Gnome News - No 04 -1979

Magazine Overview

Gnome News, Newsletter No. 4, dated August 1979, from THE GNOME CLUB, West Putford, Devon, England. This issue is primarily focused on the theme of contacting and understanding gnomes, presenting them as nature spirits with an important ecological role.

How to Contact Gnomes by Allan Grice

The lead article by Allan Grice, sent from Santa Monica, outlines a three-step process for contacting gnomes. It emphasizes that gnomes are not just figures of folklore but agents of a force that ensouls the Earth. The first step is to believe in gnomes. The second is to cultivate a sense of appreciation for nature's wonders, which is seen as appreciation for the gnomes' work. The third step is to find a special place in the countryside, guided by feelings and instincts. The article stresses that this is their domain and one must be patient to allow mutual acclimatization. It suggests that gnomes can help humans, run errands, arrange things, and even heal, potentially sharing secrets of nature.

Pictures and Stories by some of our younger readers

This section features creative contributions from young readers. Simon (aged 7) and Paul (aged 3) Lane submitted a story and picture titled "FRIGY" about gnomes playing instruments and forming a band. Mandy Lane (aged 11) contributed a story and picture titled "DIMBO FISHING IN THE GNOME POND," which recounts how a gnome named Dimbo outsmarted goblins to reclaim the gnomes' pond.

A Meeting with an Ondine Spirit

This article, submitted by an eleven-year-old boy, describes a personal encounter with an Ondine spirit in a grove. The spirit, described as a translucent figure with a natural brilliance, revealed a promise never to be revealed to humans, lest their secret be lost. The spirit offered a stone holding the secret of eternal life, which would protect the bearer near water, but warned that revealing the secret would render the stone useless. The encounter left the narrator with a sense of awe and a changed perception of the woods.

Our new Wishing Well

This short piece announces the completion of a Wishing Well in the Gnome Reserve, built on Dartmoor, which has made the resident gnomes happy. It notes that many wishes have been made, all of which are kept secret.

Book Review: The Real World of Fairies by Dora Van Gelder

This review, by an unnamed author, discusses Dora Van Gelder's book, published by Theosophical Publishing House. The reviewer praises the book for offering a refreshing perspective on nature and fairies, contrasting it with the increasingly technological and materialistic world. Key extracts highlight:

1. The fairy perspective on life and death: Fairies see the flow of life through all things, without the human fear of death or tragedy.
2. The difference between human and fairy perception: Humans focus on the form of things, while fairies perceive the energy and life force within. Fairies experience a world of pulsating life, where everything merges and is dynamic, unlike the human world of static objects.
3. An example of a tree spirit's aversion: A story about an ancient tree spirit in Java that disliked humans due to its isolation.
4. A positive interaction with a tree spirit: An instance at a school in California where a girl's sincere appeal to an oak tree spirit evoked a strong, benevolent response.

The reviewer emphasizes the importance of gnomes and a gnomic consciousness in understanding the universe.

Man-Trees-Water by Richard St. Barbe Baker

Reproduced by kind permission of the Vagan Society, this article discusses the critical relationship between trees, water, and the environment. It argues that trees are essential for regulating the water cycle, promoting rainfall, and preventing floods and droughts. The author laments the destruction of forests due to human avarice, leading to desertification and soil erosion. He highlights the Sahara Expedition's findings on desert advancement and the successful reforestation efforts in countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, particularly using Eucalyptus species. The article stresses the need for humanity to harmonize with nature's cycles and conserve water resources, warning against profligate living and the dangers of depleting capital resources.

Dibber, the Garden Gnome

A poem by an unnamed author about a garden worker gnome named Dibber, who tends to flowers and enjoys the company of fairies.

Reserve Visitors

A photograph shows a school party from High Bickington Primary School visiting the Gnome Reserve with their teacher, Mrs. Johnson.

Your Letters

This section features correspondence from readers:

• Carole Gray from Toronto, Canada, joins the Gnome Club on the recommendation of a gnome named Rudolph Pufendorf.
• Melody Thomason from Cheshire expresses delight with her first copy of Gnome News and requests a Gnome-stone. She also includes a poem titled "The Fellow Who Lives in the Garden."
• Margaret Rushton from Shetland Islands describes her gnome, Percy, who acts as a lookout and informs her of visitors. She requests two gnomes for indoors or outdoors, one for her and one for Percy, and asks for a gnome hat recommendation.
• Margaret Rushton later writes again, thanking Ann Atkin for sending two gnomes, Francis and Brother John, who have settled in well. Francis is interested in birds, while Brother John enjoys reading and praying. She requests another gnome with a toadstool.

The Findhorn Foundation Lecture Series

This section lists two recommended audio tapes from the Findhorn Foundation Lecture Series: "Conversations with Pan" and "The Animal, Mineral and Vegetable Kingdoms" and "The Elemental Kingdoms" by R. Ogilvie Crombie.

The Making and Reclaiming of Deserts (Cont'd from page three)

This continuation of the Man-Trees-Water article by Richard St. Barbe Baker elaborates on the interconnectedness of man, trees, and water. It details the process of desertification in Africa and the successful efforts to combat it through tree planting, particularly using Eucalyptus cameldulensis and Eucalyptus gompaocephala. The article highlights the high transpiration rates of eucalyptus trees and their value in creating microclimates for food crops and providing fuel.

Gnome Club Gnomes

This section showcases various gnomes available for sale from the Gnome Club, with illustrations and descriptions of different types, including indoor/outdoor gnomes, salt-glazed tankards, pottery pixies, garden gnomes, and individually modelled pottery gnomes. Readers are invited to send a stamped addressed envelope for a price list.

The Gnome Reserve

Information is provided about The Gnome Reserve in West Putford, Devon, detailing its location, opening hours, and free admission. It mentions that approximately 500-600 gnomes live on the Reserve.

Account of the history of Man by Hierodat the Gnome

Recorded by Ann Atkin, this article presents a narrative from Hierodat, a gnome, about the history of man. Hierodat explains that in the beginning, humans lived in harmony and complete unity with everything, communicating through thought vibrations. The discovery of individuality and the ability to think separate thoughts led to the hardening of physical form and the invention of names and words. This separation, while necessary for forging consciousness and free will, led to a loss of connection with nature and the Gnomes. Gnomes, as the essence of the earth's life, patiently observe and understand this process. Hierodat describes different types of gnomes, including those who tend specific places and 'free living' gnomes who are drawn to where they are most needed. He concludes that Gnomes help humans relax, find peace, and feel at one with all life, encouraging a creative and respectful way of living.

Editorial Comment

The editorial connects Gnomes to the 'Buddic (Heavenly) plane' and the 'soul within,' linking them to an individual's psychic awareness, thought structure, and a harmonious relationship with the earth and ecology. It suggests that the concept of Gnomes offers a holistic view applicable to life's deeper meanings and problems, simple enough for children to comprehend.

Our Comfrey

A brief mention with a photograph of gnomes beside comfrey that grew to be six feet high.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Gnome News revolve around the spiritual and ecological significance of gnomes and nature spirits. The magazine promotes a belief in these beings, encouraging readers to connect with nature through appreciation and presence. There's a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of life, the importance of ecological balance (particularly concerning trees and water), and a spiritual perspective that views gnomes as vital to human well-being and harmony with the Earth. The editorial stance is one of promoting a deeper understanding of nature, conservation, and a more mindful way of living, accessible to both adults and children. The publication also fosters a sense of community among gnome enthusiasts through reader contributions and club activities.

This issue of Gnome News, identified as 'Page eleven', features an article titled "The relevance of Gnomes and other little people to modern thought" by Richard Bond. The magazine appears to be published by Nottingham Sport.

The Relevance of Gnomes and Other Little People to Modern Thought

Richard Bond argues that the belief in "little" people like gnomes is more relevant to modern thinking than is commonly acknowledged. He contends that this belief should influence our attitudes and philosophies as much as any religious, scientific, or ethical faith. Bond addresses the common criticisms of such beliefs as "immature" or "insane," suggesting that children's seemingly illogical ideas often prove profound and valid because they are unconditioned by societal norms. Similarly, adults who believe in fairies, gnomes, or elves are often labeled "mad," a criticism Bond views as potentially a compliment, implying unrestricted and original thinking. He notes that many great thinkers and their ideas were initially considered mad, and that profound truths can be found in the words of those deemed insane.

Bond posits that we are living in an "Era of Uncertainty" characterized by immense technological advancement in the Western world, leading to a logical, presumptuous society that prioritizes the "normal majority" and the concept of a "single perfect" answer. This materialistic focus, he argues, disregards the mysterious phenomena of the human mind and the invisible reality of our environment. He rates current Western civilization as inferior to ancient Chinese, Indian, South American, and Greek cultures in terms of psychic awareness and the appreciation of individual philosophy and imaginative thinking.

The author believes that in the late 20th century, humanity is beginning to recognize subconscious realities and appreciate that physical limitations, particularly those of sense organs, are not the limitations of perception. The imagination is highlighted as our best-developed and most fascinating sensory body, and its "obscure and irrelevant behaviour" should not be ignored. The current uncertainty stems from the dissolution of conventional understandings of ourselves and our environment, leading to a rebirth of appreciation for the invisible, undefinable mysteries of the universe.

This is where gnomes and "little" people become relevant. Their significance lies in their "unreality" in the conventional sense, supplying evidence for realities beyond our immediate understanding. Citing Immanuel Kant's saying, "We see things not as they are, but as we are," Bond suggests that subjective thinking would benefit modern awareness. He uses the example of observing the number 99 from different perspectives to illustrate that there is more than one "single perfect image" in any situation. This unique nature of perception applies to our comprehension of reality, meaning any definable object has an infinite number of variable impressions. Gnomes, being elusive to our narrow senses, are therefore considerably relevant to our impression of reality.

Bond quotes George Bernard Shaw: "The test of sanity is not the normality of the method, but the reasonableness of the discovery." He believes gnomes and similar beings represent an anomaly of our reality, popularly called illusions, that inter-relate the visible consciousness with the invisible subconsciousness. They exist on the boundary between our primitive senses and the realm of imagination, subject to personal perception. Individuals with greater imagination and perception are more likely to experience these illusions, which sheds light on the indefiniteness of our "home" reality.

He references Richard Bach's "Illusions," stating that "The original sin is to limit the Is." Bond also quotes Lao Tzu: "The five colours blind one's eyes, the five tones deafen one's ears, the five tastes ruin one's palate," suggesting that defining things limits their continuity.

Bond observes a trend of escapism in 20th-century art, from Expressionism to Surrealism and psychedelics, attributing it to disillusionment with the explicable environment and a desire for fantasy. However, he personally feels this is an intrinsic drive towards exploring alternative, more complex realities that our intelligence and imagination are now capable of understanding. He criticizes the inhibition of this progressive mental evolution by "specific conditioning" and "inherited superstitions." While acknowledging there is no scientific proof of gnomes' existence as normally defined, he urges readers to examine the limitations of "scientific proof" and "logical thought" to discover incredible and relevant images of this new dimension. He concludes with a quote from William Blake: "The imagination is not a state; it is the human existance itself."

Comfrey

The magazine also features an article on Comfrey, described as an ornamental plant belonging to the Borage and Forget-me-not tribe (Boraginaceae). It is noted for its erect, rough, and hairy habit. A note from a Wiltshire writer mentions that Common Comfrey is abundant in water-meadows around Salisbury, with flowers varying from creamy white to rose-pink, and a purple variety also being common. S. Asperimum, Prickly Comfrey, a variety with rich blue flowers, was introduced from the Caucasus in 1811 as cattle food, capable of yielding 40-50 tons per acre. However, cattle, pigs, and horses did not take to it kindly. Comfrey grows best in the shade of trees.

Medicinal Details and Uses

Comfrey leaves contain up to 33% protein and are known for containing Vitamin B12, usually found in raw liver and egg yolk. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E, and the B complex group. Herbalists claim it can help prevent cataracts. Its medical actions are described as demulcent, mildly stringent, and expectorant. The demulcent action is used for lung troubles, quinsy, and whooping cough, with the root being more effective for coughs. It is also credited with helping kidneys, dissolving gall stones, and rectifying bladder and bowel problems like constipation and piles, as well as urinary tract issues like cystitis. A tincture made from the roots with spirits of wine is recommended by modern homeopaths (10 drops in a tablespoon of water several times a day).

Powdered root, dissolved in water to form a mucilage, is considered useful by surgeons for fractures and bleedings, accelerating callus formation. Culpepper is quoted as saying, "The roots being outwardly applied cure fresh wounds or cuts immediately."

Young leaves can be made into a good green vegetable. A "vegetation coffee" can be made by mixing Dandelion roots, Chicory roots, and Comfrey roots, which is described as having none of the injurious effects of ordinary coffee. Comfrey and burdock root is also suggested as a beneficial drink, particularly for those prone to ulcers. The article recommends "Comfrey. The Herbal Healer" by Lawrence D. Hills for further reading.

Ron Atkin adds a note offering spare Comfrey roots in the autumn and requests a stamped addressed envelope and 15p for costs.

Competitions

Page twelve announces competitions for Gnome Club members. Members are encouraged to be more active and send in entries. The competitions include:

1. A Painting or Drawing: A group of gnomes having fun.
2. Writing up to 500 words: A group of gnomes having fun, describing what they are doing.

Overseas members are encouraged to enter, with the possibility of entries appearing in the following Gnome News if they arrive late.

Examples of past prize-winning entries are shown: "GNOME PLAYING MUSICAL INSTRUMENT" by Sarah Bacon (Gnome News Number 3, children's section) and a joint entry "GNOMES AND THEIR HOMES" by Russel Gofflum (verse) and Pip White (drawing, Australia) (Gnome News No. 2, adult section).

A poem about a gnome named Gottfried, who is a potter, is also included.

The Gnome Club of G.B. & Gnome International

Information is provided about The Gnome Club of G.B. & Gnome International, located at West Putford, Devon. Membership includes a club badge and "Gnome News," published three times a year, featuring competitions with gnome prizes. The annual subscription is £2.50 in the G.B. and £3.50 abroad (surface mail). Additional badges are available for 50p, and members can request a free "Gnome Stone."

The club welcomes members to actively participate by sending in articles, thoughts on gnomes, stories, experiences, drawings, photos, comments, and competition entries. Members are asked to mention their club number when writing.

A reminder is issued to members who joined before August '77 to renew their subscriptions, which are now due. Renewing members will receive next year's Gnome News and a small (one-year-old) baby gnome made of pottery.

A moon chart for January-April 1980 for gardeners is being compiled by Marcus for the December Gnome News.

Members who did not receive Gnome News 3 are asked to report it due to potential postage issues.

The editor states that they do not necessarily agree with every view expressed in Gnome News. The layout and print were done by Nottingham Sport.

Gnome Robbery!

Readers are encouraged to write or phone a radio station to request the song "The Great Gnome Robbery," sung by Brian Murphy (known for his role in TV's "George and Mildred"). It is a PYE record (7N 46086). The reverse side of the record features a song called "Jogging." The aim is to help launch the record into the charts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the philosophical and psychological relevance of folklore figures like gnomes to modern thought, the exploration of reality beyond conventional scientific understanding, and the power of imagination. There is also a strong emphasis on community building through "The Gnome Club," encouraging active participation and sharing of creative content. The editorial stance, as stated, is that the editor does not necessarily agree with all expressed views, suggesting an openness to diverse perspectives within the club's context. The article on Comfrey highlights its practical, herbal, and medicinal uses, grounding some of the more abstract themes with tangible information.