Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review - No 05

Magazine Overview

This issue, No. 5, of the "Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review" is a quarterly publication edited and published by Paul Screeton from Hartlepool, UK. It features a subscription price of £2 and an ISSN of 0140-9522. The cover prominently displays the title "ANCIENT SKILLS AND WISDOM REVIEW" in a distinctive stencil font.

Book Reviews

"The Lambton Worm & Other Northumbrian Dragon Legends" by Paul Screeton

Reviewed by Jan Hoult, this book is described as a tour or guide to the dragons of Northumbria. The first part examines existing material on dragon legends, exploring different versions and interpretations. It highlights the case of the Pollard Worm, which turned out to be a boar. Screeton also details locations connected to these legends, providing first-hand information or verifying the existence of relics. The second part lists over eighty churches and sites with dragon carvings or stained glass depictions, emphasizing the dragon's symbolic importance. The third part delves into theories about what dragons might represent, including "prehistoric leftovers," symbols of the Devil, Scorpio symbolism, and links to ley-lines and UFOs. Hoult finds the book well-researched and a valuable guide for those interested in the area's legends and sites, though she wishes more of the book's impressive drawings and etchings were labelled.

Paul Screeton adds a note that the publisher furnished the illustrations, and he supplied a photograph of the Hart church effigy.

"The Lambton Worm" Review by Paul Devereux

Republished from "The Ley Hunter" with permission, this review by Paul Devereux praises the book's production quality and Screeton's mature, informative writing. Devereux notes the book's structure: descriptions of legends, sites with depictions, and interpretations. He mentions the author's discussion of various theories, including "prehistoric leftovers," allegorical meanings, and UFO connections. Devereux finds the book impressive, though he notes that the ley-UFO link requires further research and that Paul omits reference to St. Edmund's Well in the Laidley Worm legend, which he considers important due to its ley connection. Overall, he deems it a "fine book worth having."

"A Short History of the Dragon" by Janet Hoult

Reviewed by Jan Hoult, this book applies C.G. Jung's ideas about psychic formations and symbols to dragons. Hoult argues that the dragon is a powerful symbol for an energy with which humanity has lost touch, possibly related to "Earth energy." The book explores the dual energies of earth and sky in dragonlore and examines various interpretations across different cultures and religions. It covers mythological material, artifacts, celebrations, and over sixty British dragon legends. Hoult notes the author's preference for the earth/sky link and her own intriguing experience with an energy form resembling dragon carvings. The book is described as a condensed, flowing interpretation of dragonlore, suitable as an introduction to a complex subject.

"Magical and Mystical Sites (Europe and the British Isles)" by Elizabeth Pepper and John Wilcock

This book is reviewed as a travelogue covering spiritual centers in Europe and the British Isles. The authors emphasize evoking the atmosphere of these sites within historical contexts, supplemented by folklore. It covers locations like Malta, Delphi, Rome, Pompeii, Atlantis, Glastonbury, Wales, and Scotland. The review highlights the book's engaging style and its use of mythology and folklore.

"The Masters of Wisdom" by J.G. Bennett

This book's central hypothesis is the existence of "The Demiurge," an intelligence guiding humanity through advanced beings called Masters of Wisdom. The review notes the originality of Bennett's view of human progress and his theory tested against history. It discusses the concept of the Demiurge in early times, associated with the New Stone Age and the building of stone circles. The reviewer finds the work optimistic and esoteric, covering personal and challenging territory from an erudite writer. Bennett died before completing the book.

Magazine and Publication Reviews

"Lantern" (Magazine)

This issue (No. 21) focuses on aerial phenomena, featuring sighting reports, folklore of bees, ufology, old fireball reports, and a comment piece on "Black Shuck."

"Just Measure" (Magazine)

This publication from The Anti-Metrication Board advocates for traditional measures. The editor expresses a preference for inches over centimeters and discusses the board's opposition to metrication.

"International Times" (Magazine)

This issue includes an account of the Operation Julie acid trial, a link between sex and economics, RAF (Baader-Meinhof) news, and various other articles and poems.

"Stonehenge Viewpoint" (Magazine)

This bi-monthly publication features articles on Stonehenge, St. Genevieve's Circle, King Arthur, Swedish megaliths, Isaac N. Vail, and geomancy. It includes pieces on Salisbury Cathedral, Atlantis, and ley power.

"Flying Saucers" by C.G. Jung

Reviewed by Paul Screeton, this is Jung's 1958 preliminary study, described as a classic that remains relevant despite being misunderstood. The review notes Jung's challenging commentary on the UFO phenomenon, linking it to the collective unconscious, inner space, and the interplay between humanity and reality. It touches on the connection between UFOs and quasi-religious cults, the idea of superior technologies, and the psychic aspect of the phenomenon. The reviewer praises Jung's insights and the book's relevance, noting that it continues to surprise and remains fresh.

"The Standing Stones of Norfolk and Suffolk" by Michael W. Burgess

"The Standing Stones of the Lothians" by Adam McLean

"Kentish Megaliths and Alignments" by F.J. Bennett

These three books are reviewed as focusing on lesser-known standing stones in specific regions. Burgess's booklet is praised for its visual quality and detailed descriptions of stones in Norfolk and Suffolk. McLean's work is described as more academic, detailing Lothian standing stones with map references and astronomical alignments. F.J. Bennett's paper is presented as proto-ley hunting, identifying meridional lines and the proximity of megaliths, churches, and camps.

"A Little History of Astro-Archaeology" by John Michell

"The Hip Pocket Hitler" by John Michell

These two books by John Michell are reviewed together. "A Little History of Astro-Archaeology" is noted for its connection to the Third Reich's interest in prehistoric alignments. "The Hip Pocket Hitler" is described as a collection of opinions and epigrams, with the reviewer noting shared prejudices with Hitler but disagreeing on certain points like chauvinism and anti-Semitism. The review suggests that the book enjoins readers to consider astronomy as a way to increase knowledge of the universe.

"Witches" by Nancy Garden

"Magicians, Wizards & Sorcerers" by Daniel Cohen

"Curses, Hexes & Spells" by Daniel Cohen

"The Body Snatchers" by Daniel Cohen

"Poltergeists; Hauntings & The Haunted" by David C. Knight

These five books from "The Weird and Horrible Library" are presented as simple, non-sensationalized introductions to occult subjects for young people and curious adults. "Witches" covers beliefs about witches globally. "Poltergeists" examines cases of noisy spookdom and the role of adolescents. "The Body Snatchers" covers a wider range of topics including burial practices, body removal, sleeping heroes, and political cases. "Curses, Hexes & Spells" discusses curses, accursed creatures, and black magic. "Magicians, Wizards and Sorcerers" provides a simplified history of magic from ancient times to the present.

"Glastonbury: Ancient Avalon/New Jerusalem" edited by Anthony Roberts

This book is reviewed as a professional publication of previously limited edition material on Glastonbury's mysteries. The reviewer reiterates their earlier praise for the book, calling it essential reading, though they find Colin Wilson's added afterword less significant than the main scholarship.

"The Great Arthurian Timeslip" by Eric Ratcliffe

This work argues for a first-century candidate for Arthur, suggesting "Arthur" is a position rather than an individual name. The reviewer finds the argument interesting but unimpressed.

Magazines (Part 2)

"The Ley Hunter"

This issue (No. 80) focuses on Ancient America, featuring articles on "Earth Magic," "Megalithic Archaeo-Astronomy," and geometry. It also includes pieces on dowsing, power centers, and a review of an American dragon book.

"Fortean Times"

This issue (No. 24) covers various strange phenomena, including frog and fish falls, monster birds, ghosts, Loch Ness photographs, and UFOs. It includes articles on fire leynes and "UFOs, Clouds and Pseudo Planes."

"The Atlantean"

This issue (No. 173) features articles on Tolkien's "Silmarillion," New Age philosophy, and a world round-up.

"Picwinnard"

This magazine on Wessex leys and folklore includes articles on Mendips megaliths, Stanton Drew, fairs, the Pagan Festival of Easter, Cornish language, and church orientation. It also covers Bristol leys.

"Pulsar"

This issue (Vol. 1, No. 4) features an article on the Hebden Bridge Zodiac and a reprint on "Bend Me A Maze." It also discusses UFOs and "The UFO-Ley Connection." Vol. 1, No. 5 includes observations on "Bend Me A Maze" and a piece on extraterrestrial contact.

"Mapit Skywatch"

This issue (No. 27) covers a "high strangeness" case in Crewe and a "Canadian UFO Cover-up." No. 28 includes topics like the Bermuda Triangle, Warminster, and Jupiter.

"NEARA Journal"

This publication is dedicated to understanding U.S. historic and prehistoric past.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The "Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review" consistently explores themes of earth mysteries, folklore, ancient history, and the occult. There is a strong emphasis on book reviews, providing detailed summaries and critical assessments of works related to these subjects. The publication appears to favor well-researched, thoughtful analyses over sensationalism, as evidenced by the reviews of books by authors like Paul Screeton, Janet Hoult, and C.G. Jung. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded inquiry into paranormal and esoteric topics, encouraging readers to explore complex subjects with a critical yet receptive perspective. The inclusion of reviews for a wide range of niche publications also indicates a commitment to covering diverse aspects of the earth mysteries and occult fields.

This document presents a series of reviews for various niche magazines and journals, primarily from the UK and USA, covering a range of esoteric, alternative, and specialized interests. The publications reviewed include NEARA, COVEN, SUT ANUBIS, NESSLETTER, QUEST, UNDERCURRENTS, WARK, and JOURNAL OF GEOMANCY.

NEARA (Vol. 12, No. 2 & Vol. 12, No. 3)

NEARA is reviewed for two issues. Vol. 12, No. 2 features scholarly articles on "Southern Cult temple mounds," the presence of "cult traits" at mounds, a new Vinland theory, and other articles and reviews. Vol. 12, No. 3 covers archaeological finds at Hewburyport, a holed axe found in New York, astroarchaeological research at a standing stones site, mythology, and reasons for lengthy voyaging. It also mentions publications and a continuing articles catalogue.

COVEN (No. 1)

Published by A.H. Services, COVEN's first issue is described as "certainly polarised" its reviewer's feelings. Father Raoul Belphlegor's article "The True Satanic Church" is noted for its strong anti-Christian stance, while S.I.C.'s "Three Famous Occult Myths" is criticized for misinterpreting terrestrial zodiacs. Other articles are considered more moderate, and the reviewer finds it hard to judge the magazine's direction based on its first issue.

SUT ANUBIS (Vol. 1, No. 3 & Vol. 1, No. 4)

SUT ANUBIS, from Occultique, is noted for its "appalling printing" in Vol. 1, No. 3, which includes articles on the Old Religion, a defence of Kenneth Grant on the O.T.O., the occult, "Meditation and Ritual," and herbal highs. Vol. 1, No. 4 shows a "big improvement in printing" with articles on Crowley appearing under pseudonyms in fiction and personal experiences of a haunted house, though this issue is deemed "too Crowley-oriented."

NESSLETTER (No. 26 & No. 27)

NESSLETTER, from Ness Information Service, covers topics such as sightings of Nessie (the Loch Ness Monster) from a cot, a 1974 sighting, news from Lake Champlain regarding "Ogopogo," and other book news. No. 27 discusses debated back curvature of the L.N.M., Loch Morar news, and general news and contacts.

QUEST (No. 33)

QUEST, from BCM-SCL Quest, focuses on the "Magical heritage of the West." Articles cover alternative medicine, an interdisciplinary studies call, pagan festivals, New Age religions, Celtic heads, Horus, and intuition. It also includes announcements on groups, magazines, services, and book reviews.

UNDERCURRENTS (No. 27)

UNDERCURRENTS covers alternative technology, with articles on soft energy politics, fast breeders, small tools for small farms, a Denbigh workers' co-op, cycling, fish breeding, and compost. It also features letters and book reviews.

WARK (No. 11)

WARK is described as a guide to the non-professional fantasy and comics/comix press. Rosemary Pardoe reviews the British fantasy scene, Ramsey Campbell the U.S. scene, and Mike Grace tackles the U.K. comics. Dave Langford discusses occult fanzines and makes fun of "Quest" and "Star Child." The issue includes a letters column and illustrations. The reviewer finds it a "refreshing change" and notes the cover features a wild cat and Celtic head.

JOURNAL OF GEOMANCY (Vol. 2, No. 3)

This magazine from the Institute of Geomantic Research contains metrological material, including a defence of the metre, Israelitish intervention, the cubit, and metrology and chance. It features an Alfred Watkins article and articles on dragons by David Stringer and Alan Bullion. Terrestrial zodiacs of Bristol, Stonegate, and Hebden Bridge are featured, and the letters include a contribution from Mary Caine.

Next Issue Preview

The next issue is slated to feature reviews of books by "the Bords," Tom Graves, John Barnatt, and many others.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The reviewed publications collectively explore themes of archaeology, mythology, the occult, alternative spirituality (New Age, paganism), cryptozoology (Nessie, Ogopogo), alternative technology, and specialized fields like geomancy and metrology. The reviews themselves are generally informative, offering a summary of content and a critical assessment of printing quality and editorial focus. There is a clear interest in fringe and alternative subjects, with a particular emphasis on the esoteric and unexplained.