Earthquest News - 1984 No 09-10

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTHQUEST NEWS
Issue: No. 9 & 10
Date: Spring 1984
Publisher: Earthquest (Essex-based group)
Price: £1.50
Focus: Earth Mysteries, psychical research, paranormal phenomena, esoteric knowledge, prehistoric sites, religious history, folklore, and geomancy.

Editorial

The editorial by Andrew Collins apologizes for the extensive coverage of the Horndon black panther affair, explaining that it represents a complete report, with parts submitted to ASSAP and other researchers. The report includes speculative research based on his findings and Carole Young's psychic work. Collins thanks readers for their support, acknowledging a difficult period for the journal but expressing confidence in its survival. This issue is a double issue (9 & 10) and is being offered as part of subscriptions. He also promotes an upcoming London Moot in May, promising a special edition of Earthquest News as a program and detailing intriguing psychic work on Temple Church. Readers are encouraged to send in cuttings and articles related to 'belief-orientated research'.

Earthquest Group Information

Earthquest is an Essex-based group dedicated to the multi-disciplinary subject of Earth Mysteries. Their coverage includes psychical research, paranormal phenomena, esoteric knowledge, prehistoric and mystical sites, religious history, folklore, and geomancy. The publication's material is copyrighted by the author, with permission required for extracts. Credits are given to Andy Collins for production and editorial, Carole Young for typing, and Chesca Potter for the front page illustration. The editorial address is provided for Andy Collins in Wickford, Essex.

Next Issue & Future Plans

Earthquest News No. 11 will be a giveaway copy produced for the London Moot. Future plans for Earthquest News No. 12 include an examination of the 'Pickled Knight' of Danbury Church, the 'Old Maids' ancient elm trees at Paglesham, superstitious customs associated with animal guardians, and an in-depth look at researchers who become witnesses to mystery beast sightings.

Contents Overview

The magazine features several articles related to mystery beasts and earth mysteries:

• The Horndon Black Panther - Part One: A detailed case study of three sightings of a black panther-like beast in Horndon-on-the-Hill during 1983.
• The Horndon Black Panther - Part Two. The Paraphysical Solution: Explores Carole Young's psychic information suggesting the animal was paraphysical in nature and offers a paraphysical solution to out-of-place felines.
• Gateway to Reality - Further Discussion on the Paraphysical Answer to Mystery Beast Sightings: The third and final article on mystery beasts, examining the archetypal symbolism of gates and gateways in connection with feline sightings.
• The Secret of the Whiteleaf Cross: By Alan Cleaver, introducing research on earth mysteries in the Chilterns, featuring the Bledlow and Whiteleaf crosses.
• The M.L.F. Strike Again!: A report on the activities of the Markstone Liberation Group.
• Reader's Letters: Subscribers' letters to the editor.
• Earthquest Round-Up: A summary of recent group activities including meditations, celebrations, and a mystery sell.
• Devil Talk!: A section with various short items, including a piece on 'The Art of Aircraft Divining' using dowsing rods to find crashed WWII aircraft.
• Book Reviews: Reviews of 'The Way of Wyrd: The Sacred Garden' and 'The Boy from the Hills'.
• Exchanges Review: A review of various publications like 'Earthlines', 'The Cauldron', 'The Symbol', 'Common Ground', and 'WAUFOICK Bulletin'.

Article: The Horndon Black Panther - Part One: The Cases & Synchronicities

This article details the sightings of a large, black panther-like beast in Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex, in November 1983. The Southend & Basildon Evening Echo reported two sightings on Friday, 4th November, leading to a police search that yielded no results. The report also mentioned the killing of a goat in Langdon Hills, which was later confirmed to be unrelated and human-made. The first sighting was by Mrs. Anne Cheale and her aunt, Mrs. Doris Barker, from their home. A second sighting was made by a farmhand, Mr. Richard Polley, in a nearby field. The author, Andrew Collins, investigated these reports. Corringham Police confirmed their involvement but stated no large cats were reported missing. The article also notes that the goat killing was carried out by human hands and was likely a Halloween prank.

Interview with Mrs. Cheale and Mrs. Doris Barker

Mrs. Cheale and Mrs. Barker recount their sighting on Tuesday, 8th November. Mrs. Barker first spotted the animal from the kitchen sink, initially mistaking it for a goat. Using field glasses, Mrs. Cheale identified it as a large black cat, possibly a black panther. They described its posture, movement ('slinking'), and physical characteristics, including a thick-set body, heavy shoulders, shabby coat, and a long, fluffy tail. The beast was seen facing a chicken house before moving behind a barn. Mrs. Cheale noted the animal seemed to look directly at her, suggesting it might have sensed being watched.

General Description of the Beast

Mrs. Barker described it as a large, black cat. Mrs. Cheale provided more detail through field glasses: a cat-like, large, square, flat-nosed head with 'cat-like' ears, an expression of 'alertness', a thick-set body, heavy shoulders, a shabby coat, and a long, fluffy tail. The estimated size was about four feet in length and three feet in height, with thick, short, heavy-boned legs.

Telephone Interview with Mr. Polley

Richard Polley, a farmhand, reported seeing a large black cat running through a herd of agitated cattle in a field called West Hills, about a mile west of Great Malgraves. He described its 'cat-like' movement and how it headed towards the hedgerow. While he couldn't provide a precise description, he was certain it was a large cat. The cattle appeared to be chasing it. Mr. Polley's sighting was vaguely reported by the Evening Echo, which incorrectly placed the incident in Bulphan.

Mr. Fearby

Mr. Fearby, the landowner of the field where Mr. Polley saw the beast, showed no interest in the matter and was unaware of the sighting. He reported finding no unusual tracks or missing animals on his land.

Return to Great Malgraves

Andrew Collins returned to Great Malgraves on Saturday, 12th November, to take photographs and search for evidence. He found no tracks but confirmed the location of Mr. Polley's sighting. Sheep grazed the field at the time, and Mr. Fearby's cattle were visible in a distant field.

Further Newspaper Coverage

Following the Evening Echo's report, the Basildon and Thurrock editions of the Yellow Advertiser and the Thurrock Gazette also published articles on the 'Armed Police in Panther Hunt' and 'Panther Alert', respectively. These reports offered little new information.

Sighting Number Three

This section details a third sighting that occurred exactly one week after the initial reports. The author notes a pattern in out-of-place large cat sightings where they disappear for about a week before reappearing. The sighting involved Jeff Whiting (15), his brother Richard (17), and their friend Graham Caton (16) on Orsett Road, Horndon-on-the-Hill, around 8:30 pm on Friday, 11th November. Jeff saw a large black cat emerge from behind a wall, which stopped and stared at him, causing him to become very frightened. The other two boys did not initially see the beast.

Interview with the Boys

Jeff Whiting described the beast as very large, about three feet in height and four to five feet in length, jet black, with a thick body, small head, snout, and thick legs with 'big paws'. He described its coat as 'shabby' and its tail as long and 'fluffy'. He emphasized his fear and shaking. The boys ran home and reported the sighting to Jeff's father, Mr. Whiting, who contacted the police. PC. Wakefield investigated but found nothing.

Additional Notes

No odour, sound, or subsequent physiological or psychological effects were recorded in any of the three cases. No escaped large cat was reported to Corringham police, though it's possible one from another area was reported elsewhere. Talk of a travelling circus in Billericay at the time of the first two sightings was not confirmed.

Synchronicities

Several synchronicities are noted:
1. When researching black panthers at Leigh library, all pages referencing them in relevant books were found to be torn out.
2. The road leading off from Orsett Road, near Jeff Whiting's sighting, was named 'Francis Close', a name associated with a book on out-of-place large cats.
3. The third sighting occurred exactly one week after the initial reports, fitting a pattern often observed in OOP large cat cases.

Past Mystery Beast Sightings in the Area

• The area around Horndon-on-the-Hill has a history of mystery beast sightings:
• August 1983: A puma-like animal was seen from a train near Mucking Marshes by Carole Young.
• August 1982: Two independent sightings of a puma-like beast were made at Fobbing.
• Early 1981: A similar beast was reportedly seen at Fobbing.

Initial Conclusions

Andrew Collins concludes that Mrs. Cheale and Mrs. Barker likely witnessed a black panther-like cat based on their precise descriptions. He is less certain about Mr. Polley's sighting, acknowledging the possibility of a large dog, but leans towards it being the same animal. He finds Jeff Whiting's sighting peculiar due to the time and location but believes the boys' strong reaction and insistence lend weight to the evidence. He dismisses the possibility of a hoax involving all three boys. Similarities in descriptions between the Cheale beast and Whiting's beast are noted, particularly regarding the coat and tail, which were not in newspaper accounts. The article concludes that while witness testimony is strong, there is no physical evidence, leaving the origin and fate of the beast a mystery, and posing questions about whether it was an escaped animal or something more para-physical.

Article: Horndon's Black Panther - Part 2 - The Paraphysical Solution

This article delves into the paraphysical theories surrounding the Horndon black panther sightings, based on psychic information provided by Carole Young. Young dreamt about the beast being a 'phantom' and not a normal physical animal. She and the author visited the sighting locations. At Orsett Road, she picked up the word 'gateway,' implying a portal between worlds, and noted the house name 'Portlet' also suggested a gateway. She felt the beast was paraphysical, 'blinked in and out of manifestation,' and was 'hungry' and needed 'blood to stay manifest,' suggesting a demonic or vampiric nature. She also sensed mystery lights around the beast. At Great Malgraves, she again sensed hunger and the need for manifestation. The article suggests that if the beast is proven to be an escaped animal, Young's psychic information would be incorrect, but it offers a 'fantastic theory' for the paraphysical origin of out-of-place felines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are mystery beasts (specifically the Horndon Black Panther), paraphysical explanations for unexplained phenomena, and the importance of witness testimony in Fortean research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting evidence and theories without definitive conclusions, encouraging reader participation, and promoting the Earth Mysteries subject. There is a clear interest in exploring the paranormal and unexplained aspects of reported events.

Title: Earthquest
Issue: No. 9
Date: January 1984
Publisher: Earthquest
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Earthquest delves into various Fortean and paranormal topics, with a significant focus on mystery beasts, paraphysical explanations, and the activities of activist groups. The main articles explore the Horndon black panther sightings, the potential link between black magic and these phenomena, and the actions of the Markstone Liberation Front.

The Horndon Black Panther Sightings and Paraphysical Theories

The issue begins by recounting conversations about psychic impressions related to hunger, blood, and vampiric connections, linking these to John Keel's theories from "The Cosmic Question." Keel proposed that mystery beasts, or BHMs, are paraphysical in origin, formed from atomic energy and temporarily manifesting in physical form. The process, termed transmogrification, involves these entities needing flesh and blood to sustain themselves, potentially explaining the 'vampiric' impressions. This is further connected to ancient folklore surrounding vampires, werewolves, and dragons needing flesh and blood for survival.

Several synchronicities are noted in connection with the Horndon black panther sightings. The presence of a local slaughterer, Mr. Richard Polley, and an elderly villager, Mr. Hills, who also served as a slaughterer, are highlighted. A curious link is also made between a police investigation into a goat killing, attributed to black magic, and the panther sightings. Although the police deemed the link erroneous, the fact that the goat's blood was drained is seen as significant, especially in the context of black magic rituals requiring sacrificial killings to conjure forces or demons.

Rumours of other "black magic" incidents around Halloween 1983 in Orsett churchyard are discussed, raising the question of whether these practices disturbed earth energies, leading to the panther appearances. The article explores the symbolic connection of the color black with witches, demons, and omens of death in folklore, linking it to black cats and black dogs.

John Keel's research is cited, indicating a high rate of witnesses to BHM or UFO sightings dying within a few years, experiencing break-ups, or suffering general bad luck. This is attributed to imbalanced energies, or "black streams," often associated with sacred sites. The possibility is raised that negative versions of paraphysical beasts could be a byproduct of stirring up these imbalanced energy fields, potentially through black magic.

Two additional points are made concerning felines in South East Essex. Firstly, the coincidence of reservoirs being linked to both the Fobbing puma sightings and Surrey variants. Secondly, John Keel's observation that monster sightings are often in close proximity to expanses of water, such as lakes, streams, and reservoirs. This is further extended to include apparitions and mystery lights, which are also frequently connected with water sources.

Fortean Place-Name Connections and Final Thoughts

The article "Fortean Place-Name" explores the origin of "Great Malgraves," the location of the first Horndon black panther sighting. While the etymology is obscure, it is noted that the word "mau" (Egyptian for cat) is close to "miaow," and the root "mal" can mean evil. The author concludes that while a full answer to out-of-place feline sightings may be elusive, studying each case for specific similarities and patterns is crucial. Researchers are advised to study cases on two levels: first, a straightforward investigation of facts, and second, if no logical solution is found, exploring paraphysical explanations using psychics and folklore.

Mystery Fires and Devil Talk

A brief section discusses "Mystery Fires," a phenomenon often noted in poltergeist situations and areas of high paranormal intensity. Spontaneous combustion, if paraphysical, could be a byproduct of intense electro-magnetic disturbances associated with imbalanced earth energies. The article mentions a fire at Great Malgraves with no evidence of arson, suggesting a possible connection to these energies.

Under the "Devil Talk" heading, a new branch of the Liberal Catholic Church (LCC) in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, is announced, founded by John Selby. The history and ideals of the LCC, which originated in 1918 as a theosophical section, are briefly outlined, emphasizing its connection to Christian mysticism and the channeling of energies.

Gateway to Reality: Paraphysical Answer to Mystery Beasts

This section discusses the Horndon black panther sightings further, focusing on the concept of "gateways." Carole Young received an impression of a "gateway to reality" at the site of a sighting, suggesting a link between physical gateways and the appearance of mystery animals. The house name "Portlet" nearby is noted as being suggestive of a gateway. The article explores how gateways, hedges, crossroads, and ancient stones are often associated with UFO phenomena and mystery animals in folklore and contemporary records.

Examples include a farmer encountering a fierce dog by a hedge gap and the legend of the Wild Hunt, led by Woden, riding through gateways. The concept of the "fetch," an astral body associated with omens of death, is also linked to disappearing through fields or hedge gaps. The author, Dan Butcher, suggests that gateways might be markers for earth energies and "ley lines," and that witnesses might be observing an exteriorization of these energies or "astral" travellers.

The article posits that the manifestation of mystery beasts relies on both environmental factors and archetypal symbolism from the human psyche, including the collective unconscious. The idea of an "enchanted circle" is discussed, where symbols trigger a waking-dream experience projected onto the landscape.

The Secret of The White Leaf Cross

This section introduces the mystery of the "Sword and Stone" in the Midlands, described as a challenge for psychical researchers. Andrew Collins' observations and theories are mentioned, leading to "Project Albion," an initiative by ASSAP to investigate local mysteries. The author, Alan Cleaver, was drawn to the Chilterns area and began investigating the "Secret of the Whiteleaf Cross." Two crosses are mentioned: Whiteleaf cross, which is visible, and Bledlow cross, which is hidden. The origin of these crosses is believed to be Saxon, possibly used as markers or to commemorate a battle.

Cleaver recounts an experience where a local man, who spoke incessantly about hunting, led him to the Bledlow cross. This emphasis on hunting is later connected to a legend of human sacrifices at Bledlow hill, where heads were cut off and rolled down the hill. A synchronicity occurs when a headless body is found in Devon, identified as belonging to a local resident, mirroring the sacrifice legend.

The article notes that the footpath near the Bledlow cross is locally known as "The Bloody footpath." It also mentions a local saying about juniper growing where blood has been spilt. Research into the human sacrifice legend leads to a 1921 pamphlet, "The Secret of Whiteleaf Cross," which mentions archaeologists finding numerous skulls at the bottom of Bledlow hill.

Cleaver expresses his intention to continue investigating rumours of a secret society and strange ghosts. He also notes the coincidence of his name, Cleaver, being similar to a butcher's knife, especially in light of a recent murder case involving a wife's head being stored in a freezer. The importance of historical research, site visits, talking to locals, and utilizing psychic insights is emphasized for investigating such mysteries.

Markstone Liberation Front Strikes Again!

This section details the activities of the Markstone Liberation Front (MLF), an activist group focused on "liberating" neglected monuments. Following their previous action in Thundersley in December 1982, the MLF re-erected a large, triangular markstone in the churchyard of St. Botolph's, Beauchamp Roding, on January 14th, 1984. The stone, weighing over two tons, is described as having marked a sacred hilltop for thousands of years. According to legend, when Christianity arrived, the stone was moved to be incorporated into the church building, but it mysteriously returned to its original hilltop position overnight. This led the villagers to believe the church should be built next to the stone. The MLF's action aimed to restore the stone to its original standing position, using ropes and a pulley system.

Press coverage of the event is noted, with articles appearing in the West Essex Gazette and Essex Chronicle. The Vicar of St. Botolph's, Rev. Ernest Exell, expressed a preference for being informed beforehand rather than having the stone moved under cover of darkness, though he acknowledged its fascinating history.

The article describes the re-erected stone as standing three and a half feet out of the ground, orientated north-south. A visit to the site reveals children commenting on the masks worn by the group, which the author suggests might have been artistic license.

Readers' Letters

Several letters are included:

• Valerie Martin from Herne Bay discusses John Merron's article on "The Circle of Perpetual Choirs" and a personal experience of dizziness near a church in Canewden, linking it to a local legend of a witch.
• Mrs E Godbolt from Crowborough shares an Old Mother Shipton prophecy from 1641, seeking help in identifying its origin and location.
• Mark Valentine from Northampton requests further details about a site near Biggleswade mentioned in John Merron's article, highlighting the potential significance of the area for earth mysteries research.
• Leila Coon from Bath recounts a childhood experience in Berkeley, California, of seeing a great lioness, which she initially dismissed but later wondered about in relation to her astrological chart and archetypal symbolism.
• Tony "Doc" Shiels responds to a review of "The Shaman No 3," criticizing Roy Mackal's theories regarding the Loch Ness Monster and his rejection of certain photographs.

Earthquest Round-up

This section summarizes recent activities:

• Samhain Meditation at the Nine Ladies: For the second year, a group from Earthquest conducted a meditational observance at the Nine Ladies stone circle in Derbyshire on the weekend of November 5/6, 1983. The purpose was to seal the group's bondage through meditation, research paraphysical phenomena, and generate site energies for landscape regeneration. The previous year's event resulted in a freak wind, considered paraphysical.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of unexplained phenomena such as mystery beasts (black panthers), the exploration of paraphysical explanations drawing on the work of John Keel, and the role of folklore and ancient beliefs. There is a strong emphasis on synchronicities and the interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated events, such as black magic, animal sacrifice, and paranormal sightings. The issue also highlights the activities of groups like the Markstone Liberation Front, who are actively engaged in restoring and drawing attention to ancient sites and monuments, reflecting a broader interest in earth mysteries and lost heritage. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging researchers to consider multiple levels of investigation, from the empirical to the paraphysical, and to document local legends and mysteries before they are lost.

Title: Earthquest News
Issue: 9
Volume: 3
Issue Date: November 1983
Publisher: Earthquest
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1.50

This issue of Earthquest News delves into a variety of earth mysteries, local history, and paranormal phenomena. It features a prominent article on the success and controversy surrounding the book "The Running Well Mystery," a report on the mysterious "Asp Rock Jinx," and coverage of local events like the Earthquest solstice celebration and the Boxing Day walk to the Running Well.

The Running Well Mystery - Sold Out!

The editor proudly announces that his book, "The Running Well Mystery," has sold out, with over a thousand copies sold in the Wickford and Runwell area. The book covers subjects such as psychic communication, folklore, legends, light channeling, landscape geometry, earth energies, and Christian mysteries. The editor also discusses a similar local history book by Morris Wakeham, "Aspects of Wickford History," which also sold well. The editor's own book was published in March 1983 and the initial run of five hundred copies sold out in six weeks. A second impression of 860 copies was printed, but the venture did not yield a profit due to high production costs. The book faced controversy when the local Church Council, led by Rev. David Lloyd, objected to the inclusion of 'devil traditions' surrounding St Mary's church, Runwell, leading to the author being banned from working inside the church. This situation, however, generated significant publicity, with the story appearing in local newspapers, on Essex Radio, and even in The Times. The publicity culminated in a feature on ITV's "Thames at Six." The book's success is attributed to its ability to put the Runwell area and its folklore back into the collective consciousness. The editor also announces plans for the next book in "The Supernaturalist" series, which will be the history of Runwell parish written by Rev. J.E. Bazille-Corbin.

Boxing Day Walk to the Running Well

As previously reported, the editor, along with Runwell parish councillor David De'ath, organized a Boxing Day walk to the Running Well. The event was a huge success, attracting over 200 local people and receiving significant local publicity. The walk, now in its tenth year, was originally started by David De'ath to ensure footpaths were walked. The editor was impressed by its similarity to the old 'beating of the bounds' ceremony and aimed to make the walk end at the Running Well and publicize the event. The 200-strong crowd, including Earthquest News subscribers, were given a brief account of the well's history and folklore. The editor believes the walk perpetuates ancient beliefs associated with the landscape and that the Running Well, once in a state of ruin, is now alive again.

Devil Talk - More Isle Chatter From The News Desk

The Asp Rock Jinx

An article details an incident involving the Appledore Shipbuilders Sub-Aqua Club at Asp Rock, off the North Devon coast. Their inflatable dinghy's engine inexplicably failed, a phenomenon that has occurred with other fishing and pleasure boats at the same spot. The incident led to the launch of the Appledore lifeboat and rescue by Royal Marines. Local sailors and fishermen believe the rock is "jinxed." The reporter attempted to follow up the story but found the source, Geoff Staddon, had moved to Canada, and the club had not replied. The incident is considered potentially important as it suggests a form of electro-magnetic disturbance affecting boat engines, similar to phenomena associated with UFOs. The article also notes the similarity to "Bermuda Triangle" phenomena and wonders if local folklore or the place-name "asp" (snake) is related.

Book Reviews

The Sacred Garden by Chesca Potter

This 16-page illustrated booklet is described as a personal reflection on mystical and symbolic aspects of Christianity, linking to concepts like the Virgin birth, Revelations, Cabbala, gematria, world mythology, and prehistoric sites. It is hand-written and illustrated by the author, heavily influenced by John Michell's "City of Revelation." The reviewer notes its complexity and suitability for those familiar with gematria, Cabbala, and Christian mysteries, calling it a fine first publication.

The Boy From the Hills by Cara Louise

This 76-page illustrated novel (£2.95) is Cara Louise's first published work. It tells the story of a young boy named Jamie who encounters Kai, a boy transported from a megalithic family in ancient times. The novel explores themes of megalithic daily life, earth mysteries principles, and psychic awareness. While described as simple and perhaps shallow, it is aimed at children to foster an interest in earth mysteries. The author is commended for her perseverance in publishing and marketing.

The Way of Wyrd by Brian Bates

This 208-page hardback (£7.95) is a fictional story about Anglo-Saxon sorcery, shamanism, earth magic, and mystical adventure, based on years of research. It centers on a Mercian monk, Brand, who studies pagan beliefs and learns about Wyrd, the Norse concept of fate and destiny. The reviewer praises it as a major contribution to literature on these subjects and recommends it for those interested in psychic quest work. The reviewer notes its similarity to "The Green Stone" by Phillips and Keatman.

Earthlines No. 2

Earthlines magazine has expanded its coverage to include Wales and the Border counties. The journal is reportedly doing well commercially. This issue features an article on the Abbots Bromley horndance, a debate on the Mitchell's Fold ley, research on Hereford holy wells by Mark Valentine, and a look at the Bradling stone by Jonathan Mullard.

The Cauldron No. 33

This issue of The Cauldron features articles on the Jack-in-the-green tradition and the green man in churches, with specific references to Hasle church in Somerset. It also continues a series on "Gerald Gardner and the Hereditary Witch Tradition" by "Lugh," who claims Old George Pickingill was instrumental in establishing Gardnerian witchcraft and initiated Aleister Crowley. The article explores how Gardner composed the Book of Shadows from various sources and discusses the influence of Pickingill's Nine Covens. The issue also touches upon the School of Night and Sir Walter Raleigh. The parish of Canewdon is highlighted as "witch country" with associated legends and occurrences.

Common Ground Nos. 8 & 9

These issues of Common Ground are noted for their well-produced articles on paranormal and psychical studies. The editor, Kevin McClure, has disassociated the journal from ASSAP due to ASSAP's perceived shift towards belief-orientated content. Issue 8 includes a piece on ley and alignment phenomena and a review of "The Sword and the Stone" and "The Green Stone." Issue 9 discusses the UFO crash/retrieval syndrome and includes a correspondence debate on Paul Devereux's book "Earthlights."

Exchange Listing

A comprehensive list of publications available for exchange is provided, including ASSAP News, BUFORA Bulletin, Caerdroia, The Cauldron, Common Ground, Earthlines, Earthgiant, Fortean Times, Lantern, The Ley Hunter, The New Celtic Review, Northern Earth Mysteries, Northern UFO News, Pendragon, and Quicksilver Messenger, along with their editors, subscription details, and addresses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in earth mysteries, folklore, local history, and paranormal phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on home-produced literature and the importance of making such subjects accessible to a wider audience. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging research and discussion within these fields, while also critically examining claims and controversies. The magazine also highlights the work of individuals and groups dedicated to these subjects, such as Earthquest and various publishers of specialized literature.

This document appears to be a page from a newsletter or magazine focused on earth mysteries and related subjects. It prominently features an announcement for the "LONDON EARTH MYSTERIES MOOT" scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 26th and 27th, 1984. The event is organized by Earthquest and ASSAP and is described as a potentially major event in the field for that year. The moot includes formal lectures on the first day at The Tufnell Park Hall in London, with a lineup of notable authors and researchers. The second day involves a walkabout through the City of London to explore sites of mystical and earth mysteries significance. Contact information for further details is provided.

Publications and Back Copies

Prior to the event announcement, the page lists several publications related to earth mysteries and forteana. These include:

• RILKO NEWSLETTER: Edited by Bob Cowley, focusing on advanced earth mysteries and astro-archaeology. It is a 20-page A4 publication available via subscription.
• THE SHAMAN: Edited by Paul Screeton, a 12-page A4 publication incorporating ASWR, featuring earth mysteries, forteana, and a forum. It is available via subscription.
• THE SYMBOL: Edited by Nigel Pennick, a 30-page A4 publication covering symbology, earth mysteries, and sacred geometry. It is available via subscription.
• TOUCHSTONE: Edited by Jimmy Goodard, a 12-page A4 photostat publication focusing on earth mysteries in the Surrey area. It is available via subscription.
• UFO RESEARCH REVIEW: Edited by Bob Morrell, a 20-page A4 publication offering a critical look at UFO matters. A sample copy is available.

The page also advertises back copies of EARTHQUEST NEWS, detailing specific issues (No. 5 Winter '82, No. 6 Spring '83, No. 7 Summer '83, No. 8 Before 1984) and their respective contents, which include topics like the Fobbing Puma, Mahoney and Arthur's Cross, Stone Tape Reality, Earthlights, Consciousness, Stones and Energies, The Old Stones of Essex, The Wandering Bishops, The Cuffley Lioness, Synchronicity in a Cathedral, and photographic evidence of the Plymouth Hay-Fall.

Event Details

• Day One (Saturday, May 26th):
• Venue: The Tufnell Park Hall, Huddleston Road, Tufnell Park, London, N7.
• Content: Formal lectures by top authors and researchers in earth mysteries/fortean subjects.
• Facilities: Excellent bar, food, and drink available for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
• Time: Doors open at 10 am.
• Lecturers: John Merron, Andy Dunn, Alan Cleaver, Andy Collins, Paul Devereux, Graham Phillips, Doc Shiels, and Jeff & Debbie Saward.

• Day Two (Sunday, May 27th):
• Content: A walkabout through the City of London, exploring sites of mystical and earth mysteries significance.
• Information Contact: A. B. Collins, 19 St Davids Way, Wickford, Essex SS11 8EX.

Publication Information

The ISSN number for the publication is listed as 0265-461X.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are clearly earth mysteries, forteana, UFOs, and related esoteric subjects like symbology and sacred geometry. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and informing the public about these topics, evidenced by the detailed listings of publications and the significant promotion of the London Earth Mysteries Moot. The inclusion of a critical UFO review suggests a balanced approach, open to examining various aspects of the paranormal and unexplained.