At The Edge - No 01 - 1996 03

Magazine Overview

'At the Edge' is a new magazine, with its first issue dated March 1996, identified as Issue No.1 and Volume 1. It is published quarterly by 'At the Edge' and edited by Bob Trubshaw. The magazine aims to bridge disciplines such as archaeology, folklore, and mythology, focusing on innovative ideas and interpretations of the past and place. The cover price is £2.00.

Contents and Key Articles

The issue features a diverse range of articles, including:

• Otherworld Cattle by Hilda Ellis Davidson: This article delves into the historical and mythological significance of cattle and milk, particularly in relation to goddesses and the concept of 'Otherworld' cattle across various cultures, from Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to Greece and Northern Europe. It highlights the importance of milk and butter in ancient customs and legends, and the lingering memories of sacred cattle in folklore.
• The Perilous Bridge by Alby Stone: This piece explores the symbolic meaning of bridges as liminal objects that connect separate realms, often associated with danger, enchantment, and transition. It draws parallels with mythological bridges like the Cinvat bridge in Zoroastrianism, the Altaic shaman's journey, and the Norse Bifrost, as well as modern interpretations in film.
• Time & Place: the TV of our minds by Anthony Weir
• Under the Greenwood Tree by Jeremy Harte
• The Wise Men of Gotham by Frank E. Earp
• Exploring Past and Place by Bob Trubshaw: This article, mentioned as a place where the editor's own interests can be found, likely sets the tone for the magazine's interdisciplinary approach.
• White Dragon keeps EM alive in Midlands by Rowan
• Ancient Taplow by Eric Fitch
• FOGS brings stones out of the mist by Marian Nagahiro: This appears to be the lead story, as indicated by the cover headline.

The issue also includes abstracts and reviews.

Editorial Stance and Future Outlook

In his introductory "HELLO!" message, editor Bob Trubshaw describes 'At the Edge' as neither a heavyweight academic periodical nor from the fanciful fringe. He positions it as a magazine that walks 'on the cracks' between disciplines, offering accessible insights. He notes that many current subscribers have transferred from his previous publication, 'Mercian Mysteries', and hopes 'At the Edge' is an improvement. While acknowledging the absence of Midlands-specific content from 'Mercian Mysteries', he points to Rowan's article as bridging this gap. Trubshaw clarifies that 'At the Edge' is not solely an 'earth mysteries' magazine, but rather incorporates a rag-bag of topics related to such mysteries, alongside other subjects. The title 'At the Edge' is interpreted as referring to the edges of academe where innovative ideas emerge, and the work of 'part-time non-professionals' with solid research. He expresses a desire for the magazine to evolve organically, driven by its contributors.

The magazine also includes a section on forthcoming issues, listing potential articles on topics such as 'Oxhide tales', 'Churches moved by night', 'Bog burials', and 'A pagan Gothic ritual', indicating a continued focus on folklore, mythology, and unusual historical phenomena.

Subscription Information and Publisher Details

Subscription rates are provided: UK £7.00, Europe £8.00, and Rest of world (air mail) £11.00 for four issues. Cheques should be made payable to 'At the Edge'. Overseas payments require an International Money Order or a sterling cheque drawn on a UK bank. The magazine is printed in England by Newark Chamber of Commerce. Contact details for subscriptions and inquiries are provided, including an address in Wymeswold, Loughborough.

Copyright and Opinions

The copyright for all articles, illustrations, and photographs is held jointly by the author/artist/photographer and the editor. Uncredited articles and reviews are attributed to the editor. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those held by the editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this first issue revolve around folklore, mythology, archaeology, and the exploration of unusual or 'liminal' aspects of the past and place. The editorial stance, as articulated by Bob Trubshaw, is one of interdisciplinary exploration, valuing original research and innovative ideas that emerge from the boundaries of conventional academic fields. There is a clear intention to move beyond a narrow focus on 'earth mysteries' while still embracing related topics.

Title: TIME & PLACE
Issue: No.1
Date: March 1996
Subtitle: The TV of our minds

This issue of 'Time & Place' explores the profound symbolism and cultural significance of bridges, the constructed nature of reality, and the intricate relationship between language, nature, and human consciousness.

The Symbolism of Bridges

The issue begins by examining the multifaceted symbolism of bridges, drawing examples from cinema, literature, and history. Bridges are presented not merely as structures for crossing, but as potent symbols that can unite or divide, represent personal reconciliation, and even lead to tragic ends, as seen in the film 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'. The article highlights the ironic transformation of bridges from facilitating safe passage to becoming places of danger and death, citing the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs as examples.

Bridges are also associated with the journey of the dead and the return of the dead to the living, as in the German tradition of Charlemagne crossing the Rhine. They are often believed to be haunted, akin to crossroads. In wartime, bridges become strategic targets, but their destruction often carries symbolic weight, as with the historic bridge at Mostar in Bosnia, where its demolition by Serbian militia symbolized ethnic divisions.

The article connects the role of the 'sovereign pontiff' (Pontifex Maximus) to bridge-building, suggesting that papal commands, like bridge-builders, determine passage and set crucial tests. The inherent peril of bridges, symbolizing the transition between worlds, is emphasized.

Historical and Mythological Perspectives on Bridges and Boundaries

The narrative then delves into historical and mythological accounts. The Roman hero Horatius Cocles is credited with defending the Pons Sublicius bridge against Etruscans, a tale possibly explaining the ritual casting of straw effigies called Argei into the Tiber. The Roman concept of Rome as an ideal state, a representation of the cosmos, is linked to the idea of citizenship not being easily given. The Argei are seen as symbolic of those who do not belong, cast into the waters like unworthy souls falling from a bridge to paradise.

Heimdallr, the Norse god, and other watchmen and guardians who bar bridges, are mentioned as occupying a similar mythological niche. The Cinvat bridge in Iranian religious literature is presented as an object of veneration and a cipher for admission to paradise. The title 'Pontifex Maximus' is literally translated as 'greatest bridge-builder', linking the divine and the mundane, with papal commands acting as crucial tests for entry into heaven.

The Construction of Reality: Time, Place, and Language

Anthony Weir's contribution, 'The TV of our minds', challenges conventional notions of time and place. Weir argues that our perception of place is subjective and dependent on individual roles and perspectives. He posits that time, in a linear sense, is a fiction, intrinsically linked to the sense of self and ego, while place is bound up with property and collectivity. Modern concepts of time and place are seen as intertwined with nationalisms.

Weir criticizes the 'Historical Fallacy' – the projection of present concerns onto the past. He contrasts the Victorian obsession with grand schemes and progress with the Romantic view of history, which emphasizes a fallen state of 'Primitive Grace'. He argues that our concept of reality is artificial and culture-bound, shaped by the public world, economies, and the 'education' system that leads us away from inner awareness. The 'scientific fallacy' assumes a definitive 'real world' discoverable through categorization, ignoring the subjective nature of knowledge.

Detachment from Nature and the Past

The issue further explores how modern culture has become detached from nature and the past. Weir suggests that we are programmed to see what our learning structures dictate, leading to an unpoetic view of the world. He questions how we can reconnect with cyclical, flowing world-views when our current society is focused on global politics, fact versus fiction, and a linear progression of time. He laments the loss of connection to landscape and nature, seeing streams as mere resources rather than sacred entities.

Archaeological interpretations of the past are criticized as cultural dreams, lacking empathy. The schooling system is seen as removing natural wisdom and enthusiasm, leaving individuals emotionally crippled. The article contrasts this with the potential for feeling landscape as hunter-gatherers did, and laments the loss of connection to the sacred.

The 'Greenwood' and Medieval Romance

Jeremy Harte's article, 'Under the Greenwood Tree', examines the medieval concept of the forest and its role in romance and folklore. He argues that the medieval period, often romanticized, was packed with figures that have become the stock-in-trade of fantasy writers. The 'magic mirror of mediaevalism' is seen as a way to conjure up visions of the past, but the question is raised whether this is genuine history or therapy for unease about breaking with the past.

Medieval art and architecture are described as a 'living extravagance', a genuine fantasy. The article contrasts the romanticized view of the countryside with the reality of dour peasants. It suggests that the sense of nature's mystic power was largely a construct of later poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge.

The concept of 'the greenwood' is explored as a place of refuge, freedom, and poetry, distinct from the 'wildness' that was often seen as an enemy. The Robin Hood ballads are presented as embodying this romantic ideal of the greenwood, where outlaws could live a magical, anti-king existence. The article notes that the administrative machinery of forest law declined by the 14th century, shifting emphasis from venison to timber.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the symbolic power of structures and landscapes, the subjective and culturally constructed nature of reality, time, and place, and the perceived detachment of modern society from nature and myth. The editorial stance appears critical of contemporary Western culture's materialistic, linear, and ego-centric worldview, advocating for a more holistic, poetic, and connected approach to understanding the world and its past. There is a strong emphasis on the power of language to shape perception and the potential for poetry to offer deeper insights than prose or academic analysis.

Title: Northern Earth
Issue: No.1
Date: March 1996
Price: £1.75

This issue of Northern Earth, an informed quarterly journal of Earth Mysteries and Cultural Tradition, delves into various aspects of folklore, mythology, and archaeology, with a strong focus on the "Wise Men of Gotham" and new interpretations in the study of the past.

The Wise Men of Gotham

The central article, "The Wise Men of Gotham," by Frank Earp, explores the history and origins of the "Gotham Tales." These stories, first published around 1540 as "The Merry Tales of the Mad Men of Gotham," later became known as tales of the "Wise Men." The article discusses the mystery surrounding the authorship, with the pseudonym "A.B. of Phisicke Doctor" likely a ploy to suggest Andrew Borde. The tales are noted for their perverse logic and timeless quality, suggesting they might be the "urban myths" of their time. The popularity of these tales is examined, noting their enduring appeal across centuries and continents.

A Question of Origin

The article addresses the localization of the tales to Gotham in Nottinghamshire, but also introduces a claim from a Gotham in Sussex. While Andrew Borde was born in Sussex, the tales themselves appear to be written about the Nottinghamshire village, supported by historical facts like rent payments to lords of Leicester and Chester.

Other Villages of Fools

It is noted that Gotham is not unique, with at least 45 other villages in England and Wales claiming similar tales. However, Gotham is distinguished by preserving a complete collection of tales and many of their associated locations.

The Cuckoo Bush Tale

This prominent tale describes the men of Gotham building a hedge to keep a cuckoo from flying away. The story is linked to pagan interpretations and the cuckoo's role as a herald of spring and its association with the Otherworld. The tale's myth is also found in other villages, and Gotham has a preserved site of a "Cuckoo Bush" mound.

Feigned Madness

The article explores the reason behind the Gothamites' feigned madness. Two main versions of the "King John origin" story are presented: one where the villagers feign madness to avoid paying for a new King's Highway, and another where King John was planning to build a hunting lodge nearby. A third, less-known version collected by Stapleton describes farmers physically stopping King John's chariot.

Pagan Practices and the Fool Archetype

Evidence suggests many of the Gotham tales stem from pre-Christian pagan practices. The article links the tales to tumuli and ancient pagan origins. The shift from "mad men" to "wise men" is discussed, with the "fool" archetype being central. The "fool" is presented as a figure possessing wisdom and a connection to the divine, akin to a shaman.

The Universal Village of Fools

Globally, various cultures have had their own "villages of fools," including Phrysia in Asia Minor, Abde'ra in Thrace, Boeotia in Greece, and Sabia in Germany. The article highlights Nazareth as a significant example for ancient Jews, where being called a "Nazarine" meant being called a fool.

Main Sources

The article lists key sources, including works by Sandra Billington, J.E. Field, and A. Stapleton, as well as "The Exploits of the Incomparable Mulla Nasrudin" by Idries Shah.

Viking Crafts

A section on "Viking Crafts" showcases authentic style games and artifacts from the Viking Age, featuring examples of Pagan Thor's Hammers and other pendants, with contact information for ordering a catalogue.

Gotham, Sussex

An article by R.A. Stevens presents the case for a Gotham in East Sussex as a potential origin for the "mad people" tales, suggesting it might have been an early tax-avoidance scheme. Stevens notes that Andrew Borde lived near this area and wrote about a village named Gotham. While modern maps do not show this village, historical records indicate its existence. The article speculates that local conditions, such as "Marsh Fever," might have contributed to stories of "mad" villagers.

Bob Trubshaw: Exploring Past & Place

Bob Trubshaw, editor of "At the Edge," discusses the magazine's mission to explore new interpretations of the past in archaeology, folklore, and mythology. He argues that "earth mysteries" research offers an antidote to excessive scientism and that "fringe" approaches, while often disregarded, can provide valuable insights. Trubshaw highlights the shift towards landscape archaeology and the recognition of human lifestyles being connected to the environment. He notes the growing interest in bridging academic and alternative approaches, citing pioneers in social and landscape archaeology.

The Past is a Foreign Country

This section reviews several key academic works that are changing the way the past is understood. It discusses the "hermeneutic" schools of thought, which emphasize interpreting monuments as complex architecture with spiritual or mythic significance. Works by Julian Thomas, Richard Bradley, and collections of papers like "Landscape: Politics and Perspectives" are highlighted for their innovative approaches to understanding prehistoric landscapes, sites, and human experiences.

Towards a Sharing of Views

This section reflects on the stages of criticism, from impossibility to usefulness, and suggests that those involved in "alternative" archaeology may recognize these stages. It mentions the work of Leslie Grinsell, Aubrey Burl, Paul Devereux, and others who have contributed to a more symbolic and integrated understanding of prehistoric sites and landscapes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the past, valuing folklore, mythology, and earth mysteries alongside academic archaeology. It advocates for "new interpretations" and a broader perspective that connects human experience to the landscape. The editorial stance appears to be one of challenging conventional academic paradigms and exploring less-trodden paths in the study of history and culture.

Title: At the Edge
Issue: No.1 March 1996
Publisher: At the Edge
Country: UK
Language: English
Cover Headline: White dragon keeps EM alive in Midlands

This issue of 'At the Edge' magazine, dated March 1996, focuses on earth mysteries, archaeology, and paganism. The cover prominently features an article introducing 'White Dragon', a magazine that aims to fill the gap left by 'Mercian Mysteries' in covering earth mysteries in the Midlands.

Main Articles

The Taplow Burial Mound: Taeppa's Mound

This extensive feature details the discovery and excavation of a significant Anglo-Saxon burial mound at Taplow, Buckinghamshire. The mound, named after the Old English personal name Taeppa, is located on the Taplow Court Estate. The observation of parch marks revealed the foundations of a church that predated the medieval structure, possibly dating to around 700 AD, making it one of the earliest in the country. The excavation of Taeppa's mound in 1883 by James Rutland uncovered what was then the richest Anglo-Saxon burial, surpassed only later by Sutton Hoo. The grave goods included a gold buckle, gilt bronze clasps, drinking horns with gilt silver mounts, bone gaming pieces, a gold fringe, an iron sword, spear heads, shield bosses, a knife, a bronze Coptic bowl, a bronze-lined cauldron, wooden buckets, and bronze ornaments. These items indicate the buried individual was a man of considerable status, likely a chieftain, with the burial dated to around AD 620, contemporary with Sutton Hoo. The article speculates that Taeppa might have been a relative of King Raedwald of East Anglia.

The article also touches upon the burial practices of the Anglo-Saxons, noting the contrast between inhumation and cremation, and the reverence for barrows. It draws parallels with the funeral ceremonies described in the epic poem Beowulf, suggesting a similar scenario of treasure being placed in the barrow. The arrival of Christianity, marked by St Birinus at Taplow, led to the eventual disappearance of these pagan rites.

Bapsey Pond and The Witches' Revenge

Adjacent to Taeppa's mound is Bapsey Pond, a once-sacred pool. Legend has it that around 642 AD, St Birinus converted local pagan Anglo-Saxons by baptising them in this pond. The name 'Bapsey' is a contraction of 'baptism'. The article recounts how, in the early nineteenth century, the Grenfell family, who purchased Taplow Court Estate, enlarged their grounds, demolished the old church, and culverted the spring feeding Bapsey Pond. Local tradition claims that witches cursed the Grenfell family, decreeing that ownership would never pass from father to son, a curse seemingly borne out by the early deaths of William Henry Grenfell's three sons. The witches' displeasure is attributed to the desecration of the sacred spring, possibly dedicated to Anu.

The article also mentions the presence of yew trees, traditionally planted to protect against storms raised by witches, and notes that a large yew tree once stood on Taeppa's mound itself.

Friends of Grampian Stones (FOGS)

This section highlights the work of FOGS, a charity founded in 1989 to rescue unique neolithic stone circles and Pictish symbol stones in Aberdeenshire. The organization has successfully identified and listed numerous ancient monuments, acting as a liaison between authorities and the public to ensure their protection. FOGS engages in an 'Adopt-a-circle' and 'Adopt-a-stone' project, involving community groups and schoolchildren. An example cited is the restoration of the Bullhide Stone at Glenkindie, where schoolchildren were instrumental in its re-erection. FOGS also collaborates with the University of Aberdeen to provide educational talks on prehistory and archaeo-astronomy.

'White Dragon' - Continuing Earth Mysteries Coverage

Introduced by the editor, Rowan, 'White Dragon' magazine aims to continue the coverage of earth mysteries in the Midlands following the cessation of 'Mercian Mysteries'. Rowan emphasizes that while 'White Dragon' is a pagan, witchcraft, and occult magazine, it is open to contributions on earth mysteries and seeks to provide a sympathetic forum for writers. The magazine intends to publish at least one substantial earth mysteries article per issue and invites submissions from interested readers.

Book Review: 'As Dust to the Sword'

A brief announcement promotes a new book by Adele Butler titled 'As Dust to the Sword', described as a collection of seven ghost stories from the English Civil War period, illustrated by Yuri Leitch. The book is available for £3.00.

Archaeological Abstracts

This section provides brief summaries of recent archaeological research and findings:

• Prehistoric rock art: Richard Bradley's research suggests abstract motifs on prehistoric rock art were used because their meanings were not meant for casual observers and indicated sustained importance.
• 'Entoptic patterns' in Irish passage graves: Statistical analysis correlates motifs in Irish passage graves with those created by non-Western cultures during altered states of consciousness, linking the art to visions.
• La Hougue Bie: An investigation of this large passage-grave on Jersey revealed possible evidence of opium or cannabis resin in pots from secondary burials.
• 'Better than 1976': Aerial photography due to drought in 1995 revealed more previously unknown sites than in the record year of 1976, including Neolithic barrows and Iron Age remains across England, and cursuses in Germany and Hungary.
• Stonehenge threat resumes: Proposals for a six-lane highway through the Stonehenge World Heritage site have resurfaced, with a road tunnel being recommended as the only solution, though cost is a concern.
• Stonehenge and Preseli: The debate continues regarding the origin of Stonehenge's 'blue stones', with arguments for them being man-moved from the Preseli mountains gaining traction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine 'At the Edge' consistently explores themes of earth mysteries, archaeology, folklore, and paganism. The editorial stance, as exemplified by the 'White Dragon' introduction, is one of open-mindedness, encouraging diverse perspectives and new voices within these fields, while maintaining a critical and rigorous approach to research. There is a clear emphasis on the connection between the past, place, and human consciousness, and a concern for the preservation of ancient sites and traditions. The magazine also highlights the importance of local history and mythology, as seen in the detailed coverage of the Taplow mound and the work of FOGS.

Title: At the Edge
Issue: No.1
Volume: March 1996
Publisher: At the Edge
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

Featured Articles and Reviews

Archaeology and Ancient Sites

The issue highlights several archaeological discoveries and studies. Nick Nutall's work on 'Seabed boulders may solve Stonehenge riddle' is mentioned, referencing 'The Times' and 'Antiquity' for discussions on confirming a man-assisted journey of Stonehenge's bluestones from Wales. The chamber tombs of Pembrokeshire are presented as a significant area of study, with a mention of Christopher Tilley's 'A phenomenology of landscape'.

A significant find is a large bronze age ceremonial and occupation site near Eastbourne, dubbed 'Flag Fen 'copied in Sussex', showing similarities to the famous Flag Fen site and dating to 800-600 BC, yielding high-status imported bronze artifacts and human burials. Another discovery is a 'Bronze age 'housing estate'' near Reading, potentially revealing up to 100 structures and offering insights into bronze age lifestyles.

Mythology and Cosmology

An article explores 'Mayan cosmology', offering an ambitious look at the religion and mythology of the central American Maya people. It suggests that Maya kings were shamans and that the Milky Way was perceived as the World Tree and the Cosmic Monster. The review references 'Maya Cosmos' by Freidel, Scheie, and Parker.

Folklore and Local Legends

The 'Black dogs in Coventry' section notes place-names suggesting a history of phantom black dog sightings in the Whitmoor Park area. 'Horse whisperers' secrets' delves into the 'Horseman's Word', suggesting the 'whispering' might have been a 'decoy' for tricks involving the smell of dead moles and herbs, referencing Peter Bayliss's article.

Ufology and Controversial Topics

An article titled 'Alien abductions abnegated' criticizes exponents like Budd Hopkins, David Jacobs, and John Mack, calling their work 'gross intellectual sloppiness' and suggesting the evidence offered should not fool anyone. The piece is noted for its writing on 'little-understood mental processes'.

Geography and Demographics

'Population centre of Britain' discusses the 'centre of gravity' of the UK population, revealing a steady drift southwards throughout the century. This drift is attributed to Conservative policies and EU membership.

Book Reviews

The Living Stream: Holy wells in historical context by James Rattue is highly praised as one of the best English books on the well cult. The review highlights its solid research, clear referencing, and avoidance of fantasy. It concurs with Francis Jones's argument that well cults have religious roots, with Rattue suggesting 'the religious symbolism of water' as the origin. The book traces the history of the well cult from prehistory to the present, including an evaluation of contemporary neo-pagan views. It notes the author's focus on historical data and novel ideas regarding well distribution, rather than claims of cures. The impact of the Reformation on well cults is also considered.

Earth Mysteries by Philip Heselton is described as a valuable introductory work, retaining original text from 1991 but enhanced with colour illustrations. It emphasizes the 'spirit of place' and 'poetic geography', encouraging readers to experience the countryside. The review positions it as a document reviewing about 30 years of 'fringe exploration'.

Secret Places of the Goddess by Philip Heselton is presented as a 'work book' for re-establishing the ability to respond to place and environment, linking aspects of modern-day paganism and Taoist principles. It is recommended for its personal approach and ability to stimulate a response to place.

Native American Traditions by Arthur Versluis is reviewed as a companion volume to 'Earth Mysteries', but criticized for flitting between topics and providing too many specific examples, resulting in a patchy overview. While focusing on North American Indians, it includes comparisons with South American and other global traditions.

Arthurian Myth and Legend by Mike Dixon-Kennedy is an encyclopedia covering over 2000 entries, praised for its breadth and depth, making it beneficial for newcomers to Arthurian mythology. The review suggests it would be ideal for a CD-ROM format.

The Unknown Arthur by John Matthews is lauded for presenting little-known Arthurian legends in modern prose, drawing on the author's extensive knowledge. While the stories are readable, the illustrations by Mark Robertson are noted as distracting. The review mentions two reissued books by John Matthews: 'Merlin Through the Ages' and 'King Arthur and the Grail Quest'.

King Arthur's Britain: A photographic odyssey by John Matthews and Michael J. Stead is described as a 'bedside table book' featuring stunning colour photographs of Arthurian sites with brief text. It is appreciated for its evocative images and reminders of mythology, serving as a way to unwind.

The Book of Celtic Saints by Courtney Davis, with text by Elaine Gill, is reviewed for its 'Celtic' artwork, which is noted as pioneering but also confusingly influenced by Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian art. The illustrations are described as representational but sometimes too romantic, and the borders make the pages too 'busy'. The text provides a concise introduction to sixteen saints.

Alfred Watkins of Hereford by Allen Watkins is a limited edition biography of the author of 'The Old Straight Track', dealing with his various inventive activities as well as the infamous leys. A small number of unsold signed copies are available.

Meet the Dragon: An introduction to Beowulf's adversary by Bill Griffiths is a study of the evolution of the dragon, from a guardian of treasure to a symbol of aggression, with a central focus on its role in the Anglo-Saxon poem 'Beowulf'.

Little-known Leicestershire and Rutland - THE HYPERTEXT by Bob Trubshaw is presented as a computer-readable guide to local sites, including holy wells, standing stones, and medieval church carvings, with text links to OS grid references and illustrations.

Other Sections

Letters: The magazine thanks readers for their support and encourages letters of information or comment, offering a free issue for published correspondence.

Help!: A plea for readers to assist in compiling the 'Abstracts' section by submitting interesting information from daily papers and obscure scientific journals.

Books Received: A list of recently received books includes 'The Living World of Faery' and 'Working with Dreams'.

Notice This!: An advertisement for advertising space in the magazine, noting that the back cover is available with spot colour.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes related to earth mysteries, archaeology, folklore, mythology, and ancient history. There is a clear interest in the origins and evolution of ancient beliefs, practices, and sites, often with a focus on the British Isles but also extending to global traditions. The editorial stance appears to favor well-researched, albeit sometimes unconventional, approaches to these subjects, as evidenced by the critical review of 'alien abductions' literature and the praise for grounded, academic work like Rattue's on holy wells. The magazine also seems to encourage reader participation and the sharing of information, as seen in the 'Help!' section and the call for letters.