Earthquest News - 1992 - Vol 2 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTHQUEST NEWS
Issue: Vol 2 No 1
Date: June 1992
Publisher: A Journal by Andrew Collins

This issue of Earthquest News focuses on the discovery of the 'Seventh Sword' and its associated psychic quest, alongside explorations into earth mysteries, crop circles, and esoteric historical connections.

The Seventh Sword Found

The lead article details the discovery of the 'Seventh Sword' on July 24, 1991, after a psychic quest spanning over two and a half years. The quest began at Knights Pool in October 1989, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the discovery of the first Meonia Sword. Information gained through meditation and psychic suggestion pointed to another sword being found at the same site. The article describes the challenges and experiences of the questing group, including psychic insights and the retrieval of three 'Keys of Balance' – a turquoise-glazed Caduceus, a Celtic cross, and a turquoise disc depicting a priest. The Seventh Sword itself was found under unusual circumstances, purchased by a dealer who had acquired it from a 'knocker' in Colchester. The sword shows traces of red paint or enamel, which Debbie Benstead recognized from visions associated with the Black Sword and the French Ordre du Temple. The sword's weight is compared to the Tintagel Sword, suggesting an eighteenth-century manufacture.

The Form of the Lamb

This section explores the 'Form of the Lamb,' a concept explained by the Seventh Sword, which appears to be a ritualistic event possibly linked to Jacobite and Templar origins. The article investigates the York Grand Lodge, a body of Yorkshire Freemasons with claims of ancient pedigree. Evidence suggests the lodge existed in Elizabethan times and was Catholic in motivation. The text references James Anderson's 'New Book of Constitutions' regarding an event in 1561 where Queen Elizabeth I sent forces to break up a Grand Lodge meeting in York. The article also discusses the 'Old Charges of Freemasonry' manuscript (York MS No 1) and correlations between prominent Catholic supporters and York Grand Lodge members, suggesting a link between speculative Masonry and Catholicism in the seventeenth century. Tentative links between York Grand Lodge and Scottish lodges are also noted. Research into Gould's 'Freemasonry' reveals a reference to a version of the 'Form of the Lamb,' possibly connected to a nineteenth-century Freemason expert, W.J. Hughan, who cited a document from 1780 detailing the structure of the Grand Lodge of All England. This structure included five degrees: Craft, Royal Arch, and Knights Templar. Hughan believed a draft certificate from 1779 was the oldest reference to revivalist Knights Templar in Great Britain and Ireland. The Holy Royal Arch ritual includes a Knights Templar degree with seven officers carrying seven swords. A 'strange form of (Templar) ritual' was discovered among a charter issued in 1780 to members of the 'Druidical Lodge of Ancient York Masons at Rotherham.' The article suggests that Templar Priests of York Grand Lodge may have practiced a ritual involving seven officers, seven pillars, and the New Jerusalem, possibly influenced by Druid revivalism and the evangelist movement.

Gunpowder, Treason and Ghostly Goings On

This section recounts a ghost sighting that led to a charity event. Psychic information provided by Debbie Benstead in May 1992 prompted the Earthquest group to investigate the Gunpowder Plot. During a visit to a country estate, the editor and Karl Dawkins experienced a vision of a seemingly physical figure that appeared and disappeared. This was identified as a ghost, described as a 'black amorphous form' rather than a vapour-like apparition, and the experience was characterized by a sense of timelessness. The guide confirmed that others had also seen a female ghost in the cellars. This event inspired the organization of a sponsored ghostwatch to raise money for blind and severely handicapped children.

Biddulph Grange: The Mystery Deepens

The neo-classical grange at Biddulph is cited as a meeting place of the 'Fire Phoenix' group in the 1860s. New evidence has emerged, including a 1914 booklet listing United Ancient Order of Druids lodges, which references a 'Robert Heath Lodge No 2179' that met at The Swan public house in Biddulph. Robert Heath, who bought Biddulph Grange in 1872, is believed to have commissioned the Grange's four-element windows. The article explores the possibility of Druidic rituals with an Egyptian flavor taking place at the Grange. A Staffordshire historian, Doug Pickford, believes that Ralph de Tunstall-Sneyd, a prominent Druid, also visited the Egyptian Temple at the Grange. The section also delves into the Bateman family history, their industrial empire, and connections to millenniumist John Mitchell. It suggests that the Batemans may have established themselves in Manchester and Derbyshire, with evidence pointing to their involvement in various historical and mystical circles.

Mary Garner, for and against

This part discusses 'Mary Heath,' who posed as Robert Heath's sister and expounded Druidic and British Israelite philosophies. It is suggested that Mary Heath was likely Robert Heath's governess, Mary Garner. While psychic information suggested Mary Heath was the daughter of printer Thomas de la Rue, an Oxford correspondent believes her parentage was of sound Staffordshire stock. The name 'Garner' is noted as a French family name, reinforcing the connection to Mary Garner. The section also touches upon the Batemans' historical connections and their potential link to the mystical aspects of Biddulph Grange.

More Mystical Links

This section continues the exploration of the Bateman family's history, focusing on James Bateman, born in 1811, and his father John Bateman, who purchased Biddulph Grange. It traces their industrial background in Manchester and their connections to steam engine manufacturing. The article notes that while their business dealings might seem devoid of mysticism, their family history branches into 'hitherto uncharted areas of mystical history.' It also mentions other Batemans who settled in Derbyshire and their involvement with merchants who signed a declaration of the Freedom of the Press, instigated by millenniumist John Mitchell.

Crop Circles: What's All the Fuss About?

This section discusses the crop circle phenomenon and its connection to psychic questing and earth mysteries. It highlights the 'Circlemakers' as a bridge between these communities. The article notes synchronous parallels in the growth of both subjects, citing incidents like the discovery of the first Meonia Sword and the announcement of three single crop circles in Wiltshire in 1980. It also mentions the discovery of the second and third swords and the emergence of flattened crop rings. The Seventh Sword was discovered shortly after a visit to a crop formation at Barbury Castle. The article lists and briefly describes several crop circle formations reported in April, May, and June 1992, including those at Sutton Scotney, Lurkeley Hill, Avebury Trusloe, Urchfont, Stoke Orchard Airfield, Cherhill, West Woods, and Cheesefoot Head, assessing them as potentially genuine or hoaxes.

What is Earthquest?

This section explains that Earthquest is a group that meets on the first and third Monday of each month to discuss subjects such as psychic questing, earth mysteries, and crop circles. The meetings, held at The Ship ph in Leigh-on-Sea, have been ongoing for twelve years and cover a range of topics, including lectures and meditations.

How Can I Start My Own Questing Group?

This section provides practical advice for individuals wishing to start their own psychic questing group. It suggests compiling a press release, arranging an inaugural meeting, giving lectures, conducting meditations, organizing trips to local ancient sites, and encouraging members to read about questing activities. The advice emphasizes the importance of focusing on psychic information, accepting all belief systems, observing solar festivals, and being wary of dissension within the group. It also stresses the need to check information thoroughly and to be open to the possibility of psychic talents emerging within the group.

The Fourth Great Psychic Questing Conference

Details are provided for the Fourth Great Psychic Questing Conference, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 1992, at Conway Hall, London. The event includes lectures, an evening social, and a Sunday expedition. Proceeds from the conference will support IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), specifically their campaign against the hunting of harp and hood seals. The lectures will cover topics such as recent questing pursuits, the story behind the Seventh Sword, the mystical sovereignty of Britain, and the place of King Arthur and the Grail cycle in questing phenomena. The conference also includes a social event described as an 'alternative rave.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are psychic questing, earth mysteries, ancient rituals (particularly Templar and Masonic), and the crop circle phenomenon. The editorial stance, as implied by the content and the journal's purpose, is to explore these subjects with an open mind, seeking to understand the interplay between the physical and the psychic, and to document findings and experiences without necessarily proving anything. The journal aims to act as a forum for these pursuits and to demonstrate that the phenomenon does not revolve solely around the editor and his immediate circle.

Title: EARTHQUEST NEWS
Issue: Vol 2 No 1
Date: June 1992
Publisher: ABC Books
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1 including post

This issue of Earthquest News focuses on a variety of esoteric, paranormal, and unexplained phenomena, with a particular emphasis on upcoming events and articles related to psychic questing, magick, and crop circles.

Upcoming Events

The magazine lists several significant events for enthusiasts:

• Psychic Questing Conference: A weekend event in East London focusing on Masonic conspiracy, ancient Egyptian ideas, and the Ripper murders, with a guided tour and meditation. It costs $9 and requires advance booking.
• UKaos '92: A conference on chaos magick hosted by Chaos International at Conway Hall, London, on July 11, 1992. It features lectures from prominent figures in the pagan and magick scene and costs £5.
• Isis Convention: The annual conference of the Fellowship of Isis, taking place at Conway Hall, London, on August 29, 1992. It includes lectures on ancient British traditions and sacred queens, with a diverse range of speakers. The entry fee is £5.
• City Circle Symposium: A day seminar on psychic questing and the orgone answer to crop circles, led by Andrew Collins, held at Conway Hall, London, on September 26, 1992. Tickets are £5 from ABC Books.
• Esoterica '92: A conference organized by ASH magazine, featuring lectures on earth mysteries and side stalls at The Basildon Centre, Basildon, Essex, on October 10, 1992. It includes talks by Dave Hunt, Alex Langstone, and others, costing £5.

Featured Articles and Content

The table of contents reveals a diverse range of articles:

• THE SEVENTH SWORD FOUND: The lead article, suggesting a significant discovery or topic.
• THE FORM OF THE LAMB: Possibly related to symbolism or a specific case.
• A Clue to the Importance of York Grand Lodge: An article delving into the history or significance of this Masonic organization.
• GUNPOWDER, TREASON AND GHOSTLY GOINGS ON: A piece connecting historical events with paranormal activity.
• Ghost Sighting leads to Charity Event: A report on how a paranormal experience inspired a charitable initiative.
• BIDDULPH the Mystery Deepens: An article exploring an unsolved mystery or unexplained event in Biddulph.
• CROP CIRCLES What's all the fuss about?: An examination of the phenomenon of crop circles.
• 1992 THE CROP SO FAR. Recent crop circles: A report detailing crop circle formations from the current year.
• WHAT IS EARTHQUEST?: An explanation of the magazine's focus or a specific organization.
• HOW CAN I START MY OWN QUESTING GROUP?: Practical advice for readers interested in forming their own groups.
• THE FOURTH GREAT PSYCHIC QUESTING CONFERENCE: Information about a major upcoming event.

Publication Details

The magazine is published by ABC Books, with a registered address at PO Box 189, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 1NF. The ISSN is 0265-461X, and the price is £1, including postage. Cheques should be made payable to 'ABC Books'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are clearly focused on the paranormal, unexplained phenomena, and alternative spiritual or historical investigations. The magazine actively promotes events and discussions related to psychic questing, magick, crop circles, earth mysteries, and historical conspiracies. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and information dissemination within these niche areas, encouraging reader participation through event attendance and the formation of questing groups. The inclusion of specific dates and locations for conferences and seminars suggests a commitment to fostering a community around these interests.