Ley Hunter - 1970 no 11

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The Ley Hunter" is Number Eleven, published in September 1970, with a cover price of 1s. 4d. The magazine is edited by Paul Screeton and is described as a non-profit publication. It invites articles, letters, and comments from its readers.

Lead-In

The "Lead-In" section discusses the challenges faced by orthodox archaeology in incorporating the concept of the ley system into its framework. It notes that ley hunters disagree with the view that ancient man was at a low technological and intellectual level. The article highlights that astronomical studies of stone circles, championed by professors like Gerald Hawkins, Fred Hoyle, Alexander Thom, and Lyle Borst, have faced academic resistance. It suggests that ley hunting has not attracted the same academic interest as stone circle research, possibly due to a lack of champions with academic qualifications in the field.

The Megalithic Plan Under The Houses of Parliament by Lyle B. Borst

This article explores the suggestion that Canterbury Cathedral, other English cathedrals, churches, and Scandinavian churches are built upon megalithic sanctuaries with geometries similar to Stonehenge. The author, Lyle B. Borst, from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the State University of New York at Buffalo, posits that St. Stephen's Chapel in Westminster Palace aligns with a star's declination. Borst uses the 'megalithic yard' (MY), defined as 2.72 feet or 0.829 meters, as a unit of measurement. He finds similar geometric patterns in Westminster, a church in Syria (St. Simeon Stylytes), and other sites, suggesting a common ancient design principle. The article details specific measurements and geometric relationships, including octagons, circles, and triangles, found at these locations. Borst notes that while the geometry at Westminster might have been lost before the 5th century AD, the underlying principles are evident. He also discusses the historical context of Westminster Abbey and St. Stephen's Chapel.

The Nuthampstead Zodiac: Essex/Hertfordshire/Cambridgeshire by Nigel Pennick, B.Sc.

Nigel Pennick details his discovery of a zodiacal alignment near Nuthampstead, which he terms the "Nuthampstead Zodiac." He noticed a deviation in a road marked as a "Roman Road, Beards Lane," which he found to be similar to alignments at Glastonbury. After extensive work, Pennick identified figures that were very similar to those discovered by Katherine Maltwood. He explains how the Beards Lane ley and the St. Michael's ley intersect with this area, and how other leys crisscross the zone, including one that lines up with seven churches in Cambridge, terminating at the round church. Pennick describes his process of sharing his discovery, initially with a publication called "Gandalf's Garden" and later with "Cambridge Voice." He also mentions Mary Caine, who had independently found a zodiac at Kingston-on-Thames using a similar "bifurcated line principle."

Man's Monuments and The Leys by Ross Nichols

Ross Nichols, Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids, discusses the connection between "leys" (lines of power or old straight tracks) and UFO sightings. He suggests that leys might guide UFOs or that UFOs might draw power from them, comparing it to an underground train drawing power from an electric rail. Nichols also touches upon the suppression of Cambridge's mystic heritage by university people.

Discussion and Editorial Stance

The issue includes a piece by K. F. Wood from the Institution of Post Office Electrical Engineers North-East Region journal, expressing a hope for collaboration between archaeologists and astronomers. The editor, Paul Screeton, supports this view and mentions Professor Lyle E. Borst's contribution. The magazine also addresses the perceived narrow-mindedness of orthodox archaeology, suggesting that excessive specialization leads to a dismissal of alternative theories. It advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding ancient mysteries, inviting experts from various fields to research the properties of leys.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient geometry, ley lines, and their potential connection to astronomical observations and prehistoric societies. The magazine clearly supports alternative interpretations of history and archaeology that challenge the orthodox views, particularly concerning the significance of ley lines and megalithic structures. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging interdisciplinary research and the investigation of phenomena that lie outside mainstream academic acceptance. There is a clear advocacy for the importance of ley hunting and its potential to reveal a richer understanding of ancient human capabilities and beliefs.

This issue, titled "The Meridians of Man," published in July 1970, delves into the interconnectedness of ancient sites, energy systems, and human physiology. It explores theories surrounding ley lines, planetary alignments, and the concept of vital energy (Ch'i) as understood in ancient Chinese philosophy.

Ley Lines and Ancient Sites

The first part of the magazine focuses on the concept of ley lines, particularly the Stonehenge-Avebury axis. The author, John Wheaton, discusses how ancient observers, like Inigo Jones, proposed ley lines connecting significant sites. The Stonehenge-Avebury axis is presented as a south-north ley, with various planetary bodies (Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury) being symbolically linked to specific locations and geographical features along this line. For instance, Stonehenge is associated with Saturn or Time, Casterley Camp with Jupiter, Marden with Mars, Silbury Hill with Earth, and Knop or Milk Hill with Mercury. The article highlights the discovery of a mother goddess-shaped shrine at West Kennet Long Barrow, which, along with Silbury Hill, forms a feminine and masculine pair on either side of the south-north line.

Further exploration of ley lines includes the connection between Glastonbury and Avebury, forming a north-eastern line of power. The article notes that leys are often recognized by the placement of monuments like temples and stones. Specific alignments at Stonehenge are mentioned, including a W-E line marked by tumuli. The concept of 'power lines' is also discussed, with an example at Selworthy in North Devon where a neolithic pillar formed a triangle pointing north-east, creating a 'cone of power'. The complexity of alignments around Brown Willy mountain in Cornwall is also touched upon.

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a review of Major F.C. Tyler's book, "The Geometrical Arrangement of Ancient Sites - A Development of the 'Straight Track' Theory." The reviewer, Philip Heselton, notes the difficulty in obtaining early books on the subject. Tyler's work is presented as a critique of the prevailing "trackway" theory of leys. Tyler's arguments against the trackway theory include the excessive number of leys, their parallelism, and the phenomenon of multiple leys intersecting at a single point, which he found difficult to explain if they were merely ancient routes.

Tyler's major contribution highlighted is his discovery of "concentric circle" arrangements around various sites, including Stonehenge and Wooburn Church. These circles, statistically significant, suggest a geometrical arrangement of sacred sites. Tyler also examined distances between sites, finding key distances and radii of concentric circles to be multiples of a standard measure. He proposed that the sites themselves possess an ancient and everlasting sanctity, which was perhaps detected by ancient constructors and later lost.

The Meridians of Man: Ch'i and Energy Systems

In parallel, the article "The Meridians of Man" by John Wheaton explores the ancient Chinese concept of vital energy, or Ch'i. Ch'i is described as entering the body through air, food, and drink, processed in different 'warmers' (upper, middle, lower) and ultimately forming 'true Ch'i'. This energy circulates through the body via meridians, nourishing it (Jung Ch'i) and protecting it (Wei Ch'i).

Meridians are presented as channels, possibly on a subtle or etheric level, though with a physical basis discovered by Prof. Kim Bon Han. These channels contain a circulating fluid and can be traced by radioactive material. There are twelve main meridians, each linked to an organ or function, operating in a 24-hour cycle with an energic high tide of two hours per meridian. This cycle is influenced by the sun and also has seasonal variations, while the moon influences a 28-day cycle.

In addition to the twelve basic meridians, there are eight extra meridians called 'MEI' which act as energy regulators, potentially involved in psychic development. Linking meridians connect the main ones and internal organs, forming a complex network. The meridian's physical aspect is like a 'wire,' but its function extends into a 'field.' Prof. Bon Han also discovered internal meridians that subdivide down to the cellular level, and two 'new' meridians allied to the basic twelve.

Meridians have 'points' which are microscopic structures that can affect Ch'i flow and have mental and psychic effects. Ch'i energy is bipolar, with Yin (negative) and Yang (positive) poles. The energy changes polarity as it flows but remains the same. Energy is also picked up and radiated on different levels, with Yin energy coming from the earth and directly through the feet, changing to Yang as it moves upwards.

The article suggests a potential relationship between the ley system and acupuncture meridians, as both appear to be circulatory systems for energy, with places, centers, or points for tapping or controlling this energy. The planet's energy system is considered less complex than man's.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the idea of underlying energy systems, both in the landscape (ley lines, ancient sites) and within the human body (Ch'i, meridians). There's a strong theme of rediscovering ancient knowledge and wisdom that has been lost over time. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these less conventional subjects, encouraging readers to investigate and connect observed phenomena. The editor's notes highlight the difficulty in accessing early research and express a desire to translate and share such information, suggesting a commitment to uncovering and disseminating knowledge about prehistoric cults and ancient wisdom.

The review of Major F.C. Tyler's work indicates a shift in thinking within the ley hunting community, moving away from simple 'trackway' explanations towards more complex geometrical and energetic interpretations of ancient sites. The article on meridians bridges the gap between ancient Eastern philosophies and Western scientific investigation, suggesting a universal principle of energy flow. The overall tone is one of intellectual curiosity and a belief that these ancient systems hold keys to understanding both the past and the present.

This issue of "The Ley Hunter" (Volume 3, Issue 12, June 1970) is a UK-based publication focused on the study of ley lines, ancient sites, and related phenomena. The content includes book reviews, reader contributions, and discussions on archaeological and historical topics.

Book Reviews

T.C. Lethbridge - "Witches" (1959?)

This book is described as a general study of the witch cult in Britain, tracing its origins to a fertility religion centered on the worship of natural forces, particularly the sun and moon. It explores how the use of sacred sites for religious rites persisted through various stages of religious development, including Christianity. The review highlights Lethbridge's thoughts on azimuth alignments of stone circles and the suggestion that circles were erected to contain power generated during rites aimed at maintaining land fertility.

T.C. Lethbridge - "Gog-Magog" (1957)

This work focuses on hill figures, specifically one located near Cambridge. The review notes that this figure, until its discovery through research into local legends and historical records, was thought to be non-existent. The 'sounding' method used to trace its outline, which reveals a series of figures, is described as interesting and potentially applicable to tracing other 'lost figures'.

Patrick Crampton - "The Prehistoric Ridgeway" (1965)

Described as a lighthearted account of a journey along the Chilterns Ridgeway undertaken by two campers and a donkey. The book includes interesting descriptions of nearby sites, with a particular emphasis on the white horse figure at Uffington.

Ivan D. Margary - "Roman Roads in the Weald" (1965)

This is a detailed study of Roman roads in Southeast England, which occasionally touches upon Prehistoric and Mediaeval tracks. The review points out the book's method of presenting findings through strip maps that show relationships to present-day features. It also mentions the archaeological techniques employed, such as map analysis and resistivity surveying, as being particularly relevant to the study of leys.

Readers' Forum

Letter from Dan Putcher, Ash Green, Hants.

Dan Putcher writes to inform the editor, Mr. Screeton, about a mark stone in his village of Ash. This stone features an engraving of a small 'match-stick' man, similar to one previously published by R.D.Y. Perrett. The stone's significance is further illuminated by an anecdote from an elderly resident who identified it as the place where 'old Elijah was taken up into heaven'.

The Ash Stones and Ley Lines

The letter details the location of two stones in Ash. One is situated at the T-junction of Star Lane and Ash Street, near a footpath that continues Star Lane, forming what is suggested to be an ancient crossroads or 'star'. The other stone is located at the corner of the Red Lion pub, at the T-junction of Harper's Road and the Guildford road, marking another old footpath. A line drawn through these two stones on a map is noted to pass along the nave and over the altar of St. Peter's Church, which lies approximately equidistant between them. The name St. Peter itself is linked to the Greek word 'petra' meaning rock or stone. Another stone in Ash, possibly from a larger buried stone, is described as being honeycombed with artificially drilled holes and is located near a road junction and a pub called The Anchor. The Greyhound pub is also mentioned as being situated at another crossroads on the same potential ley line. These sites are aligned within approximately 12 miles. Extending this line northeast leads to an old fort at St. George's Hill, Weybridge, and southwest it passes near a pub on the corner of Stone Street, Aldershot. The writer suspects that Stone Street anciently formed a junction with this line, possibly marked by a former pub and stone. Further southwest, the line skirts Farnham Castle.

Elijah's Journey and Ley Lines

Dan Putcher also inquires whether Elijah's last journey, from Bethel via Gilgal and Jericho to an unnamed spot across the Jordan where he was translated, might have been performed on a ley. Bethel is noted as the place where Jacob erected a stone after his vision of the ladder. The name Gilgal is linked to 'galgal', meaning a stone or stones set up to commemorate a significant experience or 'Divine intervention', and was also used by Ezekiel to describe an aerial vehicle. The writer lacks ley clues for Jericho but notes its proximity to the Jordan. A suggestion is made for a Biblical topographer to determine if these places lie on a straight line, which would help identify the line of the unknown location across the Jordan.

R. D. Y. Perrett, Sheffield

Perrett expresses his hope to have written an article on a rational mathematical theory for the probability of ley occurrences but found his mathematical abilities insufficient for the task. He outlines his proposed approach, inviting others with better mathematical skills to develop or critique it. He also comments on publications by Peter Furness and Tony Northwood.

#### Ley Line Probability Theory

Perrett discusses two main types of assumptions for ley line analysis:
1. Line Width: Considering a line on a map with a certain finite width, which represents the acceptable degree of approximation for a mark-point to be considered 'on' the line.
2. Observer's Visual Angle: An observer at a specific point accepts distant objects as aligned if they fall within a certain visual angle. This allows for a permitted lateral error that increases with distance.

Perrett notes that he found the second type of assumption problematic.

#### Critiques of Existing Theories

He critiques the approaches of Furness and Northwood. Furness is seen as considering possible lines between 'n' points, possibly assuming a fixed length. Northwood appears to consider all possible pairs of points derived from elemental map units, also seemingly with a fixed line length.

Perrett argues that these treatments are inadequate for at least two reasons:
1. Variable Line Length: Taking any two points and extending a line of agreed width to the map boundaries results in a line length dependent on the points' positions and the map's shape. The probability of other points falling on this line thus depends on the initial two points' positions. He concludes that a satisfactory theory cannot assume a fixed line length.
2. Map Area Shape: The shape of the map-area is crucial. Scattering points on a long, thin landscape offers a different probability for multi-point alignments than scattering them on a circular landscape of the same area. Neither Furness's nor Northwood's theories appear to account for the map-area's shape.

Perrett's own efforts have included a factor 'f' representing the ratio of a particular line's length to the maximum possible line length within the map-area. He hopes to develop an 'average value' of 'f' for simple shapes like circles and squares, considering all possible lines between pairs of points.

Conclusion on Landscape Influence

Perrett concludes by remarking that while a precise result would offer a guide to the magnitude of probabilities, the general tendency of hills and valleys in a landscape to run in the same direction can increase the probability that human-made features will align.

Readers' Queries

Query from Dr. Oliver L. Reiser, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Reiser has sent three diagrams and asks if there is a connection between them. One diagram is included in a letter from a Californian friend, and another has accompanying text. The relevant part of the letter mentions Dr. Reiser's latest book, "Cosmic Humanism," praising its sweep, learning, and thrilling ideas. The spiral concept is described as intensely real, with a return to the same point at a higher level. The writer notes that old words gain new meaning and expresses a retention of a few cherubim and seraphim from the Kabbalistic hierarchy. The writer admits to possibly placing a 'cosmic lens' incorrectly on page 504 due to ignorance.

The issue includes a diagram illustrating concepts related to equinoctial precession, including the nucleus, polarized mirror, daily rotation, ecliptic, solar and planetary motion, precession, equinox, and poles. Another diagram depicts the emission of polarized gamma photons from unpolarized nuclei, violating parity conservation, with polarization changing from left to right-circular upon reflection.

Accompanying Text on Equinoctial Precession

The text accompanying the equinoctial precession diagram states that in the age of Taurus, the polestar was alpha Draconis; during the Greek era, it was beta Ursae Minoris; today it is alpha Ursae Minoris; and by A.D. 14000, it will be Vega. This is described as a calendar of grand dimensions, evoking awe and recalling forgotten scientists who understood the limitations of their environment.

Query from Michael Hersty, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Michael Hersty seeks information on any work done on leys around the Newcastle-under-Lyme, North Staffs., South Cheshire, and North Shropshire areas. He asks for the best book on the basics of ley hunting and recommends "The Ley Hunter's Manual" by Alfred Watkins, available from Markham House Press Ltd.

Query from Judy Allen, Putney

Judy Allen questions whether constellation positions relative to Earth have shifted over centuries, despite using charts designed by Babylonian astrologers. The response is briefly 'yes', noting that four-fifths of Cancerians are now considered Geminians. She is referred to Rupert Gleadow's "The Origin of the Zodiac" for an explicit account. Allen further asks if it's possible that ley lines have also shifted, making discernible leys today potentially barren, with the actual line of power shifted. The response states that a definitive 'yes' or 'no' cannot be given, but suggests that instead of a physical shift, there might have been a changing influence over time. The existence of a distinct ebb and flow of power in leys is noted, with the large mark stone at Hart, County Durham, being particularly active at sunset and inactive at midday.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of ancient sites, particularly stone circles and hill figures, and their potential connection to prehistoric belief systems and practices like fertility cults. The concept of ley lines as ancient pathways or energy lines is central, with significant discussion dedicated to the mathematical and observational challenges of identifying and defining them. The issue also touches upon broader themes of ancient calendars, astronomical cycles, and the philosophical implications of concepts like 'Cosmic Humanism'. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of research and theories, while also engaging in critical analysis of existing methodologies in ley line studies.