithic monuments in relation to ley power or earth spirit. The reviewer, having researched similar material, found the tales familiar. The main difference is the marshalling of tales, with Grinsell providing a compendium with grid references and bibliographies, and the Bords also offering useful bibliographies and indices. The Bords' "Secret Country" is described as a more mature work, sticking to its interpretation of folkloric accounts, while Grinsell's approach gives an impression of completeness. The Bords' style is straightforward, though occasional "humour" is noted as intrusive. Grinsell's book is presented as a "guide and reference book," covering themes like giantlore, faery, the Devil, ghosts, and folk custom, and its posited relationship between legends and British history is praised.

Prehistoric Britain and Ireland by J. Forde-Johnston

Aimed at a non-specialist audience, this book is described as straightforward and orthodox. The author has no "axe to grind" and does not intend to be controversial. The reviewer notes that the book's publication in this format is likely due to the alternative archaeological movement's influence. The text is simple, with illustrations of photographs and diagrams. The book offers guarded support for investigations into stone circles' geometric and astronomical properties, but otherwise adheres to the "party line." It covers the prehistoric period from tool making to the Roman invasions, describing various structures and settlements, and stressing surviving structures of interest for topography and landscape moulding. It is considered an "instructive work" and useful for reference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around ancient sites, particularly stone circles, and the interpretation of their purpose and significance. There is a clear engagement with "earth mysteries," astroarchaeology, and folklore, often presented as alternative or complementary to mainstream archaeological perspectives. The editorial stance appears to favor a more open-minded approach to these subjects, critically examining established orthodoxies and highlighting the value of speculative research and the contributions of independent researchers. The reviews frequently contrast the authors' methodologies and conclusions, often championing those who challenge conventional views while acknowledging the strengths of more traditional scholarship when it is well-executed. The issue demonstrates a consistent interest in the intersection of history, myth, and the natural landscape, and a desire to explore the "wisdom" and "skills" of ancient peoples beyond purely scientific or academic frameworks.

This issue, dated November 1976, is the 10th issue of volume 10, titled 'THE INDEFINITE BOUNDARY' by GUY LYON PLAYFAIR, published by Souvenir Press at £4-25. The cover headline directly reflects the book being reviewed.

Book Review: The Indefinite Boundary by Guy Lyon Playfair

The review praises Guy Lyon Playfair's book, 'The Indefinite Boundary,' as his second excellent tome on South American psychic phenomena. The style is described as easy, making the multitude of odd happenings surrounding poltergeists, precognition, clairvoyance, and telepathy appear exciting. The reviewer contrasts this with the often dull and dry nature of some parapsychological literature that attempts to be overly scientific. Playfair's sympathetic and searching approach to the active psychic life of Brazil is commended, noting that he personally witnessed many paranormal events. The book is said to go beyond mere incidents, exploring a psi-world that two commentators attempt to explain. Additionally, Playfair provides a compact account of the past 120 years of psychical research, distinguishing fact from legend, and summarizes the work of conventional scientists in physics and biology who have sought to define observable experience.

Magazine Reviews

The issue features reviews of several magazines, providing subscription details, publication frequency, and summaries of their content:

• THE JOURNAL OF METEOROLOGY: Sub. £6-50. Monthly. Covers research papers, news items, conference info., and book reviews on meteorology and climatology. The November 1976 issue might seem academic but contains phenomena of interest to Forteans, including a reply to Sir Peter Scott on water devils and Loch Ness sightings.
• INFO JOURNAL: No. 21. Quarterly. Sub. and membership to International Fortean Organization £5. Single copies 90p. Features articles by Bob Forrest on pyramids, StuarttW. Greenwood on "golden models of ancient spacecraft?", ice fall, phantom butcher, and newsclippings.
• FORTEAN TIMES: Bi-monthly. Sub. £3. No. 19 includes a detailed piece on "Aliens Among Us" by Peter Roberts, a look at the sea monster Morgawr, and the S.W.'s mystery booms.
• THE ATLANTEAN: Sub. £1-80. No. 167 begins an astrology series and discusses suggestions about who built British megalithic monuments. No. 168 features Sul's "Touched by God" on archetypes and Betty Wood's analysis of the "Horse" cult.
• LANTERN: Quarterly. Sub. 85p. No. 16 focuses on East Anglian topics, with M.W. Burgess on puddingstones, three UFO reports, a "phantom tiger" in Norfolk, mystery flares, and a news round-up. It is described as informal, duplicated, and good value.
• QUEST: Quarterly. Sub. £1-50. The current issue includes a piece on Arthur Machen's work, G. Stuart Dearn on "the old magic in Ireland at the Pipers Stones," Sid Birchby on "The Queen of May," and C.D.F. Shepherd on "The Four Sons of Horus."
• UNDERCURRENTS: Sub. £3. No. 20 reviews the past five years of publication, with articles on Comrade Benn, Diggers, Cambodia, alternative TV, world food, and solar energy, along with book reviews. No. 21 focuses on "Hard Times: What Will Become of the Counter-culture," featuring pieces on free radio, farmhouses, nuclear power stations, and DIY printing. A review of "my Quicksilver Heritage" is noted for being used partly as propaganda for an Anglesey leys project.
• ESSEX DOWSER: A privately-circulated newsletter. No. 13 covers electric light oddities, raudive voice phenomena, correspondence with Francis Hitching, dowsing and leukaemia, church orientation, geodetic phenomena, and magazine reviews.
• JOURNAL OF GEOMANCY: Published by the Institute of Geomantic Research. Sub. £3 for four issues. Vol. 1 No. 4 includes articles by Rupert Pennick on the Book of Joshua, Robert Forrest's metrological ideas, Nigel Pennick on Saxon geometrical ratios, a reprint of C.W. Dymon's comments on Gunnerkeld stone circle, Alan Bullion on Tonbridge's subterranea, and an editorial on the Maltwood Fund money.
• THE LEY HUNTER: Sub. £2. No. 76 features John Steele on the Bimini Road, Anthony Roberts on "Magic Mounds and Fairies," Chris Castle on a Limerick alignment, Don Roberts on stone properties, Paul Screcton on hermetic topography, and L.B. and B.M. Borst on "Standing Stones in Japan."
• MUFOB: Sub. £1-25. Described as arguably the best UFO magazine. New Series 6 includes "The Case for Humanoids" by John Harney and "Knowing About UFOs" by Dr Ron Westrum. New Series 7 features "Notes at the limits of the New Ufologies" by Peter Rogerson, which is highly praised for its in-depth approach to ufology. It also covers the current trouble in ufology concerning BUFORA and includes an article by Jenny Randles on "Recent U.K. Contact Reports."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a strong interest in the paranormal, fortean phenomena, ufology, and earth mysteries. The reviews cover a wide range of publications dedicated to these subjects, indicating a readership engaged with unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and speculative science. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse viewpoints and research within these fields, while also critically assessing information, as seen in the book review's distinction between fact and legend. The inclusion of detailed subscription information and publication notes suggests a community-oriented approach, aiming to connect readers with relevant resources.