At The Edge - No 10 - 1998 06

Magazine Overview

Title: At the Edge
Issue: No. 10
Date: June 1998
Price: £ 2.50
ISSN: 1361-0058
Editor: Bob Trubshaw

This issue of 'At the Edge' magazine explores new interpretations of past and place in archaeology, folklore, and mythology. The cover prominently features the themes of 'Fairies', 'Ghosts', and 'Earthlights', suggesting a focus on supernatural and folkloric phenomena.

Contents Overview

The issue features a range of articles and sections, including:

• "Fairies and their kin" by Bob Trubshaw: An introduction to the topic of fairies, noting the current interest in fairy lore and posing questions about the definitions and distinctions between various supernatural beings.
• "Medieval Fairies: Now You See Them, Now You Don't" by Jeremy Harte: This article examines the origins of fairy mythology, arguing that the concept of fairies as a distinct mythological entity largely emerged in the late 14th century, synthesized by writers like Chaucer and Shakespeare from earlier, more disparate accounts of supernatural encounters.
• "Lost in Faery - wandering in the magical thorn thickets of the mind" by Elizabeth Oakland: Explores the concept of 'Faery' as a mental landscape.
• "Sex, drugs and circle dancing" and "Do elves have rights?" by Jeremy Harte: Further explorations into fairy lore and related concepts.
• "Spaces of transition - new light on the haunted house" by David Taylor: Discusses the nature of haunted houses and how they are perceived.
• "Peakland spooklights" by David Clarke: Investigates anomalous lights, likely referring to earthlights.
• LETTERS, ABSTRACTS, REVIEWS: Standard magazine sections.
• Index to At the Edge issues 1 to 10: A cumulative index.

Article Deep Dive

"Fairies and their kin" by Bob Trubshaw (Page 3)

Bob Trubshaw introduces the issue's focus on fairies, noting the recent surge of interest in fairy lore, partly fueled by exhibitions and films. He highlights the ambiguity in defining 'fairies' and their distinction from other supernatural beings like goblins, pixies, brownies, elves, gnomes, elementals, ghosts, will-o'-the-wisps, earthlights, and even UFOs and 'alien abductions'. Trubshaw suggests that the similarities between these phenomena might be greater than the differences.

The article delves into the etymology of the word 'fairy', tracing it back to the Latin 'fata' (fate) and its connection to the classical Greek Fates. It contrasts early English literature's distinctions between fairies, dwarves, brownies, and benevolent spirits with later Anglo-Saxon categories. The author notes that medieval accounts, as interpreted by historians like Keith Thomas, often conflated ancestral spirits, ghosts, fertility spirits, and pagan gods into fairy lore. Shakespeare's portrayal of Titania and Oberon is mentioned as a later, more benevolent archetype, contrasting with earlier depictions of fairies as potentially dangerous entities requiring ritual precautions.

"Medieval Fairies: Now You See Them, Now You Don't" by Jeremy Harte (Pages 4-5)

Jeremy Harte critically examines the origins of fairy mythology. He argues that the concept of fairies as a unified mythological system, with consistent characteristics like living in hills or having a queen, was largely a literary construct developed by writers from the 1380s onwards, particularly Chaucer and Gower. These writers, he suggests, were documenting the decline of older beliefs rather than a living tradition. Harte contends that earlier medieval texts describe a variety of supernatural beings (like the Green Children of Woolpit or King Herla) without a unifying 'fairy' identity. He points out that the term 'elf' in Old English had a broader meaning and was sometimes associated with the divine or even demonic, and that the modern equivalence of 'elf' and 'fairy' is a later development.

Harte traces the evolution of the term 'elf', noting its use in the 13th century to describe various spiritual beings, sometimes linked to the diabolical. He highlights that while 'elves' appear in literature, they are not prominent in southern English placenames, where 'puca' (associated with wells, pits, and barrows) is more common. The influence of Scandinavian culture is noted, particularly in northern England, where 'aelf' remained prevalent. Harte concludes that the fairy mythology, as commonly understood, did not originate in the distant past but was shaped in the court of Richard II and further developed in the Tudor period, incorporating tricksters and domestic spirits. This tradition eventually overshadowed native beliefs like the Irish 'sidhe'. By the 19th century, even figures like Black Shucks and Hobthrusts were reinterpreted as minor fairy figures, obscuring the original nature of these encounters.

"Lost in Faery - wandering in the magical thorn thickets of the mind" by Elizabeth Oakland (Page 10)

This article, though brief in the provided text, appears to explore the psychological or internal aspect of 'Faery', suggesting it can be a mental landscape or experience.

"Sex, drugs and circle dancing" and "Do elves have rights?" by Jeremy Harte (Page 14, 16)

These titles suggest further explorations by Jeremy Harte into the cultural and social aspects of fairy lore, possibly touching on ritual practices, folklore, and the legal or ethical status of mythical beings.

"Spaces of transition - new light on the haunted house" by David Taylor (Pages 22-27)

David Taylor's article examines haunted houses, suggesting that they should be approached differently from the typical 'ghost hunter' perspective. He discusses the idea of 'idealised scripts' for modern ghosts and contrasts the 'traditional Victorian haunted house' (where servants came with the property) with the 'modern haunted house' (like a council house) where the occupant's sense of ownership might be different. He also touches upon the potential overlap between ghost experiences and visions of saints or the Virgin Mary, referencing a chapel dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Wandering Lights'.

"Peakland spooklights" by David Clarke (Pages 28-33)

David Clarke's article focuses on 'earthlights', a phenomenon linked to anomalous lights seen in the landscape. It discusses Paul Devereux's 'earth lights hypothesis', which posits that tectonic strain can cause such light phenomena. The article provides evidence for earth lights in the Pennines and suggests a continuity with older folklore predating modern theories. It also references studies linking folklore and anomalous lights around Bristol to fairy and ghost lore.

"Fairies as phenomena" (Pages 6-9)

This section, likely an editorial or introductory piece, discusses the modern perception of superstition and how fairies are often approached as folklore rather than credible experiences. It highlights Janet Bord's book "Fairies - Real encounters with little people" as an exception, which takes a 'phenomenological' approach. The section also references David Hufford's research into 'Old Hag' nightmares in Newfoundland, suggesting that traditional beliefs can be associated with accurate observations interpreted rationally. Gillian Bennett's work on women and the supernatural is also mentioned for its technique in assessing belief literally.

The article explores the connection between temporal lobe stimulation, induced by researchers like Michael Persinger, and experiences described as 'sensed presence' or even 'alien abduction'. It notes that these sensations can resemble those induced by psychoactive plants and drugs, leading to visions of 'little people'. Cross-cultural examples are provided, including Australian Aborigines' 'guardians of place' and Ojibwa Indians' experiences with 'little people' during hallucinations.

The section also touches upon 'elf-infested spaces' and the idea that 'hollow hills' in folklore might share archetypes with descriptions of spacecraft interiors in 'alien abduction' literature. It suggests that 'altered states of consciousness' have historically led to visions of 'little people', which are now interpreted through modern frameworks like 'alien abductions' or 'temporal lobe dissociation'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of folklore, mythology, archaeology, and anomalous phenomena. There is a clear editorial stance that challenges conventional dismissals of these topics as mere superstition or fantasy. The articles advocate for a more open-minded, 'phenomenological' approach, seeking to understand the underlying experiences and beliefs, even when they are interpreted through different cultural or historical lenses. The issue emphasizes the potential for connections between seemingly disparate phenomena such as fairies, ghosts, earthlights, and UFOs, suggesting a shared underlying reality or a common human experience interpreted in various ways across time and cultures. The magazine appears to encourage readers to question preconceptions and explore the surface of these interconnected phenomena.

This issue of 'At the Edge' (No.10, June 1998) features a sample from Jeremy Harte's bibliography, 'Research in Geomancy 1990–94,' offering a glimpse into the literature published between 1990 and 1994 concerning fairies and other entities. The magazine explores various aspects of folklore, mythology, and the intersection of these with modern phenomena and societal structures.

Research in Geomancy 1990–94: Readings in Sacred Space

This section, compiled by Jeremy Harte, presents a bibliography of works related to geomancy and sacred spaces. It highlights studies on the Puca in Irish folklore, the persistence of fairy beliefs in 1930s England, and the phenomenon of 'exotika' like mermaids and demons in Greece. The article references David Lazell's 'Modern Fairy Tales' in Fortean Times, Joe Cooper's 'The Case Of The Cottingley Fairies,' and Peter Narvaez's 'The Good People: New Essays In Fairylore.' It touches upon the liminal status of fairies in topography and culture, mentioning Robert Kirk's fairy hill at Balquidder and Barbara Rieth's study of American pixy-leading. Peter Rogerson's work connects themes of amnesia, time-loss, and seduction in fairy lore to alien abduction narratives, noting the evolution of abductees' prophetic status. Nigel Watson's 'Portraits of Alien Encounters' is mentioned for its study of fringe UFO percipients whose visions were rooted in local landscapes. The section also includes Nigel Mortimer's dowsing explorations of stone arrangements on Ilkley Moor and his further work on 'The Call Of Backstones,' noting the presence of lights and entities. Patrick Harpur's 'Daimonic Reality' is cited for its unified theory of the World Soul and shapeshifting daimons, linking geomancy of liminal sites with entities.

The bibliography itself is presented as a five-year trawl through archaeology, anthropology, folklore, and social history, available on floppy disc. It is priced at £5.95 for the disc only, or £14.95 for the disc and print-out.

Lost in Faery: Wandering in the magical thorn thickets of the mind

Written by Elisabeth Oakland, this article explores the concept of 'Faery' from a personal and multifaceted perspective. Oakland, a researcher and writer specializing in Arthurian, Celtic, and esoterica, discusses the challenges of defining and approaching the subject, considering folklore, Jungian psychology, and modern 'reconstructionist' mystics. She uses the example of the Welsh housing estate 'Afallon' (Elysium) to question whether all otherworld locations can be identified as fairyland and all beings as denizens of faery. The article references Robert Graves' interpretation of the Thomas of Ercildoune story, suggesting the 'Queene of Fair Elfland' might have been a witch queen. Synchronicity plays a role, with a 'Blue Peter' report on fairy sightings and the surprising discovery that 'ordinary people' are still seeing fairies. A story of a mother and daughter seeing a small fairy is presented, leading to a discussion of current theories that unusual phenomena are interpreted according to individual and cultural psyches, or that fairies take forms easiest to interpret, possibly as Jungian expressions. The article questions the material evidence for fairies, referencing the Cottingley hoax and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's involvement. It notes that the appearance of fairies in modern photographs often mirrors human expectations. The Theosophist view of 'elementals' as part of Nature, capable of taking on various forms, is also discussed, with a description of a glowing ball of light potentially resembling an earthlight. The Findhorn settlers' success is mentioned as an example of the power of belief and faith in supernatural beings. The article concludes by stating that while visual evidence is often filtered through the witness's perceptions, there is 'something out there.'

Mystic portals to Faery

This short piece posits that 'fairyland' can be seen as an aspect of the British tradition of otherworld locations, including Avalon, Elysium, and Annwn. It suggests that the denizens of faery have appeared to humans in various guises.

The Shepherd of Myddfai

This section recounts the Welsh fairy tale of the Lady of Llyn y Fan, where a young man marries a fairy woman who bestows the gift of healing upon their sons, who become the Physicians of Myddfai. The story is interpreted through folklore and psychology, suggesting the 'fairy' woman might represent an indigenous tribe, and the conditions for marriage and her return to the lake reflect issues of xenophobia, truth-telling, and the difficulty of co-existence between peoples with different moralities. The motif of iron is discussed in relation to tribal conflicts. The story is also linked to the Arthurian 'Lady of the Lake' narrative.

Entrances to the Entranced Land

This article explores the boundaries between esoteric ground and mainstream territory, questioning where one might enter the land of Faery. Prime contenders include lakes, burial mounds, standing stones, and circles, all considered areas of 'earth power' and potential gateways to the otherworld. The concept of 'anoeth' (the timeless land) meeting 'oeth' (our reality) is introduced, referencing Arthur's resting place. Earthlights, 'pixilation' (now linked to alien encounters), and the imparting of special knowledge are also discussed. The article draws parallels between film depictions of abductees returning after decades and the potential for cultural bias in interpreting phenomena. It then delves into Jungian psychology, viewing the 'anima' (the lady with gifts) as originating from the lake, a symbol of introspection. The path of Jungian psychology is seen as parallel to R.J. Stewart's guide to the otherworld, where figures are seen as supernatural beings imparting valuable insight, often encountered at significant sites or through creative visualization. The article notes that great benefits can be gained from these encounters.

Blundering about in Faery

Elisabeth Oakland shares her personal experiences and reflections on 'Faery.' She admits to not being adept at 'revivalist Celtic' techniques but emphasizes the value of structure provided by authors like Matthews and Stewart. Oakland describes her initial ignorance of the Celtic spiritual revival and her New-Age skepticism, but recounts powerful and overwhelming experiences in her own mind, encountering 'the faeries / collective unconscious / spirit guides / ancestors.' She describes being frightened at times until her Celtic heritage provided a framework for understanding. She believes she has gained gifts from these experiences.

References

The article lists several references, including works by Robert Graves, Caitlín Matthews, R.J. Stewart, and others, related to fairy lore, Celtic tradition, and earth mysteries.

Sex, drugs and circle dancing: An exhibition report by Jeremy Harte

Jeremy Harte reports on the 'Victorian Fairy Paintings' exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. He notes how Shakespeare's works, particularly 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and 'The Tempest,' provided a pretext for introducing fantasy into figure drawing. The artists' interpretations often deviated from the text, depicting tall, graceful nudes alongside grotesque, diminutive beings engaged in sexual acts. Joseph Noel Paton's work is highlighted for its erotic element, depicting rough males overpowering females. The article mentions John Anster Fitzgerald's specialization in images of young ladies dreaming of encounters with goblins, often with a drained phial of laudanum present. The report suggests that Victorian fairy paintings often served as an escape from unpleasant aspects of life, celebrating a parallel universe rather than the irruption of another reality. Richard Dadd's work, particularly 'The Fairy Feller's Master Stroke,' is described as meticulous and obsessive, with distorted figures and a sense of hostility or indifference. The report also touches upon Arthur Rackham's illustrations for 'Peter Pan' and their depiction of fairies as quintessential Edwardian ladies. John Atkinson Grimshaw's 'Iris' is noted for its technique and evocation of light, suggesting a move towards neo-paganism.

Do Elves have Rights?

This article by Jeremy Harte discusses the legal and planning implications of respecting fairy sites and traditions. Harte, a curator and writer on folklore, mythology, and archaeology, examines cases where local government and planning departments have had to consider the existence of supernatural issues. He recounts the story of a fairy well in Church Eaton where invisible hands moved stones, and the issue of rethatching a roof without public access. The article highlights the 'raw deal' fairies are getting from local government but notes that sacred sites are sometimes treated with respect. Examples from Iceland are provided, where road schemes were diverted to avoid damaging elf-frequented hills, and developers used clairvoyants to map elf habitats. Bulldozers seizing up when trying to move elf stones is also mentioned. The article suggests that smaller nations may be more open to other realities, citing Ireland where runways were diverted to avoid fairy mounds. It notes that folklorists relish news reports of sacred trees being protected. The article then contrasts this with the anthropocentric nature of Western planning, which prioritizes human interests over cosmic order. It discusses the paradox of Aboriginal land claims in Australia, where indigenous people are not allowed to plead their own case in court. The article also touches upon the differing approaches to historic churches in Italy and the UK, and the idea that the secular state guards trivial interests while neglecting the greater ones. It concludes by stating that while pagan law protected spirits of the land, the modern state has abandoned this protection, leading to a situation where spirits might be forced out of their abode and seek revenge. The concept of 'amenity' in landscape planning is discussed, noting its undefined nature and its status in law. The article questions whether we are prepared to extend our morality and politics to include the elf world.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of folklore, mythology, and contemporary life, particularly focusing on fairies and other supernatural entities. There's a recurring theme of how these entities are perceived, interpreted, and integrated (or not) into modern society, from personal experiences and artistic representations to legal and planning considerations. The magazine appears to advocate for a broader understanding and respect for these traditions and the 'otherworld,' challenging purely rational or anthropocentric viewpoints. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting diverse perspectives and encouraging readers to consider the possibility of realities beyond the immediately observable.

Title: At the Edge
Issue Date: June 1998 (No. 10)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'At the Edge' explores themes of the paranormal, folklore, and the spiritual significance of places, with a particular focus on haunted houses and sacred sites.

Article: Spaces of Transition: New light on the haunted house

David Taylor, a founding member of Parasearch and investigator for ASSAP and SPR, questions the conventional approach to 'ghost hunting.' He argues that while many researchers focus on the 'nuts and bolts' of hauntings, the cognitive aspects and the psychological significance of haunted houses are often overlooked. Taylor suggests that haunted houses are cultural icons that absorb community fears and concerns, acting as a modern representation of a 'sin eater.' He notes that the belief in hauntings can be reinforced by neighbours and that sometimes, what appears to be paranormal activity might be electromagnetic phenomena.

Taylor highlights the work of novelist and folklorist Andrew Lang, who observed that haunted houses have been familiar to humans since they first owned a roof over their heads. He also touches upon the idea of 'cognitive dissonance' and how it can reinforce beliefs about haunted houses. The article draws parallels between the perception of haunted houses and the concept of the 'sacred' in relation to places.

Article: Haunted houses - transferring tensions

This section delves into the psychological underpinnings of hauntings. Taylor discusses how haunted houses can become psychic scapegoats, absorbing the occupants' or neighbours' projected concerns. He notes that a family's belief in a haunting can be influenced by rumours and that sometimes, a more positive outlook on life can emerge after enduring such experiences. The article suggests a link between hauntings, poltergeists, and children going through puberty or family problems, noting that repressed aggression and tensions within a family can manifest as poltergeist phenomena.

Article: Haunted houses - universal symbols

This part of the discussion explores the symbolic meaning of acquiring a house as a rite of passage and a symbol of power. It contrasts the modern perception of houses as objects defined by numbering with the older belief in house spirits or 'genius loci.' The author references Nigel Pennick's idea that the personality of a house is denied by its numbering, reducing it to an object. The interaction between memory, emotion, and home is explored, with artist Pam Skelton's view that we construct our identity through recollections of places and people.

The article also touches upon how societal attitudes towards death and ghosts have evolved, from classical Greece to Victorian England, where death was seen as contamination. It contrasts this with Indo-European creation mythologies where death leads to life.

Article: Haunted houses - dreaming the sacred

This section connects consciousness research and 'earth mysteries' with 'Project Interface,' a phase of the Dragon Project that involves volunteers sleeping and dreaming at ancient sites. The aim is to research 'earth energies' and uncover site-specific motifs. The author raises the point that defining areas as 'sacred sites' can inadvertently imply that other areas are not sacred. Research by Paul Devereux on the correlation between stone circles and geological faulting is mentioned as potentially applicable to hauntings. Dr. Michael Persinger's work linking geomagnetism, altered states of consciousness, and anomalous phenomena is also noted.

Drawing on Carl Jung's observation that dreams are a source of primitive belief in spirits, the author presents a case study of a haunting where a witness had vivid dreams. These dreams, which occurred only in the house, involved her recently deceased brother and contained elements suggestive of shamanistic practices, such as being taken to a world tree and having no skeletal structure. The author suggests that these dreams, often overlooked by psychical researchers, could hold keys to understanding hauntings.

Article: Haunted houses - healing the haunted

This section emphasizes that investigating ghosts and hauntings involves dealing with human experiences and that the human element should not be neglected in favour of the apparent non-human. H.H. Price, Professor of Logic at Oxford University, is cited as being aware of the dual problem in investigating hauntings: neither purely mental nor physical. The majority of cases reported involve genuine people struggling to come to terms with their experiences, often feeling scared and embarrassed. The article suggests that psychical researchers, psychologists, and folklorists should help people understand these experiences.

It is proposed that engaging in the 'Transcendent Function' can help bridge conscious and unconscious minds with the 'spirit of place' of a house through its mythopoetic projections, acting as a form of self-healing. Myths are seen as crucial in unraveling the enigma of the haunted house, as they recount the workings of the supernatural and can release or set in operation that activity when retold or re-enacted.

The author concludes by stating that the article is not intended as a cohesive theory but as musings from a ghost hunter, encouraging new ideas and a focus on the human element in paranormal investigations.

Other Content:

• "Peakland Spooklights" by David Clarke: This article discusses the phenomenon of 'spooklights' or 'will o' the wisp,' which have been transformed into UFO reports in the space age. Clarke notes that these lights are often seen in mountainous areas rather than marshlands, and their rapid, playful movements suggest a form of low-order intelligence or reaction to environmental changes. He dismisses the marsh gas explanation, citing research that failed to reproduce the phenomenon. The article touches on folklore where will o'the wisps are seen as mischievous spirits that mislead travellers.
• References: A comprehensive list of cited works, including authors like Janet Bord, Andrew Cornell, Paul Devereux, Nandor Fodor, Carl Jung, and Peter Rogerson.
• Advertisements: Several advertisements for related publications and societies are included:
• The Pendragon Society: An Arthurian Society.
• The Ley Hunter: A journal of geomancy and earth mysteries.
• The Cauldron: A pagan journal.
• Thunder: A quarterly journal on North European thunder gods.
• Grimwood in the Far Isles Medieval Society: A society for historical reenactment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of folklore, mythology, psychical research, and the paranormal. There is a strong emphasis on the spiritual and symbolic significance of places, objects, and experiences, often challenging conventional scientific or rational explanations. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring unconventional ideas and perspectives, encouraging new research and a deeper understanding of phenomena that lie beyond the purely material. The issue advocates for a more holistic approach to investigating hauntings, one that considers psychological, cultural, and spiritual dimensions alongside physical evidence.

Title: At the Edge
Issue: No.10
Date: June 1998
Publisher: null
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1.75

This issue of 'At the Edge' magazine, dated June 1998, features a prominent cover section titled 'NORTHERN EARTH', described as an 'Informed Quarterly Journal of Earth Mysteries and Cultural Tradition'. The magazine itself is dedicated to 'Planning in Harmony with the Land'.

Earthlights and Spooklights in the Peak District

The main article delves into the phenomenon of 'earthlights' and 'spooklights,' exploring their connection to geological stress and folklore. The 'earthlights' theory posits that these lights are a product of electrical charge build-up in geologically stressed areas, rather than direct seismic activity. The article notes that while no clear production mechanism is fully understood, the theory suggests the lights are symptoms of the earth's internal traumas.

'Spooklights' are described as phenomena attached to particular places, often given local names and folklore. In the High Peak of Derbyshire, the 'Longdendale Lights,' also known as the 'Devil's Bonfires,' are discussed. The appearance of these lights is said to have given rise to the name 'Shining Clough.' Another location mentioned is 'Lantern Pike,' where the folklore of 'Peggy wi'th' Lantern' is recounted.

Traditional explanations for these lights often involve spirits, fairies, or elementals. A parallel motif is the use of lights as omens of death or disaster, particularly noted in Irish, Scottish, and Welsh folklore, such as the 'corpse candle' tradition. A story from Whitwell, Derbyshire, illustrates this, where a 'fairy death lantern' guided a lost man to safety.

Similar stories are found in the caverns and mines of the Peak District and surrounding coalfields, where lights are said to warn of impending disaster or haunt mines where lives have been lost. This often shades into ghostlore, with lights becoming 'ghostly lamps on miners' helmets.' The Longdendale Lights are also linked to legends of Roman soldiers carrying burning torches.

Another mining tradition mentions a 'fiery drake,' a ball of flame said to lead miners to rich ores. Lights are known to frequent stone circles, burial mounds, rivers, caves, and rocky crags in the Peak District. Specific locations mentioned include Lunter Rocks, Harborough Rocks, and a 'fairy tree' on Whitwell Moor. Lights are also reported on Stanton Moor and around the Bridestones, which are noted as locations where UFO 'abduction' events allegedly occurred.

Dovedale Double

The article presents contemporary eyewitness accounts, including those from Dovedale in the White Peak. Oliver Rowlands described encounters with strange lights dancing above the River Dove in March 1993. He and a friend witnessed two bright white lights, approximately the same size, perfectly round, and moving in symmetry. They estimated the lights to be between 10 and 100 feet above the river. Rowlands later returned and saw a similar, larger light.

Longdendale Lights

The Longdendale Lights have been observed for centuries. Sean Wood, a resident near Bleaklow mountain, has witnessed pulsating blobs of light and described seeing them more than 30 times over 16 years. He has seen single large lights and multiple smaller lights moving in an arch. These lights are a well-known part of the folklore of the region.

The Devil's Bonfires

Stories of the 'Devil's Bonfires' date back generations and are associated with folklore and witchcraft. Residents recall seeing flickering lights above the 'Devil's Elbow.' These lights were sometimes reported by motorists and were often mistaken for distress flares. Traditions link these lights to Roman soldiers marching along the Devil's Dyke.

Barbara Drabble recounted an experience in July 1970 near Crowden Youth Hostel, where she witnessed a brilliant blue light that illuminated the entire valley. The light was described as brighter, clearer, and harsher than daylight, and caused a sensation of intense cold. A mountain rescue search party, led by her husband Ken Drabble, found no trace of any source for the light. Later, other people staying at the hostel also witnessed a similar phenomenon.

Local farmers were reluctant to discuss the lights, but eventually admitted they were familiar with them and had been for generations, with some recalling them freezing young lambs. The persistence of these reports led the voluntary Mountain Rescue team to investigate numerous sightings, but the lights would always fade away upon approach.

Can Spooklights Be Explained Away?

Explanations offered include mistaken identity with ramblers, balls of light, and searchlight beams. Aircraft landing lights from the international flightpath over Bleaklow plateau and the flashing beacon of the Holme Moss TV transmitter are also suggested as possible sources of misidentification. However, none of these theories fully explain the range of phenomena or the traditional accounts predating modern technology.

Letters: Indian Axis Mundi

In a letter, R.W. Morrell discusses the concept of 'axis mundi' in Eastern and Western thought. He argues that Western concepts, influenced by European exploration and cartography, tended to relegate the sacred geography of India to less significant areas. Morrell contrasts this with Hindu and Buddhist ideas, which allow for numerous centres of the world and consider even minor sites as 'navels' on par with major ones like Mount Meru.

He elaborates on the Hindu concept of Meru, citing the Rigveda myth of Indra and Vrtra, and the subsequent stabilization of the earth. The text mentions various symbols for axis mundi in Hinduism, including pillars (skambha), trees (vanaspati), and mountains (mahameru). Morrell notes that while Hindus may not agree on Meru's exact location, it is generally not considered to be at the North Pole. He also discusses the Buddhist reverence for Mount Kailas, which has largely eclipsed Meru in Buddhist lore, and its association with Siva.

Morrell critiques Chet Van Duzer's tendency to minimize differences between Eastern and Western concepts of axis mundi. He argues that Hindu traditions find no logical inconsistency in multiple axis mundi, viewing them as part of a mystical concept, a stark contrast to the scientific Western approach.

Abstracts

This section compiles summaries of various articles and publications:

• Northumberland's Threatened Treasure: Discusses the ritual landscape of the Milfield basin, Northumberland, and the threat of quarrying to Neolithic monuments and an Anglo-Saxon site at Yeavering.
• Young Folk: A survey of folklore associated with statues and buildings in the Bristol region.
• BVM Meets Will o'the Wisp: Explores the dedication of a chapel at Mortel in Holland to the 'will o'the wisp' or marsh lights.
• Crooked Leys: An overview of Alby Stone's book on leys, spirit paths, and shamanism.
• Fairies and Pixies: Describes the 'Little People of Dorset' in detail.
• Doors, Passages and Rituals: Explores anthropological ideas about liminality and doorways in understanding Neolithic megalithic monuments.
• Sussex Mini Henge: Reports on the discovery of a 2,000 BC circular ditch site near Chichester, Sussex, possibly a 'mini Stonehenge.'
• Britain's Peculiar Roads: An article on roads as features of the landscape often ignored by archaeologists.

Reviews

The magazine includes several book reviews:

• LANDSCAPES OF LEGEND: A Photographic Journey Through the Secret Heart of Britain by John Matthews and Michael J. Stead. This book is praised for its stunning large-format photographs of 48 sites, providing an informative background despite the emphasis on mysterious legends.
• FIELD GUIDE TO THE PICTISH SYMBOL STONES by Alastair Mack. This guide is described as an excellent resource for understanding and locating Scotland's Pictish symbol stones, featuring a comprehensive gazetteer and schematic route maps.
• THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF LANDSCAPE: Neolithic sites of Cardiganshire, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire by George Children and George Nash. This is the third book in a series of guidebooks to Neolithic sites, offering a site-by-site guide with text, photographs, and plans, though it omits folklore associated with the sites.

Other Sections

• PLACE: The Magazine for Planning in Harmony with the Land: An advertisement for a subscription to this related magazine.
• A.P.R.A. BOOKS: An advertisement for antiquarian and scholarly books.
• The Right Times No.1: A review of the first issue of a new magazine from the Friends of the Rollright Stones, covering earth mysteries and pagan themes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of earth mysteries, folklore, archaeology, and the intersection of cultural traditions with the landscape. There is a clear interest in unexplained phenomena, ancient sites, and local legends. The editorial stance appears to favour in-depth exploration of these topics, presenting both scientific theories and traditional beliefs, and encouraging readers to engage with the 'otherness' of the landscape. The inclusion of abstracts and reviews suggests a commitment to providing a broad overview of current research and publications in the field of earth mysteries and cultural traditions.

This issue, No.10, dated June 1998, of 'AT THE EDGE' magazine announces a significant change: the merger of 'At the Edge' with '3rd Stone' magazine. The cover prominently features this "Special Announcement" with the headline "At the Edge is about to become bigger and better!". The magazine also includes a comprehensive "Index of Issues 1 to 10", detailing articles, authors, and topics covered in previous editions.

Merger Announcement

The editorial explains that 'At the Edge' and '3rd Stone' are combining forces to create a single magazine that will be superior in quality and circulation. The new publication aims to cover "all aspects of past and place" with a balanced approach, incorporating both academic and "non-academic contributors". The current editor of 'At the Edge', who has been producing the magazine for nearly eight years, expresses a desire to step off the treadmill but will remain involved in the editorial team of the new '3rd Stone'.

The decision to merge was driven by the realization that both magazines were competing for the same subscribers and contributors, making collaboration a more logical and fruitful path. The new combined magazine will be titled '3rd Stone'. Existing '3rd Stone' readers can expect more folklore and mythology, while 'At the Edge' readers will benefit from increased archaeological content.

Subscribers to 'At the Edge' are informed that unless they opt out before the end of June, their subscriptions will be automatically transferred to '3rd Stone'. Those already subscribed to both magazines will have their '3rd Stone' subscription extended. The announcement also mentions that the new '3rd Stone' is scheduled for July publication.

The editor expresses gratitude to all contributors, illustrators, and subscribers who have supported 'At the Edge' and 'Mercian Mysteries' over the years, emphasizing that their support made the publication possible.

Index of Issues 1 to 10

The bulk of the magazine consists of a detailed index of articles published in 'At the Edge' from its inception up to issue No. 10. The index is organized alphabetically by subject, listing authors, issue numbers, and page references. Topics covered are extensive and include:

• Archaeology and Sites: Anglo-Saxon burials, cathedrals, churches, crosses, execution sites, moot sites, settlement, shrines, sacred sites, Neolithic sites, Bronze Age barrows, pottery decoration, stone circles, standing stones, hill figures, Roman Britain, Iron Age sites, archaeoastronomy, rock art (across various regions including Britain, Ireland, Spain, Australia, Zimbabwe), sacred landscapes, dolmens, megalithic structures, and specific sites like Stonehenge, Avebury, Cerne Abbas, and Chaco Canyon.
• Mythology and Folklore: Arthurian myth and legend, paganism, Celtic myth and legends, Indo-European mythology, Greek mythology, Babylonian cosmology, Hindu mythology, Finnish mythology, Egyptian mythology, Native American traditions, folklore of specific regions (e.g., Ireland, Scotland, England, Latvia, Malaysia), fairies, elves, dragons, world tree, Yggdrasil, Odin, Thor, Baldr, Herne the Hunter, and figures like Arthur, Gawain, and Chulainn.
• Beliefs and Practices: Shamanism, witchcraft, geomancy, divination, magic, ritual, cosmology, death platforms, spirit paths, leys, alignments, axis mundi, liminality, altered states of consciousness, gender studies, fertility folklore, and 'cosmic scripts'.
• Specific Topics: Tree lore, animal folklore (e.g., black dogs, cows, hares), water dragons, weaving and spinning, mirrors of magic, hobby horses, and the concept of the Goddess.
• Geographical Coverage: The index lists numerous locations across England (by county), Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Europe, and beyond, including specific sites and regions.

Advertising and Back Issues

The magazine also includes information about purchasing back issues of 'At the Edge'. Specific themes covered in past issues are highlighted, such as "Green Men and tree lore" (No.4), "Sex and gender in archaeology and folklore" (No.6), and "Rock art" (No.8). Pricing for individual issues and bundles is provided, along with ordering instructions and contact details for 'At the Edge's' website and email.

Additionally, there is an advertisement for the book "STRAIGHT Crooked Road: Leys, spirit paths and shamanism" by Alby Stone, published by Heart of Albion Press. The advertisement includes endorsements from Professor Ronald Hutton, Nigel Pennick, and John Michell, and details the book's content, price, and ordering information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the indexed issues of 'At the Edge' are the interconnectedness of archaeology, folklore, mythology, and landscape. The magazine consistently explores ancient beliefs, practices, and sites, seeking to understand the "past and place" through a multidisciplinary lens. The editorial stance, as indicated by the merger announcement, is to provide a comprehensive and accessible platform for exploring these subjects, bridging the gap between academic research and popular interest in earth mysteries and ancient history. The emphasis on "new interpretations" and "new, grounded, avenues of approach" suggests a forward-looking and critical engagement with the field.