Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review - No 06

Magazine Overview

This issue, Number Six, of the ANCIENT SKILLS AND WISDOM REVIEW, published and edited by Paul Screeton from 5, Egton Drive, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, Cleveland, TS25 2AT, offers an apology for the delay since the last issue and promises a better version in the future. The magazine's usual fare consists of reviews of books and magazines likely to be of interest to its readership, focusing on what the editor perceives as a fruitful period for valuable publications rather than "scissors and paste crass volumes."

Book Reviews

"A GUIDE TO ANCIENT SITES IN BRITAIN" by Janet & Colin Bord

This book is presented as the first truly pictorial guide to Britain's ancient heritage. Its strengths lie in its high-quality photographs, which capture the mood and intensity of sites like Whispering Knights, Stonehenge, and Swinside, making crude stone constructions appear as impressive as Gothic cathedrals. The sites chosen are based on impressive appearance and accessibility, though the reviewer notes that some less obvious sites could have been photographed in "mood" circumstances. The book is aimed at both "armchair travellers" and "out-of-doors seekers." It includes a section briefly describing megalithic monument types and a time chart for beginners, with straightforward details for locating specific sites, similar to Ward Lock Red Guides. Legends associated with sites are included, along with map diagrams, grid references, and access information. However, the reviewer points out the omission of sites not easily accessible, suggesting a rushed tour. Specific omissions include southern East Anglia and northern England sites like Brimham Rocks and Ilkley's Swastiza Stone. The reviewer also criticizes the use of current "county" boundaries and metric measurements as unnecessary and arbitrary.

"MYSTERIOUS BRITAIN" and "THE SECRET COUNTRY" by Janet & Colin Bord

"Mysterious Britain" is described as a primer designed to interest the general reader in matters such as leys and zodiacs, gently revealing the esoteric significance of sacred sites. The reviewer, writing for The Ley Hunter, found the text basic and generalizing, and the original price of £5-90 prohibitive. The book is now available at a more reasonable price and is recommended for beginners. "The Secret Country" presents a distinct thesis, linking the folklore of megalithic monuments to ley power or earth spirit. The reviewer, having researched prehistoric monuments' folklore for three years, believes there are alternative ways to argue continuities. "The Secret Country" is considered a more mature work, thematically focused on a singular interpretation of folkloric accounts, offering a constructive and convincing argument, though acknowledging that stories can be interpreted in different ways.

"ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF METAPHYSICAL MEDICINE" by Benjamin Walker and "A BAREFOOT DOCTOR'S MANUAL" prepared by The Revolutionary Health Committee of Hunan Province

Benjamin Walker's "Encyclopaedia of Metaphysical Medicine" is described as lucid and fascinating, offering a non-orthodox viewpoint. It covers medicine historically and synthesizes orthodox medicine with psychology, the occult, and comparative religion. The book includes topics like vampirism, schizophrenia, and suicide, but omits mundane ailments like piles. Walker's treatment of cancer is inclusive, suggesting causes from "civilized" society modes and geological conditions, and even proposing remedies from folklore. The reviewer notes the book's potential to offer a genuine guide to alternatives to conventional medicine. The Chinese "Barefoot Doctor's Manual" is detailed, focusing on traditional foundations of herbs, acupuncture, and moxibustion, but its format is deemed less attractive to the average English reader.

"THE MYSTERIES OF KING'S COLLEGE CHAPEL" by Nigel Pennick

This book is described as more than a tourist guide, delving into the occult and symbolic purposes behind King Henry VI's endowment of the chapel with cathedral dimensions. The author, an authority on geomantic interest, criticizes modern "improvements" to the chapel, such as the placement of a Rubens painting. It mentions miracles associated with Henry VI's tomb and the transport of a distance stone. The author's writing is described as authoritative and fascinating, with some quirky spelling.

"CASTANEDA'S JOURNEY" by Richard de Mille

This book argues that Carlos Castaneda's accounts of his experiences with Yaqui Indians were fictional. The reviewer recounts being shocked by an incongruity in "A Separate Reality" and concludes that Castaneda is a storyteller who tricks readers into learning, a fantasist with a mission, and a mythmaker. De Mille entertainingly rebuilds faith by pointing out that "don Juan the myth has come to stay."

"SOIE SYMBOLS OF THE FEMININE PRINCIPLE" by Kay Thomson

A slim volume illustrated by Jay Devereux, this book begins with a three-chapter introduction and then focuses on the symbolism of the pomegranate. It is described as a sampler culled from a work-in-progress.

"SPELLCRAFT" by Robin Skelton

Written by a poet and man of letters, this book is subtitled "A Manual of Verbal Magic." It surveys the history of spells and is intended as a practical handbook for those who believe that thought is energy. The reviewer applauds the commonsensical approach, viewing the use of addressing St Christopher for safe travel not as idolatry but as a means of instruction. The author is confident in the efficacy of calling upon spirits and attuning the spell-maker's deep mind. The book aims to create faith in acts of invocation and incantation to encourage spell-making for personal improvement and a deeper understanding of one's psyche, emphasizing that it is not for self-aggrandizement or a route to spiritual illumination.

"NEEDLES OF STONE" by Tom Graves, "PENDULUM: THE Psi CONNECTION" by Francis Hitching, and "DIVINING THE PRIMARY SENSE" by Herbert Weaver

These three books are presented as welcome expositions of types of energies generally ignored by orthodox science. Hitching's account is detailed, Graves draws parallels between man's interaction with landscape and prehistoric sites, and Weaver hypothesizes unfamiliar radiation. Hitching's previous book, "Earth Magic," explored energy at prehistoric standing stones. Graves builds on Guy Underwood's work on the earth's subtle patterns, linking dowsing abilities to ancient sacred sites and mapping changing energy patterns. The reviewer notes that Graves links leys with a distinctive "overground" pulse, providing evidence for ley power. The analogy of needles in Chinese acupuncture is used to explain effects on energy flows. The work of Tom Lethbridge on ghosts is found to amplify arguments about weather control. Graves's discussion of paganism versus Christianity is noted as potentially controversial. The reviewer suggests that the powers used in ancient times to enhance life quality could be utilized again.

Weaver's approach is described as erudite and potentially cranky, requiring the reader to take everything at face value. He argues for the use of symbols in buildings and rituals, drawing from observations of flora and fauna. His work is seen as a useful line of research, impressive in its originality and thoroughness.

"THE FOLKLORE OF STAFFORDSHIRE" by Jon Raven and "COUNTRY WHEELWRIGHT" by Jocelyn Bailey

Jon Raven's book is the latest in a series of finely researched country folklore volumes from Batsford, covering seasons, life events, pastimes, folk medicine, superstition, and legends. It balances the supernatural with rituals and practices connected with festivals. Raven writes authoritatively, drawing on his scholarship as a folksong collector. The book is a living record of humor, pastimes, and working life. "Country Wheelwright" is described as touching an emotive chord, with period pictures making it an attractive buy for those interested in dying crafts and the "Good Life"-style self-sufficiency.

Magazines and Journals

UNDERCURRENTS

A bi-monthly magazine devoted to alternative technology and radical viewpoints. Issues reviewed include No. 28 (dull, with some interesting pieces on the feminine principle and Windscale), No. 29 (special issue on women and energy, parts better than No. 28 but with feminist extremism), and No. 30 (bored the reviewer, but noted mycological book reviews).

S.I.S. REVIEW

A journal of the Society for Interdisciplinary Studies. Issue Vol. II, No. 4, features forum on Velikovsky's theories, isotopicanomalies, and a summary of scientists' responses to "cranks." An offshoot, "Workshop," is a more informal journal for developing ideas, including discussions on Velikovsky, horology, the zodiac, cave paintings, and dragons.

PENDRAGON

A quarterly journal with a theme of dragons. Reviews cover topics like "Serpents, Dragons and the Mother Goddess," "Dragon Persecution in Devonshire," and "Somerset Dragons."

SKYWATCH

A publication of the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team, reporting on UFOs, earth energies, and investigation team news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores subjects outside mainstream scientific and archaeological consensus, focusing on "earth mysteries," alternative viewpoints, folklore, and esoteric knowledge. The editor, Paul Screeton, aims to provide a platform for less conventional ideas and research, often reviewing books that challenge established paradigms. There is a clear interest in ancient history, mythology, and the potential for rediscovering lost knowledge and skills. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into subjects that are often dismissed or overlooked by mainstream academia, encouraging readers to consider a wider range of possibilities and interpretations.

Title: FORTEAN TIMES
Issue: No. 25, No. 26
Date: Spring 1978 (issue date for MUFOB is Spring 1978, issue 10)
Price: £3 for Fortean Times, £1-25 for MUFOB, 30p or 85p for 3-issue sub of WARK, £1 for Coven, £2-40 for The Atlantean, 65p for Lantern, £2 for Picwinnard, £1-75 for Nessletter, £1-75 for Quest, £2-50 for Sangreal, £1-50 for Parapsychology Book News.

This issue of Fortean Times, along with its contemporary reviews of other niche publications, offers a deep dive into the world of esoteric subjects, ufology, earth mysteries, and the paranormal during the late 1970s. The magazine itself, edited by Bob Rickard, is described as a miscellany of news, notes, and references on current and historical strange phenomena, related subjects, and philosophies. It aims to question scientific paradigms and explore the brain/mind problem. Issue 25 features discussions on a Dutch "UFO" painting, high strangeness, phantom cats, outer space oddities, and feral children. Issue 26 continues with similar themes, including antiquities, compulsion, odd wildlife, and electromagnetic oddities, alongside an article by Ton Bearden on cattle mutilations.

Publication Reviews

MUFOB (New Series 10, Spring 1978): This ufology journal is praised for its intelligent and challenging content. A key article, "A Structured Approach To the Analysis of Non-Physical UFO Evidence" by Donald A Johnson, is highlighted. The editorial team's viewpoints are noted as coeval with the reviewer's. Other contributions include a piece on the Hartlepool Press's reaction to the 1909 airship scare, Roger Sandell on ancient astronautology, and book reviews. New Series 11 includes the reviewer's article "A Newspaper Looks At The Airship," Nigel Watson's investigation into the case of witness Paul Bennett, and Harry Tokarz's query on whether UFO witnesses are public property.

THE LEY HUNTER (No. 81 & 82): Described as "unsurpassable in the field of earthy mysteries," this magazine offers a special readers' issue with numerous letters on earth mysteries topics. Issue 81 features an alignment of Cotswold leys by editors Paul Devereux and Ian Thomson, along with an aerial supplement. Jimmy Goddard reports on Moot 478, and Paul Screeton discusses the DoE policy at Stonehenge. Issue 82 includes contributions from John A. Glover on astrology, Jeremy Harte on early games, Paul Screeton on anti-science symbolism, Dr Derek Banks on "reality," and Paul Devereux on community geomancy. Chris Castle reviews an exhibition, David Furlong discusses round leys, and Guy Ragland Phillips seeks Blacko. The magazine is lauded for its excellent book reviews and miscellaneous items.

WARK (No. 11 & 12): This is a review of fanzines and semi-prozines, offering a guide to magazines produced by fans across various genres. Issue 11 reviews British fantasy magazines, Mike Grace on U.K. comiczines, and critically, Dave Langford's "ill-informed" piece on "occult fanzines." It also features a letter column and a cover with wild cat and Celtic heads. Issue 12 is noted for Ro's commentary on Fortean Times, alongside discussions on fantasy, comics, "The Prisoner," and letters.

COVEN (No. 2): This new magazine from A.H. Services focuses on the Western Mystery Tradition, folklore, and crafts. Peter King's article on "The Illuminati Conspiracy" is found unimpressive, while Arnold Weetch's "The Ayana Cult" is enjoyed. Derek J. Rolls offers sensible commentary on Dr Dee and TZs. The issue also includes a poem, a review, and adverts.

THE ATLANTEAN (No. 174 & 175): This magazine explores a society focused on tolerance, understanding, and spiritual expansion. Issue 174 features an article by Athene Willians on the occult effect of music, Sir George Trevelyan on New Age Thought, Mary Collier on Druidic/Roman times, and Susan Rooliff on "What it Means to be an Occultist." Betty Wood's "Signs of the Times" column is highlighted, along with reports on weather, earthquakes, UFOs, the Turin shroud, fossils, yeti, and a vulture sighting. Issue 175 is noted for a sensible piece on dreams by Nerys Dee and the reviewer's own Fortean piece on amphibian/reptilian curiosities. Pages 10 and 31 were blank, hindering full comment.

LANTERN (No. 22 & 23): Published by the Borderline Science Investigation Group, this magazine covers topics like East Anglian Field Names, the Secret Tunnels of Norfolk and Suffolk, UFO reports, and snippets from old publications. Issue 23 includes "Spellthorn" (Journal of the East Suffolk and Norfolk Antiquarians), Mike Howard on witchcraft, recent hauntings, UFO and mystery lights reports, and an unfinished piece of investigative journalism by Ivan Bunn on "Black Toby."

PICWINNARD (No. 5): This magazine focuses on Wessex leys and folklore. It includes surveys of pre-Christian Glastonbury, "Midsummer," "Patterns of Mystery," an Exmoor ley hunt, and "Cornish: A language of Wessex." Vince Russett debates ghosts, and "Borborygmus" lists Forteana items. Book reviews and magazine listings are also present, concluding with churches as ley points.

NESSLETTER (No. 28 & 29): From Rip Hepple's Ness Information Service, this publication covers various topics. Issue 28 features an investigation into Tony Shiels' "No. 1" slide and an affidavit. Issue 29 details Rip's holiday experiences at Loch Ness, Theo Brown's underwater experiment suggesting a 30' creature, work by the Academy of Applied Science, and sightings.

QUEST (No. 34): This magazine covers a broad range of subjects including the Aquarian Age, esoteric medicine, Silbury Hill, "Magicians, Mystics and Scientists," numbers, summer festivals, and Celtic symbols. It includes book reviews, notices, and announcements.

SANGREAL (Vol. 1, No. 1): A new magazine on the Western Mystery Tradition, folklore, and crafts. It features an article by Gareth Knight on Isis, the Holy Grail, the Rollrights, and Silbury Hill. Announcements and book reviews are also included.

PARAPSYCHOLOGY BOOK NEWS (Vol. 1, No. 2): This publication lists books on parapsychology, reincarnation, and psychic experiences, as well as magazines and journals. It includes articles on the literature of the Spiritualist movement and book reviews.

JOURNAL OF GEOMANCY (Vol. 2, No. 4): This journal promotes debate on sacred geometry, TZs, leys, geomatic lore, and earth mysteries. It features discussions on the Wandlebury debate, "Coldharbours," Bury St Edmunds TZs, geomancy, Andover church alignments, and ley hunting. It also includes letters, reviews, and other items.

ALBION (No. 1): Dubbed "The National Magazine for Enquiry into the Ancient Mysteries of Britain," this issue covers mazes, labyrinths, geomancy, ancient stone crosses, holy wells, hobbyhorses, and step charms. It also includes a piece on Scottish subterranea.

Special Offer: "THE LAMBTON WORM AND OTHER NORTHUMBRIAN DRAGON LEGENDS" by Paul Screeton is available for £2-35.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this collection of publications are ufology, earth mysteries, folklore, ancient mysteries, and the Western Mystery Tradition. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of exploring unconventional ideas and questioning mainstream scientific paradigms, as exemplified by Fortean Times' stated mission. The reviews highlight a diverse range of perspectives, from structured ufological analysis to explorations of ancient sites, geomancy, and esoteric traditions. The publications generally aim to inform and engage individuals interested in the unexplained and the fringe aspects of history and belief.