Earth - No 07 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTH
Issue: 7
Date: Midsummer 1987
Publisher: EARTH magazine
Focus: Paganism, Ufology, Mysticism

This issue of EARTH magazine, dated Midsummer 1987, is a bi-monthly publication dedicated to exploring the realms of Paganism, Ufology, and Mysticism. The magazine features a diverse range of articles, including detailed reports on UFO and entity sightings, theoretical explorations into quantum physics and its connection to the human mind, and an in-depth analysis of Qabalah. It also includes book reviews, personal accounts of unusual encounters, and a humorous column.

Events from an Idle Hill

This section details numerous sightings and encounters reported around Idle Hill and Idle Moor in West Yorkshire between 1975 and 1984. The article begins with an erratum correcting a previous report about Robert Hopkins witnessing a humanoid in 1977, clarifying it was in 1975. It then recounts several UFO sightings, including a large, red-green cigar-shaped object observed on October 10, 1975, and a ten-foot-tall robot-like figure seen the following day, which left a burnt area of earth. Further reports include a peculiar object seen by Peter Clough on November 9, 1977, described as a bright, fluffy, magnesium-flare-like phenomenon. On November 16, 1977, a double-headed sperm cell-shaped object was observed over Idle Moor, which disengaged a small black cube. Multiple sightings of bright white spheres performing erratic movements were reported by Jon Tilleard in September 1983. The article also notes two bright white lights seen travelling together on December 11, 1984, and a bright white light observed by Mr. B. Empson. The author suggests that these phenomena may be related to 'earth lights,' luminous energy forms produced by geophysical stress, and presents a map correlating sightings with geological fault lines, supporting the hypothesis promoted by researchers like Paul Devereux and Persinger.

The Quantum Connection

Written by Peter Southwood, this is the first part of a series exploring the connection between the human mind and the material universe through the lens of new physics. The article begins by contrasting the 'common sense' Newtonian view of the universe as a predictable machine with the more complex realities revealed by quantum mechanics. It highlights Isaac Newton's contributions, including the laws of motion and gravity, and the mechanistic worldview that prevailed for centuries. The author then introduces the concept of 'uncommon sense' required to understand phenomena like UFOs and psychic events. The article delves into the historical development of physics, starting with Thomas Young's double-slit experiment, which demonstrated light's wave-like properties. It then discusses Max Planck's discovery of energy quanta, leading to the wave-particle duality paradox. The article explains how Einstein's theories further challenged Newtonian mechanics, particularly his work on photons. The concept of forbidden paths for photons in the double-slit experiment is presented as a key paradox, questioning whether light behaves as a particle or a wave. The author concludes that this wave-particle paradox was a significant factor in the breakdown of Newtonian causality and the dawn of quantum mechanics.

Qabalistic Reply

Authored by Frater Nostrils, this article aims to explain the Qabalah in more detail, building upon a previous essay by Peter Southwood. It defines Qabalah as a tradition of receiving esoteric knowledge orally, originating from divine communication to angels. The article traces its transmission through various figures, including Abraham and Moses, and mentions key texts like the Zohar. The Qabalah is categorized into four main aspects: Practical Qabalah (dealing with magic), Literal Qabalah (interpreting texts through Gematria, Notariqon, and Temura), Unwritten Qabalah (doctrines never written down), and Dogmatic Qabalah (doctrines answering ten fundamental religious questions). The author critiques Southwood's article, particularly his use of the term 'imbalance' in relation to the Tree of Life, suggesting that balance and equilibrium are central principles. The article explains the concept of 'creation' as a descent from the eternal through the Sephiroth, with each sephira having a dual quality of receiving and transmitting. It also touches upon the Qlipoth, or shells, as the abodes of evil spirits formed from what remains after the descent through the four worlds.

Book Reviews

The Apogeton by Alawn Tickhill: This book is highly recommended for those with prior experience in magic, offering connections between Qabalah and the eight-circuit theory of the human brain. It discusses 'neuro-magick,' consciousness expansion, quantum physics, and occultism, along with practical exercises. The reviewer notes its focus on the underlying structure of magical activity, avoiding party politics.

The Carved Rocks on Rombald's Moor: Edited by John Hedges, this is described as the first detailed book on the cup and ring stones of Ilkley Moor. It provides comprehensive site descriptions, OS coordinates, and bibliographic references for 300 carvings. The book is praised for its photographs, diagrams, and its value for archaeologists, Pagans, and earth mystery researchers.

Personal Accounts and Encounters

Remarkable Visions - Encounter in a Caledonian Forest: Iain Johnston recounts a mystical encounter in the woods near Glasgow in the summer of 1946. At the age of six, he met a female figure of average height, with a willowy figure, green shimmering gown, and archaic fashion. The figure's appearance was described as exotic, with a heart-shaped face, slanted eyes, and red fingernails. She spoke with a lilting accent, claiming to live in the woods with her kin and promising to see him again. Johnston felt he had encountered a member of the faerie race.

Tales from Cuckooland - Strange Gestures from JASON77!: This column by David Pendleton humorously recounts two strange phenomena. Mr. Jatinda Singh of Shipley reported seeing a man's face floating and smiling in circles around his room in October 1977. A few days later, Mr. Frank Langwade of Clayton, Bradford, reported seeing a small black pig flying anticlockwise around his bedroom. Both phenomena reportedly ended with a distinct 'pop' sound.

Other Sections

Editor's Note: The editor muses on Iain Johnston's vision, suggesting it might be similar to the Earth Goddess Clota and requests reader input.

Wanted: A plea for back issues of The Ley Hunter Magazine.

For Sale: Listings for 'Elements of Tarot' by Peter Southwood and a Commodore C64 computer with peripherals.

Letters: A brief mention of a letter from a reader named 'Frater Nostrils' who offers a Qabalistic perspective.

Advertisements: Includes ads for 'OPUS Workshops LTD' and 'FATE & FORTUNE'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the paranormal, ancient beliefs, and modern scientific inquiry. There's a clear interest in UFO phenomena, often linked to earth mysteries and geological phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of personal experiences. The magazine also shows an interest in esoteric traditions like Paganism and Qabalah, seeking to connect them with contemporary thought and scientific developments, particularly in physics. The tone ranges from serious analysis to humorous observations, reflecting a broad interest in the unexplained and the mystical aspects of existence.

This issue of Earth Magazine, identified as Issue 7, focuses on mysterious phenomena and earth mysteries, with a prominent cover story titled "From Tunguska to Bradford: An Historical Light Show." The magazine appears to be from the mid-to-late 1980s, with several publication dates within the issue pointing to 1987.

An Historical Light Show

The lead article details a fascinating atmospheric phenomenon observed over England on the night of June 30, 1908. This event coincided with the famous Tunguska explosion in Siberia. The account is based on the observations of Mr. S.R. Illingworth, a former Bradford astronomer. He describes the sky presenting a remarkable appearance shortly after sunset, with a bright, whitish band of light on the horizon, which gradually shifted through various shades of red and then pale green. At one point, the light exhibited streaming effects resembling "fingers of bluish light."

Illingworth meticulously documented the phenomenon by setting up an experiment to track the movement of the light patch. He used a pencil stuck into the ground to trace the shadow cast by a fixed object at regular intervals. His findings indicated that the light patch moved in a clockwise direction. By 1:45 am, the entire patch had grown lighter, appearing as bright as dawn, but coming from a direction slightly east of north.

The article discusses possible explanations for this phenomenon, including aurora borealis, but dismisses it due to its location and behavior. It leans towards the theory of an "afterglow caused by refraction of the sun's light," possibly due to a large amount of meteoric dust passing through the atmosphere, potentially from comet Encke, which is also linked to the Tunguska event. The article contrasts this scientific explanation with more speculative ideas about the Tunguska event itself, such as nuclear-powered spaceships or black holes, suggesting these are less likely than a cometary fragment.

Reviews

The magazine features a "Reviews" section that highlights several other publications, primarily focused on earth mysteries, occultism, and alternative practices:

• Out from the Care: A magazine about Radical Healing, promoting alternative practices and mentioning Vilhelm Reich and orgone devices. It also touches on masculism.
• Brigantia: Described as a classic work on Yorkshire earth mysteries, legends, and ley lines, this book is a Mysteriography by Guy Ragland Phillips.
• The Ley Hunter (Issue 103): This magazine is lauded as the principal Earth Mysteries publication, covering astroarchaeological alignments, ley hunting, and earthlight entities. It features pieces on stone circles like Castlerigg and Callanish, and ley hunting in various locations.
• Poems from the Equinox: A limited edition book by Aleister Crowley, featuring poetic extracts.
• The Lamp of Thoth (Issue 20): This publication focuses on occultism, covering topics like Paganism, Vicca, Tarot, Chaos Magick, and Psi. It notes that some material is controversial and mentions a potential NATO threat to occult practices near military bases.
• The Kabbalist (Issue 5:6): A journal for occultists and magicians studying the Tree of Life, detailing its relationship with the I Ching and astrology, and exploring the sephira Hod and Netzach.
• Northern Earth Mysteries: A publication dealing with Earth Mysteries and related matters from Northern England.
• Northern UFO News (Mar/Apr '87): This magazine provides news and reviews on the British UFO world, including articles on saucer sightings and investigations.

Other Magazines

Another section lists various other magazines and their subscription details:

• Ley Hunter: Earth Mysteries, Pagan matters.
• Fortean Times: Journal of Strange Phenomena.
• Lamp of Thoth: Pagan, occult, mystical matters.
• Northern Earth Mysteries: Earth Mysteries from Northern England.
• The Kabbalist: Quarterly publication of the International Order of Kabbalists.
• Chaos International: A Chaos magick magazine featuring articles, artwork, and poetry.
• Northern UFO News: News and views from the Northern UFO Network.
• Dark Lily: A quarterly magazine on Satanism, magick, and left-hand occultism.
• Out from the Core: A magazine about radical healing.
• The Cauldron: A Pagan Journal of the Old Religion.
• UFO Brigantia: Publication of Vest Yorkshire UFO Research.
• UFO Newsclipping Service: Fortean & UFO American magazine.
• UFO Contact International: An ET-based UFO magazine dedicated to the works of George Adanski.
• The Franz Bardon Foundation: Disseminates information on Hermetic & Egyptian magic.

Shops

Several shops are listed that supply related materials:

• Falcon Books of Saltaire: Specializes in local history, parapsychology, mysticism, and archaeology books.
• 10 Aromatics: Suppliers of essential oils, incenses, herbs, books, and magazines.
• The Body & Soul Shop: Suppliers of magickal regalia, herbs, occult jewelry, and Pagan books.
• Spooks of Haworth: A bookshop dealing in occult, Pagan, and mystical items.
• Inspiration Boutique: Suppliers of clothes, incenses, Eastern & Celtic jewelry, and head accessories.
• Fate & Fortune of Batley: Offers occult books and supplies, incenses, and paraphenalia.
• Sorcerer's Apprentice: A large dealer in occult and magick regalia, books, and paranormal items.

The Grey Stone Ring Carving

This section details the discovery of the "Grey Stone Ring Carving" in Harewood Park, north of Leeds, by amateur archaeologist Mr. C.B.Hartley in October 1958. The carving on the boulder consists of consecutive rings and several cups. The article notes that the dimensions of the carving, when measured in "megalithic inches" (a unit associated with Alexander Thom's research), closely align with specific measurements (30 megalithic inches in height and 26 megalithic inches in width), suggesting a potential connection to megalithic geometry or astronomical alignments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are clearly UFO phenomena, atmospheric anomalies, and earth mysteries, with a strong emphasis on occult and pagan practices. The magazine provides a platform for detailed eyewitness accounts, reviews of specialized literature, and listings of relevant shops and organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and esoteric subjects, while also grounding some discussions in scientific speculation, such as the meteoric dust theory for the 1908 light show.