Folklore Frontiers - No 031

Magazine Overview

Title: Folklore Frontiers
Issue: 31
Date: December, 1997
Publisher: Paul Screeton

This issue of Folklore Frontiers, an independent magazine covering contemporary beliefs and actions, is edited and published by Paul Screeton. It is a pre-Yule/Xmas quickie, consisting of 12 pages and costing less than a pint of beer.

Cover Story: 'Is Paul McCartney Really Dead'?

The cover and lead article delve into the persistent rumour that Paul McCartney died in 1969, with the 'Abbey Road' LP itself seemingly providing the 'clincher'. The artwork depicts the famous Abbey Road crossing, with textual commentary highlighting details such as members being barefoot, out of step, their attire suggesting roles like 'the minister,' 'the undertaker,' and 'the gravedigger.' A parked car's number plate reading '26 IF...' is also noted, interpreted as 'Paul's age, if he'd lived.' The article references R. Gary Patterson's book, 'The Great Beatle Death Clubs,' which posits McCartney's death and replacement by an imposter, William Campbell. Patterson's analysis focuses on backward tracking in songs, 'death clues,' and references to 'walrus' and decapitation in folklore. The review of Patterson's book suggests that folklorists should not ignore such a 'Heaven-sent lode of lore,' noting the rumour's stability and lack of developmental quality. It also touches on the 'eggman' reference, the 'walrus' connection to death in Scandinavian countries, Tara Browne's decapitation, and the 'Sgt Pepper's' album cover's depiction of Kali. The barefoot motif and sun cycle references are also discussed in relation to resurrection.

Article: Seal People steer their kayaks from seafarers' legend into history

This article by John Ross explores the legend of the 'Seal People' or 'Finn people,' curious creatures described as having human torsos covered in sealskin with no visible lower half, seen in the water. Historian John Macaulay is investigating the theory that these people were actually a tribe called the Sjo-Same, who came to the islands as part of the Norse invasion. Macaulay believes they were nomads who lived most of their lives at sea in kayaks and is liaising with researchers at the University of Tromso in Norway. He has amassed recorded sightings from 1676 to the late 1800s. The 'Seal People' were described as sea creatures or animals with human features, and were believed to wear one-piece suits made of seal or walrus skin, including a hood. Their kayaks, made of seal or walrus skin over a framework of walrus bones, were designed to be watertight and could be partially flooded to ride slightly below the surface, creating the illusion of a creature emerging from the water. Macaulay identifies a rocky outcrop north of Griminish Point in North Uist as a possible base for the Sjo-Same in the Western Isles. The article also mentions a kayak discovered in the River Don in Aberdeen in the 18th century and Rev. James Wallace's account of 'Finmen' in canoes in the 1680s.

Update Section

This section provides brief, often quirky, updates:

• Reindeer Retirement: Donner and Blitzen are retiring from the North Pole due to declining gift distribution business, with Dasher and Dancer taking up the slack. Rudolph's role is unaffected, though a denial was issued regarding substance abuse as the cause of his nose's glow.
• 'Twelve Days of Christmas' Economy: The partridge remains, but the pear tree is being replaced by a plastic hanging plant. The two turtledoves are redundant, and the three French hens will now 'cluck in English.' The four calling birds have been replaced by an automated system.
• Unusual Tree Decorations: Examples of unusual tree decorations are highlighted, including a tree at Madron, Cornwall, adorned with bridal veils, shoe-laces, and other offerings; a tree in Luddenden Foot, West Yorkshire, sprouting beer cans; and a tree in Leicester decorated with clothes-hangers. Rachel Crompton's tree decorated with baked bean cans at Stafford University was 'scoffed' by college mates. Vail, Colorado, USA, chopped down a 'Panty Bush' festooned with girls' underwear.
• 'Boobs-for-Booze' Scandal: An examination of how girls, often aged 16-17, flash their breasts to obtain alcohol in Henley-on-Thames, Oxon.
• Big Cat of Cupar: 20 reported sightings of a big cat, possibly a puma, in north-east Fife, with one sighting caught on video.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• 'Paul is DEAD?' by R. Gary Patterson: (Robson Books, £19.99) - A detailed examination of the 'Paul is dead' conspiracy theory, analyzing Beatles' lyrics and album art for clues. The reviewer notes Patterson's focus on folklore aspects, such as the 'walrus' connection to death and the significance of decapitation.
• 'Odds, Sods and Racing Certs' by Graham Sharpe: (Robson Books, £8.99) - A compendium of offbeat trivia related to horse racing, including tales of jockeys, trainers, superstitions, and paranormal experiences.
• 'The Weekend Shaman and Other New Age Types' by Gerry Maguire: (Thorsons, £15.99) - Described as a 'pisstake' of personal transformation, this book is illustrated by Anne Ward and satirizes New Age trends.
• 'Holy Places of Celtic Britain' by Mick Sharp: (Blandford, price unknown) - Praised for its colour photographs and knowledgeable text, this book explores various Celtic sites, divided into sections on pagan Celts, Romano-Celtic Britain, the era of saints, and continuity. Specific examples include Swastika Stones, Castell Henllys, Munlochy Well, Cerne Giant, The House of the Old Man, and Glastonbury Tor.
• 'The Sacred World of the Celts' by Nigel Pennick: (Thorsons, £15.99) - This book offers a balanced exposition of Celtic tradition, covering its development, culture, society, lifestyle, arts, mythology, and folklore, with illustrations from the past and colour photographs.
• 'The Celtic Cross' by Nigel Pennick: (Blandford, £16.99) - A book on Celtic crosses, with the reviewer noting an affinity due to involvement in the 'Nexham Heads saga.'
• 'Glastonbury: Maker of Myths' by Frances Howard-Gordon: (Gothic Image, £8.95 / $14.95) - An update of a 1982 book, this work explores Glastonbury's sacred sites, including the Abbey, Chalice Well, and the Tor, acknowledging John Michell's work and Katherine Maltwood's proposal of a terrestrial zodiac.
• 'Fogou: A Journey into the Underworld' (Gothic Image, £8.95): This book examines 'fogous' (underground structures) and their potential connection to geomancy and spiritual development, referencing Alan Garner's 'Red Shift.'
• 'Who Wrote Shakespeare?' by John Michell: (Thames & Hudson, £16.95) - Michell fairly presents cases for various Shakespearean authorship contenders, ultimately arguing for a collaborative effort involving Francis Bacon, who used the name Shakespeare to spread revolutionary ideas.

Shamanic Round-up

This section reviews several books on spirituality and shamanism:

• 'Shadowcatchers' by Steve Wall: (HarperCollins, £20) - A journalistic exploration of Native American spirituality.
• 'Crow Dog' by Leonard Crow Dog and Richard Erdoes: (HarperCollins, £18) - A narrative saga of a Native American clan.
• 'Of Water and the Spirit' by Kalidona Patrice Some: (Arkana, £19.99) - An account of a spiritual journey from a Jesuit upbringing.
• 'Dreamkeepers' by Harvey Arden: (HarperCollins, £10.99) - Explores the visionary belief system of Australian Aboriginal custodians.
• 'Sastun' by Rosita Arugio: (HarperCollins, £8.99) - Features a traditional Mayan healer from Belize.
• 'Woman at the Edge of Two Worlds' by Lynn V. Andrews: (HarperCollins, £8.99) - Discusses the menopause.
• 'The Dream-Hunters of Corsica' by Dorothy Carrington: (Phoenix, £26.99) - Investigates the 'mazzeri,' individuals with the power of bilocation, exploring their connection to archaic shamanism.

In Brief

• 'UFO Retrievals' by Jenny Randles: (Blandford Press, £8.99) - The reviewer expresses skepticism about crashed alien spacecraft but notes the retelling of the Silpho Moor mini-saucer case.
• 'King Arthur's Cave' by Donald L Cyr and James S Brett: (Stonehenge Viewpoint) - Recasts the mythic monarch as a sun king.
• 'Heroes of the Round Table' by Mike Dixon-Kennedy: Examines King Arthur's knights and their portrayal in modern media.

Other Book Mentions

• 'Daimonic Reality' by Patrick Harpur: (Arkana, £8.99) - Praised for its models explaining the paranormal.
• 'Secrets of Ancient and Sacred Places' by Paul Devereux: (Blandford Press, £11.99) - A reprint featuring human structures and natural landscapes.
• 'Celtic Myth & Legend: An A-Z of People and Places' by Mike Dixon-Kennedy: (Blandford, £9.99) - Criticized for being a 'humourless text.'
• 'How to Draw Celtic Key Patterns' by Andy Sloss: (Blandford, £10.99) - Uses computer art techniques.
• 'Celtic Ornament: Art and the Scribe' by Courtney Davis: (Blandford, £9.99) - Features reinterpreted ornamentation.
• 'The Little Book of Calm' by Paul Wilson: (Penguin, £1.99) - A bestseller offering advice and herbal remedies.

Editorial Notes on 'Twelve Days of Christmas'

The editorial section humorously reinterprets the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' song in terms of corporate downsizing and efficiency measures:

• Five golden rings: On hold due to portfolio concerns.
• Six geese-a-laying: Production rate is too low; three geese will be let go.
• Seven swans-a-swimming: Primarily decorative; mechanical swans are being considered.
• Eight maids-a-milking: Under scrutiny by the EEOC for male/female balance; automation is being explored.
• Nine ladies dancing: Function will be phased out as individuals age.
• Ten lords-a-leaping: Overkill due to high costs; replaced by ten out-of-work congressmen.
• Eleven pipes piping and twelve drummers drumming: Band is too large; a string quartet is planned.
• Lawsuit: The Attorney's Association is seeking expansion to include the legal profession (thirteen lawyers-a-suing).
• Future Cuts: The Snow White Division may be reviewed to see if seven dwarfs is the correct number.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Folklore Frontiers maintains its focus on the intersection of folklore, contemporary beliefs, and the paranormal. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various theories and legends while sometimes offering a skeptical or humorous perspective, as seen in the 'Update' section and the reinterpretation of the 'Twelve Days of Christmas.' The magazine encourages exploration of unusual phenomena, from celebrity death rumours and ancient legends to modern-day UFO sightings and shamanic practices. The book reviews cover a wide range of topics, reflecting the magazine's broad interest in the esoteric and the unexplained.