Earth - No 01 - 1986

Magazine Overview

This is the first issue of "EARTH 1," a bi-monthly magazine published in West Yorkshire, dedicated to Paganism, ufology, and mystical matters. The editor, Paul Bennett, aims to cover a wide range of topics including ceremonial magick, astrology, Wicca, Zen, demonology, sleep, UFOs, and more, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these subjects.

Editorial and Introduction

Paul Bennett welcomes readers to the inaugural issue, highlighting its unique position as the first magazine of its kind in the West Yorkshire region. He apologizes for the initial twenty-page limit, with plans to expand to thirty pages per issue and potentially become a monthly publication if readership and sales grow. Bennett expresses his desire to build upon his experience editing "UFO Brigantia" and to offer readers a platform to broaden their knowledge.

He emphasizes the rich earth mystery heritage of West Yorkshire, which he feels has been largely overlooked. While the magazine may focus on earth mysteries, he assures ufologists that the UFO phenomenon will be a significant theme, asserting a direct relationship between earth mysteries and the UFO phenomenon, not just in terms of earth lights but also in relation to natural forces.

Remarkable Visions - 1: Jon Tilleard's Experience

This section introduces a series of true stories about seemingly fictional events. It recounts the experience of Jon Tilleard, a twenty-two-year-old from Shipley, who was feeling depressed in July 1984. While wandering near Carr Lane Cliffs, he sat against an old monolith and experienced a powerful surge of energy that seemed to awaken from the ground and rise through him, charging the stone. This led to a telepathic communion with the stone, which conveyed a sense of immense feeling and understanding of the Earth.

News in Brief

This section reports a UFO landing at Esholt, near Bradford, during the 1967 flap, which allegedly left ground traces and was accompanied by strange animal sightings.

Stonehenge - The Alternative? by Sylvia Ross

Sylvia Ross discusses the preparations for the Stonehenge Festival and criticizes the government's actions, which she believes hinder the focus on the true Solstice Ritual. She argues that Stonehenge is a vital 'powerhouse' of the Earth Spirit, but highlights that there are nearly one thousand stone circles and two thousand single monoliths across Britain that also act as energy generators. Ross suggests that smaller groups could observe the Solstice Day ritual at local stone circles, which would help replenish the Earth Spirit without the government's interference and negative media portrayal.

Glory in Brigantia by Harry C. Monet-Lane

This article examines Roman altars found in Yorkshire dedicated to the goddess Brigantia and deities associated with water. It suggests that Yorkshire may have been a central area for Brigantia worship. The article also discusses altars dedicated to water deities like Verbeia (associated with the River Wharfe) and Vinotonus Silvanus, highlighting the importance of springs and water courses in Celtic and earlier societies.

The Creature Feature... or Tales from the Black Lagoon

This new regular spot will feature encounters with strange creatures from time and space, particularly from West Yorkshire. The first installment details an observation in mid-summer 1965 near Brimham Rocks, where a lorry driver reported seeing a large, humming flying saucer from which humanoid figures emerged. These figures carried torch-like rods emitting green light and communicated in a foreign-sounding language, possibly German.

A second account from January 1968 describes four young girls encountering a tall, dark humanoid figure in a churchyard in Otley during a local UFO flap.

Old Yorkshire Diary: Spectral Armies from Yorkshire's Past (1700-1800s) by Sylvia Ross

This section reproduces historical accounts of spectral phenomena from the "Yorkshire Folklore Journal." It includes a report from January 1792 near York of a 'meteor' resembling a large army in the sky, and another from June 1812 near Harrogate of a similar troop of armed men. A third account from 1743 and 1744 near Pickering describes spectral men on horseback observed riding on hillsides.

A Comment from the Wizard, On Koans; Being an Extension of his Words on Oz, and an Expansion on the Worlds of Being

This article delves into the concept of 'Oz' and 'cosmic consciousness,' drawing parallels between UFO experiences, near-death experiences (NDEs), and mystical states. The author suggests that 'Oz' is the 'voice' of the cosmos, a manifestation of cosmic consciousness that can induce feelings of peace, realization, and a sense of meaning. The article also explores Zen Buddhism, particularly the use of 'koans' (insoluble riddles) as a method to shock the mind into direct realization or 'satori,' likening the UFO phenomenon itself to a cosmic koan.

Stone Circles of West Yorkshire

This section provides a survey of stone circles in West Yorkshire, noting that there are more than commonly listed on OS maps. It details several sites, including Bradup Circle, Grubstones Circle, Twelve Apostles, Horncliff Circle, Weecher Circle, Brackenhall Green, and Hirst Woods. For each site, it provides location details, physical descriptions, and notes on associated folklore, energy fields, astrological influences, and occasional UFO sightings.

For We are of Earth - Article by Paul Holmes

This is a poetic piece expressing a deep connection to the Earth as the 'Mother' and 'Living Sphere,' from which all life originates and to which all returns. It emphasizes the Earth's nurturing presence and the concept of unity with the divine.

The Strange Old Tale of the Dob Park Dog

This article recounts a frightening story from the Washburn Valley in the late sixteenth century, involving a mysterious cavern at Dob Park Lodge. The tale describes a subterranean passage, unexplained glows, and terrifying sounds. It focuses on the account of a young man who entered the passage and returned with a disturbing tale after experiencing sweet music and encountering a large, talking black dog that presented him with a choice: drink liquor, open a chest, or draw a sword. The man chose to drink, which caused a chest full of gold to open, but the experience was terrifying.

Reviews

This section includes a review of "UFO Brigantia," a local UFO magazine from West Yorkshire, praising its content on UFO sightings, encounters, and local folklore.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Paganism, ufology, mysticism, and earth mysteries, with a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of these subjects. The editorial stance, particularly from Paul Bennett, is that the UFO phenomenon is intrinsically linked to earth mysteries and natural forces. There is a clear advocacy for exploring alternative spiritual paths and understanding the 'Oz Factor' as a manifestation of cosmic consciousness. The magazine also champions the rights of Pagans and highlights historical and local paranormal phenomena, encouraging readers to engage with these topics and broaden their perspectives.

This document is page 20 of the magazine 'Earth', presented as an advertising feature. It primarily lists various businesses and publications that cater to interests in the occult, paranormal, UFOs, paganism, and related esoteric subjects within the United Kingdom.

Advertising Content

The page details several vendors and their offerings:

• The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Described as Europe's biggest dealer in occult, paranormal books and regalia, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire. They also publish 'The Lamp of Thoth', a 'very good occult mag' available for £2.25 per issue or £10.60 for six issues.
• Spooks bookshop: Located in Haworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire, this shop deals in occult, paranormal, and UFO books. They can be contacted by writing or calling.
• West Yorks UFO Research Group: Publishes 'UFO Brigantia', a magazine available for 50p per single copy or £7.50 per annum. Contact is via 19 Bellmount Gardens, Bramley, Leeds LS13 2ND.
• Northern Earth Mysteries Group: Publishes 'Northern Earth Mysteries', a pagan magazine priced at £2.50 per annum for four issues. Contact Phillip Heselton at 170 Victoria Avenue, Hull HU5 3DY.
• Distant Cousins: Publishes 'The Tiger', a pagan/Stonehenge Festival benefit magazine, costing 20p per copy. It can be purchased from Griff at Benson's Bierkeller in Bradford or obtained by writing to D.C., c/o 430 Halifax Road, Hightown, Liversedge, West Yorkshire.
• Inspiration Boutique: Deals in headgear and magazines. They can be reached at 2nd Floor, Argate House, Upper Millergate, Bradford, West Yorkshire.
• Yorkshire UFO Society: Contact Graham Birdsall at 68 Buller Crescent, Leeds LS9 6LJ.
• Falcon Books of Saltaire: Offers a collection of second-hand books on parapsychology, mysticism, archaeology, and occultism. Located at 13 Victoria Rd, Saltaire, Shipley, West Yorkshire, with a contact telephone number of 0274 584275.
• The Ley Hunter magazine: An excellent publication by Paul Devereux, recommended for followers of Earth and Pagans. The subscription is £14 per annum for 14 issues. Contact details are PO Box 13, Welshpool, Powys, Wales.

Advertisers request that customers mention 'Earth' when contacting them.

Philosophical Content

The page concludes with a poem titled 'Why do people want control?' attributed to Jon Tilleard. The poem explores themes of freedom, truth, life, and the nature of human existence, questioning the desire for control and advocating for authenticity and trust, particularly in children. It ends with the phrase 'Blessed Earth...'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are clearly focused on the esoteric, paranormal, and spiritual realms, with a strong emphasis on books and publications related to these subjects. The editorial stance, as indicated by the inclusion of these advertisements and the philosophical poem, appears to be supportive of alternative belief systems, the exploration of the unknown, and a connection to nature and spiritual truths. The magazine seems to serve as a platform for disseminating information and connecting enthusiasts with resources in these fields.