Ley Hunter - 1971 no 17

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: 17
Date: March 1971
Editor: Paul Screeton

This issue of The Ley Hunter, number 17, published in March 1971, is notable for its coverage of ancient mysteries, archaeological discoveries, and esoteric theories. The magazine's distribution was affected by a postal strike, limiting its reach to bookshops and causing potential delays for subscribers. The editor appeals for contributions as the stockpile of manuscripts has been exhausted.

Atlantis Rising?

The issue opens with a speculative piece on the possibility of Atlantis rising, prompted by the discovery of a submerged megalithic structure off Bimini in the Bahamas. Four years prior, a pilot observed unusual coloration in the water, leading to investigations that revealed a wall of limestone slabs, each about 15 to 20ft. square, forming a double row nearly 1,600ft. long, situated 20ft. beneath the surface. Specialists are examining the findings, though no hieroglyphics, pottery, or other artifacts have been found to establish its origin. The editor, P. Screeton, expresses an open mind regarding Atlantis, suggesting a parallel between the concept of Atlantis and the Megalithic civilization in Britain. He posits that the current spiritual renaissance and resurgence of interest in ley systems might be linked to the potential rise of Atlantis.

Past, Present, Future

This section presents a series of brief, intriguing reports:

• Soviet Archaeology: Archaeologists claim to have discovered a 2,300-year-old skeleton of a young woman who underwent a complex operation to replace her amputated left foot with bones from a male sheep, surviving for several years.
• Udal Stone Circle: Explorations at Udal, North Uist, have uncovered a previously unknown stone circle behind the revetting wall of a late Iron Age wheel-house.
• Neanderthal Man Controversy: The debate surrounding Neanderthal Man's posture and gait is further complicated by new theories. Initially depicted as stooped and shuffling, a re-examination of remains, particularly one with severe arthritis, has led to theories that Neanderthal Man might have been Homo Sapiens with rickets, or even suffered from congenital syphilis, as proposed by Dr D.J.M. Wright of Guy's Hospital.

Ice Age Symbolic Notation

An article, referencing a piece by Karl Meyer in The Guardian, discusses the dramatic possibility that ancient man, as early as the Ice Age, used symbolic notations to record the life cycles of plants and animals. Alexander Marshack, a research associate at Harvard's Peabody Museum, has examined over a thousand engraved pieces of bone, rock, and ivory, dating from 10,000 to 32,000 years ago. These markings, often interpreted as decorative or functional for tools, are suggested by Marshack to represent a complex, long-maintained tradition of symbolic notation. Some pieces, dating back 32,000 years, appear to contain lunar notations, and others from 15,000 to 10,000 years ago show recognition of the periodicity of plant and animal life. Marshack's findings do not contradict the accepted view that agriculture originated in the Middle East around 8,000BC but extend the timescale backwards, suggesting the farming revolution was an outgrowth of centuries of observation. He emphasizes that he has found evidence of 'pre-writing and pre-arithmetic' rather than codes or numbers. Prehistorian Hallam Movius asserts that Marshack's work sheds revolutionary light on the intellectual level of upper-Palaeolithic peoples.

News and Publications

• Meteorites in Britain: A Bill is being piloted through the Lords to vest meteorites falling in Great Britain in the Crown, classifying them as 'treasure trove' to prevent their sale for large gains.
• Alfred Watkins Biography: Allen Watkins, son of the late Alfred Watkins (founder of Ley Hunting), has written a manuscript about his father's life and discoveries, described as a beautifully moving account.
• Radio-Carbon Dating: Recent radio-carbon dating methods have pushed back Britain's Megalithic period by an additional 700 years. The issue references articles in 'The Listener' and 'The Times' discussing the drawbacks of this dating method.
• King Arthur Publication: Heinemann has published 'Camelot and the Vision of Albion' by Geoffrey Ashe at £3.15.

The Welsh Temple of the Zodiac (Part III)

This section continues the exploration of ancient sites in Wales, focusing on Carreg-y-Bucci and its associated legends.

• Carreg-y-Bucci (The Hobgoblin Stone): Located on a field near an abandoned inn, this is an old burial mound with a large stone on top. Local folklore attributes a violent thunderstorm to anyone attempting to move the stone, with three men reportedly killed by lightning.
• Stone Circles and Sanctuaries: The area contains other stones, some suggesting the outline of a circle. A second visit revealed a parallel line of stones, possibly an avenue leading to the mound. The site is suggested to be in line with the Inner and Outer Sanctuaries, and the Crugs (tumuli) might be burial places within former stone circles.
• St David's Church and the Stone of the Three Crosses: The investigation reveals a close parallel with early Celtic saints. The area north of the temple is known as the Sanctuary of St David. A church named Llan-y-Crwys (Church of the Crosses) is associated with the Stone of the Three Crosses, potentially a 'Taï Cross'.
• Hirfaen and the Stone of the Three Crosses: The story of the removal of a stone paving leading from Hirfaen to a wattle and daub church is recounted. The churchyard once held an oblong stone with three incised crosses, possibly the top of a Tau cross. This stone is now believed to be in Golden Grove, south of Llandeilo.
• Another Cross Associated with St David: Another cross is linked to St David, possibly originating from Alit Dewi in the sign of the Ram, and is currently used as a footbridge. Another story suggests it came from Llandewi Brefi.
• Hirfaen Gundun Gwyr: Mrs Williams of Pant-y-Maen provides the name 'hirfaen Gundun gwyr' for the stone at Hirfaen, relating it to a legend about slaying a seneschal of Arthur the Great. The name is possibly confused with 'Gwyddawg the son of Menestyr' from the tale of Kilhwch and Owen.
• Zodiac Temple Entrance: A footpath from the centre temple leads to a wood forming the sign of Pisces. The entrance was guarded by forts or castles, with spiritual protection provided by three signs, one resembling a prehistoric water fowl.
• Temple Signs: A sign west of Lampeter consists of three adjacent woods, the centre one known as Hen Feddan (Old Graves). To the north, another wood is shaped like a leopard, and a third resembles a raven. These woods might allude to the legend of King Arthur being transformed into a raven.

The Atlantean Magazine

A brief advertisement for 'The Atlantean', a bi-monthly magazine covering diverse subjects from prehistory to metaphysics, esoteric sciences, and vegetarianism, is included. It is described as an occult magazine that is 'different'.

Poles, Priests & Pyramids (Part 6)

This is the sixth and final chapter of a paper by Firth Scott, originally published in 'Atlantis' in 1957 and 1958. The paper's central contention is that "the true megalithic circles were constructed prior to the last glacial period." The editor of The Ley Hunter thanks Egerton Sykes for permission to reprint this section.

• Brogar Group, Orkneys: The paper details a record from 1840 by Lieutenant Thomas of the Brogar group of circles in the Orkneys. The surveyed group included four circles and outlying stones. The central and largest circle, Brogar, contained the Hammer of Thor stone and was approximately 340ft. in diameter, comprising 58 stones. It was surrounded by a wide trench with two causeways.
• Circle of Bukan: To the north-west of Brogar was a smaller earth circle, and further on, the circle of Bukan. This circle consisted of 'obsolete banks and earth-fast stones,' with a triangular stone in the centre and others on the circumference.
• Stennis Stones: A secondary group of standing stones and a circle at Stennis is located south-east of Brogar. When surveyed, the Stennis stones formed a half-circle, with five stones recorded (two standing, three prostrate). It was believed to have originally been a complete circle of 12 stones.
• The Stone of Wodin: A perforated stone, known as the Stone of Wodin, had already been destroyed by the time of the survey but was clearly remembered by living individuals. It played a prominent part in the lives of the people, used for pledges and matrimonial matters. Its destruction is attributed to ecclesiastical zeal, marking the obliteration of an invaluable landmark.
• Equilateral Triangle Alignment: Another stone, nearly 20 feet above ground, stood south-west of where the Stone of Wodin was, forming an equilateral triangle with the Wodin stone and the Stennis circle.
• Megalithic Formula: Geological evidence in the vicinity suggests extensive ice action and inundations, which may have contributed to the disappearance of half the Stennis circle and other structures. The paper suggests these circles were part of a larger megalithic formula.
• Alignment of Circles: The alignment of the Bukan and Stennis circles passes through the centre of Brogar via its causeways, indicating they were part of a greater plan.
• Hammer of Thor Stone: The Hammer of Thor stone, when prone, must have stood by the side of the causeway facing Stennis. The broadest stone was on the opposite side. A line drawn through these stones indicates a point in the pathway of the pole "among the stars" occupied by Cepheus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Ley Hunter consistently explores the intersection of ancient history, archaeology, mythology, and esoteric beliefs. The magazine seems to favor theories that challenge conventional historical narratives, such as the existence of Atlantis, the advanced cognitive abilities of early humans, and the spiritual significance of ancient sites. There is a strong emphasis on British and Celtic history and folklore, particularly concerning ley lines and megalithic structures. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various theories and discoveries for the reader's consideration, while also acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the need for further research. The magazine also serves as a platform for authors and researchers in these fields, as evidenced by the book reviews and reprinted articles.

This issue of "The Ley Hunter" (Issue 10) focuses on the ancient world, exploring theories surrounding megalithic structures and their astronomical significance, alongside a practical investigation into a 'ley line' in the Fenland region.

Megalithic Circles and Ancient Knowledge

The issue presents a detailed analysis of megalithic circles, proposing that their construction predates the last glacial period. The article suggests these circles were not random constructions but were laid out according to a precise plan, serving a dual purpose: a system of chronology and the determination of astronomical phenomena. The dating of these structures is estimated to be between 22,500 and 23,000 years ago, with the initial trench possibly forming the original layout before stones were added as the plan's accuracy was demonstrated.

Lines drawn from the centre of sites like Brogar, through specific stones such as the Hammer of Thor stone, and towards presumed sites of other stones like Wodin and the Stennis circle, are shown to align with horizon points. Similar alignments are noted in the Shadi circle in the Hebrides. The article highlights that each series of alignments originates from distinctly shaped stones, suggesting a common origin and model, with these stones occupying dominant positions within their respective circles.

It is contended that these circles were initially ceremonial centres for propitiatory rites dedicated to tribal or racial gods. These deities were symbolised by circumpolar constellations. The perceived movement of these stars led the 'Wise Men' of the tribes to gradually understand the difference between solar and polar star movements, though without a clear conception of polar or circumpolar movements themselves.

A 'cult' is described as having emerged from this knowledge, with its interpreters forming a close corporation. Admission was strictly controlled and granted only after arduous ordeals. This cult became highly conservative, maintaining its traditions and tenets over thousands of years. The text draws a parallel to modern times, suggesting that even in an era of rapid change, such cult-like adherence to tradition can persist globally.

The article further posits that the leaders of this megalithic cult strove to keep their knowledge intact, but variations from natural phenomena made their efforts futile. Despite their reliance on stellar configurations for authority, the apparent movement of stars ultimately betrayed them. However, a study of megalithic monuments from the Orkneys to Brittany, viewed in light of polar precession, reveals that the cult leaders, regardless of what they told their followers, were indeed trying to understand celestial movements.

Reference is made to the circle at Penmaenmaur, suggesting that by the time the Arctic Circle reached its 'furthest south' latitude (around 55°), man had already realized the existence of circumpolar constellations and a central point around which they revolved. This understanding, though perhaps vague and lacking modern intelligence, formed the basis for subsequent knowledge development.

Megalithic man is portrayed as a pioneer, building circles in a preglacial age and blazing a trail through the 'wilderness of phenomenal Nature' for later civilizations to follow.

A Fenland Ley

The second major piece, "A Fenland Ley" by Michael Davidson, investigates a specific 'ley line' approximately 24 miles in length. The ley is traced from a Bronze Age causeway found below the A142, linking the high ground at Ely with the low hill on the other side of the River Ouse at Stutney. The route follows the present causeway, passing a Victorian chapel with Norman work inside, built on the site of an earlier church which replaced a Saxon cross.

Historical accounts mention a tradition of an old causeway and that the river once extended further inland. Six miles further, the church at Fordham is noted as a prominent landmark, followed by Moulton church as the last eastern fix.

Heading west from the causeway, the first landmark is the Castle Mound at Ely, visible from Stutney. The ley then picks up the A142, passing the mound on its southern side. The description notes that the mound, marked on maps as a tumulus, appears larger from the south-east and from its top. The text suggests the mound is too large for the small wooden fort the Normans erected there, and similarly for mounds at Thetford and Cambridge.

Further along, the ley passes a spot on high ground at Ely where tradition holds a socketed stone once held the gallows. After leaving Ely, the route covers 11 miles of reclaimed fenland to Wimblington church. This church is Victorian but stands on the site of an earlier one, indicated by a nearby prosperous 18th-century house. A book on the region reveals that this area was the site of an old settlement with several tumuli, not marked on the 1-inch map.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the deep past, focusing on ancient human understanding of the cosmos and the landscape. The underlying theme is the continuity of knowledge and belief systems, from the builders of megalithic sites to the practitioners of ancient cults and the discoverers of ley lines. The editorial stance appears to favour the interpretation of ancient monuments as sophisticated constructions with astronomical and chronological purposes, challenging simplistic views and highlighting the intellectual achievements of early humans. There is an implicit suggestion that modern society has much to learn from these ancient systems and the 'cults' that preserved them.