Earth - No 04 - 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTH
Issue: 4
Volume: DEC-JAN 86-7
Date: December-January 1986-1987
Publisher: BARMY BENNETT PUBLICATIONS
Price: 60p
Cover Headline: YULETIDE '86
Description: A bi-monthly magazine of Paganism, UFology, Mysticism etc.

Contents Overview

This issue of EARTH magazine, dated December-January 1986-87, offers a diverse range of articles touching upon folklore, ancient history, ufology, and psychological theories. The publication is presented as a non-profit making venture, with an editorial stance that welcomes contributions and maintains strict confidentiality for reported experiences.

Yorkshire's Water Wolf

Nigel Mortimer's article delves into the folklore of the 'Water-Wolf,' a creature described in old books and local tales from Yorkshire. The legend speaks of a being that could be swallowed from streams and grow within a person's stomach, influencing their mind and potentially causing harm. Mortimer traces the descriptions from ancient Roman encounters to turn-of-the-century accounts, noting similarities to faerie lore and the concept of 'shape-changers.' He recounts a specific, vivid account from a Miss Judson of Haworth, detailing her unsettling experience with such a creature.

The Prehistoric Rock Art, Megalithic Remains, and Other Strange Things of Rivock and District - Part 2

This section, authored by David Pendleton, continues an exploration of ancient sites and their potential meanings. It discusses the connection between ancient man's understanding of the Earth Spirit and the records left in megaliths and carvings. The article focuses on cup and ring markings, suggesting they are not merely decorative but may represent astrological, numerological, and geomantic energies. It highlights the work of John Michell and his theories on 'Gematria' and the 'science of Gematria,' linking ancient structures to numerical values found in nature. Several specific carvings from the Rivock area are illustrated and analyzed, with a focus on recurring numerical designs, particularly the 'CD-3' system, and their potential alignment with astronomical bodies or geological energies.

View From The Hill: Cup and Rings - The Naked Truth

David Pendleton offers a humorous and critical look at the numerous theories surrounding cup and ring markings. He lists over a hundred proposed explanations, ranging from the mundane to the bizarre, including theories involving bored children, astronomical maps, musical notation, and even alien communication via laser beams. Pendleton concludes that while many theories exist, the true meaning remains elusive, suggesting that the mystery itself is part of the human fascination with the unknown.

Remarkable Visions 4: In Tune with the Infinite?

This section presents a first-person account of an intense psychedelic experience following the ingestion of hallucinogenic mushrooms. The narrative describes a profound journey beyond normal senses, characterized by overwhelming emotions of joy, beauty, and a sense of unity with the universe. The experience culminates in a vision of a divine manifestation, described as a source of pure energy and understanding, leading to a state of 'Illumination.'

UFOs - A Jungian Approach

Peter Southwood's article explores the possibility that UFO phenomena might be understood through the lens of Jungian psychology. He argues that many UFO reports defy conventional explanations and suggests that UFOs may have a 'psychic' or 'occult' origin. The article introduces key Jungian concepts such as the collective unconscious, archetypes (like the mother figure, father figure, hero, and shadow), and the process of individuation. It posits that UFO experiences could be a manifestation of the collective unconscious, influenced by individual biases and unresolved psychological conflicts, and that 'projection' plays a significant role in shaping these experiences.

The Anatomy of a Ley, or Some Type of Alignment

This article investigates a potential ley line, or alignment of ancient sites, in the West Yorkshire area. Following a previously identified alignment from Earth 3, the author traces a path starting from Hirst Woods, near Saltaire, and identifies several ancient sites, including stone circles and cup markings, along a specific bearing. The article details the coordinates of these sites and discusses the statistical probability of them forming a true alignment, suggesting a length of approximately 6.465 km (4.04 miles) with a direction of roughly 79°30' east of magnetic north.

Up, Up and Away

David Pendleton discusses the growing disillusionment with modern consumer society and the rise of 'alternative' lifestyles. He critiques the commercialization and superficiality that can creep into alternative scenes, emphasizing the importance of genuine community and shared learning. The article touches upon the 'hip' look and the inflated prices sometimes charged for esoteric materials, contrasting this with Earth magazine's non-profit status.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of EARTH magazine are the exploration of the unknown, the mystical, and the ancient. There is a strong emphasis on connecting with nature, understanding esoteric traditions, and questioning conventional explanations for phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed in the introductory notes, is one of openness, inclusivity, and a commitment to preserving the confidentiality of contributors. The magazine appears to foster a community of like-minded individuals interested in exploring alternative perspectives on reality, history, and consciousness.

Title: Earth
Issue: No.121
Date: September/October 1986

This issue of "Earth" magazine, published by Barmy Bennett Publications, focuses on paranormal and Fortean phenomena, with a particular emphasis on reports from Yorkshire, United Kingdom. The magazine covers a range of unusual events, sightings, and research into mysteries.

Alternative Lifestyles and Societal Concerns

The editorial section opens with a reflection on the appeal of alternative lifestyles, such as living in caravans or allotments, and questions whether these are sustainable or desirable as mass movements. It touches upon the potential for societal disruption and the public's reaction to perceived threats, referencing the 'Peace Convoy' as an example. The editor also ponders the authorities' potential fear of unemployed youth adopting such lifestyles and undermining the established social order.

Fortean Tales of Time and Space in Yorkshire

This section presents a collection of strange and unexplained events from Yorkshire, attributed to the 'Fortean' tradition named after Charles Fort.

• December 8, 1873, Leeds: A Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cumpston reported a violent gust of wind in their home, which caused a large hole to appear in the floor. The phenomenon lasted only seconds before the wind ceased and the hole vanished without a trace.
• May 1982, Shipley: A motorist on Bradford Road encountered a giant kangaroo, which caused a collision and left fur and blood on his car. The animal was later seen bounding into Northcliffe Woods.
• August 1974, Barnsley: A large block of ice, described as larger than a rugby ball, fell from a clear sky. Tests indicated its composition was unlike atmospheric ice.
• September 1973, Barnsley: Another large chunk of ice fell from a clear sky approximately a year prior to the Barnsley incident.
• May 2, 1952, Doncaster-to-Sunthorpe road: A young woman's car windshield was shattered by an invisible object. Investigators found no missile or rock that could have caused the damage.
• May 5, 1952, Doncaster-to-Sunthorpe road: On the same stretch of road, a truck's windshield was suddenly smashed, again with no identifiable cause.
• May 6, 1952, Doncaster-to-Sunthorpe road: A school bus filled with children exploded, spraying glass everywhere, but miraculously, no one was injured.
• August 1976, Baildon and Shipley: During a heatwave, a fifteen-minute downpour of rain occurred from entirely clear skies.
• August 12, 1979, Bingley: Witnesses Peter Derham and Ian Duguid observed a three-foot-tall, jet-black owl sitting motionless on telephone wires. After about fifteen minutes, the 'owl' moved its head and disappeared.

Historical Footprints and Aerial Phenomena

John Keel is quoted regarding "Enormous (foot)prints" supposedly left by a "huge, flying black horse" during a lightning storm in York in 1065. Keel's account also mentions a rash of strange footprints in York between 1189-99, described as "human footprints of extraordinary length" that left the grass scorched.

• September 1977, Idle Moor, Bradford: Following reports of strange aerial lights, a seven-foot-tall creature was sighted. Simultaneously, a field of cattle was mysteriously slaughtered, with one cow having its blood drained. This case is highlighted as a rare instance of UFO-related cattle mutilation in Britain. A "glowing white, Bigfoot-like creature" was reportedly seen nearby just twelve hours before the cattle deaths.
• Autumn 1981, Whitby: Mrs. Elaine Rigden was awakened by loud thumping noises at her garden gate. She discovered blood and fur remains on the gate, along with fang-like impressions in the wood. The following day, a man reported seeing two large, howling felines, one of which stood its ground and snarled, appearing considerably larger than a domestic cat. While speculated to be a lynx, no animal was found.

Reviews and Book Advertisements

The magazine includes a review of "Cat Flaps. A Survey of Mystery Cats in the North of England," written by Andy Roberts. The booklet explores reports of large feline beasts, such as lions and panthers, roaming the British countryside. It examines folklore adjacent to these sightings and discusses theories, including dismissing the idea of 'black dog' spectres and exploring connections to UFOs and parapysical emanations. The review notes that the booklet also details footprints and marks left by these creatures.

Several advertisements for books and magazines are featured:

• "Spooks" Bookshop, Haworth: Offers occult, Pagan, paranormal, and UFO books, along with magickal regalia.
• "Falcon Books of Saltaire": Provides a collection of second-hand books on mysticism, parapsychology, occultism, and archaeology.
• British Herbal Medicine Association: Contact details provided.
• The Lamp of Thoth: A publication of the Sorcerer's Apprentice, described as a good occult/Pagan magazine.
• The Ley Hunter: Referred to as the world's No.1 magazine on Earth Mysteries (EM), EL, and Pagan matters.
• Fortean Times: Declared as the foremost journal of strange phenomena.
• Northern Earth Mysteries: A publication explaining the activities of the group of the same name.
• Northern UFO News: Published by the Northern UFO Network, featuring sightings and research.
• The Cauldron: A Pagan Journal of the Old Religion.
• UFO Brigantia: A publication of the West Yorkshire UFO Research Group.
• UFO Contact International: A Danish UFO magazine dedicated to the works of George Adamski.
• Quest: A publication of the Yorkshire UFO Society.

Advertisements for specific books are also present, covering topics such as the occult, paranormal, UFOs, cosmology, ancient history, and witchcraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Earth" magazine are Fortean phenomena, UFO sightings, mystery creatures, and paranormal events, with a strong regional focus on Yorkshire. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, encouraging readers to share their own experiences and views. The magazine acts as a platform for disseminating information on these topics and promoting related publications and organizations. The concluding remarks express gratitude to contributors and a hope for future reprints of past "Earth" issues.