Ley Hunter - 1970 no 6

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: NUMBER SIX
Date: APRIL 1970
Price: one shilling

This issue of The Ley Hunter, a magazine dedicated to the study of ley lines and related phenomena, delves into the classification of leys and presents various perspectives on their nature and significance. The publication features articles, letters, and bibliographical information aimed at researchers and enthusiasts in the field.

Lead-In: Classifying Ley Systems

The issue opens with a "Lead-In" section that poses the question of how to divide the ley system into categories. This is prompted by a letter from John G. Williams, a solicitor from Hay-on-Wye, who proposes his "Scemb line system." Williams's system accepts specific points on an alignment: S (standing stones, stone circles), C (cairns or tumuli, camps of pre-Roman origin), E (earthworks of pre-Roman origin), M (moats and mounds of pre-Roman origin), and B (burial barrows). He notes that alignments often occur at angles of 23.5 degrees or its multiples (47, 70.5, or 94 degrees), suggesting a planned layout. Williams believes these alignments are associated with the collection and distribution of power and that his group can tap into these sources at standing stones.

The editor, Paul Screeton, expresses inclination to accept the validity of work by Williams and John Michell. While Alfred Watkins viewed leys primarily as tracks, Screeton feels this is a minor aspect. He proposes classifying leys into three groups:

• (a) Power Currents: Those believed to mark the passage of a power current.
• (b) Trackways: Those used as trackways.
• (c) Celestial Alignments: Those aligned to positions of celestial bodies.

Screeton acknowledges that category (c) would require an expert astronomer, while category (b) could be investigated by field workers. Category (a) is considered the most interesting and requires the greatest attention. He suggests dowsing as a potential method for discovering and analyzing power systems. The editor also mentions correspondence with the British Society of Dowsers, where the secretary, P.B. Smithett, noted that some members have been studying leys for years and that John Michell has published a book, "The View Over Atlantis."

Screeton invites readers' comments on this classification and any successes they have had with dowsing for leys.

Beyond Controversy

This section features an article by Allen Watkins, M.A., F.C.A., titled "Beyond Controversy." He asserts that the fundamental fact of ley thinking is the alignment of ancient sites with a frequency that exceeds mathematical probability. While the ley thesis originated with his father, Alfred Watkins, it has evolved beyond a mere account of ancient roads. Allen Watkins argues that the field worker, verifying map alignments, develops an inner assurance of truth without needing mathematical proof. He contrasts this with science, which he describes as a "Doubting Thomas" that requires empirical evidence, likening it to an old farm labourer's insistence on seeing weights in scales.

Watkins poses the "64,000 dollar question": given 150 marked points in an area, what is the exact chance of a 5-point alignment? He uses the example of the Builth area, where an expert researcher marked 146 ancient sites and found ten 5-point and one 8-point alignment. He considers 5-point alignments as standard proof of a sound ley, a view shared by practical ley hunters like Jimmy Goddard. Watkins appeals to mathematically inclined readers to provide a precise answer to this question, believing that a quantitative comparison with arithmetical expectancy would place the ley thesis beyond controversy and silence uninformed criticism.

Leys & the Tides of the Day

Authored by "Circumlibra," this article explores the concept of "tides" in relation to timekeeping and natural phenomena. It suggests that ancient peoples, including Saxons, divided the day and night into eight "tides," approximating three-hour periods. These divisions were significant, with simple names given to them (e.g., Morgan, Mid-daeg, Mid-aften, Mid-niht), and were often marked by religious instructors using indicators like mass clocks in churches. An example of a 1064 "Sunmarker" is mentioned, which marked high tides at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., Noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m., with a special mark for 7:30 a.m.

The article then links these tides to leys. It proposes a sun-dial sketch exercise: facing north, draw a north-south ley, then an east-west ley to form a T. A circle below the junction represents the sun, with tangents to the intersection forming a symbol resembling an ancient religious symbol. Larger versions of such sunmarkers might be found at ancient sites. The author notes that eddies associated with each tide could coincide with leys, potentially causing confusion.

The concept of "tide" is extended beyond sea tides to an "ebbing and flowing" of influence or energy throughout the day, for which a precise word is lacking. The article concludes by acknowledging the potential for confusion in terminology.

Bibliographies

The issue contains extensive bibliographical sections (I, II, III, IV, and V) compiled by Philip Heselton and Jimmy Goddard. These lists provide a comprehensive resource for readers interested in further research on leys and related subjects.

Bibliography I lists historical works that impinge on leys but are not solely about them. Entries include works by Rev. Hadrian Allcroft, F.W. Andrew, Hilaire Belloc, John Bunyan, M. Drayton, H. Evans, H. Fischer, R.J. Gorsleben, Prof. J. Gregory, Prof. P. Kosok, and Sir Norman Lockyer.

Bibliography II focuses on basic books on leys, including seminal works by Alfred Watkins ("Early British Trackways," "The Old Straight Track," "The Ley Hunter's Manual," "Archaic Tracks round Cambridge," "Ancient Standing Crosses of Herefordshire"), Major F.C. Tyler, W.A. Dutt, E.L. Mann, and Donald Maxwell.

Bibliography III lists other papers and articles on leys, with contributions from Kenneth H. Koop, F.R. Watts, M.C. Carr-Gomm, Douglas J. Wintle, J. Robin Allen, Marjorie Craddock, and Arthur Lawton.

Bibliography IV and V list articles by Jimmy Goddard on leys and orthoteny, covering publications such as "The Warminster Mystery," SIGAP Bulletin, Interplanetary News, Hermes, Enigmas of the Plain, In Perspective, Flying Saucer Review, Spacelink, and Orbit.

Advertising and Subscription Information

An advertisement for "DARK THEY WERE AND GOLDEN-EYED," described as England's largest selection of science fiction, horror, and fantasy books, also mentions it is a stockist of The Ley Hunter. Contact details for mail orders and visits are provided.

Editorial Stance and Call for Contributions

The editorial closing remarks highlight that The Ley Hunter is attracting significant interest from subscribers across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the USA. It is available through various channels, including meetings and the London bookshop. The letters column is noted as a forum for lively debates. The editor expresses the belief that the serializing bibliography will be invaluable for research. With improved weather, readers are encouraged to go out and seek evidence in the field and to submit reports of their findings. Articles on these and other aspects of ley hunting are welcomed to maintain the magazine's standard, and readers are urged to contribute their discoveries. The magazine also grants permission for other publications to reprint its articles or information, provided credit is given.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The Ley Hunter strongly focuses on the academic and investigative exploration of ley lines. The recurring themes include the classification of ley types (power currents, trackways, celestial alignments), the historical development of ley theory (particularly the contributions of Alfred Watkins, John Michell, and John G. Williams), and the validation of ley research through methods like dowsing and mathematical probability. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging rigorous investigation, debate, and the sharing of findings among its readership. There is a clear emphasis on moving beyond mere speculation towards a more structured and evidence-based understanding of these ancient alignments.

This issue of "The Ley Hunter" features a detailed article on the Stanton Drew stone circles, exploring their potential astronomical origins and mathematical design. It also includes a series of letters debating the scientific method, evidence, and the interpretation of phenomena related to ley lines and UFOs. News items cover related topics and upcoming features.

Stanton Drew Stone Circles

The lead article, an anonymous contribution sent by Gerald Lovell and previously published in Zenith, proposes that the standard measurement used in the erection of the Stanton Drew stone circles was derived from an Eastern source, with a measurement of 12.158 inches being close to the Oriental standard of 12.16 inches. Investigations suggest the stones were placed according to a definite plan, forming two main circles. The larger circle's circumference is indicated by the Quoit, the cove, and stones at Middle Ham, while the smaller circle's center is at the heart of the larger one. The design is described as perfectly symmetrical and comprising two circles. The original number of stones in each circle is determined by their respective diameters: the W. circle has 12 stones, the NW. has 30, and the NNW. has 8.

The article posits that the construction is a case of applied mathematics, specifically astronomy, which was the only known branch of applied mathematics in the ancient world. The numbers 30 and 12 are linked to astronomy and the calendar: the month was roughly 30 days (associated with the Moon-God of Babylonia), and the year was calculated by the sun's return to the same point on the horizon, approximately 12 lunar months. The 30-stone circle is assigned to the sun, and the 8-stone circle to Venus, whose greatest brilliancy occurs every 8 years. The discrepancy of 5.25 days per year is addressed by adding 42 days (30 + 12) at the end of an 8-year period, aligning with the stone counts.

Further analysis details the relative positions of the stone circles. Starting with the sun circle at West, the moon circle is the seventh point. The ancient Babylonian order of seven heavenly bodies (moon, Mercury, Venus, sun, Jupiter, Saturn) is mentioned. The article tabulates the points, planets, and stone counts: W (1 point) = sun (12 stones), NW (5 points) = moon (30 stones), and NNW (7 points) = Venus (8 stones). The avenues are said to align with definite points in the smaller circle. Outlying stones like the Quoit (sun), the cove (Venus), and Middle Ham stones (moon) are also noted. The assignment of seven points to planets and their connection to the days of the week suggest a link to the old Celtic 8-day week.

Letters and Debates on Scientific Method

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to letters from readers debating scientific methodology, evidence, and interpretation, particularly concerning ley lines and UFO phenomena.

From R.V.Marsh, Blackburn: Marsh expresses distaste for a critique of his friend R.D.Y. Perrett by "Wedd," arguing that "Wedd" misrepresented facts about the word "magnetism." Marsh advocates for a scientific approach to ley research, suggesting that writers should clearly distinguish between discovered facts and deductions derived from them.

From R.D.Y.Perrett, Sheffield: Perrett responds to Mr. Wedd's letter, clarifying his intentions. He summarizes Wedd's points, including accusations of discourtesy and misinterpretations of quotations. Perrett emphasizes that quotations are facts in themselves, regardless of their content. He questions what new knowledge can be gleaned from terms like "magnetic current" and "electric fluid," suggesting that while scientists may not know everything, the juxtaposition of certain terms might not yield new insights for physicists.

Perrett defends his position, stating that he intends no discourtesy and acts in the interest of The Ley Hunter. He clarifies that his criticism of quotations was not a dismissal of the entire statement. He acknowledges that knowledge can come from outside the strictly scientific realm but questions the value of combining "magnetic" and "current" without further context. He argues against the idea that scientists suppress inconvenient details, stating that a scientist's role is to accept evidence based on defined criteria. He also critiques the extension of the term "magnetic" from lodestone to electric coils, suggesting it was a convenient transfer of meaning rather than an expansion. Perrett agrees that the test of new ideas should be their factual basis, not their respectability.

From Roger Davie Webster, Bristol: Webster expresses disappointment with an article on "Etheric Centres," finding it lacking in realizable value. He raises several questions about the nature, measurement, and recognition of "fountains of energy" and "points." He questions the vagueness of descriptions like "a simple pattern over the face of the earth" and "certain remains." Webster also asks for evidence and verification of personal fieldwork, and expresses skepticism about claims of knowing about extra-terrestrial beings without providing more evidence. He finds the discussion of "levels of a substance" too vague. Webster concludes that while the venture is useful, it risks becoming a "closed shop" with excessive jargon, making it inaccessible to the uninitiated. He urges for more concise and less vague contributions.

From Dr. J. Cleary-Baker, of BUFORA: Cleary-Baker notes a difference in emphasis between "virtually abandoned" and "repudiated" regarding M. Michel's comments on orthoteny.

From Mr Egerton Sykes, of Brighton: Sykes comments on the academic level of "The Ley Hunter," stressing the need for logical presentation, especially for outlandish theories. He uses the example of a man crossing the Atlantic in a row-boat to argue that cultural resemblances between the New World and the Old can be explained by direct borrowing, not by postulating a former mid-Atlantic empire. He criticizes John Michell's view that Watkins' theory is absurd due to leys passing through difficult terrain, suggesting that "ley" might be an improper term for aerial patterns. Sykes questions why subconscious activity would be limited to megalith builders and not apply to other professions. He expresses skepticism about UFOs having scheduled routes like airliners in prehistoric times, finding vague chatter about magnetic forces and Atlantis unconvincing.

News and Next Month

News:

• The Nuthampstead Zodiac: A recommended article with illustrations by Nigel Pennick is available in Cambridge Voice (series 2, issue 3).
• Bedfordshire U.F.O. Society: This society has formed an archaeological section for ley research, headed by Mr. A.R. Northwood.
• Kingston Zodiac Film: A group in Cambridge is organizing a screening of Mary Caine's film on the Kingston Zodiac.

Next Month:

Mr. Egerton Sykes has provided early copies of "Atlantis" and "Charlbury School Magazine" for republication. The next issue will feature a continuation of a bibliography, an article by Jimmy Goddard on "Detecting the Power in the Leys," and a postscript to the science-fiction section.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interpretation of ancient sites, particularly stone circles, through the lens of astronomy and mathematics. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of rigorous scientific methodology, verifiable evidence, and logical deduction in fields like ley hunting and UFO research. The editor's stance, as indicated by the "lead-ins," appears to favor clear, informative, and scientifically grounded discussions, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of some topics. The issue highlights a tension between those who prioritize empirical evidence and those who explore more intuitive or speculative interpretations of phenomena.