Ley Hunter - 1969 no 1

Magazine Overview

'The Ley Hunter' is a magazine dedicated to exploring the interconnectedness of ley lines, orthoteny, and UFO phenomena. This inaugural issue, Number One, was published in November 1969 and edited by Paul Screeton, who took over the publication with the aim of reviving it. Screeton, who also works as a sub-editor for the Northern Daily Mail, expresses optimism about the magazine's potential to attract both old and new readers.

Lead-in: A New Beginning

In his introductory 'Lead-in' section, Paul Screeton explains how he came to edit 'The Ley Hunter' after Jimmy Goddard, the past secretary, suggested he revive the magazine. Screeton acknowledges that leys and orthoteny are just one aspect of the broader UFO phenomenon and that not all 'ley hunters' may accept a link between the two. He states the magazine will serve as a forum for speculation, discoveries, and increasing knowledge. While retaining original features, Screeton intends to broaden the format to include thoroughly documented factual articles, pure conjecture, letters, and a science fiction section with stories, poems, and book reviews. The magazine is planned as a monthly publication, with its viability to be reviewed after three months. The price is set at 1s.4d. per copy, with the hope that a growing readership will lead to an increase in the number of pages. Screeton appeals for contributions, particularly articles on leys, and notes that as an amateur publication, no payment can be made, though writers of full-length articles will receive a free issue.

Practical Hints on Ley Hunting

This section provides practical guidance for aspiring ley hunters. The author apologizes if the content seems elementary to those who have read Jimmy Goddard's 'Handbook of Leys and Orthoteny'. The essential tools for ley hunting are identified as an Ordnance Survey one-inch to the mile map, a straight-edge (preferably 3ft. long), and a sharp-pointed pencil. Smaller map scales are not recommended due to lack of detail, while larger scales cover too small an area. A small-scale map of Britain is useful for extending orthoteny or major leys. Leys can be found on most O.S. maps, excluding heavily built-up or mountainous areas. The process involves selecting prominent sites on the map, joining two, and checking if at least five sites lie in alignment. It is also suggested to examine individual sites and look for alignments in different directions. Acceptable sites include prehistoric mounds, camps, ancient churches, castles, cross-roads, hilltops, triangulation pillars, mark stones, and hilltop clumps. Strict criteria are emphasized, such as rejecting a ley if it doesn't have five good sites or if the alignment doesn't pass directly through a site. Fieldwork is deemed essential, and the author shares personal experiences of rejecting leys after site visits. Checking the age of churches (pre-15th century for significance) and the origin of place-names are also highlighted as important research aspects. The article notes that churches are not always aligned perfectly east, which can lead to discoveries, citing an example at Othery Church in Somerset where an inclination to true east revealed a connection with UFOs.

The Connection with UFOs and Orthoteny

The article emphasizes the exciting connection between ley hunting, orthoteny, and UFOs. Small-scale maps are useful for plotting UFO sightings on orthotenies, which can then be transferred to O.S. sheets. For an orthoteny to be valid, sightings must occur on the same day, though the direction of travel is not specified as important. The author notes that not all orthotenies are UFO trajectories, but those that are are particularly interesting. The process involves marking UFO sightings for a single day on a small-scale map, checking for alignment, transferring to O.S. sheets, and seeing if they coincide with a ley. It is stated that all previous orthotenies over Britain have done so. Four-point lines are usually acceptable for orthoteny due to the rarity of UFO sightings compared to prehistoric sites. However, it is crucial that the UFO was seen either directly overhead or flying very low, as other sightings lack value for orthoteny due to the difficulty in judging height, size, and distance without instruments.

Transferring leys from small-scale to larger-scale maps is challenging, requiring precise angles, distances, and locations. Extending leys from one O.S. map to another also presents accuracy issues. Therefore, it is advised not to be overly dogmatic about orthoteny alignments, acknowledging limitations in accuracy. The article also mentions that it's not just leys themselves that are interesting, but also the researcher's experimentation with new ideas, citing examples like Doug Chaundy's 'White Horse Triangles' and his 'star map' found from long barrows on Salisbury Plain.

The Pattern Puzzle

This section, authored by Paul Screeton, delves into the arrangement of Bronze Age burial mounds in North-East Yorkshire in patterns resembling stars. It questions whether these patterns were a form of star worship. Robert Knox is credited with noting the pattern of conspicuous howes near Ugthorpe forming Charles's Wain in an 1855 work. Frank Elgee, in 'Early Man in North-East Yorkshire' (1930), suggests these arrangements were intentional, though he notes that small barrows can sometimes create accidental designs. However, some groups of larger barrows distinctly show patterns. Elgee provides further examples, such as six barrows on Carlton Bank forming The Plough, and six barrows on the ridge between Fransdale and Farndale also suggesting The Plough. J.T. Mortimer's 'Forty Years' Researches' (1905) documented Bronze Age people of the Yorkshire Wolds arranging larger barrows into constellations like The Plough or Charles's Wain, and occasionally The Chair in Cassiopeia. An example on Huggato Wold shows seven brightest stars of the Wain, two neighboring stars, and Cor Caroli represented by barrows. From this, Mortimer concluded that star worship was practiced not only by Yorkshire Wolds people but also by those in the neighboring Blackamore district. Elgee notes the absence of such arrangements in the Cotswolds. These arrangements lead to questions about whether they are coincidental, denote star worship (perhaps related to the spirit's journey after death), or signify constellations from which space travelers journeyed to Bronze Age Britain, possibly as a message or a 'cargo cult' to attract visitors. The author suggests that while it's easy to be fanciful about prehistoric connections to UFOs, those who see leys and orthotenies as connected cannot ignore the puzzling barrow patterns.

TSTINA O LETECIM TANJURIMA?

This short piece notes that UFO interest is growing globally, even behind the Iron Curtain. The author recounts seeing a Yugoslavian newspaper almost entirely dedicated to UFOs, including photographs and diagrams, but was unable to read the article due to not knowing the language.

Flying Saucer Visionary

This section, also by Paul Screeton, discusses the theories of John Michell, particularly his book 'The Flying Saucer Vision'. It begins with a quote from John Michell (1967) comparing humanity's current predicament to that which destroyed civilization 4,000 years ago. The article outlines the historical context: Alfred Watkins' findings on leys in the 1920s, Aime Michel's discovery of orthoteries in 1954, and Tony Wedd's revelation of orthoteries occurring above leys. Michell's theory is presented: that places connected with dragon legends were likely sites of UFO landings, and that joining many of these sites forms a large triangle with lines similar to leys. Michell, described as a hippy fellow traveler in his mid-30s, an ex-Etonian and ex-Cambridge University graduate, is dedicated to UFOs and leys. He reportedly saw his first UFO only after writing his first book.

The Geomancers

Michell argues that 4,000 years ago, professional geomancers identified lines and centers of a 'dragon pulse' – a beneficial magnetic current flowing above the earth. These locations were marked by tombs, artificial hills, and other structures, indicating favorable influences. This astrological interpretation was so strong that most early Christian churches were correctly placed, with this knowledge influencing the arts.

Catherine's Wheel

This part suggests that early and medieval people, limited in their understanding, mistook lights in the sky for dragons rather than UFOs. Many places associated with dragon-killing often have churches dedicated to saints like Michael, George, Margaret, or Catherine. St. Catherine is specifically linked to the fiery wheel.

Michell concludes that hills associated with UFOs are 'Naval Conductors' of a force stretching across the countryside, used for initiation into knowledge of a time-annihilating current. However, the author questions Michell's suggestion that leys serve as primitive signposts for UFOs, arguing that a sufficiently advanced race wouldn't need them. Michell believes we are approaching a time when this mystery will be revealed, with UFOs pointing to clues in the landscape that have been ignored. He also posits that a single universal civilization existed in the past, and leys are a record of its knowledge, suggesting men understood time travel 4,000 years ago.

Watkins Wrong

Michell reportedly dismissed Watkins's supposition that leys were long-disused tracks as 'impractical'.

Daughter of Albion

This section highlights Michell's approach of studying phenomena that scientists might dismiss as chance. He believes investigators are too narrow-minded and that a wide view of phenomena is necessary to understand the worldwide significance of an approaching revelation. Archaeologists are criticized for focusing too narrowly, missing the larger patterns. England is metaphorically described as a 'giantess/goddess awaiting awakening', a 'sleeping daughter of Albion'.

Like Ghosts

Michell suggests UFOs might have a physical existence, similar to ours but using unknown forces, though their enigmatic behavior makes this unlikely. He proposes they might belong to 'another order of matter,' like ghosts. He questions if their arrival is part of an approaching vision. The author notes that while Michell's writings can seem fanciful and speculative, he draws upon folklore, astrology, astronomy, geography, and prehistory to form his conclusions.

John F. Michell: A Checklist

This section lists several publications by John Michell, including articles in 'International Times', 'Image', and 'Albion', as well as his books 'The Flying Saucer Vision' and 'The View over Atlantis'. It also mentions an article by Pauline Peters in a 'Sunday Times' supplement about Michell.

Science-Fiction Section: Frijja Versus Aliens

This section features a review of Jane Gaskell's novel 'A Sweet SweetrSummer'. The reviewer notes its use of a common SF theme: UFOs blockading Britain and creating anarchy. The aliens are described as shadowy, and the novel is considered only marginally SF, similar to Gaskell's previous work, 'The Shiny Narrow Grin', which was marginally Gothic horror. Both books are set in contemporary London and reflect the attitudes of the time, with 'Sweet Summer' also drawing from Gaskell's 'Atlan' trilogy. The heroine, Frijija, is compared to the prehistoric heroine Cija. The reviewer suggests that while the SF elements might disappoint enthusiasts due to their naivete, the novel is entertaining due to its wealth of fascinating characters. The story is narrated by Pel, who runs his father's home, partly as a brothel. His cousin Frijija, an introspective and distant girl, arrives after an incident. A gang of ruthless Fascists takes over the house, and Pel hero-worships their leader, Connor. Frijija is secretly working against the aliens, who communicate via 'globules' that give brief orders. The novel is described as a social document exploring contemporary youth behavior against a backdrop of extraterrestrial interference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly advocates for the interconnectedness of ley lines, orthoteny, and UFO phenomena, presenting this as a central theme. The editorial stance, as articulated by Paul Screeton, is one of open inquiry and exploration, encouraging speculation and the sharing of discoveries. There is a clear interest in ancient mysteries, prehistoric sites, and their potential links to modern phenomena like UFOs. The inclusion of a science fiction section indicates a willingness to explore these themes through creative narratives as well. The magazine positions itself as a platform for enthusiasts to deepen their understanding and contribute to the ongoing investigation of these subjects.

This document is page 10 of UFO Times, issue number 10, dated April 1969. It contains a review of science fiction novels, advertisements for fanzines, and the beginning of a story.

Review of Jane Gaskell's Novels

The reviewer discusses the potential underdevelopment of the science fiction angle in a book, suggesting it could have been explored more fully. However, the reviewer praises Jane Gaskell's novels, stating that she is one of Britain's best and most underrated writers. Having read all but one of Gaskell's novels, the reviewer finds this particular book to be up to her usual high standard and expresses anticipation for a sequel to her previous 'Atlantean Sage' novels.

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Story: DRAGONS ANI CAVEMEN SUPERMEN

This section introduces a story titled 'DRAGONS ANI CAVEMEN SUPERMEN' by Neil Etterby. The tagline reads, "The maiden devoured the dragon."

Narrative Excerpt (Pages 2-3)

The narrative continues with a dialogue between two characters, Shir and Vvkkaall, who appear to be siblings. They are discussing their recent activity, which involves a slain dragon. Shir is boastful about her role in the kill, while Vvkkaall is more pragmatic.

Shir describes her actions: "It was her prize, for she had killed it. She shared it raw, with her brother. She smirked as she gobbled, while he sullenly sat cross and crosslegged on the opposite side of the felled beast."

There's a sarcastic exchange about cutting hair and its relevance to the encounter: "It would never have happened if you had cut your hair off," he rejoined caustically, reaching to tear at the corpse's flesh. Both were naked, green and he was shaven completely. "It would never have seen us but for your hair," stated Vvkkaall doggedly.

Shir proudly recounts her bravery: "Wasn't it clever and brave of me to jump on it from behind and blind it with my fingers?" Vvkkaall sarcastically replies, "Very. What if it had lashed you with its tail?"

Shir continues, detailing how she wrestled it down and choked it. The dialogue then shifts to eating the spoils, with Shir teasing Vvkkaall about whether he meant the dragon's body or hers.

The description then shifts to a more narrative tone, describing Shir's appearance and actions as she eats the dragon meat. Her appearance is detailed, with "Emerald green lips traced on aquamarine shaded soft skin framed sharp shiny tiny teeth." Her eyes are described as "Red ruby eyes." The text notes that Shir and Vvkkaall "automatically imitated landscapes," suggesting a form of camouflage or adaptation. Vvkkaall is characterized as unassuming, quiet, a thinker, and a loner, in contrast to Shir's overconfidence and recklessness.

Shir then excitedly points out something in the distance: "Look. look, look," shrieked Shir, pointing wildly at the distant forest.

Later, the narrative describes a massive dinosaur emerging from the forest. It is depicted as "Skin, scaly skin, blue as the sky, rippled over rockhard bone and muscle of the dinosaur. Its taloned feet crushed a path of wreckage through the gigantic ferns." The dinosaur is described as "Towering twenty feet tall on gnarled green legs." Shir is initially unimpressed by its majesty, while Vvkkaall remains focused.

Shir playfully attacks Vvkkaall, who reacts with shock. The narrative then describes the dinosaur's actions, its "lethal armoury of the tyrannosaur's jaws" and its immense strength. The creature is described as swaying and plodding towards the fallen dragon.

Shir expresses a wish to be a female tyrannosaur, "fifty feet long, unafraid of anything, humble only to the male of the species."

The story is marked as "(To be concluded)".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue touches upon science fiction and fantasy literature, with a focus on reviews and fanzine culture. The editorial stance appears to be supportive of the science fiction and fantasy community, evidenced by the detailed fanzine advertisements and the review of established authors. There is also an element of speculative fiction with the story featuring dragons and supermen, and a brief mention of UFOs in the magazine title.