Earthquest News - 1983 No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTHQUEST NEWS
Issue: No. 7
Date: Summer '83
Publisher: Earthquest group
Price: 95p

This issue of Earthquest News explores various facets of earth mysteries, antiquarian research, and esoteric subjects. The magazine is published quarterly by the Earthquest group and is dedicated to promoting and studying Earth Mysteries, geomancy, the paranormal, and alternative thought with an objective approach.

Lead In

The editorial, likely written by Andy Collins, discusses the challenges and financial struggles faced by editors of niche publications like Earthquest News. It highlights the 'bloody-minded dedication' required to continue such work despite consistent financial losses. The editor notes the departure of several other publications and researchers from the field, attributing it to the pressures of editing and the demanding nature of the subject. Despite these difficulties, the editor expresses a commitment to continuing the publication, encouraged by the emergence of new initiatives like 'Earthlines'.

The Old Stones of Essex

This article introduces "Project Stonehunt," a major initiative by Earthquest to locate, record, and study old stones within Essex. The project aims to preserve and promote research into this neglected area of antiquarian and earth mysteries study. The article notes that archaeologists have historically found few megalithic monuments in Essex, attributing this to the county's agricultural history and constant culture changes since the Roman period, which led to the demolition or obscuring of ancient sites. The lack of available building materials for structures like long barrows and stone circles is also cited. However, Essex does possess a significant number of mark stones, sarcens, puddingstones, and glacial erratics, often found on road verges, in churchyards, or on village greens. These stones, some with associated stories and superstitions, are believed to have served various purposes, possibly religious or secular, in pre-Christian times.

The article details geological research into these stones, particularly in North Essex near Wickham St Paul, where numerous sandstone boulders (sarcens) have been found. Many of these are identified as glacial erratics, remnants of glacial sands and gravels from around 50,000 years ago. The distribution of these boulders is being mapped to see if it correlates with exposed glacial deposits. The possibility that these stones were used by Neolithic and Bronze Age peoples is explored, drawing parallels with Kent where sandstone erratics were used for megalithic structures. The article also mentions stones incorporated into church masonry and those found in churchyards, some with traditional names like the 'Witch's Stone'. Examples like the Beauchamp Roding Stone, which legend says mysteriously moved back to its original position, and the Witch's Stone at Boreham, associated with a witch's grave and subsequent poltergeist activity, are discussed.

Ernest A. Rudge, an archaeologist and antiquarian, is highlighted for his extensive work in recording puddingstone boulders and sandstone sarcens across Essex and beyond. Rudge proposed the existence of a 'Puddingstone Track' linking sites from Grimes Graves in Norfolk to Dorset. His research is considered monumental, though sometimes viewed as dubious by mainstream archaeologists. Attempts are being made to access Rudge's papers, currently held in a museum. Other researchers mentioned include Rev. H. T. Armfield, who wrote about ancient boulders in the Colnes district, and Tim O'Brien, who believes he has found alignments of sarcens. The article concludes by mentioning the data form provided in the journal for readers to record any stones they find, encouraging a wider effort to catalogue these ancient markers.

The Wandering Bishops

This section discusses the 'Episcopi Vagantes' (wandering bishops), a group whose existence came to light through a review of Andrew Collins' book, 'The Running Well Mystery'. The review, by Bob Morrell for 'UFO Research Review', revealed that Rev. J. E. Bazille-Corbin, the former rector of Runwell, Essex, was part of an ecclesiastical underworld. The 'Episcopi Vagantes' claimed apostolic succession through the Syrian church, an offshoot of the Russian Orthodox and Byzantine succession, and sought to revive a purer form of Christian religion based on Celtic, Byzantine, and Gnostic principles. Their rites were intricate and considered akin to ceremonial magic, Cabbala, Gnosticism, and masonic ritual.

Robert W. Morrell's article, 'Treat with Caution: Bazille-Corbin and His Antiquarian Tales,' further explores Bazille-Corbin's background. Bazille-Corbin was ordained in the Anglican church in 1921 and became Rector of Runwell St Mary in 1923, serving for thirty-eight years. He was described as romantic and eccentric, with extreme Anglo-Catholic inclinations. He was also influenced by the mystic F. Bligh Bond, known for his work at Glastonbury. Bazille-Corbin received 'sub conditione' validation of his Anglican Orders in 1946 from a self-styled 'Universal Patriarch' named Banks. In 1948, he was consecrated a bishop by 'Mar Georgius I' (Hugh George de Willmott Newman), who claimed various exalted titles and led a sect called the Patriarchate of Glastonbury. Bazille-Corbin adopted the name Mar Marcus Valerius. This activity became known in 1954 when it was exposed in a religious journal, though Anglican authorities took no action. Bazille-Corbin also received numerous other titles and degrees from various claimants.

The article notes that Mar Georgius attracted many occultist buffs, though he himself was described as a rather orthodox Christian. The text mentions William Bernard Crow, a distinguished biologist with occultist interests, who corresponded with Bazille-Corbin. The author warns that Bazille-Corbin's association with individuals holding extreme mystical and occult beliefs means his accounts should be treated with caution, and his inventions or embellishments should be distinguished from genuine ancient beliefs.

Devil Talk

This short section reports on concerns raised by clergymen around High Wycombe, Bucks, regarding the notorious Hell Fire Club caves. They called for the closure of the caves, citing claims that they were spreading an 'evil influence' in the area, leading to recent small congregations. Despite the caves being a tourist attraction and out of use for over two hundred years, Pastor Frank Mathews of the Wycombe Christian Fellowship expressed concern that people with a desire for evil might be attracted to the area. The article notes the Church's strong view on 'devil worship' as a primeval force of negativity.

Psychic Rescues

This article explains the concept of psychic rescues, used by Spiritualists to help earthbound spirits move to the next world. It explores the psychological and paranormal importance of these rescues and their potential role in future psychical research, suggesting they seem to work for reasons not fully understood.

The Astrology of the Fobbing Puma

Carole Young comments on the astrological aspects surrounding the Fobbing Puma sightings that occurred the previous year.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed: 'The Holy Grail Revealed,' 'Living Wonders,' 'Caerdroia Salopia,' 'Trams of Cambridge,' and 'The Geomancy of Glastonbury Abbey.'

Exchanges

This section includes a brief mention of 'DEVIL TALK' covering 'The Chinese Art of Psychic Squash,' 'Hell Fire fears,' and 'The Tree Curse which came true.'

Next Issue

The next issue will feature 'THE ZODIAC EXPERIENCE,' exploring the reality of terrestial zodiacs through subjective psychic work. It will also include reports on Hertfordshire lioness sightings, national landscape geometry research, synchronicity in a cathedral, and further revelations from Runwell.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of earth mysteries, ancient sites, folklore, esoteric history, and psychic phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of dedication to these subjects despite significant financial challenges, encouraging reader participation and research. There is a clear interest in local history and folklore, particularly concerning Essex, and a willingness to investigate controversial or lesser-known aspects of the paranormal and ancient beliefs. The publication emphasizes the importance of critical evaluation, especially when dealing with sources like Bazille-Corbin, while still valuing the preservation of local lore and traditions.

Title: EARTHQUEST
Issue: AC/83
Volume: 19
Date: October 1983
Publisher: Earthquest
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1.50

This issue of Earthquest features a prominent article on "The Bligh Bond Correspondence," exploring the letters exchanged between the eminent architect, archaeologist, and mystic Frederick Bligh Bond and Rev. J. E. Bazille-Corbin between 1942 and 1945. The magazine also includes a detailed account of a psychic rescue attempt, discussions on paranormal phenomena, book reviews, and other articles related to earth mysteries and Forteana.

The Bligh Bond Correspondence

The lead article delves into the correspondence between Frederick Bligh Bond and Rev. J. E. Bazille-Corbin, discovered by Christopher Bazille-Corbin in his father's attic. These letters, dating from 1942 to 1945, shed light on Bligh Bond's declining health, including severe eye complaints leading to partial and total blindness, and his eventual death in March 1945. The correspondence also reveals Bond's significant input into Bazille-Corbin's work, particularly concerning the "Runwell Mysteries" and the "Coming of the Runwell Cross." Bond provided corrections and mystical interpretations for Bazille-Corbin's manuscript, referencing his own books like "The Gate of Remembrance" and "The Company of Avalon." He also offered insights into gematria, the study of mystical language by number interpretation, and even described a "remarkable phenomenon" of two clouds forming a large 'V' in the sky during wartime.

Psychic Rescue: The Reality of Rescues

This section details a psychic rescue attempt conducted by ASSAP members, including Carole Young and Katherine Rose, for a family in Forest Gate experiencing poltergeist phenomena. The focus is on a thirteen-year-old girl named Denise, who was being targeted by an entity appearing as a "monk," referred to as "Milton." The article explores the nature of poltergeist phenomena, suggesting it is often a product of the human mind, particularly influenced by trauma, and can manifest as "place memories." The rescue involved Carole Young attempting to contact "Milton" and convince him to move on. The process included a meditation and visualization, aiming to resolve the situation by addressing the "spirit's" past torment. The entity, described as having been burnt at the stake as a "heretic," eventually departed, leaving a distinct impression of a red rose. While the family believed the situation was resolved, the article notes that Denise's attitude is key to the manifestations, and the entity's departure is not guaranteed to be permanent.

The Theory of Place Memory and Psychic Rescues

Expanding on the poltergeist case, this section discusses the "stone tape" theory, which posits that strong emotions can be imprinted on sites and buildings, creating "place memories." Psychic rescues are presented as a method to address these phenomena, involving contacting the "spirit" or "place memory" and persuading it to move on. The article argues for a more open-minded approach to such practices within psychic research, suggesting that they can be effective, despite skepticism from some quarters. The "logarithm principle" is introduced as a way the brain processes and remodels these impressions.

Other Articles and Reviews

The Astrology of the Fobbing Puma: Carole Young analyzes the astrological charts of two puma sightings in Fobbing, noting a lack of strong psychic influence and focusing on the moon's position.

Devil Talk: This section includes a brief mention of the "sword of the Meonia affair" now with the Earl of Coventry. It also recounts the "Tree Curse" incident in Walsham le Willow, where a farmer died after chopping down a cursed beech tree, and a bizarre dispute in Peking involving residents using large mirrors to deflect "evil spirits," which escalated into physical conflict.

Exchange Publications: A list of various exchange publications is provided, including BUFORA Bulletin, Caerdroia, The Cauldron, Earthlines, Earthgiant, Common Ground, Fortean Times, Lantern, The Ley Hunter, and Northern Earth Mysteries.

• Book Reviews:
• "The Holy Grail Revealed" by Patricia & Lionel Fanthorpe is reviewed, noting its reliance on "The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail" and its exploration of Rennes-le-Chateau theories.
• "Living Wonders. Mysteries & Curiosities of the Animal World" by John Michell & Robert J. M. Rickard is discussed, covering animal oddities and the possibility of incomprehensible forces behind phenomena.
• "Caerdroia Salopia. The Lost Turf Mazes of Shropshire" by Jonathan Mullard is praised for its historical research into turf mazes.
• "Trams in Cambridge" by Nigel Pennick and "The Geomancy of Glastonbury Abbey" by Nigel Pennick are also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of the paranormal, earth mysteries, psychic phenomena, and historical curiosities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the exploration of less conventional research methods like psychic rescues and acknowledging the potential validity of folklore and superstition, even while maintaining a critical and analytical approach. The magazine advocates for supporting independent publications and researchers in the field of earth mysteries and Forteana.

This document is a review of various UK-based publications related to UFOs and Earth Mysteries, presented in a newsletter format. The primary focus is on providing details about these journals, their editors, content, and subscription information. The publication itself appears to be a compilation of reviews rather than a single magazine issue, with a strong emphasis on Northern UFO News and its associated activities.

Publication Reviews

Northern UFO News

Edited by Jenny Randles, this publication offers assorted data and articles on the UFO scene in the north of England, including case reports and listings. 'NU' (Northern UFO News) is published four times a year, while 'NUFON' (presumably a related organization or publication) is published eight times a year. A subscription for six issues costs £4.20 and can be obtained from 9 Crosfield Road, Somerville, Wallasey, Wirral.

Pendragon

Described as a fine, well-produced journal, Pendragon focuses on Earth Mysteries, Arthurian Lore, and mystical traditions with a Gaelic flavour. It costs £3 per annum or 50p for a single issue, available from 27 Roslyn Road, Redland, Bristol.

The Probe Report

This is a well-produced, litho A4 format magazine dedicated to objective UFO investigation. It costs £2 for four issues and is available from Ian Mrzyglod, 16 Marigold Walk, Ashton, Bristol.

Quicksilver Messenger

With a cover tagline of "Landscape, myth, consciousness," this two-colour, A4 journal is based in Brighton. It is described as an excellent and topical Earth Mysteries Journal, very well produced with 28 pages, and is the brainchild of Chris Ashton. It is recommended and costs £4 per annum (four issues) from Garden Flat, 46 Vere Road, Brighton.

Rilko Newsletter

An advanced Earth Mysteries Journal, finely put together in A4 litho format and described as very classy with excellent production from Bob Cowley. It costs £5 for two to three issues within London and £4 elsewhere, from Bob Cowley, & The Drive, New Southgate, London.

The Shaman

This publication incorporates ASWR and features reviews of Earth Mysteries, paranormal, and UFO publications, books, and other reviews. It is recommended for choosing monthly publications and costs £2 for four issues, from Paul Screeton, 5 Egton Drive, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, Cleveland.

Touchstone

Edited by Jimmy Goddard, this is a new Earth Mysteries publication for the Surrey area, part of the Surrey Earth Mysteries group. It is a four-page photostated publication with features on dew ponds, Surrey stones, and leys. It costs £1 for four issues from J. Goddard, 25 Albert Road, Addlestone, Weybridge, Surrey.

UFO Research Review

Produced by Bob Morrell's NUFOIS (Nottingham UFO Investigation Society), this is a critical and influential journal. The editor's words are noted as being highly delightful. It costs 25p from NUFOIS, 443 Meadow Lane, Nottingham.

Walrus

Edited by Nigel Pennick, this is described as the last vestige of N.G.'s geomantic publications. It covers topics from masonic conspiracies to synchronicities, prophecies, and the paranormal. It is occasionally produced and costs £2.25 for three issues from Nigel Pennick, 142 Pheasant Rise, Bar Hill, Cambridge.

Book Review

The Running Well Mystery

This book by Andy Collins, published by The Supernaturalist, is a first edition of 500 that has already sold out. The second edition includes an appendix and improved cover and photographs. The book investigates and surveys the mysteries, legends, strange phenomena, and arcane traditions of the Essex parish of Runwell. Presented in a topical and antiquarian style, the investigations lead to remarkable discoveries of landscape geometry and an understanding of the area's hidden magical qualities. The price is £2.10 including postage, from A. B. Collins, 19 St Davids Way, Wickford, Essex.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are clearly UFO phenomena and Earth Mysteries, encompassing a wide range of related topics including folklore, ancient traditions, geomancy, and paranormal events. The editorial stance appears to be one of reviewing and disseminating information about these subjects, providing a resource for enthusiasts to discover and subscribe to various publications. There is a particular focus on publications originating from or concerning the northern regions of the UK, as indicated by the title 'Northern UFO News'. The reviews are generally positive, highlighting the quality of production and the topicality of the content.