Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review - No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKILLS AND WISDOM REVIEW
Issue: NUMBER FOUR
Volume: 4
Date: Quarterly (circa 1978)
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0140-9522

This issue of the Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review, edited and published by Paul Screeton, delves into a variety of subjects related to earth mysteries, ufology, folklore, and alternative history. The magazine features extensive book reviews, offering critical perspectives on works that challenge conventional scientific and historical paradigms.

Book Reviews and Articles

The Ley Hunter's Manual by Alfred Watkins

This review highlights the reprint of Alfred Watkins' seminal work, "The Old Straight Track," originally published in 1927. The book is praised as a definitive guide to ley hunting, arguing that leys are ancient trackways constructed from the Neolithic period, possibly for trading. The reviewer emphasizes Watkins' stress on practical fieldwork over armchair musing and notes how the book serves as a digest of his larger magnum opus. The review also touches upon the evolution of ley hunting theories, moving towards the concept of a subtle energy grid, and mentions the historical context of the book's publication, including its initial resistance from some academic circles.

Phenomena by John Michell and Robert J. M. Rickard

This review discusses "Phenomena," a book that explores a "radically different conception of reality." The reviewer aligns with the idea of "phenomenal" rather than extraterrestrial explanations for UFOs. The book is noted for its scope, cross-referencing, and lack of pedantry, covering bizarre subjects like frog showers, holes at the poles, phantom ships, teleportation, cattle mutilation, fairies, and UFOs. The reviewer quotes C.G. Jung on the limitations of restricting reality to the material world and suggests the book emphasizes the incompatibilities within the scientific framework.

The Sirius Mystery by Robert K.G. Temple

Robert Temple's "The Sirius Mystery" is reviewed, focusing on the Dogon tribe of Mali and their alleged connection to the star system of Sirius. The book is described as creating an atmosphere of trust through its investigative detail, despite some broadcast doubts about its diagrams. Temple posits that primitive Stone Age men may have received civilization from extraterrestrial visitors, who left coded facts for discovery. The review notes Temple's position as an "inclusionist" who acknowledges ancient astronaut possibilities and prehistoric technology, linking the Dogon's astronomical knowledge to Venus and Sirius B.

Intelligent Life in the Universe by Carl Sagan & I.S. Shklovskii

This review is critical of Sagan and Shklovskii's work, describing it as "blinkered and stunningly boring." The reviewer finds it aligns with Darwinian views but repulses independent thinkers, reinforcing mistrust of scientists. The book is criticized for its apparent contradiction in stating that UFO contactee reports follow a pattern while also noting the diversity of these reports, without questioning the discrepancy.

According to the Evidence by Erich von Daniken

Erich von Daniken's book is met with strong criticism. The reviewer finds his claims of imagination and boasts of his prolific writing to be indicative of a lack of substance. The book is described as a "ludicrous argument" and a "waste of time," covering familiar chestnuts like Nazca and anti-gravity. The reviewer notes von Daniken's admission of never having seen a UFO and questions his credibility. The review concludes by suggesting von Daniken's concept of ufology is unfashionable.

More Lives Than One by Jeffrey Iverson

Jeffrey Iverson's "More Lives Than One" is reviewed, exploring past life regression and time travel. The book recounts a story of a singer who described a past life disaster shortly before it was confirmed. The reviewer notes Iverson's impartial approach and the investigation by Magnus Magnusson. Quibbles include the lack of an index and fewer pictures in the paperback edition.

The Avebury Cycle by Michael Dames

Michael Dames' "The Avebury Cycle" is discussed as an expansion of his previous work on prehistoric structures. The book examines Avebury and its environs, visualizing how the turning year of farming folk was expressed and identifying a "Great Goddess" image. The reviewer notes Dames' thorough research into comparative religion, archetypal psychology, and folklore, but points out a fault in the lack of relation to other landscape engineering accounts. The book is praised for its illustrations and visual portraiture, though Dames is noted for challenging orthodoxy and for his speculative contents providing a superior understanding of Wiltshire's monuments.

The Naturalized Animals of the British Isles by Christopher Lever

Christopher Lever's "The Naturalized Animals of the British Isles" is a detailed, 600-page work covering exotic wildlife that has become integrated into the British ecosystem. The reviewer notes the book's comprehensive nature, bibliography, and detailed studies of introduced species. While acknowledging its scholarly merit, the reviewer finds the writing "dull" and lacking in "feel for wildlife." Concerns are raised about the potential for the book to encourage hunting and harm to wildlife, especially in a "barbaric time."

A Dictionary of Fairies by Katharine Briggs

Katharine Briggs' "A Dictionary of Fairies" is described as a comprehensive reference book on the fauna of supernatural realms. The reviewer highlights its intricate cross-referencing and its presentation of a panorama of folkloric heritage. However, the reviewer expresses alarm at the author's seemingly agnostic attitude, focusing on tracing origins rather than the reality of the subject matter, and notes the omission of modern technological folklore like gremlins.

The Dragon by Charles Gould & others

This compilation of dragonlore, edited by Malcolm Smith, is presented as a sampler of dragon attributes across various cultures. The reviewer finds the work to be a "scissors and paste job" that is repetitive but offers a worthy addition to dragonology. The book theorizes about the dragon as a physical reality and explores its association with natural phenomena and ancient myths.

Booklets and Occasional Papers

Several smaller publications are reviewed:

• Our Saviour by John Michell: A Gnostic Christian perspective supporting a paper challenging blasphemy laws.
• Ongar Zodiac by Jim Kimmis: Examines the terrestrial zodiac, emphasizing its holistic structure.
• The Fanatic: A revolutionary, offbeat magazine covering diverse topics including animal rights, conspiracy theories, and alternative history.
• Open Head Press Publications: Includes a review of a publication from Open Head Press, featuring a drunken poem and R. Crumb's cartoons.
• Quest: A journal on the West's magical heritage, covering topics like yoga, tarot, and psi.
• New Vegetarian: A magazine for vegetarians, featuring adverts, features, and book reviews.
• I.T.: A publication with a prominent politico/atrocity element, covering German situations and flowerpower era homeland territory.
• Fortean Times: A quarterly miscellany of news, notes, and references on strange phenomena, including animal mutilations and teleportation.
• The Ley Hunter: A magazine on earth mysteries, featuring articles on ley hunting, megaliths, and folklore.
• Sut Anubis: A quarterly magazine covering magic, ghosts, UFOs, and herbalism.
• Pulsar: A bi-monthly magazine featuring articles on zodiacs, UFOs, and astronomical notes.
• Spirals: A bi-monthly magazine seeking to correlate esoteric thoughts with modern knowledge.
• Ness Information Service Newsletter: A round-up of news on lake monster sightings and personalities.
• MUFOB (Metempirical UFO Bulletin): An informative UFO magazine with book reviews and articles on UFO effects and archetypal experiences.
• Lantern: A magazine of Borderline Science Investigation Group, covering stones, folklore, and UFO news.
• The Journal of Geomancy: A quarterly journal of the Institute of Geomantic Research, featuring articles on UFO pictures, zodiacs, and dragon legends.
• Undercurrents: A bi-monthly magazine covering topics like Wilhelm Reich, alternative technology, and political commentary.
• The Atlantean: A quarterly magazine theorizing on Atlantis and covering alternative medicine and astrology.
• Mapit Skywatch: A quarterly magazine with a tendency towards an ETH approach to UFOs.
• UFO Research Review: A magazine featuring articles on UFOs in Buckinghamshire and UFO films.
• HEARA Journal: A journal of the New England Antiquities Research Association, covering archaeological reports and engineering suggestions.
• S.I.S. Review: A journal of the Society for Interdisciplinary Studies, featuring articles on Velikovsky and electromagnetism.
• Picwinnard: A magazine on Wessex leys and folklore, covering pagan carvings, trees, and old stones.
• Principles of Prehistoric Sacred Geography by Dr. J. Heinsch: A reprinted book on prehistoric sacred geography.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review consistently champions the alternative press and perspectives that challenge mainstream scientific and historical orthodoxies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into phenomena that lie outside conventional understanding, including ufology, ancient mysteries, folklore, and esoteric knowledge. There is a clear appreciation for authors and publications that encourage critical thinking and explore unconventional theories, often highlighting the perceived limitations or biases of the "moribund scientific establishment."

This document contains pages from "THE ATLANTEANS", a magazine that appears to be the quarterly publication of The Atlanteans society. The issue number is 172, and the date is noted as April 11. The magazine covers a range of topics including historical theories, local folklore, and the activities of the Atlanteans society itself.

Book Reviews

Germanic Golden Age Theories

The first section discusses a book by Heinsch, which explores a Germanic golden age, focusing on alignments of sacred sites and astronomical considerations. The book is noted for its historical value and its potential independence from Alfred Watkins's ley thesis. It makes metrological conclusions and speculations on prehistoric life, suggesting advanced surveying capabilities, importance of astronomy, and a spiritual motive.

Journey Round the Glastonbury Zodiac

This review covers a book by Bruce Lacey and Jill Bruce, detailing their spiritual trip to Somerset. The book combines poems by Jill Bruce with photographs by both authors, illustrating the sectors of the Glastonbury Zodiac and their activities. The production is described as evocative, with illustrations reminiscent of the Cottingley fairies photographs. The poems are characterized as rousing reflections of rural reality, with an example provided: "Upon this equinoctial eve / Cows calve. / Their labouring cries hang loud on the still air. / Calves lay wet, cow-licked upon the grass, / Struggling to their feet."

Local Curiosities: Haunted Lowestoft

This section reviews two books by I. Bunn and M. Burgess: 'Local Curiosities' and 'Haunted Lowestoft'. 'Local Curiosities' is subtitled 'A miscellany of ghosts, legends and unusual facts', drawing from folklore previously featured in 'Lantern' magazine. It covers topics such as haunted roads, black dogs, the Devil, sea serpents, and magic trees, with illustrations. A notable anecdote describes the 'Blasted Stump' near Lowestoft and Oulton Broad, where locals would direct abuse at the tree, leading to a bye-law forbidding the practice. 'Haunted Lowestoft' specifically details legends of haunted spots in the town and its vicinity, including contemporary observations by the Borderline Science Investigation Group. The books are presented as objective accounts without attempting to explain phenomena.

The Atlanteans Society

April 11 marks the 21st birthday of The Atlanteans society, founded in 1957 by four individuals. The society has grown significantly with an international membership and branches worldwide. Its aim is to seek an understanding of life that benefits individuals, mankind, and all forms of existence. Guided by Helio-Arcanophus, members explore healing, meditation, psychism, mysticism, and philosophy. The society publishes a newsletter called "Atlanteanews" and a quarterly magazine, THE ATLANTEAN. Issue No. 172 includes articles on health, vegetarianism, historical events, and reincarnation. The society is expanding, planning joint ventures with like-minded groups, and will be exhibiting at the Festival of Mind and Body at Olympia (April 29 - May 7). They are also organizing a local festival in the Glos. area called Think '78 -- Cheltenham's Festival for Creative Thought and Living.

Other Reviews and Notices

Plenty of other books and magazines are awaiting review in 'ANCIENT SKILLS AND WISDOM REVIEW', with issue 5 expected soon. Subscribers whose memberships are ending will find a cross in the square below.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features content related to esoteric subjects, including ancient civilizations, metrology, spiritualism, folklore, ghosts, and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor objective reporting of these subjects, particularly in the context of local curiosities and folklore, as seen in the review of 'Haunted Lowestoft', which emphasizes presenting tales without preconceived theories. The Atlanteans society's own mission aligns with a broad exploration of life and existence through various spiritual and philosophical disciplines.