Earth - No 09 - 1987

Magazine Overview

EARTH Magazine, Issue 9, November 1987

This issue of EARTH magazine, published by Barmy Barnett Publications, is dated November 1987 and features a cover price of 60p. The magazine focuses on a variety of esoteric and mysterious topics, including Paganism, Fortean phenomena, UFOs, and Earth Mysteries. The editor is Paul Bennett, with Peter Southwood as Assistant Editor and Iain Johnston responsible for the cover design.

Articles and Features

Tales of Yorkshire Faeries, Part 1

This article delves into the folklore of Yorkshire faeries, particularly focusing on the Cottingley area. It recounts tales of sightings of 'little folk' dating back to 1917 and 1920, which were later admitted as hoaxes but are still associated with local legends. The piece also mentions a forester's account from 1966 of seeing a tiny man in red in the woods. The article highlights the year 1967 as a significant period for UFO encounters in West Yorkshire and details an account from August 1977 where a young woman reported seeing two small, jabbering figures in a rock cleft.

The Wicca Path as a Descendant of the Ancient Hermetic Initiation

Authored by Jim U. Bardon, this article explores the path of Wicca, distinguishing it from Black Witchcraft. It describes Wicca as a peaceful and loving group focused on raising awareness and love for the Universe. The path is divided into religious devotions and magical skills. The article suggests that Wicca's practices have ancient Hermetic origins and discusses the tools used, such as the athame and wand. It also touches upon the historical persecution of White Witches and the loss of some magical teachings. The Franz Bardon Foundation is introduced as a non-profit organization dedicated to propagating Bardon's magical instructions.

The Herbal Properties of Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion)

This section provides information on the dandelion, detailing its nutritional content and medicinal properties. It highlights that dandelion contains more essential minerals and vitamins per 100 grams than many other plants. The article discusses the historical use of dandelion roots for various ailments, including intestinal, kidney, and liver issues. It also mentions the use of dandelion leaves as a vegetable and the process of making dandelion coffee from its roots.

Barbrook Update

This update discusses the 'restoration' of a local stone circle at Barbrook, which was undertaken by archaeologists. The author expresses concern over the methods used, which involved digging trenches and displacing stones. The article also touches upon the question of legal rights for Pagans over their sacred sites and mentions that members of the archaeological team were given healing crystals. The energies of the circle are reported to be returning to normal, with positive dowsing results.

The Beast of Bell Lane

This piece recounts a local West Yorkshire history concerning a peculiar creature known as 'Padfoot' that reportedly appeared in the Bramley area in the 1750s-1760s. The creature was described as large and black with glowing red eyes, known for stealing food. A group of vigilantes was formed to hunt it, and it is alleged to have killed an occupant of a house. The article speculates that a travelling circus with gorillas might have been the source of the creature.

Large UFO Sighted over Bradford, September '87

This article by Peter Chattaway details a significant UFO sighting over Bradford in September 1987. Two witnesses, Mrs Irene Niland and Mr J. Wright, reported seeing two large, round objects described as 'big as a gasometer'. The objects were observed hovering with bright white lights and making a humming noise. They then moved off at high speed. The article notes the peculiarity of this case, as no other reports were received despite the visibility and the populated area.

The Face on Mars: Sign of an Extraterrestrial Civilisation?

Authored by Jain Johnston, this article examines the controversial 'Face on Mars' image captured by NASA. It discusses the historical context of Mars exploration, including early observations of 'canali' and the Victorians' theories of Martian civilization. The article details the discovery of the face in Cydonian area in 1976 and subsequent analysis that suggested it was a sculptured artifact, not a natural formation. It also mentions the discovery of a 'city' and a 'pyramid' in the same region, suggesting a planned extraterrestrial civilization.

Who Goes There?

This article by David Barclay discusses the phenomenon of poltergeists, describing them as disruptive entities that cause confusion. It critiques scientific investigations that attribute poltergeist activity to repressed hostility in a 'medium', often an adolescent girl. The author suggests an anthropological approach, viewing poltergeists as a new species of non-human intelligence. The article also touches upon the concept of 'elementals' and the idea that visions, such as those at Fatima, might be 'ultraterrestrials' or 'demons'.

Occult Weather

Written by Röda von Dinkvink, this piece discusses an alarming 'naval bombardment' of the 'ether', suggesting a major storm is brewing. The author posits that this disturbance is inevitable and predictable, but warnings are being suppressed by the State to avoid panic. The article calls for greater communication and unity among different aspects of magick, including wiccans, alchemists, and psychics, to defend against negative influences. It also draws parallels between the establishment's fear of magick and Marxism, citing the miner's strike and the Peace Convoy as examples.

Book Reviews

• This section includes reviews of several books:
• The Giant of Penhill by Ian Taylor: Praised as an excellent work on Earth Mysteries, exploring the lore of a terrestrial effigy and geomantic alignments.
• Fatima: A Close Encounter of the Worst Kind? by David Barclay: Examines the 1917 Fatima visions and suggests they may have catalyzed the 1918-19 Influenza epidemic. The review notes the book's strong claims about the Catholic Church being influenced by these 'messages'.
• Stonehenge: Its History, Meaning, Festival, Unlawful Management, Police Riot '85 & Future Prospects by John Michell: Briefly mentioned as a work deserving of attention.

Crossword and Puzzles

The magazine includes a crossword puzzle with clues related to mythology, paganism, and esoteric subjects. Solutions to the previous month's crossword are also provided.

News in Brief

• This section contains short news items:
• WITCHES BURNED: Reports of villagers in French Polynesia burning six people accused of being possessed by the devil.
• BOY KILLED AS SACRIFICE TO WATER: A ten-year-old boy was sacrificed in India to restore water to a dry well.
• BLURRED VISION: Police scientists attributed a supposed miraculous image of Jesus Christ on a window pane in Supino, Italy, to dirty glass.
• BOOMERANG FIND: Discovery of a 23,000-year-old boomerang made of mammoth tusk in Poland.
• TONGUE CUT OFF: A nine-year-old Indian boy cut off part of his tongue as an offering to the Goddess Kali.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of EARTH magazine include local folklore and mysteries, UFO sightings, ancient traditions and beliefs (Paganism, Wicca, Hermeticism), and the exploration of the paranormal. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of experiences. There is a clear emphasis on challenging conventional explanations and exploring alternative perspectives. The magazine also promotes a sense of community among its readers, encouraging them to connect and share their interests.

EARTH Magazine, Issue 20, published mid-January 1988, is a UK-based publication focusing on Earth Mysteries, UFOs, Paganism, and Fortean phenomena. The issue is presented as a 'peculiar pot pourri' of articles and authors, with the editor apologizing for a delayed schedule and promising a return to normality in the next issue.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews:

• The Cosmic Temple by JM: Described as a celebration of sacred sites and a 'Mecca' for Pagans, this work is recommended for its exploration of the Cosmic Temple and its connection to the Earth Spirit.
• Elements of Tarot by Peter Southwood: Acclaimed as a clear, concise, and highly recommended introduction to Tarot, it is praised for its practical use and has received strong endorsements from occult students.
• UFOs 1947-1987: The Forty Year Search for an Explanation edited by Hilary Evans & John Spencer: This publication is lauded as one of the best on the UFO phenomenon, receiving a 'Ten out of ten!' rating.
• The All Saints Ley Hunt by Ian Taylor (with artwork by Edna Whelan): A 'brilliant investigation' into a local ley network in East Yorkshire, recommended for students of Earth Mysteries.
• The Unpolluted God by Guy Ragland Phillips: This book is presented as a detailed historical exploration of Paganism, tracing back to a time of direct communion with the Earth Spirit.
• Strange Sheffield: Legends, Folklore & Mysteries of Hallamshire by David Clarke & Rob Wilson: An 'admirable work' covering ancient sites, odd happenings, mysteries, traditions, and legends of Sheffield.

News in Brief

This section announces several upcoming projects and news items:

• Brigantian Earth Mysteries Group: A potential formation of this group is mentioned, with the editorial suggesting it might run alongside the magazine.
• Ilkley Moor Project: A lengthy project is planned to examine leys, stone circles, and cup & ring stones on Ilkley Moor, aiming to create a geomantic map of the region. Dowsers and others interested in helping are invited to contact the Editor. Earthlights, lores, and legends will also be incorporated.
• Cover Image Note: A small cartoon depicts a man distressed after seeing a photo of 'Jenny Ranclles' in 'Bella!', implying a connection to a UFO or strange event.

Magazine Reviews

Several other publications are reviewed:

• Fortean Times No. 48: Described as the world's number one magazine on strange and silly happenings, it covers topics like exploding chickens, floating black dogs, gnomes, kangaroos, and reincarnation, alongside feature articles on cryptozoology and historical oddities.
• Strange Magazine, 1:1: This American publication is seen as an answer to Fortean Times, featuring articles on lake monsters, crystal skulls, UFO abductions, and the legend of Sleepy Hollow. It boasts a strong editorial team including Mark Chorvinsky, Coleman, Devereux, Keel, and Rickard.
• Dalriada Pagan Celtic Journal, Lughnasadh 1987: This journal from the Pagan Clan of Dalriada on the Isle of Arran focuses on Paganism, Gaia, herbalism, and legends. It includes essays on the tree spirit Birch, the structure of Druidic Orders, and the life of W.B. Yeats.
• International UFO Reporter 12:4, August 1987: This respected publication from J. Allen Hynek's Centre for UFO Studies primarily deals with abduction phenomena, including a CE3 case from Los Angeles discussed by D. Scott Rogo.

Books for Sale

A comprehensive list of books is offered for sale, covering a wide range of topics including:

• Occult and Paganism: Witchcraft, Tarot, ley lines, stone circles, ancient myths, and Pagan practices.
• UFOs and Parapsychology: UFO experiences, alien contact, psychic phenomena, ghosts, and unexplained events.
• Fortean Phenomena: Strange occurrences, cryptids, and historical oddities.
• Other: Books on healing, mythology, and Eastern philosophy.

Notable titles include works by Itzhak Bentov, John Keel, D. Scott Rogo, and Colin Wilson.

Other Publications and Services

Several other magazines and services are listed:

• The Ley Hunter: A magazine on Earth Mysteries.
• Fortean Times: The foremost journal of strange phenomena.
• The Lamp of Thoth: A quarterly publication on Pagan, occult, and magickal matters.
• International UFO Reporter: A leading UFO publication.
• Northern Earth Mysteries: A publication from a group focusing on Earth Mysteries and related matters.
• The Kabbalist: A quarterly publication of the International Order of Kabbalists.
• Northern UFO News: A magazine detailing news and views from the Northern UFO Network.
• Dalriada Pagan Celtic Journal: A publication of the Pagan Clan Dalriada.
• Chaos International: A magazine on Chaos magick.
• Dark Lily: The Voice of the Left Hand Path, covering magick, Satanism, and left-hand occultism.
• Out from the Core: A magazine about Radical Healing.
• UFO Brigantia: A publication of the Independant UFO Network.
• Moonbow Magazine: Of the Sheffield University Pagan Society.
• UFO Newsclipping Service: A monthly Fortean & UFO magazine.
• The Franz Bardon Foundation: Information on their journal.
• UFO Contact: An ET-based UFO magazine dedicated to George Adamski.
• Magonia UFOs, Society & the Individual: A quarterly publication.
• The Hookah: Magazine of the Legalise Cannabis Campaign, available for a donation.
• Falcon Books of Saltaire: Offers second-hand books on local history, parapsychology, mysticism, and occultism.
• ID Aromatics: Suppliers of essential oils, incenses, herbs, and books.
• Spooks of Haworth: A bookshop dealing in occult, Pagan, and mystical regalia.
• Inspiration Boutique: Suppliers of clothing, incenses, and jewelry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Earth Mysteries, UFO phenomena, Paganism, and Fortean curiosities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, with a strong emphasis on providing information and reviews of related publications and books. The magazine actively promotes the exploration of ancient sites, folklore, and alternative belief systems, while also engaging with contemporary phenomena like UFO sightings and abduction reports. There's a clear support for grassroots movements and publications, as seen in the promotion of the Legalise Cannabis Campaign and various Pagan and Earth Mystery groups. The tone is generally enthusiastic and encouraging towards readers interested in these fringe and esoteric topics.