Earth - No 12 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTH
Issue: No. 12
Date: December 1988
Publisher: EARTH magazine
Country: United Kingdom
Price: 75p

This issue of EARTH magazine, a publication focused on Paganism, Fortean, and Earth Mysteries, offers a diverse range of articles exploring esoteric beliefs, folklore, and unexplained phenomena. The cover art features a striking image with themes of "entities ufo encounters" and "ley lines, standing stones, earth energy."

Articles and Features

Spectral Hounds This section delves into the folklore of spectral hounds, also known as Barguests, Dobies, and Gabriel Hounds, which are described as messengers of death and fear. It recounts tales and reports of sightings, including a detailed account from Grassington, Yorkshire, of a Barguest encounter.

The Kettleness Black Dog The article discusses the legend of a black dog apparition seen at Kettleness on the east Yorkshire coast. It includes an account from Donald Omand, an exorcist, and a letter describing a terrifying encounter with a "huge hound" appearing out of thin air.

VIBES by David Medina David Medina explores the concept of "vibes" and their connection to vibration, oscillation, resonance, and electromagnetic fields. He discusses the "seventh angle" used in ancient structures like the Great Pyramid and stone circles, and its potential role in spiritual awareness and healing. The article also touches upon the use of pyramid frames for various purposes and the scientific study of paranormal phenomena.

Leaves from a Wiccan's Garden This feature explores the folklore and properties of the Ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior). It recounts ancient myths and legends associated with the tree, its use in folk medicine, and its symbolic significance in various cultures. The article also mentions its connection to magick and divination, and its perceived curative properties.

"Just What Has the Freak of Grafton Street? - Part 2" This article continues the investigation into a peculiar creature sighted in Bradford in September 1926. It describes a tall, white-cloaked figure with glowing eyes that moved theatrically around the city's back-streets. The report details attempts by residents and psychical research enthusiasts to apprehend the figure, as well as a sky-display observed in the Aire Valley that coincided with the sightings.

Qi and the Earth by Lee MacGregor Lee MacGregor discusses the practice of Acupuncture and its connection to esoteric systems, particularly the concept of Qi (energy). He explores how Qi relates to the body's energetic systems and the potential for self-transformation through practices like Tai Chi and Taoist meditation. The article also touches upon Chinese Geomancy and Feng Shui.

Megaliths Wanted in Jersey! This news item reports on the potential relocation of a neolithic tomb from Jersey to its original site. It details how the tomb, consisting of forty-five stones, was moved to Henley-on-Thames two hundred years prior and that residents are trying to reclaim it.

PaganLink: Gatherings, Contacts & Newsletters This section provides updates on Pagan gatherings across various locations in the UK, including Birmingham, Bradford, Harrogate, Leeds, Sheffield, Wakefield, and others. It also lists addresses for PaganLink newsletters and encourages submissions.

Bridging the Magickal Rainbow This article announces the formation of a new group called "Rainbow Bridge" in Bradford, initiated by Brian Hughes. The group aims to study and discuss magick, wicca, Earth mysteries, Eastern mysticism, Tarot, and runes, with a focus on collaborative learning and discussion rather than a single leader.

Gaia by A Witch This piece explains the concept of "ley lines" and their significance in magnetic bearings and ancient sites like Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid. It discusses how these lines are believed to influence life and how stone circles act as accumulators of energy. The article also touches upon the use of mounds for ritual and initiation.

Comics and Reviews The issue includes a comic strip titled "The Flodies of Morris the Magus and Snot the Cat" and a review section for books, including "Dr. Atomic's Marijuana Multiplier" and "A Guide to British Psilocybin Mushrooms."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ancient wisdom, folklore, unexplained phenomena, and alternative spiritualities. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inclusive, encouraging reader participation and discussion on a wide range of topics related to Earth mysteries, Paganism, and the Fortean. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between ancient beliefs and modern scientific inquiry, as well as in promoting community and shared learning within the Pagan and esoteric movements.

EARTH magazine, Issue 11, dated November 1988, is a publication focused on UFOs, Paganism, Earth Mysteries, and esoteric subjects. The issue features a mix of letters, articles, reviews, and a prominent cover story.

Letters to the Editor

The issue opens with an "Open Letter from Brian Hughes to all Bradford Pagan Moot Participants." Hughes expresses concerns about maintaining the informal, unstructured nature of the moots, warning against formalization, decision-making votes, or turning them into political committees. He advocates for social interaction and individual support, while acknowledging the positive potential of groups like PagSoc.

Following this, "Paul b," the editor, addresses letters from readers. Bryn Ormsford of Leeds writes a strongly worded letter attacking an unnamed individual from Bradford, accusing them of being a "pseudo-pagan-christian" and lacking knowledge and respect. Ormsford criticizes this person's attempts to insult others and advises them to "grow up."

UFO Investigations and Case Reports

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to UFO-related content, particularly the "Ilkley Moor (UFG) pactographs" case. Jenny Randles writes to the editor, Paul, expressing her dismay at his "disturbing editorial remarks" in a previous issue (EARTH 11) regarding this case. She argues that his comments misrepresented the facts and implied a single researcher mishandled the investigation. Randles defends the work done, stating that it was a collaborative effort.

Peter Hough of Warrington also writes to the editor, refuting what he perceives as inaccuracies and libel in the editorial concerning the Ilkley Moor case. Hough details the extensive investigation undertaken, involving professional analysts, local universities, a clinical psychologist, and various tests. He criticizes Steve Balon of DIGAP for irresponsibly leaking the story to the Daily Star without consent, damaging the witness's life and the case's credibility. Hough also defends the need for witness anonymity, especially when a witness is pursuing a career that could be prejudiced by public disclosure.

In response, the editor, "Ed Sez," acknowledges his "naughtiness" and admits to having been "humorously informed" about the case. He defends his comments as being made in jest, based on information from informants, and suggests that the seriousness with which his remarks were taken was unexpected. He reiterates his willingness to review the full report if provided.

Further discussion on the Ilkley Moor case continues with a letter from Peter Hough, who clarifies his role and defends the thoroughness of the investigation, which he states took five months and was ongoing. He criticizes Steve Balon's actions and defends the practice of witness anonymity. He also addresses the editor's comment about being the "joker in the pack," suggesting it was a compliment.

Book and Periodical Reviews

The magazine features a "Parade of Periodicals," reviewing numerous magazines and books. These include:

• Marijuana and the Bible by The Ethiopian Zion Coptic Church: Reviewed as a surprising but interesting work exploring the historical and religious use of marijuana.
• The Stonehenge Conflict: Experiences & Opinions by John Harrison: A booklet discussing the problems surrounding the Stonehenge Festival and police involvement.
• Coldrum: The Power & the Puzzle by F. Russell Clampitt & Leslie J. Peters: A work exploring a specific ley line in Kent and its associated sites and mysteries.
• A Pagan Child's ABC by Jeremy & Arihanto: A learning and coloring book for children detailing Paganism basics.
• The Ley Hunter, No. 106, Autumn 88: Praised as a top Earth Mysteries magazine, featuring articles on German mysteries, ley indicators, and megaliths.
• Chaos International, No.5: Contains essays on Tao Physics, channeling, and aromatics in ritual.
• Northern Earth Mysteries, No.36, Autumn 88: Highlights include a computer-aided assessment of ley validity and articles on Celtic history and ancient sites.
• The Lamp of Thoth, 4:4, August 88: Described as a well-founded publication with articles on Crowley and witchcraft.
• Disneyland of the Gods by John A. Keel: Reviewed as a Fortean masterpiece exploring various paranormal phenomena and the concept of ultraterrestreality.
• Channeling by John Klimo: A thorough work on channeling, exploring explanations from entities and psychological aspects.
• UFO Brigantia, No.35, Dec '88: Features the Silpho Moor saucer story, Magonia, and channeled communications.
• New Dimensions, December 88: Covers esoteric matters including Enochian, quantum creation, and various interpretations of deities and origins.

Other Content

• LORACLE: An advertisement for a symbolic card deck.
• ODDVERTS: An advertisement for advertising space.
• RAINBOW BRIDGE: An advertisement for Brian Hughes's services and related materials.
• MONOLITH: An advertisement for books and magic items.
• Paganism, Robin Hood & Vampires!: A short piece discussing recent press reports in Yorkshire concerning Paganism, Robin Hood, and vampire research.
• BRYN ORMSFORD: An advertisement for Bryn Ormsford's divination services.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers themes of UFOlogy, Paganism, Earth Mysteries, and esoteric practices. The editorial stance, as indicated by "Ed Sez," appears to be somewhat provocative and humorous, often engaging with reader feedback and defending its content, even when it sparks controversy. There's a clear interest in investigative journalism within the paranormal field, balanced with reviews of a wide array of related publications. The magazine also seems to foster a sense of community among its readers, evident in the letters section and the exchange of information about other publications and groups.