At The Edge - No 07 - 1997 09

Magazine Overview

Title: At The EDGE
Issue: No.7
Date: September 1997
Price: £2.50
Publisher: Not explicitly stated, printed in England.
ISSN: 1361-0058
Editor: Bob Trubshaw

This issue of 'At The Edge' explores new interpretations of the past and place in archaeology, folklore, and mythology. The cover features a prominent article by Nigel Pennick on 'Leys as Ideology', alongside other articles on Indo-European world views, early English history, sacred sites in Surrey, and alignments at Uffington White Horse.

Articles

Leys as Ideology

Nigel Pennick, a researcher and writer known for his work on 'Earth Mysteries', critically examines the history of ley hunting. He proposes analyzing it not just as a chronology of events or ideas, but within its wider socio-psychological context as a belief system. Pennick traces the origins of ley hunting to Alfred Watkins, whom he identifies as the 'founding father'. He outlines the formative era, the influence of water diviners, and later interpretations, including the controversial link with Nazi ideology and the infusion with New Age creeds. Pennick suggests that ley hunting, like religions and political movements, has its pioneers and its heretics. He emphasizes that contemporary studies in folklore and history employ more rigorous critical analyses than many earth mysteries studies, which often rely on secondary sources. Pennick's own research, such as the 'Cambridgeshire Ley Project', found only 9 out of 62 of Watkins' described leys to be in alignment, questioning the accuracy of the foundational work. He notes that the mathematical formula for determining chance alignments has improved, further casting doubt on the validity of many claimed ley lines. The article also touches upon the work of Kurt Gerlach and Tony Wedd, highlighting how some ley hunters have made extraordinary claims, such as Wedd's belief in aliens providing designs for a cosmic coffee pot. Pennick concludes that verified ley lines, where they exist, appear to be restricted to specific circumstances, and that the field is plagued by interpersonal conflicts and a lack of objectivity due to personal investment in the theories.

Genesis

This section, likely an introduction to the broader themes, discusses how many aspects of ley hunting originate from early 20th-century thought processes. It highlights the pride of English ploughmen in making straight furrows and how this practice, using 'dods' (willow sticks), may have been misinterpreted by Alfred Watkins as evidence of ancient 'dodmen' laying out 'Old Straight Tracks'. The era of the British Empire is described as a time when amateur anthropology was popular, leading to theories about Atlantis, Zimbabwe, and the Aryan Race, often politically motivated. This period also saw a 'back to Nature' movement and an interest in walking ancient tracks, which ley hunting tapped into by offering the allure of discovering secret knowledge.

Days of the Empire

This section explores the cultural context of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by the British Empire and a surge in amateur anthropology. It discusses how popular literature of the time, filled with tales of lost civilizations and ancient races, influenced perceptions, including those of Alfred Watkins. The decline of old roads and the rise of railways are noted, alongside a romantic view of the past. The 'back to Nature' movement, exemplified by the Boy Scouts and the Woodcraft Folk, is presented as an escape from industrial society, with walking ancient tracks becoming an attractive pastime that ley hunting enhanced.

Watkins' wobbly leys

This section critiques the accuracy of Alfred Watkins' perceptions and those of his followers. Using the 'dod' example, it argues that a false assumption was made to support pre-existing opinions. The article questions how many other accepted elements of ley hunting are based on equally flimsy evidence and whether they have been objectively examined. It suggests that the claims of ley hunters are often based on unverified opinions of their founding fathers, leading to a lack of rigorous analysis. The connection between ley lines and historic straight lines is described as potentially semantic, with numerous competing theories and systems now existing, all using the term 'ley lines' and taking Watkins as a starting point. The author notes the significant personal investment of time and energy by supporters, which contributes to a lack of objectivity and leads to interpersonal conflicts within the field.

Sects and shortcomings

This section continues the critique of ley hunting, viewing its various interpretations as 'individual sects' within a larger belief system. It argues for applying Ockham's Razor to these claims, finding that their foundation often rests on questionable assertions. The article posits that the connection between ley lines and historic straight lines may be semantic. It highlights the competition among different theories and the strong personal attachments of their followers, which often result in division and conflict rather than spiritual development. The author suggests that ley hunting, in its modern form, serves a psychological need for participants to feel important and in control, offering a sense of belonging to an elite with secret knowledge, which is often absent in modern life.

A Dream World? Archaeology and the Indo-European World View

Alby Stone discusses Georges Dumézil's theory of the tripartite Indo-European (IE) social structure and its implications for understanding IE myth and religion. Stone notes that despite Dumézil's work and that of his followers, historians remain divided on the issue. The article explores the evidence for trifunctionalism, including linguistic and archaeological findings, and examines different theories for the dispersal of IE languages. The Kurgan hypothesis, proposed by Marija Gimbutas, identifies IE speakers with the makers of kurgan tumuli. However, this theory and others placing the IE homeland in Europe or the Caucasus are challenged. Alternative explanations suggest IE languages spread through adoption by neighboring peoples, similar to creole or pidgin evolution, driven by economic factors and language status rather than migration. Colin Renfrew's 'wave of advance' theory proposes that IE languages spread with early farmers from Anatolia, with successive generations moving outwards and absorbing earlier populations. Renfrew's model is seen as more attractive as it allows for genetic links between IE branches and distinctive material cultures, though it pushes the putative PIE period back further than the Kurgan hypothesis. The article also discusses the potential conflict between farming and non-farming populations during the neolithisation of Europe, suggesting that this could accommodate a tripartite social division. It emphasizes that IE trifunctionalism is fundamentally a cosmological concept, linked to a distinctive cosmology where the human body's structure provides the model for the cosmos, society, and classification. The article concludes by noting the lack of direct archaeological support for trifunctionalism, with Winfred P. Lehmann quoting Colin Renfrew's assessment that Dumézil's work is a 'dream world'. However, it suggests that archaeological evidence might exist but is not yet understood, and that the focus should be on practices reflecting cosmogony, such as dismemberment or the structure of settlements.

Renfrew's wave

This section elaborates on Colin Renfrew's theory of IE language spread, suggesting it was carried from Anatolia with early farming. Renfrew's model posits a 'wave of advance' where IE-speaking farmers expanded gradually, absorbing earlier non-IE-speaking populations. This process, occurring over millennia, led to the resemblance of IE languages even when geographically separated. The theory is presented as more attractive than migration-based models because it allows for a genetic link between IE branches and distinctive material cultures.

More caution

This section reflects on Renfrew's theory and its implications for IE tripartition. It acknowledges that Dumézil's arguments may be difficult to reconcile with chronology, suggesting that apparent similarities might not stem from a common IE origin. The author suggests that Dumézil, by avoiding the issue of concrete historical reality, may have employed a less disciplined methodology, leading to interpretations that require questioning. The lack of archaeological support for trifunctionalism is highlighted, with Renfrew's view that Dumézil's work is a 'dream world' being cited. However, the article also considers Schjødt's point that while materialistic reflections of stratified societies can be investigated archaeologically, it's difficult to prove a society was *not* stratified. It suggests that archaeological evidence might be available but not yet interpretable, and that cognitive archaeology, as championed by Renfrew, aims to infer past ways of thought from material remains, though reconstructions are often partial and uncertain.

Blood and Soil: The Tribe in Early English History

This article, by Jeremy Harte, explores the concept of 'blood and soil' in early English history, focusing on the tribe as a fundamental social unit. It delves into how notions of kinship, land, and identity were intertwined in the formation of early English societies. The article likely examines the historical and ideological underpinnings of this concept, potentially linking it to nationalistic or ethnic interpretations of history.

A Lost Class of Central Places: A Gazetteer of Sacred Sites in Surrey

Gavin Smith presents a gazetteer of sacred sites in Surrey, identifying them as a 'lost class of central places'. This article likely documents and analyzes various locations in Surrey that hold historical or spiritual significance, exploring their role as focal points within the landscape and their connection to past beliefs and practices.

Making Time

Bob Trubshaw's article, 'Making Time', likely delves into the concept of time, its perception, and its construction within different cultural and historical contexts. It may explore how societies have understood, measured, and manipulated time, possibly touching upon archaeological evidence or mythological narratives related to time.

Rhiannon Rides on Uffington White Horse

Jon Appleton's article connects the figure of Rhiannon, a character from Welsh mythology, with the Uffington White Horse, a famous prehistoric hill figure in England. This piece likely explores the mythological and symbolic associations between the two, potentially examining how ancient myths and landscape features are interpreted and reinterpreted over time.

Shinto torii arches and the trilithons of Stonehenge

Terence Meaden draws parallels between Shinto torii arches and the trilithons at Stonehenge. This article likely investigates potential connections or comparative aspects between these distinct architectural and symbolic forms, possibly in relation to ancient religious practices, cosmology, or landscape interpretation.

Rollright Stones For Sale

This brief item likely reports on the sale or potential sale of the Rollright Stones, a prehistoric stone circle in England, possibly discussing its historical significance or the implications of its ownership.

LETTERS, ABSTRACTS, REVIEWS, Editorial Afterword

These sections provide space for reader correspondence, summaries of other relevant works or research, critical assessments of books and articles, and concluding remarks from the editor, respectively.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'At The Edge' revolve around critical re-evaluation of established theories in archaeology, folklore, and mythology. There is a strong emphasis on questioning accepted narratives, particularly concerning ley hunting and Indo-European studies, advocating for more rigorous, evidence-based analysis. The magazine appears to encourage interdisciplinary approaches, drawing connections between history, myth, language, and landscape. The editorial stance, as indicated by the critical tone of several articles, leans towards a skeptical yet open-minded exploration of these subjects, challenging unsubstantiated claims while acknowledging the complexity and enduring fascination of ancient beliefs and practices. The issue also highlights the importance of understanding the socio-psychological context in which these ideas develop and are promoted.

Title: At the Edge
Issue: No. 7
Date: September 1997
Publisher: Heart of Albion Press
Focus: This issue of 'At the Edge' explores themes related to tribalism, identity, and the interpretation of early English society through archaeological and linguistic lenses. It features articles that delve into the complexities of Indo-European studies, the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain, and the evolution of social and political structures.

Article: Blood and Soil: The tribe in early English society by Jeremy Harte

Jeremy Harte's article examines the concept of 'tribe' in early English society, challenging conventional interpretations and highlighting the shift in how identity was constructed. He begins by discussing the academic treatment of J.R.R. Tolkien's work, noting how even philological studies can be influenced by imaginary worlds. Harte contrasts the traditional view of Anglo-Saxon settlers as 'noble knights' with a more critical perspective that considers them as 'chiefs, warriors, shamans, huts, and tribes,' suggesting a less appealing image.

The article highlights two opposing traditions in the study of early English history: the Germanist view, which sees the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons as a new beginning, and the Celticist view, which interprets it as a calamity for the existing Romano-British society. This debate is complicated by a lack of evidence from the period before 650 AD, when England appears to have been composed of numerous small units, often referred to as tribes.

Harte questions whether these were truly Germanic folk groups or remnants of Romano-British organization, emphasizing that the interpretation has significant implications for understanding issues of race and nation. He notes that the tribes of early England were new polities, distinct from earlier Iron Age social groupings.

The article critiques the application of the term 'tribe' to early English societies, suggesting it can be used to distance modern observers and characterize them as barbarous clans. Harte contrasts this with the idea of a 'tota,' a term cognate with Irish 'tuath,' which refers to a political unit. He points out that while the Anglo-Saxons, who were immigrants, adopted landscape-based identities, the indigenous Celts named themselves after warrior bands.

The 'Tribal Hideage,' a document from the seventh century, is presented as a source for understanding these early territorial units. Harte discusses how the names of these units are often topographical, referring to geographical features rather than boastful warrior identities. He notes that the names of these small peoples, unlike those of the Iron Age, do not allude to their land of origin or income, suggesting a shift in how identity was perceived.

Harte argues that the Anglo-Saxon names are prosaic and derived from geographical facts, contrasting with the more boastful names of the Iron Age. He suggests that the political order of the seventh-century small territories cannot be taken as a clue to the settlement period, as they are products of co-evolution with kingdoms and administrative districts. The article concludes that the historical period offers fewer clues to the emotive issue of origins, and that Englishness is increasingly becoming a cultural construct rather than a genealogical fact.

Article: Applying IE mythology

This section discusses the challenges and potential of applying Indo-European (IE) mythology to archaeological interpretations. It acknowledges that suggestions based on limited examples may be speculative but argues that if the archaeological evidence is sound, applying IE mythology, particularly through the lens of Georges Dumézil's trifunctional system, can be valuable. The article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of relevant belief systems and criticizes the tendency of some post-processual archaeologists to draw comparisons from vastly different cultures (e.g., 20th-century Micronesia to prehistoric Europe).

It highlights the importance of chronological and geographical proximity in ethnographic comparisons. The author stresses that IE trifunctionalism encompasses more than just social stratification and that a narrow focus on evidence of social tripartition risks overlooking other aspects. The work of Bruce Lincoln and others in IE cosmology is mentioned as providing a comprehensive tool for analysis. The article suggests that Colin Renfrew's work offers a probable candidate for a PIE-speaking culture, and calls for a synthesis of these approaches to interpret archaeological remains.

Notes

1. Linguistic PIE: The term PIE (Proto-Indo-European) is defined linguistically as a hypothetical early language reconstructed from its branches using comparative linguistics. Archaeologically, PIE refers to the period and cultures correlating to linguistic PIE, with identification dependent on linguistic chronologies.
2. Nostratic and Eurasiatic hypotheses: These hypotheses suggest that pre-agricultural inhabitants of Europe, Asia, and Asia Minor may have spoken similar dialects.

References

The issue includes an extensive list of references, covering a wide range of academic works on Indo-European linguistics, archaeology, mythology, and early English history. Key authors cited include J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tilley, Colin Renfrew, J.P. Mallory, and Margaret Gelling.

Advertisements

Two advertisements are included:

• White Dragon: A quarterly magazine of pagan thought and ideas, sacred sites, earth mysteries, folklore, and magical practices.
• The Pendragon Society / The Arthurian Society: A society investigating Arthurian archaeology, history, folklore, literature, and art, offering a subscription that includes three journals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of identity, particularly in early societies, and the methodologies used to interpret the past. There is a critical examination of how historical narratives are constructed, especially concerning the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain. The magazine appears to advocate for interdisciplinary approaches, combining archaeology, linguistics, and mythology, while also cautioning against misapplication of comparative studies. The editorial stance seems to favor a nuanced and critical engagement with historical evidence, challenging simplistic interpretations and emphasizing the complexity of social and cultural evolution. The focus on 'At the Edge' suggests an interest in alternative or less mainstream perspectives within these academic fields.

Title: At the Edge
Issue: No.7
Date: September 1997
Publisher: At the Edge
Country: England
Language: English

This issue of 'At the Edge' features a lead article by Gavin Smith titled 'A Lost Class of Central Places: A gazetteer of sacred sites in Surrey'. The magazine also includes articles on the making and history of modern time, and a discussion on how defining the 'other' helps define ourselves.

A Lost Class of Central Places: A gazetteer of sacred sites in Surrey

Introduction and Methodology

Gavin Smith, drawing on his decade-long study of Old English place-names and his professional background in geography and planning, presents a novel interpretation of place-names to identify 'lost central places' in Surrey. These are ancient religious foci of districts, previously evoked by John Blair. Smith uses place-name and other evidence to pinpoint these sites, suggesting his findings may be relevant to other parts of England.

The Nature of Sacred Sites

Initially, sacred sites were natural features like springs, hilltops, groves, river sources, lakes, and marshland islands. These were later embellished by Neolithic and Bronze Age communities with standing pillars, stones, earthworks, and burial mounds (barrows). The Neolithic period also saw the emergence of 'cursi' (avenues), and by the Bronze Age, enclosed hilltops with embankments became significant. Smith proposes a pattern of local districts, precursors to Domesday Book 'Hundreds', each with a multifaceted sacred site embodying Indo-European cosmological traditions: an omphalos (hilltop), a spring (Well of Destiny), and a grove (Tree of Life), comparable to the pagan complex of Uppsala in Sweden.

Historical Evolution of Sacred Sites

During the Iron Age and Roman times, some sacred sites incorporated wooden or stone buildings. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire in southern England around AD 410 and the subsequent Germanic influence, pagan gods' names began appearing at some shrines. Romanised Christianity reasserted itself from AD 597, leading to the Christianisation of existing rural sacred sites, resulting in 'saints' hills and wells'. This was often a strategy for social acquiescence. Christianity underwent transformations in Surrey, with periods of pagan resurgence and the influence of Celtic Christian missionaries. Early churches were often associated with monasteries and aristocratic households, serving as centres for both religious and social activities.

Following the Council of Hertford (672), 'reform' led to Roman-style minsters absorbing or replacing monasteries. This period also saw a resurgence of local paganism. Minsters became associated with the Hundred as a territorial unit. Over time, sacred sites shifted from pagan hilltops or aristocratic halls to riverside proto-urban market sites, often influenced by the proximity of Roman activity and the growing importance of centres like London.

Religious Place-Name 'Markers'

Smith hypothesizes that traces of different phases of sacred sites are detectable in local place-names. He provides a source-list of place-name elements, including conventionally accepted meanings and his own hypothesized interpretations. These elements, largely current in Surrey in the seventh century, include:

• funta, wielle: spring (holy well)
• aewiell: river source (sacred)
• burna: spring, stream (holy well)
• leah: wood, clearing (holy grove)
• cruc: barrow (pre-Germanic)
• hlaw: burial mound
• beorg: barrow
• graf: grove (holy grove)
• fyrhth: woodland (woodland shrine)
• treow, beam, stapol, caeg: tree, beam, post, key (pillar, cross)
• stan: stone (sacred stone(s), cross)
• ora: bank (sacred enclosure or embankment?)
• hoh: hilltop (sacred mound or hill?)
• hamm: enclosure, meadow (sacred enclosure)
• dun: (British) hill (settlement)
• weoh: (smaller) pagan temple
• hearg: (major) pagan temple
• eg: island in marshland (monastic retreat)
• ge: district (minster territory)
• ingas: 'people of' (household or Hundred associated with a monastery)
• ecles, cirice: church
• sancte: saint
• caester, urbs, burh: fort, manor, town (monastic enclosure)
• mynster: minster
• stow: (holy) meeting place
• pleg stow: play place (sports, plays)

A Surrey Gazetteer

The article presents a gazetteer of potential sacred sites grouped by Surrey's Domesday Hundred areas. Each entry lists place-names and their interpretations, often linking them to archaeological finds (Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman) and folklore. Examples include:

• Farnham Hundred: Crooksbury Hill (cruc beorg), Farnham parish (bracken hamm), Willey (weoh leah), Churt (heath), Glorney (eg), and ora names like Cokenore and Britty Hill.
• Godalming Hundred: Peper Harow parish (Pippera's hearg), Eashing (ash tree ingas), Hillsbury hill-fort, Creek Copse (cruc), and St Catherine's Hill (dragon hill).
• Blackheath Hundred: St Martha's Hill (Celtic 'Holy Martyrs' Hill'), Silent Pool (Shirburn Spring), and Farley Heath (Romano-British temple).
• Wotton Hundred: The Nower (ora), Wotton (wood tun), and Anstiebury hill-fort.
• Reigate Hundred: Wedreshulle (Woden's hill), Hooley (hoh leah), and Tandridge Hundred sites like Caterham, Nore Hill, and Titsey.
• Wallington Hundred: Carshalton parish (aewiell), Croydon parish, and Woodmansterne parish.
• Copthorne Hundred: Ewell parish (aewiell), Leatherhead parish, and Nower Wood.
• Effingham Half-Hundred: None identified.
• Elmbridge Hundred: Molesey parish, Getinges, and St George's Hill.
• Godley Hundred: St Ann's Hill, Anningsley, Pyrford parish, Eccles hamm, Runnymede, and Stanners Hill.

Proto-urban Places

The subsequent economic centres of Hundreds are explained as potentially being religious centres or 'central places' that absorbed earlier religious functions, often by reviving Roman sites or utilizing Roman river crossings. Pre-Germanic place-name elements are found in medieval market towns like Croydon, Leatherhead, Chertsey, and Kingston, suggesting their origins predate the late Saxon period and may descend from Romano-British 'capita' centres. The survival of pre-Germanic names in cruc and Caterham, Limpsfield, Penge is linked to the continuity of central places and religious sites.

Community Organisation

The gazetteer suggests that most Hundreds had at least one sacred centre, acting as an organising or focussing influence. These centres, often prehistoric and potentially Bronze Age, survived into the Christian era. Evidence for three-fold sacred centres (hill/barrow, spring/pool, tree/grove) is noted at various sites. Elements like 'ora' and 'eg' are correlated with ancient centres that struggled to modernise, while 'hoh' and postulated mid-seventh century 'ingas' monasteries bridge the gap between rural prehistoric and modern proto-urban religious centres.

The Making of Modern Time

This section explores the modern Western concept of time, contrasting it with earlier perceptions. It argues that the idea of time as natural, real, moving, and precise is a relatively recent construct. European calendars, based on celestial events, have required constant readjustment to align with seasonal years and the seven-day week. The development of mechanical clocks, initially patronized by the Church for regulating prayer, became essential with the Industrial Age, factories, and especially railways, which necessitated standardized national time. The article touches upon philosophical views of time from Aristotle, Kant, and Heidegger, and more recent ideas from Ricouer and Bourdieu suggesting that human perception of time is story-like, shaping individual and group identities.

The History of the Present

This section discusses how historians in the twentieth century developed more sophisticated approaches to the past, moving beyond projecting present-day interests or finding linear progression. Michel Foucault's concept of 'writing the history of the present' is introduced, which involves diagnosing the current situation and then tracing the origins and development of a particular aspect of interest. This method avoids imposing current meanings onto historical events.

The Long Duration

Fernand Braudel's concept of approaching the past on three levels – 'long duration' (environmental change, stable world views), 'social time' (history of particular groups), and 'individual time' (events, narrative, political history) – is presented. Braudel's tripartite approach, known as the 'Annales school', is discussed in the context of archaeological interpretation, particularly by John Barrett, who critiques the false dualism between long-term 'structural' history and short-term 'event' history. Barrett emphasizes how archaeological writing often focuses on 'processes' rather than 'people', leading to a generalized history.

The Complexity of Time

Barrett's work is further explored regarding how time interweaves with our perception of the past. Visitors to prehistoric sites experience monuments through the time it takes to walk around them, a contrast to the armchair experience of textual descriptions. The tourist's experience is compressed, lacking the 'time depth' of the original construction. Barrett's ideas on 'multi-period monuments' suggest they arose from reworking categories of space and architectural form, rather than being a simple sequence of types. Time is linked to space, with rituals serving as specific 'uses' of time that demarcate social transformations. Hunter-gatherer societies have a different relationship to time than agriculturalists, moving along cycles of time, whereas observers watch the cyclical renewal of seasons.

Defining the Other Defines Ourselves

This section examines how ethnographers, by focusing on the 'Otherness' of non-western societies, inadvertently define their own society. Drawing on Edward Said, it discusses the European concept of the 'Orient' as a recurring image of the Other, often defined in contrast to 'The West'. This process reinforces underlying Western ideas and implicitly helps define the West through the constructed contrast with the Orient.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interpretation of the past through various lenses: place-names, archaeology, history, and the philosophical concept of time. The magazine appears to advocate for interdisciplinary approaches to understanding history and culture, challenging conventional narratives and highlighting the subjective nature of historical interpretation and the construction of time. The editorial stance seems to favour critical analysis of established theories and a nuanced understanding of how past societies organized themselves and perceived their world, particularly concerning religious sites and their integration into community structures. The issue also touches upon the evolution of societal concepts, including the modern construct of time and the anthropological practice of defining self through the 'other'.

'At the Edge', No. 7, September 1997, is an issue dedicated to exploring complex themes at the intersection of anthropology, folklore, archaeology, and mythology. The magazine features a diverse range of articles, letters, and reviews, offering a critical examination of historical interpretations and cultural symbolism.

Making People Primitive: Time and Anthropology

This section critically examines how anthropologists have historically conceptualized time in relation to 'primitive' societies. Johannes Fabian's work is central, highlighting the tendency to place these societies in a 'typological past' and thus distance them from the observer's present. The article argues that this 'temporal otherness' is an epistemological construct, not a reflection of reality. It introduces Fabian's distinction between 'sharing physical time' (synchronous/simultaneous), 'contemporary' (sharing abstract time), and 'coeval' (sharing both). While ethnographers' field diaries might reveal coevalness, published literature often discards it. The article presents two examples to illustrate alternative conceptions of time: the Navaho craftswoman who experiences time as a vortex of concentric forces, and the nomadic tribes of the Mongolian steppes who perceive time as a spiral, interwoven with space through their annual cycles.

Rhiannon Rides on Uffington White Horse

This article by Jon Appleton explores the story of Prince Pwll and Rhiannon from the Mabinogion, focusing on Rhiannon's magical pursuit. The author connects this tale to the Uffington White Horse, a famous hill figure recently dated to the late Bronze Age. Appleton hypothesizes that Rhiannon might be a Sun Goddess, and investigates the potential conjunction of the sun with the Uffington White Horse at the winter solstice dawn. His personal observation on December 22nd, 1994, is described, where he witnessed the sun appear over the horizon in a manner that mirrored the lady's steady, slow movement in the tale. The article also touches upon the possibility of geomantic alignments of ancient sites.

Shinto Torii Arches and the Trilithons of Stonehenge

Terence Meaden discusses the symbolism of Shinto Torii arches, describing them as vulvar gateways representing passage to the Great Mother and a consecrated space. He draws parallels between these arches and the trilithons at Stonehenge, suggesting that both represent fertility imagery and the 'Sacred Marriage' myth. Meaden posits that Stonehenge's design, including the outer ring of sarsens and inner trilithons, served to intensify the power of this triple imagery, symbolizing the union of masculine and feminine forces. He also mentions the vulva carving at West Kennet Long Barrow and the alignment of Avebury stones with the midsummer sunrise as further evidence of this fertility symbolism in ancient British monuments.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters address previous articles and themes:

• Valtars Grivins challenges Alby Stone's article on Prussian pagan gods and sacrifices, arguing that historical accounts are biased Christian propaganda and that 'new' gods were invented. He disputes the notion of widespread human sacrifice among Prussians, though he concedes it may have occurred at Lithuanian Grand Dukes' burials as a perversion of rulers, not priests.
• Alby Stone responds to Grivins, emphasizing the need to critically examine primary sources for bias. He argues that the absence of evidence for human sacrifice does not mean it never occurred and that Christian accounts, while potentially biased, should not be dismissed outright. Stone suggests that human sacrifice was likely a fact in virtually all religions at some stage.
• Jessica Hemming critiques Andrew Breeze's forthcoming book on the 'Mabinogi', deeming his arguments for a female author to be based on 'profoundly sexist and outdated notions'.
• Cheryl Straffon comments on a previous 'sex and gender' edition, questioning the implication that Goddess-focused societies were necessarily societies of 'female power' and suggesting that lesbianism should not be defined as a 'gender' by outsiders.
• Mike Haigh refers to a report on TAG 96, noting a link between spiral decoration in British rock art and red-colored rocks.

Abstracts

• 'Vibes in the tombs' by Jeremy Harte and Bob Trubshaw discusses how megalithic tombs create 'acoustic environments' and can generate Helmholtz Resonance, potentially initiated by rhythmic drumming. Examples include Canster Round and Maes Howe.
• 'Resounding rock art' by Aaron Watson highlights Dr Steven Waller's ten-year study of over one hundred rock art sites with known 'sound reflection' anomalies.

Other Content

The issue also includes advertisements for 'Thunder' journal, '3rd Stone' magazine, 'A.P.R.A. BOOKS', and submissions for 'Hearthstone' creative fiction. A notice about the 'Rollright Stones for Sale' and the formation of the 'Rollright Stones Appeal' is also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of accepted knowledge, particularly in archaeology, folklore, and earth mysteries. There is a strong emphasis on re-interpreting ancient sites and myths, often challenging conventional academic views. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging critical engagement with historical sources and diverse cultural interpretations. Themes of ancient symbolism, fertility cults, and alternative conceptions of time and space are recurrent. The letters section demonstrates a commitment to fostering debate and addressing reader feedback, even on controversial topics.

Title: At the Edge
Issue: No.7
Date: September 1997

This issue of 'At the Edge' magazine, published in September 1997, presents a collection of reviews and short articles on a diverse range of topics, primarily focusing on archaeology, mythology, folklore, and 'earth mysteries'. The content is largely derived from reviews of recently published books, offering insights into academic and popular perspectives on ancient cultures, beliefs, and phenomena.

Sound-induced lights

The issue begins with a report on an unusual experience at the Fourknocks chambered tomb in Ireland. Four friends reported that while chanting, they witnessed 'little white sparkling lights' ascending vertically from carved stones, forming a ring of white light that remained before rising a few feet. The phenomenon is attributed to sound and chanting, with the experience detailed by Eileen Roche.

Minimalist monsters

A discovery in a cave in the French department of Lot is discussed, featuring strange 'hybrid' animal scratches estimated to be 15 to 20,000 years old. The difficulty of access suggests limited visitors, and the images are theorized to be the result of 'altered states of consciousness'.

Is all rock art shamanic?

This section questions the prevailing academic view that all rock art is synonymous with shamanism. It references a study by French scholar Jean Clottes suggesting a relationship between French and Southern African rock art.

A lone voice in rock art

George Nash offers a counterpoint to the shamanic interpretation of rock art. He argues that carvings on north European megalithic monuments were likely the result of socio-political manipulation rather than hallucinogenic trance, emphasizing the 'visually restrictive' environments where the art is located.

The state of the art

Stan Beckensall is credited with providing a comprehensive overview of the latest approaches to rock art research in northern England.

Oldest henge in Britain

Claims are made for the discovery of the oldest henge in Britain near Wooler, Northumberland. Provisional dating places it around 4,000 BC, with evidence of a contemporary 'drove road'. The henge is suggested to have been used for ritual purposes and over-wintering livestock, potentially extending the chronological span for such monuments.

Neolithic 'trading centre'

A recent discovery on Gardom's Edge in the Peak District has revealed a large Neolithic enclosure. The presence of numerous flint artefacts suggests it was a trading centre, strategically located between upland areas and flint-rich regions, acting as a liminal zone.

Out of their (Celtic) heads

This piece critically examines John Creighton's theory in 'Visions of Power' that Celtic coin imagery might be entoptic, with coin-moulds carved on Druid instructions. The author expresses skepticism about such speculative interpretations.

Romano-British temple destroyed

Professional thieves have caused extensive damage to a Romano-British temple site in Wanborough, Surrey, by digging large holes to search for coins and artefacts.

St Peter or Arimanius?

An eroded carving on the church of St Peter at Gowts in Lincoln, previously interpreted as St Peter, is suggested by Dr David Stocker to be a reused Roman carving of Arimanius, a deity associated with Mithraism.

Those hard-headed Romans

Brian Campbell's article in the 'Journal of Roman Studies' examines the practicalities of Roman surveyors and their role in land law, rather than focusing on cosmological principles in landscape design.

Those mystic Romans...

Jane Clark Reeder discusses Augustus's fear of lightning, interpreting it not as a natural hazard but as a sign of divine energy.

Tales of buried treasure

Catherine Johns critiques the theory that Romano-British valuables found in water were acts of ritual deposition, arguing that Roman hoards were typically deposited by people intending to retrieve them.

Signs, wonders, and entrepreneurial skills

Glenn Peters offers a new interpretation of the cult of the archangel Michael, suggesting its development was a creative response to Michael being an incorporeal angel, leading to narratives focusing on physical encounters.

In Saxon footsteps

Della Hooke provides a guide to identifying and understanding ancient estate boundaries and the monuments associated with them.

Anglo-Saxon 'totem poles'

Phil Sidebottom suggests that decorated Anglo-Saxon crosses in middle England served as 'tribal markers', erected after the region submitted to the West Saxons and Roman Church in 920, indicating Danish settlers' acceptance of church authority.

Archetypal landscapes

R.J. Nash explores whether glacial wastelands, primordial seas, and forest 'labyrinths' represent Jungian archetypes of the collective unconsciousness related to landscape.

Buried by the highway at midnight

This section reviews an account of the 'Perambulation of the Manor of Barham, Linton, Cambridgeshire, in 1761', detailing boundary marks and the practice of bumping children against landmarks. It also covers 'Wayside Graves and Crossroad Burials', discussing the folklore surrounding the burial of criminals and suicides at crossroads, sometimes with stakes through the body.

TAG96 through ley hunting eyes

A summary of the Theoretical Archaeology Conference (TAG96) is matched with a report from 'The Ley Hunter', noting the overlap and the rediscovery of ideas previously discussed by 'earth mysteries' enthusiasts.

Spirit ways and death ways

'The Ley Hunter' is noted for its focus on 'spirit paths', with a fascinating suggestion of such traditions among Buryat shamans of Siberia.

The Maiden of Bennachie

An article discusses the Maiden Stone in Aberdeenshire, a Pictish carving with both Christian and pagan symbols. Its location near water and potential astronomical significance are explored, with 'madiunn' meaning 'morning' and 'meadhon' meaning 'centre'.

Cornish wells and stones

A survey of holy wells in Cornwall and lesser-known stones in West Penwith is mentioned.

What makes a holy well holy?

Walter Brenneman's study of over 3,000 'active' holy wells in Ireland concludes that there is no 'perfectly authentic' holy well, based on a phenomenological interpretation.

Pegomancy at wells

This section discusses pegomancy (scrying using wells) and its association with northern British 'pin wells', noting the Greek word for well, 'pegae', and its possible connection to water-sprites.

Pins in wells - 'Just in case'

A local tradition of dropping votive pins in wells on Anglesey in the late 1980s is described, where a resident stated they did it 'just in case', despite being Christian.

Straight and regular

Evidence for the use of Roman 'centuriation' (land division) in Gloucestershire is presented, challenging previous debates and academic skepticism.

More than holes

Chris Jenkins explores the magical connections, links to witches, and underground tunnel legends associated with hermitage caves in the English midlands, noting their alignment with Roman roads.

Barrows in folklore

A survey of the folklore and mythology of burial mounds, with a focus on shamanic aspects, is reviewed.

Exposing and disposing

An article examines the preparation and disposal of the dead in the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, drawing on ethnographical evidence from Papua New Guinea and Highgate Cemetery.

Time's up

This piece discusses how ancient peoples conceptualized time differently from modern systems, referencing Danielle Allen's work on Athenian time measurement through political units and the water clock.

Was Velikovsky right?

A conference held at Cambridge explored the idea that natural catastrophes during the Bronze Age, possibly caused by cometary debris, could account for societal disruptions.

Taking ghosts seriously

Jeremy Harte examines the legends of Civil War ghosts and how these tales evolve, questioning whether the supernatural possesses creative skills.

Dwellers of the liminal realm

Phil Quinn's work on the role of fairies and known fairy lore in the Bristol region is highlighted.

Dragons and tunnels

A detailed account of the folklore and archaeology of Castle Hill, Huddersfield, covers its history from an Iron Age hillfort to its association with dragons, underground tunnels, and corpse ways.

Reviews Section

Britain and the Celtic Iron Age

This review discusses a book by Simon James and Valery Rigby that provides an up-to-date introduction to the Iron Age era of Britain, placing it in a wider European context. While informative and well-illustrated, the writing style is criticized as 'dry' and lacking readability for a general audience.

Exploring the World of the Druids

Miranda J. Green's book is described as an excellently-packaged introduction to Druids, combining archaeological information, Irish myths, and the history of the 'Druidic revival' and modern orders. It is noted for its comprehensive coverage and illustrations.

The Celtic Cross: An illustrated history and celebration

Nigel Pennick's book is praised for offering new ideas and suggestions on the Celtic cross motif, exploring its origins, relationship to 'Celtic' culture, and decorative patterns. The review notes that the author emphasizes 'Celtic' as a recognizable culture, not an ethnic group.

Sacred Britain: A Guide to the Sacred Sites and Pilgrim Routes of England, Scotland and Wales

Martin and Nigel Palmer's book is presented as a guide to sacred sites and pilgrimage routes. While comprehensive and well-illustrated, the review criticizes the authors' conspicuous Christian outlook and the omission of modern-day paganism, despite the book's claim to a 'multi-faith' approach.

The Springs, Spouts, Fountains and Holy Wells of the Malverns

This booklet by Bruce Osborne and Cora Weaver offers a tour of sixty-two springs and spouts in the Malverns. It is described as a celebration of Victorian structures and fittings associated with water supplies, with short descriptions and line drawings.

Haunted Sussex Today

Andrew Green's guide to haunted sites in Sussex is reviewed. While attractively produced, the short, unreferenced descriptions are criticized for lacking depth and relegating evidence to hearsay, reducing ghost lore to 'lowest common denominator' popular appeal.

Secret Camelot: The lost legends of King Arthur

John Matthews' book is presented as a collection of lesser-known Arthurian tales from Europe, suggesting some have developed from older Celtic mythology. The review praises the stories but notes a minor point about Caradoc's connections and criticizes the artwork.

Caerdroia No.28

This is a brief mention of the latest issue of Caerdroia, a journal focusing on mazes and labyrinths.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'At the Edge' revolve around the interpretation of ancient cultures, particularly Celtic, Roman, and Anglo-Saxon Britain, through archaeology and folklore. There is a consistent interest in exploring the meanings behind ancient symbols, sites, and practices, often questioning established academic narratives. The magazine appears to champion a more critical and nuanced approach to subjects like rock art interpretation and the study of 'earth mysteries', encouraging readers to look beyond simplistic explanations. The editorial stance seems to favor in-depth, well-researched content, while also being critical of superficial or poorly substantiated claims, as seen in the reviews of books on 'sheela-na-gigs' and haunted sites. The magazine also highlights the intersection of mythology, religion, and landscape, with a particular focus on sacred sites and ancient beliefs.

This issue of 'At the Edge' magazine, identified as No. 7 and dated September 1997, features an 'Editorial Afterword' and content related to 'Place' magazine and a bibliography on Geomancy. The magazine's subtitle is 'exploring new interpretations'.

Editorial Afterword

The editorial expresses satisfaction that the issue returns to the core themes of 'past and place' after a previous excursion into 'sex and gender'. The editor notes the expansion of the abstracts and reviews sections, reflecting a wealth of new ideas and interpretations. Reader feedback on subscription renewal forms is acknowledged, with praise being reassuring and criticisms receiving more attention. Plans are underway to address recurring suggestions for improvements.

The abstracts section, a significant effort by Jeremy Harte and the editor, is highlighted for its importance. A few readers have suggested more coverage of new 'discoveries', which the editor interprets as archaeological finds. However, the editorial emphasizes that 'At the Edge' focuses on 'exploring new interpretations' rather than just new finds. While excavations are mentioned, those that challenge accepted interpretations are more likely to be featured in the abstracts.

For readers interested in staying current with archaeological discoveries, the editorial recommends the CBA's bimonthly 'British Archaeology' and its associated newsletter, as well as 'Current Archaeology'. For up-to-the-minute information, especially on British and overseas archaeology, e-mail lists are suggested, such as the CBA's weekly digest of archaeological articles from UK daily and weekend papers. The quarterly publishing schedule of 'At the Edge' is acknowledged as slower compared to these sources.

The editorial also announces the appearance of Jeremy Harte's bibliography, 'Research in Geomancy 1990-1994' (featured on the back cover), as a major landmark. This bibliography aims to help identify information related to place-related archaeology and folklore.

The next issue of 'At the Edge' is planned to be themed around the current state of prehistoric rock art worldwide. It will include Professor Richard Bradley's study 'Rock Art and the Prehistory of Atlantic Europe' and articles assessing the association between prehistoric rock art, shamanism, and altered states of consciousness.

Place Magazine Review

Two reviews are presented for 'Place' magazine, identified as issues No.s 1 & 2. 'Place' is described as a magazine for planning in harmony with the land, with its first issue appearing in Autumn 1996. Its aims include covering ecologically inspired planning, city greening, permaculture, low-impact settlements and agriculture, spiritual landscapes, geomancy, and earth healing.

The scope of the articles in the first two issues is noted as giving the magazine a niche distinct from other privately-produced magazines. While 'At the Edge' approaches 'places' from a historical perspective, 'Place' takes a future-orientated and overtly politicised view. The contents are described as providing detailed information on specific topics or raising issues with suggestions for action, rather than being mere rants.

The editor's interests, which include combining British cultural 'wisdom' with planning, are mentioned, referencing Nigel Pennick's remarks about a balanced harmony between the urban and the rural. The format of 'Place' is A5 with 40 pages. Although the quality of illustrations has limitations due to technology, the appearance is attractive.

'Place' magazine is available for £15 for four issues from Chris Wood, 45 Beatrice Road, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, NR1 4BB. Cheques should be payable to C.J. Wood.

Research in Geomancy 1990-1994

A significant feature is the bibliography 'Research in Geomancy 1990-1994', compiled by Jeremy Harte. This work is published on floppy disc and contains the results of a five-year trawl through disciplines such as archaeology, anthropology, folklore, and social history. It combines research from the earth mysteries press to provide an interdisciplinary picture of current ideas on sacred space.

The themes covered include fairy geography, the anthropology of pilgrimage, home as the cosmos, underworld caverns, sacred gardens, centres and boundaries. Specific locations mentioned include Stonehenge, the Parthenon, Mecca, and Jerusalem, along with alignments.

The bibliography is available on disc for £5.95 plus 80p p&p in the UK. A disc and print-out version (65 A4 pages in a folder) is available for £14.95 plus £1.30 p&p in the UK. Both formats are readable using any wordprocessor, with files in Windows Write format and duplicated in plain ASCII. The 'Find' function allows for easy location of specific topics. For those without a wordprocessor, a print-out can be supplied with the disc.

This publication is from HEART OF ALBION PRESS, 2 Cross Hill Close, Wymeswold, Loughborough, LE12 6UJ.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'At the Edge' are 'place', 'past', and 'interpretation'. The editorial stance is one of encouraging new interpretations of the past, particularly in relation to archaeology and folklore, while also acknowledging the importance of practical planning and ecological considerations. The magazine aims to be informative and forward-looking, offering detailed information and suggestions for action. There is a clear emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, as evidenced by the coverage of geomancy and the integration of various fields of study. The magazine also values reader engagement and feedback for continuous improvement.