Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review - No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKILLS AND WISDOM REVIEW
Issue: No. 8
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Country: United Kingdom
Price: 50p (single copy)

This issue of the "Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review" delves into various aspects of earth mysteries, ufology, and ancient knowledge, featuring reviews of several key books and journals. The publication is edited and published by Paul Screeton from Seaton Carew, Hartlepool.

Book Reviews

"The Ley Hunter's Companion" by Paul Devereux & Ian Thomson

The review praises this book for its perfect concept and ambience, describing it as a loving but strictly guiding manual for ley hunting. It acknowledges Alfred Watkins as the founder of ley hunting and mentions Donald Maxwell and John Michell for popularizing the hobby. The book is noted for its fluid presentation and updating of ley hunting theory, incorporating UFOs and psychic subjects. The reviewer expresses admiration for Thames & Hudson and Devereux's work, highlighting the physical effort involved in tracing the 40 leys presented.

"The Ancient Science of Geomancy" by Nigel Pennick

Nigel Pennick's book is presented as a comprehensive introduction to geomancy, which is defined as the science of harmonizing human habitats and activities with the natural world. The review notes Pennick's argument against the necessity of hierarchical social structures for ancient engineering feats and his work through the Institute of Geomantic Research. The book covers topography, geometry, astrology, and astronomy, offering an easy-to-understand explanation of traditional sacred knowledge. Some sections are noted as truncated, possibly due to publisher specifications.

"Pathways to the Gods" by Tony Morrison

This travel book is described as an exploration of detail and sense of place, blending archaeological and cosmological mystery with sociological and anthropological overviews. Morrison is commended for his open-mindedness, even considering the idea of the Nasca lines as landing strips. The book examines the Nasca lines and the straight lines of Bolivia, discussing their connection to faded rituals. It draws on the work of Maria Reiche and others, and highlights the independent discovery in Bolivia of paths converging towards mountaintop chapels. The review suggests the book makes a strong case for the existence of such lines by analogy with leys in Britain.

"Simulacra" by John Michell

John Michell's book, subtitled "Faces and Figures in Nature," is presented as a work that reassures those who see patterns in natural formations. The review acknowledges the mystical nature of the subject but finds it fascinating, illustrated by 196 pictures. Michell argues that nature encodifies creation's secrets, reflecting the metaphysical. The book is supported by the work of Mrs. Mollie Carey, who has documented numerous examples of such forms. The review mentions a tree bark syndrome example and a rumour about Rolling Stones' faces appearing in bark.

"The Philadelphia Experiment" by Charles Berlitz and William Moore

This book is reviewed as a best-seller that substantiates the legend of a 1943 U.S. Navy experiment involving a warship's disappearance and its bizarre effects on the crew. The authors are noted for accepting that the business could be entirely myth and for including components like mysterious disappearances and suppressed inventions. The reviewer expresses reservations, finding the book reminiscent of Carlos Castaneda's work without the allegory.

"The UFO Guidebook" by Norman J. Briazack and Simon Mennick

This book is described as an encyclopedia of ufology, covering the field from abductees to zoology. It is noted as a very American work, neglecting references to orthotenjoy (Jacques Vallee's theory) and leys. However, it is praised for filling a useful gap by collating language and terminology of ufology. The authors are credited with creating neologisms and presenting a balanced look at the UFO scene. The review concludes that UFOs are real, though their source and identity remain a mystery.

Journal and Newsletter Reviews

THE LEY HUNTER

This senior earth mysteries magazine celebrates ten years of publication. Issue No. 86 features a summary of talks from Moot '79, an article on the thoughts of Jimmy Goddard, and a forum with diverse topics including music, stone circles, and various research subjects.

NORTHERN EARTH MYSTERIES GROUP NEWSLETTER

This newsletter, edited by Philip Heselton, covers meetings and plans of the group. Contributions include articles on the earth mysteries field, terrestrial zodiacs, and E.M. work.

LANTERN

Published by The Borderline Science Investigation Group, this magazine features articles on Norwich's geomancy and a continuation of "Old Blunderhazard." It includes an insert called SPELLTHORN No. 5.

STONEHENGE VIEWPOINT

This newspaper-style magazine covers archaeology, astronomy, geology, and related arts. Articles discuss tumuli for observation, "Sighting Geometry," pre-Columbian maize, and the restoration of stones at Stonehenge.

PENDRAGON

This journal focuses on the archaeology and history of the Arthurian period. Issue No. 4 includes pieces on David Stringer, magic squares, and reviews of magazines and fiction.

"The Valley of the White Leaved Oak" by James McKay

This slim volume is supported by proceeds going to the Dragon Project. It describes an intriguing valley with a special geomantic significance and includes evocative prose about its brooding quality and Druidic rites.

NEW ENGLAND ANTIQUITIES RESEARCH ASSOCIATION JOURNAL

This journal features articles on "The Search for Lost America," stone chambers, root cellars, and U.S. megalithic sites. It includes an illustrated account of stone sites in the Taconic landscape.

"Feng Shui" by E.J. Eitel and "Feng Shui and the Chinese House" by Helena von Poseck

These publications are reviewed in the context of understanding Chinese geomancy. The reviewer notes that much more work is needed on Chinese systems and symbolism, which are deeply integrated with other aspects of Chinese knowledge.

"The Geomancy of Kwanhsien River System" by James Hutson

This article is noted for describing a natural water system and associated rites, including children building stone castles. The irrigation system discussed was a significant national work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient knowledge, landscape studies (ley hunting, geomancy), and unexplained phenomena (ufology). There is a clear interest in challenging materialistic viewpoints and promoting a more holistic understanding of history and human potential. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider diverse perspectives and to engage with the subjects presented. The publication serves as a platform for reviewing books, journals, and newsletters within the earth mysteries and ufology communities, fostering a sense of shared exploration and research.

This issue of "New Age" magazine, identified by the number 10, features reviews of two books: "The Quest for Gaia" by Kit Pedler and "The Six O'Clock Bus" by Moira Timms. The magazine appears to focus on alternative lifestyles, spirituality, and ecological concerns, with a strong "New Age" perspective.

Review of "The Quest for Gaia" by Kit Pedler

The review begins by introducing Kit Pedler's "The Quest for Gaia," published by Souvenir Press (£5-50). The reviewer notes that Pedler, a doctor of medicine and co-creator of the TV series "Doomwatch," has written three science fiction novels on similar themes. The book is presented as a critique of industrial society and its "noxious and obnoxious industries," suggesting that a "spurious Lords of Chaos" may be directing plans to harm humanity and the earth goddess, Gaia.

Pedler's quest for Gaia is described not as a scenario of savagery, but as an effort to evolve an expanded consciousness that embraces Gaia in harmony. Gaia is defined as the earth mother, encompassing the earth spirit and its web of life. The reviewer points out that readers of "New Age" magazine are likely familiar with Gaia in "earth mysteries (E.M.) studies," where ley lines are seen as the earth's nervous system. While the E.M. fraternity generally holds strong views on pollution and ecological issues, the reviewer observes they often do little to effect change. Pedler, however, is presented as someone who has made significant lifestyle changes, which form the basis of his book.

In his introduction, Pedler castigates both capitalism and communism, proposing "Gaianism" as a logical basis for personal equality and "Gaian technology" for the future. He uses the emotive word "cancer" to describe humanity's behavior towards the planet. Pedler advocates for "natural philosophers" and calls for the formation of a more generally agreed discipline, suggesting that this might emerge as "E.M. seekers, AT freaks, and such" unite.

The book is divided into three sections. The first analyzes Gaia as an entity and discusses ecology as a scientific means of understanding her. The reviewer believes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from the research of those in E.M. studies, could be even more fruitful, as many in this field have not been drawn to ecology, which is seen as a "darling" of the liberal establishment. The reviewer states that Gaia does not need "new bureaucracies or pretty metallic 'Save The Whale' badges," and that natural catastrophes are not irrational but contribute to Gaia's stability.

The second part of Pedler's book covers territory familiar to readers of magazines like "Undercurrents." It focuses on personal changes individuals can make to break away from industrial society, addressing the "entropy damage and costs of the consumer society." Pedler criticizes manufacturers and consumers of supermarket foods, appliances, and lifestyle choices, highlighting the suffering caused to animals and the broader implications for health.

The third part is described as a "blistering dissection of the cybernarchy," which Pedler views as the real rulers, with political parties acting as mere puppets. This section also offers ideas for an ideal new science.

Review of "The Six O'Clock Bus" by Moira Timms

The review then shifts to Moira Timms' "The Six O'Clock Bus" (Turnstone Press, £3-50). Timms is described as a lecturer on health, healing, and "coming change," who lives in California. Her book is presented as a critique of the "vibrating old ladies of spa towns" and offers a vision of redemption in a "once and future golden age."

Timms' book is subtitled "A Guide to Armageddon and the New Age." It draws upon millennial doubts and aspirations, synthesizing geological concepts, the Bermuda Triangle, Spiritual Sun, the work of Velikovsky, the Great Pyramid, Hopi Indians, organic gardening, and the "Jupiter Effect," which is linked to a "cosmic fruit machine jackpot line" leading to chaos.

The reviewer presumes readers of "New Age" will share "varying sectors of 'New Age' and 'alternative' thought" and find much to agree with in Timms' book. The reviewer endorses the fears of environmentalists for the planet's well-being and is reluctant to dismiss astrological predictions or other forms of prophecy. Part 4, "Emergency Stops," is noted to cover similar ground to Pedler's book, with minimal difference or disagreement. However, the reviewer states that Pedler takes a more practical view of the world, while Timms calls for those who wish to understand changes to achieve "New Age consciousness," with the book concluding with "Light and Love."

The reviewer finds the allegory of the "dream bus" in the title to be "clumsy and forced," despite an explanatory dream. The reviewer also recalls a past criticism from Timms' publisher, who suggested the reviewer's own book, "Quicksilver Heritage," seemed like a series of study notes strung together, implying a similar critique might be applied to Timms' work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The "New Age" magazine consistently explores themes of ecological awareness, alternative spirituality, and critiques of industrial and consumer society. The reviews highlight a preference for practical approaches to societal and personal change, as exemplified by Kit Pedler's work, while acknowledging the appeal of more consciousness-focused or prophetic perspectives found in authors like Moira Timms. The editorial stance appears to favor critical examination of established systems (capitalism, communism, cybernarchy) and promotes a holistic, earth-centered worldview, encouraging readers to engage with these ideas and make personal transformations.