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Ley Hunter - 1971 no 18
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Title: THE LEY HUNTER Issue Date: April 1971 Issue Number: 18 Editor: Paul Screeton
Magazine Overview
Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue Date: April 1971
Issue Number: 18
Editor: Paul Screeton
This issue of The Ley Hunter delves into the ongoing debate between proponents of ley line research and the established archaeological community, particularly focusing on the stance of archaeologist Glyn Daniel. The magazine also explores ancient wisdom, esoteric teachings, and the analysis of significant geographical sites.
The Glyn Daniel Affair
The lead article, "GLYN DANIEL AND HIS LUNATIC CORE OF ARCHAEOLOGY," by an unnamed author, addresses the controversy surrounding Glyn Daniel's public criticism of ley line research. The editor, Paul Screeton, states that while he is too busy seeking truths to crusade, the magazine's position has gained support from other publications and a national newspaper. Jimmy Goddard, in his editorial for "Awareness," is quoted comparing Patrick Moore's treatment of a Contact invitation to Dr. Daniel's "vitriolic" derision of leys. Goddard suggests that ley systems might be related to static fields, potentially causing ghost-like images, and that some UFOs could be caused this way, with true craft showing interest in the ley system. He links this to other "heretical" studies like dowsing and telepathy, and the concept of intelligence within the ley system.
Henry Bosanquet, editor of Cambridge University's "Braingrader," published an exposé of Dr. Daniel in February 1971, criticizing the archaeology faculty for suppressing original research. The article highlights the ostracization of T.C. Lethbridge for his work on the Gog-Magog hill figures, which were later buried. The piece also mentions Glyn Daniel's recent actions against archaeologists.
Further details emerge about Glyn Daniel's influence, described as building a "cultural empire" through his roles as editor of "Antiquity," director of Antiquity Publications Ltd., and involvement with Anglia TV and the Cambridge Arts Theatre. He is seen as being in a position to suppress non-professional research.
The article identifies John Michell, author of "The Biew Over Atlantis," as Daniel's current "victim." Michell and others, including Paul Screeton, have been researching leys. Michell's article in The Ley Hunter on megalithic alignments in Cornwall was followed by an "abusive and contemptuous editorial" in "Antiquity." Paul Screeton wrote to Glyn Daniel, questioning how he could ignore the alignment facts on the Ordnance Survey map, which are statistically significant. Daniel reportedly responded with personal abuse, and attempts to get experts to examine the maps were unsuccessful.
John Michell's "trouble is that he's outside the closed ring of dons." The author, reflecting on their own experience as an "archaeologic braingrader," recalls being forced to rigidly choose theories supported by Cambridge University, highlighting a system that prioritizes conformity over genuine discovery.
Michael Bateman's article in the "Sunday Times" is discussed. While sympathetic to Michell, Bateman's piece was reportedly "mutilated to give the balance to the academics." Nevertheless, it is seen as potentially spreading the word about leys. One reader, fascinated by the "Sunday Times" piece, subscribed to The Ley Hunter.
Daniel is characterized as being at the "centre of the lunatic core of archaeology," while researchers like Michell are slowly gaining public recognition.
Notes on Some Orientations in the Brown Willy Complex
By Ross Nichols, this section analyzes the Brown Willy area in Cornwall, a site covered by Professor Thom's "Megalithic Monuments." Nichols, with the help of a young Druid, Malcolm Wardill, identified complex meaningful alignments. The site features several tors (Buttern Hill, Catshole Tor, Garrow Tor, Rough Tor) that form near-exact sightings at the half-quarters. The area is noted for stone arrangements and two stone circles on the west-east axis, suggesting an emphasis on equinoctial sunrises over Brown Willy itself.
Lines of power are identified, including three to the north-east towards Buttern Hill, forming isosceles triangles of increasing angularity. A south-north line connects a circle to Garrow Tor and Rough Tor. The layout is described as an "elaborate provision of cones of power," emphasized by other sightings and forming a rough square. The author suggests this layout is a remarkable manifestation of the "cult of the north-east," indicating the importance of this direction and providing spaces for viewing and receiving beneficence.
Brown Willy, a "brown overhanging mass of moor," commands a view and has three cairns. King Arthur's Hall is also mentioned as a tor with possible prehistoric buildings. The author calls for a central sorting-house for collected knowledge to create an "esoteric survey of these islands."
The Straight Path in Wisdom Teaching
By Allen Watkins, this article explores the concept of "The Ancient Wisdom," a system of knowledge from pre-Christian Europe involving initiation into pagan mysteries through ritual, drama, and ordeals. This wisdom included a morality teaching based on the four elements: Earth (physical), Water (emotional), Air (intellectual), and Fire/Aether (divine). These elements are described as "bodies" existing within both man and nature.
The article draws parallels between this ancient doctrine and early Christian teachings, particularly St. Paul's mention of the "natural body" (Water), "spiritual body" (Air), and "heavenly body" (Fire or Aether) in his First Epistle to the Corinthians.
The author connects these concepts to the experience of walking an "Old Straight Track," where physical features encountered correspond to the symbolic elements. The journey from a high point to EARTH, through a muddy pond (MIRE), a ford (WATER), into clearer atmosphere (AIR), and reaching a beacon (FIRE), mirrors the ascent through the elements. This suggests that ley metaphors are deeply ingrained in expressing man's inner life and are part of our heritage.
The article further elaborates on the seven bodies of the Ancient Wisdom, with the lower four discarded at death. Intermediate bodies like Mire (physical/sensual), Mist (confused thought), and Halo/Rainbow (fiery barrier) are described. The central teaching was that man had fallen from the highest plane (Aether/Fire) to the lowest (Earth) and must retrace his path upwards. The three pagan initiations (Earth to Water, Water to Air, Air to Fire/Aether) are seen as paralleled in Christian Baptism.
The Somerset Zodiac
By Jimmy Goddard, this section reports on a meeting of the Research into Lost Knowledge Organisation on February 4, 1971, at Kensington Central Library. Andrew Davidson, the first speaker, discussed the principle of "As above, so below," found in ancient Greek wisdom and the Lord's Prayer, noting how this principle has been misunderstood.
Davidson then spoke about astrology, tracing its evolution and the initial resistance to new ideas. He presented Mrs. Maltwood's discovery of the "Somerset Zodiac" from Ordnance Survey maps of Somerset, which depicted a lion and a circle of zodiacal figures. Slides were used to illustrate this.
The precession of the equinoxes was explained, showing how the spring point shifts backward in the zodiac each year. Four thousand years ago, it was O Aries; 2,000 years ago, O Pisces; and currently, nearly O Aquarius.
Davidson showed how the Somerset Zodiac figures deviated from the standard 12-sign zodiac, with Libra and Cancer seemingly missing. He suggested that the patterns fit better with a 10-sign zodiac. Further analysis indicated that Polaris could not have been the Pole Star for the patterns to align. According to modern astronomy, Kocab would have been the Pole Star in 1700BC, but this did not fit. The patterns only fit if the Pole Star was Iota Cepheus. However, a constant movement of the pole means no star in Cepheus would have been the Pole Star for over 20,000 years.
Tradition suggests the zodiac originally had 10 signs. In pre-dynastic Egypt, Cepheus was king, linking his name to the pivot point of the heavens. With Iota Cepheus as the Pole Star, the pole of the ecliptic falls on Park Wood, shaped like the crown of Egypt. Davidson concluded by stating he was posing questions rather than providing final answers, suggesting that if precession were uniform, the last time the Pole Star was in Cepheus would have been 18,000 BC.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The Ley Hunter consistently champions the study of ley lines and related esoteric subjects, positioning itself as an alternative to mainstream archaeological and scientific perspectives. The magazine actively critiques what it perceives as the closed-mindedness and suppression of unconventional research within established institutions. There is a strong emphasis on connecting ancient sites, symbols, and teachings (like the "Ancient Wisdom") to a deeper understanding of the Earth and human consciousness. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to explore these "heretical" but potentially significant fields of knowledge. The magazine also serves as a platform for reviewing relevant books and reporting on meetings and discoveries within the ufology and ancient mysteries communities.
This issue of 'BRITAIN A STUDY IN PATTERNS' (Issue 14) from June 30, 1971, published by RILKO, focuses on ancient sites, esoteric theories, and unexplained phenomena. The cover highlights key locations like Wales, Silbury, Stonehenge, and Glastonbury, with a price of £1.50.
The Somerset Zodiac and Cosmic Cataclysm
The issue begins with a discussion by Mr. Davidson on the Somerset Zodiac. He postulates that a cosmic cataclysm around 4,000-3,000 BC may have violently affected the Earth's axis. He notes that figures in the Somerset Zodiac, except Taurus and Scorpio, face west, possibly towards the legendary continent of Atlantis. He also points out that the figures appear mutilated, with the Orion figure embodying suffering humanity and potentially representing the crucified Christ alongside Biblical beasts, as depicted in a vesica piscis in Coventry Cathedral.
Slides presented by Mr. Davidson illustrated connections between ancient sites and measurements. He showed maps and diagrams linking Henley and Harepits Lane, suggesting a 660ft unit of measurement for the zodiac and later for Glastonbury Abbey. He also proposed a connection between the 10-sign zodiac and the double pentacle. Mr. Davidson concluded that the zodiac's deliberate construction and its hidden visibility suggest a preservation of its arcana and knowledge, common in mystery religions.
He suggested a pilgrimage to the zodiac to sense its atmosphere, encouraging visitors to wear light-soled shoes to connect with the energies. He viewed the zodiac as a model of the universe, embodying the truths "Know thyself" and "As above, so below," urging readers to study and pass on this knowledge to prepare for a "Golden Age."
Legends and Cosmic Disaster
Miss Elizabeth Leader presented the second talk, sharing legends, including one about King Solomon's ship sailing to Glastonbury and disappearing, and another about Glastonbury Tor being haunted by a giant goat. Both are represented on the zodiac. A legend of a great worm emerging from Park Wood and being killed by a knight was also mentioned, with the worm's shape found in the paths of the wood. Mrs. Maltwood linked the zodiac to the "High History of the Holy Grail," though Miss Leader noted its weirdness suggested a deeper meaning beyond Christian knights.
Miss Leader mentioned that other zodiacs had been discovered or were being discovered, possibly around seats of learning and cathedrals. She also discussed the importance of place-name groups but warned of the dangers of similar-sounding words having different meanings.
She touched upon legends connecting Christ and King Arthur with Glastonbury, suggesting Christ's visit was plausible due to Roman policing of roads. The historical Arthur, who resisted the Saxons, was often conflated with solar legends, and numerous legendary spots associated with him might indicate the presence of other zodiacs.
Miss Leader also addressed the cosmic disaster implied by Mr. Davidson, noting legends on both sides of the Atlantic that suggest remote ancestors possessed great power, used it to cause continental destruction, and affected the atmosphere, allowing harmful radiations to enter.
Ley Hunting and Ancient Tracks
The article "ONLY A GATE POST" by Circumlibra explores the characteristics of limestone and gritstone hills in the Peak District and the significance of stone walls and gate posts. It suggests that some gate posts might have served as boundary stones before walls were built.
The author describes examples of limestone and sandstone gate posts, one of which, a sandstone example, resembles the Stones of Stenness on Orkney but is smaller. This stone had an indistinct marking resembling a rectangle divided lengthwise, with two indents above.
Following a map, the author discovered three tumuli in a line, a spring, a dew pond, and a small quarry. This quarry, located at a convergence of six roads, was on a former packhorse road.
The author used the quarry as a center to inscribe a circle on a map, noting its proximity to villages and natural features. The area within the circle contained numerous road crossings, tumuli, and farms. The article posits that quarries, though seemingly mundane, can be found on leys and might indicate outstanding quality or etheric centers.
An extension of the ley was traced north to Brough (Roman fort Navio) and south towards Robin Hood's Stride, covering about 12 miles. Roads and tracks were found to run close to this ley. The author speculates about the meaning of a rectangle and two indents on the stone, possibly relating to sun solstices.
By inscribing a further circle from Housley with a radius of two Irish miles, a circular ley was identified, encompassing three churches, a stone circle (Wet Withins), tumuli, and crossings. The author notes the historical significance of local lead miners changing history by defeating the Danes, leading to the Treaty of Wedmore.
Ley hunting is presented as a multifaceted and fascinating pursuit, with this short ley providing a foundation for studying the district's pattern, possibly set out by ancient communities or even Romans.
UFO Expert Visits Kyogle
An item reports on Mr. Ron Gunn, an investigator of flying saucers and unidentified flying objects, visiting Kyogle, Australia, for the second time. His previous research had merited a return due to "highly interesting" possibilities. Reports of flying saucer landigs in Australia have been mapped, revealing a straight pattern between Bungawalbyn and Duranbah, and east-west between Lismore and Afterlee. A similar "grid" pattern was established in the Picton area, with 70 sightings in the last 12 months. This item was sent by Dan Butcher and is from The Kyogle Examiner, May 15, 1970.
The Atlantean Magazine
A brief description of "The Atlantean," a bi-monthly magazine, is provided. It covers subjects from prehistory to metaphysics, esoteric sciences, and vegetarianism, described as an occult magazine in the widest sense. Information on ordering a sample copy and annual subscription is included.
Book Reviews
"MAGIC ARTS IN CELTIC BRITAIN" by Lewis Spence
This review praises Lewis Spence's book as a treasure trove of sorceries and secrets, detailing Celtic magical tradition. It covers demons, witches, dragons, divine kings, gods, druids, heroes, and more. The reviewer highlights Spence's objective and substantiated approach, suggesting the book is valuable for individual study and interpretation. A passage about Merlin explaining a disturbance by identifying two dragons beneath the ground, equating ley power to dragon pulse, is cited as an example of interpreting legends in light of lost knowledge. The review also touches upon invisibility, Druidism, witchcraft, divination, fairies, spells, the spirit world, karma, Arthur, the Grail, and Second Sight.
"THE OLD STRAIGHT TRACK" by Alfred Watkins
This review discusses Alfred Watkins's seminal work on ley hunting. The reviewer recounts being introduced to ley hunting via a John Michell article and subsequently consulting Watkins's "magnum opus." The book is described as presenting "heresy" and refuting erroneous theories in archaeological books, suggesting a conspiracy. Watkins's work is credited with providing the key to understanding prehistoric Britain. The review emphasizes the evidence for the ley system's actuality within the book and calls it a "ley hunter's bible." Watkins amassed evidence with skill and insight, presenting his findings to the world. The review notes that leys mark the passage of subtle energy, perhaps once controlled by man, and that alignments were not primarily tracks. The reviewer expresses gratitude for Watkins's work and notes the growing interest in leys, their connection to spiritual and occult matters.
The reviewer acknowledges that while the book may not be perfect, it is a standard work on ley identification. It is recommended wholeheartedly for its factual content and photographs that simplify ley point identification. Biographical notes by Allen Watkins and an introduction by John Michell are also mentioned.
Editor's Notes and Future Content
The editor has received a 60p P.O. without a covering letter and asks readers to identify the sender if they know them.
To celebrate the anniversary of Alfred Watkins's rediscovery of the leys on June 30, 1971, the editor proposes a meeting in Hereford on June 30, possibly including a bus trip, picnic, and walk. Interested individuals are asked to inform the editor.
The editor possesses a paper on standing stones and temple pillars in Italian and seeks a translator.
Next month's issue will feature articles on "The Secrets of the Megaliths" by M.E. Varey, "Gypsy Lore, Zodiacs and Albion" by Atun, "Magic and Christian Symbolism" by Anthony Roberts, and "The Days When Giants Threw Rocks About" by Janet Gregory.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around ancient mysteries, esoteric interpretations of history and landscape, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. The magazine appears to champion alternative theories and historical perspectives, particularly those related to ley lines, ancient sites, and potential extraterrestrial or paranormal influences. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to explore and question conventional understandings of history and the natural world. There is a clear interest in connecting ancient beliefs and structures with modern scientific or pseudoscientific investigations, such as UFO sightings and energetic ley line theories.
This document is a scanned image of a topographical survey map titled "SURVEY OF BROWN WILLY & AREA". The map is hand-drawn and includes a compass rose indicating cardinal directions (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW). It details the relative positions and elevations of several prominent geographical features, primarily tors, and other points of interest.
Survey Details The central and highest point is Brown Willy, marked at 1375ft. Other significant locations and their heights include:
- Rough Tor: 1311ft
- Butten Tor: 1135ft
- Catshole Tor: 1133ft
- Garron Tor: 1087ft
Additionally, the map marks "King Arthur's Hall" and several "Stone circle" locations, indicated by asterisks. The survey provides a scale where 2 inches on the map represents approximately 1 mile. The heights are indicated by numerical values followed by 'ft', and the stone circles are represented by a symbol of three asterisks.
The survey is attributed to "M.W.". The exact publication date and magazine details are not present on this single page, but the style suggests it could be from a historical or regional interest publication, possibly from the mid to late 20th century.