Earthquest News - 1986 No 14

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTHQUEST NEWS
Issue: NO.14
Price: 95p
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Earthquest News, subtitled 'The Psychic Side of the Earth Mysteries', features a variety of articles exploring paranormal phenomena, historical mysteries, and psychic research. The cover highlights features on Jeanne of Arc, Joseph Smith, Park Wood, Anti-comet Fever, Birdmen, and a Questing Book and Film Guide.

Lead In

The editor, Andy Collins, returns after a nine-month absence, stating the issue was typed directly from his brain. He recaps the past year in earth mysteries, noting the complete sell-out of the book 'The Knights of Danbury'. A peculiar story is recounted about a 'pickled knight' found in Danbury church, which the rector allegedly advised to keep quiet. The editor also mentions the formation of a jousting group called the Knights of St. Clere, inspired by the Danbury saga and using psychic information for heraldic details. Lectures on Danbury's mysteries and psychic matters were held in the church, some of which were popular, though one meeting discussing the pagan nature of the site and the St. Clere family's alleged involvement in murders caused some attendees to leave.

The Brentford Griffin Booklet

Andy Collins reports on the book 'The Brentford Griffin: The Truth Behind the Tales', which has been released and is on sale locally. Sales have been mixed, with some finding it a good read while others misinterpreted the author's involvement. The author emphasizes he was merely reporting facts.

Future Publications

Earthquest News will now be produced twice a year to provide more breathing space. The editor is concentrating on a definitive book on psychic questing, due by the end of 1987.

Psychic Quests

Significant progress has been made in psychic questing, particularly with information from Bernard Gowing. Research has focused on the Glastonbury terrestrial zodiac, and three artefacts have been discovered psychically: a brass and ebony cross at Wimble Toot (September 1984), a parchment with magical symbols in Danbury church (March of the previous year), and a stone spearhead near Wilmington in Sussex. Another artefact, a fist-sized celtic stone cross, was found under curious circumstances in South East Essex. The editor defines a 'psychic artefact' as one described, located, and retrieved using psychic means.

The story of the celtic stone cross involves a psychic clean-up meditation and a chance encounter with a local man who had found the cross years before. The cross, featuring an incised celtic solar cross, was found to be about three and a quarter inches in diameter and made of gritty, hand-baked substance. Its discovery and subsequent use in a meditation were seen as synchronistic, aligning with psychic information received the previous evening.

Graham Phillips and Co.

Graham Phillips and Martin Keatman's follow-up book, 'The Eye of Fire', is due for publication. It concerns the discovery of an orange stone named 'Eye of Fire' on the Norfolk Broads and mentions other psychic artefact retrievals, including a bell found in the wall of a ruin at Ranton Abbey. The book is expected to be even more extraordinary than their previous work, 'The Green Stone'.

State of Earthquest

The Earthquest group is thriving under the joint leadership of Jane Cook and Steve McLeish. They produce a newsletter, and the group meets monthly. Earthquest itself continues as a small circle for psychic communications and questing work.

Earth Mysteries Round-Up

Several earth mysteries researchers are leading tours for American tourists around ancient British sites. Jamie George, Paul Devereux, and others are involved. For the current year, tours include Wales and Scotland, with Jeff and Debbie Saward focusing on the latter. Paul Devereux has established the Centre for Earth Mysteries Studies near Brecon, Wales, to cater to the growing interest in the field.

This year also sees the publication of two new journals: Nigel Pennick's 'Practical Geomancy' and Paul Screeton's 'Folklore Frontiers'.

The article highlights the success of the 'Strange' group from High Wycombe, led by Alan Cleaver, which investigates local mysteries. Their booklet 'Strange Wycombe' sold out quickly, and the group has been involved in rediscovering a holy well and reviving the High Wycombe beating of the bounds ceremony.

The Maid's Magic Sword

This article, by the editor, details the story of Jeanne d'Arc, focusing on the psychic discovery of her sword. Jeanne, a French heroine of the 15th century, received 'voices' from saints, including St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret, guiding her mission to save France. Her sword was revealed to her in a vision by St. Catherine to be located beneath the altar of the chapel of St. Catherine at Fierbois. A rusty sword with five crosses on its hilt was found exactly as indicated. The article discusses various theories about the sword's origin, including it being a votive offering from a crusader. The main focus, however, is on the psychic method of its discovery, which historians have often dismissed.

Jeanne's trial is discussed, where she was accused of witchcraft and heresy. Her testimony about the sword's discovery was central, with her stating, 'My voices told me where it was.' The editor defends Jeanne's testimony, citing three reasons for accepting the psychic discovery: the common practice of burying religious artefacts near altars, the possibility of unconscious place psychometry, and the modern acceptance of locating artefacts by psychic means.

Park Wood: The Final Solution?

This report by Anthony Roberts discusses the conclusion of the 'Battle for Park Wood', described as the geomantic centre of the Glastonbury zodiac. The article draws an analogy to Tolkien's 'The Silmarillion', framing the struggle as one between darkness and light. Following information in the previous issue, concerned geomants met with local MP David Heathcoat-Amory, who promised to make potential buyers aware of the wood's significance. The wood was eventually bought by the Butleigh Shoot, despite a counter-bid. The author expresses concern that the wood, while preserved from development, will now be used as an occasional slaughterhouse.

Exit the Stumps Cross Birdman

This section revisits the sighting of a mysterious birdman over Cambridge, reported in the previous issue. New evidence has come to light, suggesting a logical explanation rather than a supernatural one. Researcher Nigel Pennick contacted the journal, questioning the location 'Stumps Cross' and suggesting 'Oakington Crossroads' as a more likely site. The original report by medium Rita Goold and her husband Steve in May 1984, which occurred on the same day a murdered girl's body was found in Epping Forest, is re-examined.

Contents

The contents page lists the following articles:

• The Maid's Magic Sword: The story of Jeanne d'Arc and the discovery of her sword through psychic means.
• Park Wood: The Final Solution?: The outcome of the battle for Park Wood, the Glastonbury zodiac's sacred centre.
• Exit the Stumps Cross Birdman: New evidence regarding the sighting of a strange birdman near Cambridge.
• Mormon Founder Was a Quester Official!: New evidence suggesting Joseph Smith was involved in psychic questing and treasure hunting.
• The Questing Book Guide: A guide to psychic questing.
• Plus: Save our Faerie Tree, 'Bad Medicine' on new highway construction, Earth Movie, More Yeti Stories, Jason and the Argonauts, Anti-comet Fever, Book Reviews (including 'Genisis'), and more.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of history, spirituality, and the paranormal. The editorial stance appears to favour the acceptance of psychic phenomena and unconventional explanations for historical events, as seen in the detailed analysis of Jeanne d'Arc's sword discovery and the defense of psychic questing. There is a strong emphasis on 'earth mysteries', geomancy, and the investigation of ancient sites and artefacts. The magazine also promotes the idea of psychic abilities as a valid means of research and discovery. The recurring theme is the uncovering of hidden truths and the validation of psychic experiences, often challenging traditional historical or scientific perspectives.

Title: Fortean Times
Issue: 2
Volume: 3
Date: 1985
Publisher: Fortean Times
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Fortean Times delves into a variety of paranormal and earth mystery topics, featuring reports on unusual aerial phenomena, historical occult figures, and contemporary research into ancient mysteries.

The Stumps Cross Birdman

The issue begins by revisiting the 'Stumps Cross Birdman' sighting, initially reported by a couple. Further investigation by Nigel Pennick revealed that the sighting likely corresponded to a large kite, resembling a birdman, being used by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany to scare off birds. The article acknowledges an error in previous reporting and credits Nigel Pennick for the clarification.

A Separate Sighting Report: The North Walsham "Batmobile"

Caroline Wise of ASSAP brings to light a similar report known as the 'North Walsham "Batmobile"'. This case, from the mid-1970s, involved a retired solicitor's clerk, Miss Bertha Humpries, who witnessed a dull red circular object on a jet-black oblong shape moving erratically at housetop level. The object was described as a miniature of itself, like an oblong sail, and moved silently.

Mormon Founder Was a Quester - Official

This section explores questions surrounding Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. An 1825 letter suggests his involvement in dowsing and psychic questing, providing instructions for finding hidden treasure. The article details Smith's account of discovering gold plates in 1823, guided by an angelic figure named Moroni, and his subsequent translation of these plates using the Urim and Thummim. It also mentions the discovery of six similar plates at Kinderhook, Illinois, in 1843. The article touches upon Smith's eventual imprisonment and murder in 1844, and references an article from 'Man, Myth and Magic' that describes Smith as a romantic figure known for professing knowledge of buried treasure.

Devil Talk: Earth Movie

A brief, lighthearted note about a synchronicity where Egyptian television screened the film 'Earthquake' during actual earth tremors in Cairo.

Ignored Warnings Lead to 'Bad Medicine'

This report details how New Jersey officials proceeded with constructing Route 55 highway through an ancient Delaware Indian burial ground, despite warnings of 'bad medicine' and strange accidents. The construction was plagued by a series of bizarre mishaps, including fatalities and serious injuries, baffling engineering supervisors.

New Book on Wandering Bishops

Following previous reports on 'Episcopi Vagantes', a new book titled 'Bishops Irregular' by Archbishop Alan M. Bain is announced as a definitive work on the subject.

Save Our Faerie Tree!

A campaign by two young girls, Naomi and Eloise Forsyth, to save a local faerie tree from a redevelopment scheme in Emmer Green, Oxfordshire, is highlighted. Their efforts have gained national publicity, including an appearance on Radio One.

The Questing Book Guide

This section provides a comprehensive list of books recommended for those interested in the subject of 'questing', covering areas such as earth energies, dowsing, place memories, earth mysteries, Egyptian mythology, and folklore.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are featured:

• Skyways & Landmarks Revisited by Philip Heselton, Jimmy Goddard and Paul Baines: A reprint and reappraisal of a 1961 booklet linking UFOs, space messages, and ley-lines. The review notes that while the evidence may be weak, the core idea of landscape mysteries from the flying saucer camp was prescient.
• The Hughenden Dragon by Clive Harper: A short booklet about a dragon tale from Hughenden, Buckinghamshire.
• The Dragon of Christchurch and Other Wonders Seen on a Journey Through the West of England in 1113: A translated medieval account describing an expedition and a five-headed dragon.
• Runestaves & Oghams by Nigel Pennick: An essential guide to runes and Oghams, praised for its excellent history and clear interpretations.
• Geomantic Survivals in York by Ben Fernee: A booklet on geomancy, leys, and sacred geometry in York, considered by the reviewer to be too detailed for its size.
• Genisis: The First Book of Revelations by David Wood: A highly anticipated book that attempts to solve the Rennes-le-Chateau mystery through landscape geometry and numerology. The reviewer finds the book well-presented but questions its central thesis, noting that Henry Lincoln's foreword focuses solely on the landscape geometry aspect.
• Earth Mysteries: An Exploratory Introduction by Brian Larkman & Philip Heselton: A must-have primer for novices to earth mysteries, covering a wide range of related topics.
• The Western Way: A Practical Guide to the Western Tradition by Caitlin & John Mathews: A practical guide to earth magic and the Western tradition, praised for its accessibility.
• The Witches' Way: Principles, Rituals & Beliefs of Modern Witchcraft by Janet & Stewart Farrar: A practical guide to modern witchcraft, covering a broad spectrum of topics including psychic awareness and astral projection.

More Yeti Stories

Following a previous editorial, the magazine shares new details about yeti sightings. One report describes a 'wild man' captured in China's southern Hunan province, noted for its hairiness, diet, and vocalizations. Another story recounts a randy female yeti attempting to mate with a young Tibetan man. The section also includes anecdotes of hunters encountering yeti in the Himalayas.

Hasn't This Happened Before?

This piece draws a parallel between the BBC Two series 'Voyage of the Argonauts', where an exact replica of Jason's vessel Argo sailed successfully, and the original Argo's journey, noting uncanny synchronicities in the incidents that occurred.

Can You Help?

Andy Collins is seeking specific books and materials related to Frederick Bligh Bond, Wellesley Tudor Pole, Baron d'Espiard de Cologne, Gerald Massey, and underground stone complexes beneath the Gizeh pyramids.

Psychics Dispel Comet Omens

Despite earlier predictions, the appearance of Halley's Comet did not prompt psychic messages about global changes. Joe Jochmans organized events, including a 24-hour relay meditation in the Great Pyramid, to mark the comet's appearance and explore its link to the 'Hall of Records'. Gary Harlow, a Northampton mystic, also commented on the comet's potential global impact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of folklore, mythology, occult traditions, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, with a critical yet receptive approach to new information and research. The magazine encourages reader participation through letters and requests for information, fostering a community of interest in 'earth mysteries' and fortean phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on practical guides and historical accounts within these fields.

Title: Earthquest News
Issue: 43
Date: 1985
Publisher: Earthquest News
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 0265-461X
Price: £3.80 for 4 issues

This issue of Earthquest News, dated 1985, delves into the realms of earth mysteries, folklore, and anomalous phenomena. It features reviews of several relevant publications and provides a comprehensive listing of other journals and newsletters in the field.

Reviews of Publications

'Strange Wycombe'

Reviewed by A.C., 'Strange Wycombe' is a privately produced A5 booklet (48 pp.) from Strange Publications, costing £2 including postage. Compiled by members of the 'Strange' group, it explores the earth mysteries and legends of High Wycombe. The content includes articles on forgotten holy wells, hauntings, the 'green man' story of Fingest, the town crier, and the ancient 'beating of the bounds' ceremony. The booklet is praised for its well-researched articles and the author's personal touch, presenting a combined achievement by the group under Alan Cleaver's guidance. It is recommended for anyone interested in the mysteries of their local homeland. The production is considered excellent, demonstrating how do-it-yourself booklets can effectively disseminate earth mysteries ideals and be commercially viable. The initial print run of 700 copies sold out in six weeks, indicating strong public appreciation.

'Sacred Waters: Holy Wells and Water Lore in Great Britain and Ireland'

This book, by Janet and Colin Bord, published by Granada in 1985, is a 232-page hardback costing £9.95. It is described as containing extensive information on holy wells and water lore. The book discusses well worship, its connection to pagan and Christian beliefs, and presents hundreds of example cases. It includes in-depth information drawn from archives and fieldwork, following the tradition of the Bords' previous works. A county-by-county account of worthwhile wells is provided for those wishing to visit them. The reviewer's only criticism is that the book focuses on the most well-known or picturesque wells, omitting others of equal importance, citing examples in Essex like the omission of St. Cedd's Well and St. Osyth's Well. Despite this, 'Sacred Waters' is considered a valuable addition to the earth mysteries bookshelf, with the expectation of a trade paperback release.

Nigel Pennick Publications

The issue reviews three publications by Nigel Pennick, all from Runestaff Publications in 1985: 'The Cosmic Axis, Labyrinths - Their Geomancy and Symbolism', 'Skylore of the North' (edited by Pennick, written by O.S. Reuter), and 'Practical Geomancy' (forthcoming). The reviewer notes the prolific output of Nigel Pennick, with publications consistently offering intricate research into obscure areas of ancient lore, geomancy, and magic, often centered around Nordic traditions. Pennick's insights into the geomantic layout of buildings and sites are described as making Milton Keynes look like a 'shanty town'. These publications are recommended as essential research tools for the earth mysteries bookshelf.

Exchange Listing

This section provides a comprehensive list of journals and newsletters related to earth mysteries and anomalous phenomena, with details on their content, frequency, and subscription costs. Notable listings include:

• Anomalous Phenomenon Review: Edited by R.W. Morrell, focusing on earth mysteries and anomalous phenomena in the Nottingham area.
• ASSAP News and Anomaly: Covering paranormal and earth mysteries forums.
• Caerdoia: Featuring turf mazes and earth mysteries.
• The Cauldron: A pagan journal of the Old Religion and wicca.
• Earthlines: Earth mysteries in Wales and border counties.
• Earth Giant: Earth mysteries in the south of England.
• Fortean Times: Covering forteana, curiosities, paranormal, and acting as a major forum.
• The Ley Hunter: A leading earth mysteries and ley hunting journal.
• Northern Earth Mysteries: Focusing on earth mysteries in the north of England and general topics.
• Northern UFO News: Covering the Northern UFO scene and acting as a forum.
• Pendragon: Exploring Arthurian tradition and historic enigmas.
• Quicksilver Messenger: Dedicated to geomancy, earth mysteries, and ancient traditions.
• Rilko Newsletter: Featuring advanced earth mysteries, geomancy, and sacred geometry.
• Folklore Frontiers: Focusing on urban belief tales, modern myths, and human psychology.
• Source: Articles and listings of holy wells and sacred waters in Great Britain.
• Touchstone: Earth mysteries in Surrey.
• Magonia: Examining the socio-psychological side of the paranormal, earth mysteries, and the unexplained.

It also announces the forthcoming 'Practical Geomancy' by Nigel Pennick.

Earthquest News Back Issues

This section offers back issues of Earthquest News for sale at reasonable prices. Specific issues mentioned with their content include:

• No. 5 (Winter 82): Fobbing Puma, Mahoney and Arthur's Cross, Stone Tape Reality, Astrology of Jinxs, Earthlights Review.
• No. 8 (Summer 83): 'Before 1984', The Cuffley Lioness, Synchronicity in a Cathedral, The Circle of Perpetual Choirs, Photographic Evidence of the Plymouth Hay-fall, Runwell Up-date 2.
• Nos. 9 & 10 (Spring 84): The Horndon Black Panther (Parts One and Two), Gateway to Reality, the Secret of the White Leafed Cross, The MLF Strike Again!
• No. 12 (1985): What Happened in Menorca? The Menorca Affair, The Doc Shiels Phenomena, Monstermind 83', The Battle for Park Wood.
• No. 13 (1985): The Goffs Oak Panther, The Guardian Dog of Leigh, The Battle for Park Wood - An Up-date, Enter the Stumps Cross Birdman, The Old Maids Tale and Others.
• The Brentford Griffin (1985): A report into London's most bizarre supernatural visitor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are earth mysteries, folklore, witchcraft, and anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and disseminating information within these fields, encouraging readers to engage with local history and mysteries, and supporting independent publications. The magazine acts as a hub for enthusiasts, providing reviews, listings, and a platform for discussion and research.