Earth - No 10 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTH MYSTERIES
Issue: 10
Volume: 1
Date: 1988
Publisher: Paul Bennett
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of EARTH MYSTERIES, edited by Paul Bennett, presents a diverse collection of articles exploring paranormal phenomena, natural history, and local folklore. The cover features the title "EARTH MYSTERIES" prominently, accompanied by artwork depicting a stone circle, serpentine creatures, and a hooded figure, with the headline "entities ufo encounters" and keywords "ley lines-standing stones earth energy".

Articles and Features

"AND BEHOLD, I ESPLED A GREAT VALLEY" (IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH) by Dave Stringer

This article details the struggles of the Tipi Village near Cwmdu, Wales, founded in 1976 by people living in tipis in harmony with nature. The village faces forceful eviction by Dinefwr District Council, which issued enforcement notices alleging change from agricultural to residential use. Despite an inspector's report being sympathetic, the Secretary of State for Wales upheld the notices, giving the residents until August 1988 to comply, with potential fines of up to £2000 per day for non-compliance. The author highlights the conflict as a suppression of freedom and an example of "Orwell's 1984" in action, urging readers to support the "SAVE THE TIPI VALLEY CAMPAIGN".

AN EXAMINATION OF POSSIBLE EARTHLIGHT PHENOMENA IN WEST YORKSHIRE - PART 1 by Roger Ford

This piece introduces the "Earthlight Hypothesis," which posits that UFOs are non-sentient, geophysically produced phenomena linked to geological faulting and anomalies. The author recounts a personal sighting on July 29, 1981, of a red-orange sphere over Idle Hill, West Yorkshire, which he later analyzed in relation to local fault lines. The article also mentions the "23784 Flap" as a significant earthlight incident previously covered in UFO Brigantia magazine.

Sinister Seas: The Ghost from the Deeps by Iain Johnston

This section investigates the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Royal Navy submarine Affray on April 16, 1951. The submarine vanished after sailing from Portsmouth, leading to an extensive search that yielded no results. The article highlights the unusual aspect of numerous mediums and clairvoyants accurately pinpointing the submarine's location, which was outside the main search area. It also recounts a ghostly encounter by the wife of a rear admiral, who was told by a phantom officer that the submarine was at the northern end of Hurd Deep. The Affray was eventually found there, undamaged, but the official explanation of battery gas explosion is questioned.

UFOs on Successive Mornings by Jeff Tolley

This article details Jeff Tolley's personal sightings of a pale orange sphere in Brackenhall Park, Bradford, in late August or early September 1981. He observed the object on three consecutive mornings, noting its silent movement and consistent appearance. Tolley suggests this may be related to the "JASON81" flap and aligns with the characteristics of laboratory-created "earthlights," though he acknowledges the lack of a "tail" detail often associated with such phenomena.

A Greater Natural History of Grass

This extensive article explores the often-overlooked significance of grasses, both botanically and historically. It discusses the nutritional and medicinal properties of various grasses, including Common Meadow Grass (Poa annua), Couch Grass (Agropyron repens), and Cotton Grass (Eriophorum angustifolium). The article also touches upon the use of bulrushes (Typha latifolia) by Native Americans and the medicinal qualities of Bearded Darnel (Lolium temulentum), noting its potential toxicity due to ergot infection. It emphasizes the vital role grasses play in the ecosystem and human diet.

Tales of Yorkshire Faeries, Part 2

This section delves into local Yorkshire folklore, recounting tales of faeries, boggarts, and other spectral entities. It includes the story of William Butterfield's encounter with "little folk" at the White Wells in Ilkley Moor, a tale of a man entering a self-illuminating tunnel near Kirkstall Abbey, and legends of tunnels leading to treasure or sleeping knights. The article also discusses the "Bharguest" or "Bangelst," a Black Dog-like entity associated with Idle Moor and Baildon, and the "Gabbleratchets" or "Gabriel Hounds" whose cries presage death. Other figures mentioned include Hob, Padfoot, the Swartha, Jack-in-Irons, Grundylow, Knocky Bah, and Wryneck.

Anonymous Proem to the Blessed Earth

A short devotional poem addressing "Holy Goddess Earth" as the parent of nature, guardian of heaven and sea, and bestower of life and sustenance.

"FORTEAN SNIPPETS"

• This section presents a collection of brief, unusual news items, including:
• A report on a 77-year-old man in Indianapolis who lived with his deceased sister and aunt for years without realizing they were dead.
• A cannibalistic charge on the island of Timor.
• The birth of a baby girl with two heads in Cape Town.
• An incident where a female minister beat three people to death in an attempt to "drive out devils."
• Biologist Nigel Brierley's plan to use a powerful aphrodisiac to capture the Beast of Exmoor.
• Uri Geller's claim that he used his psychic powers to aid the CIA and Israeli Secret Service.
• The story of Walter Hudson, an American Indian who lost a significant amount of weight.

Book Reviews/Offers

• "A Modern Herbal" by Mrs M. Grieve is offered for sale.
• "Dr Atomic's marijuana multiplier" booklet is available.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the paranormal, ufology, earth mysteries, folklore, and alternative lifestyles. There is a strong emphasis on local phenomena, particularly in West Yorkshire, and a critical stance towards conventional authorities and societal norms. The editor, Paul Bennett, expresses a personal interest in these subjects and encourages reader participation through letters and contributions. The publication appears to advocate for a deeper connection with nature and a questioning of established scientific and governmental narratives. The editorial stance is generally sympathetic to unconventional beliefs and experiences, often framing them as overlooked truths or suppressed knowledge.

Title: End Times Bulletin
Issue: New Series, No. 3
Date: January 1989
Editor: Kevin McClure

This issue marks the return of the End Times Bulletin after a five-year absence, with the editor, Kevin McClure, aiming for a smaller scale publication, likely appearing three times a year. The bulletin seeks reader contributions on a wide array of topics, including UFOs, New Age phenomena, prophecies, geological disasters, and apocalyptic visions, promising to credit all contributors and offer free copies of the first issue to those who help.

Featured Content

"Fruits of Yggdrasil" Record Release

The issue highlights a new record titled "Fruits of Yggdrasil" (Catalogue number 006) by Patrick O'Kill and Freya Aswynn. This record delves into Runes and Nordic Mythology, featuring Freya Aswynn chanting the Runes in a traditional Icelandic manner from around 1000 years ago. The record aims to reconstruct the magical context of Rune usage, with Patrick O'Kill providing musical background. It is presented in an embossed sleeve, with only 600 copies available via mail order from EYAS MEDIA for £11.23. Profits will support other projects, including the publication of Freya Aswynn's book, "Leaves of Yggdrasil."

Mysteries of the Pennines Conference

An announcement is made for the forthcoming Earth Mysteries/Pagan/UFO Conference in Sheffield, scheduled for Saturday, March 26th. The event will feature speakers such as Andy Roberts (UFO Brigantia editor), Rob Wilson and Dave Clarke (Northern Earth Mysteries editors) discussing local folklore and mysteries, Jenny Randles discussing the Pennine UFO Mystery, and Terrence Whitaker on spectral phenomena. Ian Taylor will present on the "Mysteries of Penhill," covering new discoveries of Pagan sites and phenomena. Tickets are £2.50 in advance (£2 for unemployed, dole dossers, and students) and can be obtained from Rob Wilson or Andy Roberts.

Magazine Reviews

The issue contains numerous reviews of other publications in the esoteric and paranormal fields:

• UFO Contact (November 1987): Described as a quarterly Adamskian ET-based UFO magazine, it features a declassified Top Secret US file on aggressive UFO behaviour.
• UFO Newsclipping Service (December 1987, No. 221): This issue includes a new UFOfoto from a DMSS satellite, stories about Joan Amos being burnt by a green light, UFO tales from Barnsley, and a Fortean slot covering Yeti, ice falls, and Sasquatch.
• Northern Earth Mysteries (Issue 34): Reviews of the NEM Moot in Newcastle. Critiques are made of terrestrial zodiacs and anthropomorphisms, while also highlighting potential intriguing ley discoveries near Grassington and discussions on spectral regions and lunar standstills.
• Vision Seeker & Sharer (No. 1): A new eco-Pagan magazine praised for its support of indigenous and exploited cultures. It covers eco-politics, sacred land desecration, Paganism, and includes an "alternative directory" of groups and magazines.
• UFO Brigantia (No. 28): This issue details recent UFO flap reports from the Pennines, a pre-Arnold contact account, a re-examination of Arnold's case, and discussions on geophysical explanations for phenomena. It also covers the "cover-up myth" and the Rowley Regis CE3 case.
• Dusty Miller's Luna Calendar for 1988: A booklet reviewed for its cheerful approach to lunar movements, Esbats, Sabbats, Dryads, and various mythical beings.
• Lost Lands and Sunken Cities by Nigel Pennick: A well-researched book detailing legends and history of lost regions of Britain, including previously unknown lost lands.
• Gods, Spirits, Cosmic Guardians by Hilary Evans: This work is seen as a companion to Evans' previous "Visions, Apparitions, Alien Visitors," exploring how psychological stresses can lead to the creation of esoteric manifestations. The review notes its value in illustrating the area where ufological research lies.
• Build Your Own Stone Circle by John Harrison: A home-produced booklet offering simple guidelines for building stone circles, praised for its free-flowing style and ease of reading.
• Earth Energy: A Dowser's Investigation of Ley Lines by J. Havelock Fidler: An updated version of a previous work, this book explores ley lines and Earth energies using dowsing, identifying polarities and concluding that leys are man-made utilizations of Earth force.
• Brigantia: A Mysteriography by Guy Ragland Phillips: A detailed work on the stone circles, legends, and Earth Mysteries of Yorkshire and surrounding areas.
• Ley Lines in Question by Tom Williamson & Liz Bellamy: A critical examination of ley lines and the Earth Mysteries movement, noted for its valid points despite being slightly over-objective.

Exchange Magazines Section

This section provides a comprehensive list of magazines and their subscription details, catering to interests in Earth Mysteries, UFOs, Paganism, occultism, Fortean phenomena, and radical healing. Publications listed include:

• The Ley Hunter
• Fortean Times
• Strange Magazine
• The Lamp of Thoth
• New Dimensions
• Vision Seeker & Sharer
• International UFO Reporter
• Northern Earth Mysteries
• The Kabbalist
• Northern UFO News
• Dalriada Pagan Celtic Journal
• Chaos International
• Dark Lily
• Out from the Core
• UFO Brigantia
• Cosmology Newslink
• Moonbow
• UFO Newsclipping Service
• UFO Contact
• Magonia UFOs
• The Hookah

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are predominantly UFOlogy, Earth Mysteries, and Paganism, reflecting the editor's interest in the esoteric and paranormal. The editorial stance, as expressed by Kevin McClure, is one of seeking to revive a publication that serves as a news and comment journal, encouraging a participatory readership to contribute a wide range of 'apocalyptic' and unusual information. The extensive reviews of other magazines and books indicate a strong commitment to supporting and informing the community interested in these subjects. The magazine also shows an interest in historical and mythological aspects, as seen in the review of the "Fruits of Yggdrasil" record and various book reviews on ancient legends and sites.