Ley Hunter - 1971 no 23

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: NUMBER 23
Date: SEPTEMBER 1971
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Location: Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, Co. Durham, United Kingdom

This issue of The Ley Hunter, a monthly magazine, begins with an apology from the editor, Paul Screeton, for the lateness of the previous issue and for a perceived 'southern bias' in its content. Screeton explains that technical issues and pressure of other work contributed to the delays and brevity of replies. He notes that subscription and shop sales show a significant preference for southern sites, and he appeals for more contributions on northern and Scottish leys to rectify this imbalance. He highlights that while the north has many significant sites, interest is often concentrated on southern locations like the Somerset Zodiac and Stonehenge, overshadowing northern counterparts like Arbor Low.

"CONES AND TRIANGLES OF POWER IN MAN'S DEVELOPMENT" by Ross Nichols

This article explores the historical and symbolic significance of cones and triangles in human development, tracing their origins to early mystical concepts. Nichols posits that the cone, representing a vortex of force or a rising spiral, was one of the basic shapes of life recognized by early humans. He references T.C. Lethbridge's work on object radiation and the curve of growth in nature as supporting evidence. Early humans, recognizing this life-principle, used the cone for magical activation, whether for game, stupefying rivals, or calling spirits. This concept likely spread with the stone circle cult and may have influenced the shift from ancestor preservation to cremation. The article suggests that the abstract mind of the Neolithic period, characterized by symbolic representation, began to see the cone and pointed hills as pointers of psychic power. This led to the use of arrowhead shapes, pointed sticks, and bones in 'bone-pointing witchcraft'.

The concept of the cone evolved into an equilateral or isosceles triangle, representing a 'flattened cone of power'. This abstract geometric form is seen as a confirmation of orientation and a tool for understanding ancient monuments. Nichols argues that the triangle, when oriented, is not necessarily projecting power but is likely a gesture of drawing down 'mana' or blessedness, particularly from the sun-god, representing a significant step in human development and the emergence of an attitude towards a beneficent power beyond oneself.

The article also touches upon the 'witch-users' of the cone of power, referencing Gerald Gardner's claims that patriotic witches used their powers to influence winds and prevent invasions, notably against the Spanish Armada and Napoleon. A third coven is mentioned where witches gathered on the Sussex Downs to project the idea that invaders could not come over into Britain.

"UNUSUAL TREES - SYMBOLS OF LEYPOWER?" by Jimmy Goddard

Jimmy Goddard continues his exploration of the connection between trees and ley lines, following up on his previous article about double trees. He provides examples of double sycamores in Addlestone, Surrey, and Scots pines in Ottershaw, noting that these trees are often located on ley points or centers. He also describes spiral-trunked trees, mentioning Tony Wedd's observation of a spiral sycamore and his own findings in Ottershaw and near St. George's Hill in Weybridge. Goddard suggests that these unusual tree formations, along with twisted shapes and leaning trees, may be influenced by 'static waves and whirlpools of energy' associated with ley currents, potentially magnifying the power of ley centers.

He draws parallels between the double tree and a dowser's twig, and discusses the ancient origins of hand gestures, including the early Christian sign of benediction and the serpent symbol representing leypower and healing. The spiral tree is linked to the serpent, suggesting that ancient symbols of leypower may originate from observed effects of these forces.

"GLASTONBURY VISION" by Nancy Ford

Nancy Ford recounts a profound personal experience on Glastonbury Tor in January 1970. Despite a very wet and miserable day, a friend's enthusiasm led her to climb the Tor. She describes the landscape as resembling the floods in the Book of Revelations. During the climb, she experienced a heightened sense of energy and accelerated thought. As she reached the top, she heard sounds from within the tower, which she interpreted as a battle of forces. She felt a strong connection to the hill, calling it 'Mother Earth' and the tower a 'psychic chimney'. A subsequent experience involved a 'moaning and wailing' which she initially attributed to the 'living dead' but then stopped. As she moved towards the tower, she felt tired and experienced a 'Spiritual Transfiguration', seeing herself as an old man in robes with a beard and a crook. Her friend's presence was crucial for her to witness this event, which concluded with the weather clearing to a sunny day. She mentions receiving news from other 'Shepherds' about the 'New Age' beginning.

"PHYSICS - RADIESTHESIA" by Enrico Vinci

This section introduces the terms "Radiesthesic Physics" and "Physical Radiesthesia." Physical Radiesthesia is defined as the study of particular force fields revealed by a pendulum, a concept coined by Prof. Gambigliani-Zoccoli. The article, translated by Doris Goddard, is an introduction to a course in Radiesthetic Physics given by the technical director of the CESPERA Experimental Radiesthesia Centre in Italy, originally published in their Bulletin 41 in January 1968.

"READERS' LETTERS"

This section features correspondence from readers:

• Circumlibra responds to a previous issue and addresses an open letter to C.D. Croft. Circumlibra critiques Croft's letter, finding it repetitive and speculative, and suggests that Croft's fascination with 'gravons' and 'brain activity' may have interfered with his perception of leys. Circumlibra emphasizes that leys are more than just gravity wave bumps and lines of force, and encourages Croft to consult back issues of The Ley Hunter for broader perspectives. In a postscript, Circumlibra notes that UFOs definitely operate in conjunction with leys and leave their influence.
• R.D.Y. Perrett points out a thought-provoking feature regarding a 14-mile unit, suggesting it might relate to a metric system predating Napoleon. He also discusses the naming of Derby and the potential Pictish origins of the landscape's layout.
• John Benney of Chatteris, Cambs., expresses a low opinion of Mr. Croft's letter, quoting Hasrat Imayat Khan on the mistakes of having knowledge without action or acting without knowledge.
• Allen Watkins expresses interest in Barbara Crump's leys in Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, noting their strong case for providing compass bearings. He also mentions that sites contributing to the 'ley-atmosphere' are often adjacent to the ley line rather than directly on it.

Further Correspondence and Discussion

• Mr. Perrett's contribution is acknowledged for his insights into the 14-mile unit and its potential connection to metric systems. His discussion on the naming of Derby and the possible role of the Picts in the region's layout is also noted.
• A detailed examination of a 14-mile ley in the Peak District reveals eight mounds and two cairns. The connection to lead mining is suggested, with lead rakes running east-west and the ley north-south. The meaning of 'Foolow' as 'The Bird Hill' is discussed, along with the possibility of Roman soldiers, nicknamed 'Birdies', having stayed in the area. The presence of a mound near 'The Bull's Head' inn, a cross ley, a standing stone with an arena, and a small chapel are described.
• Mr. Perrett's recent lecture to 'orthodox-thinking people' is highlighted as valuable. His map displaying ley sections and his talk on sunrise and sunset markers at the Equinox have been well-received, making people aware of ley theories without explicit argument.

Open letter from Circumlibra to C.D. Croft: Circumlibra addresses Mr. Croft's letter from the July issue, stating it was initially frightening but then realized Croft was not a ley hunter and was overly focused on scientific data. Circumlibra argues that leys involve more than just gravity waves and geophysical maps, and invites Croft to join in exploring the mysteries of leys, suggesting 'gravity bumps' as a starting point. Circumlibra analyzes Croft's letter, finding some points repetitive and others dressed-up old truths. Specific points are critiqued, such as the 'so-called line' potentially having 'height and depth and a little width', and the link between emotion/religious sensation and gravity waves being not entirely dominated by them. The concept of astral travel is questioned as speculation versus personal experience. The article notes that buildings are modern mounds and that essential ley points predate human construction. It suggests that religious activities, social functions, and other impulses impinge on these points, causing emotional reactions. Circumlibra concludes by hoping not to have offended Croft and suggests he read back issues of The Ley Hunter. The letter ends with a reference to UFOs operating in conjunction with leys.

John Benney comments on Mr. Croft's letter, quoting Hasrat Imayat Khan.

Allen Watkins expresses interest in Barbara Crump's leys in Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, noting their use in providing compass bearings and the contribution of adjacent sites to the ley-atmosphere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Ley Hunter include the exploration of ancient symbols and their connection to natural forces and human consciousness (cones, triangles, trees), personal experiences of heightened awareness and spiritual phenomena (Glastonbury Tor), and the scientific and esoteric study of earth energies (Radiesthesia, leys). The editorial stance, as expressed by Paul Screeton, is one of seeking a more balanced representation of geographical areas within the magazine's content and encouraging reader participation through contributions. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between scientific rationalism and experiential evidence, as highlighted in the discussion of Radiesthesia and the critique of overly scientific approaches to ley research. The magazine also acknowledges the potential link between ley phenomena and UFO sightings.

This issue of The Ley Hunter focuses on the interconnectedness of ley lines, UFO phenomena, and ancient mysteries. It presents a collection of letters, reviews, and brief reports that explore these themes from various perspectives.

Ley Lines and Ancient Sites

The issue begins with a letter from T.W. Cox of Bodmin, Cornwall, expanding on Barbara Crump's findings regarding West Country ley lines. Cox details a ley line he traced from Helman Tor, passing through various tumuli, downs, and camps, extending north to Barbury Camp near Avebury and south to Lands End. He also notes a ley from Helman Tor to Brown Willy and another from Brown Willy to The Cheesewring, suggesting that these ley centres not only emit but also receive forces, possibly from a cosmic source, acting as transmitters and receivers simultaneously. The importance of using detailed one-inch maps showing tors, tumuli, and stone crosses for appreciating Cornish leys is emphasized.

Another contribution highlights a passage from P.V. Glob's book, "The Bog People," which describes ancient burial mounds in fenland dating back to the Stone and Bronze Ages. These mounds are suggested to mark the line of ancient highways, potentially representing Danish leys. The contributor notes that while the book focuses on Iron Age remains in Denmark, it incidentally mentions these leys, a fact considered significant by some, despite potential skepticism from British archaeologists.

UFO Theories and Paraphysical Reality

The issue features reviews of two books: John A. Keel's "Operation Trojan Horse" and Brinsley le Poer Trench's "The Sky People." Paul Screeton reviews Keel's work, which summarizes four years of UFO research. Keel's theory posits that UFOs are not extraterrestrial but 'ultraterrestrial,' originating from a different vibratory level within our own planet, and are linked to occult phenomena and paraphysical reality. Keel suggests that the underlying force controlling UFOs has deceived humanity into believing they are alien. The review notes Keel's warning about the dangers of dabbling with UFOs, comparing it to black magic and cautioning against obsessive curiosity.

In contrast, Brinsley le Poer Trench's "The Sky People" proposes that extraterrestrials played a significant role in human evolution. The reviewer finds Trench's book to be spiritual and divorced from recent scientific interpretations. While initially skeptical of the widely-held belief that beings from other worlds were involved in megalith building, the reviewer finds value in both Keel's and Trench's perspectives, suggesting that their 'ultraterrestrials' and 'celestial visitors' might be the same entities operating within a shared environment of differing dimensions and vibrations.

The reviewer expresses disagreement with Keel's lumping of all phenomena beyond the five senses into the UFO category, particularly elementals, ghosts, and giants. However, the reviewer acknowledges that much which is considered unconnected to UFOs by most researchers may indeed be connected. An incident in County Durham involving a priest's charred body and a light seen in the sky is cited as an example of phenomena that might share a common source.

Keel offers advice for observing UFOs, suggesting specific times and locations with magnetic faults, but warns that such dabbling can be dangerous, potentially leading to destructive obsessions or even suicide.

Other Books and Brief Reports

Curt Siodmak's "Hauser's Memory" is reviewed, described as a science-fiction thriller blending international intrigue with biochemistry, exploring aspects of the ley mystery such as ESP and dowsing through the lens of DNA and RNA. The book involves a CIA experiment to transfer RNA from a dying German scientist.

A section titled "IN BRIEF" provides several short updates: C.D. Croft leading a colony to Scotland, Peter Christie's research on ley lines for a geography degree, an inquiry about Alfred Watkins's Vagos bread recipe, a question about the delayed submission of a report on the Catcote Iron Age site dig, a mention of the pop group Mighty Baby's new release, and the availability of the book "BRITAIN - A STUDY IN PATTERNS."

It is also noted that "The Times" mentioned a meeting of "The Ley Hunter" group. Three more zodiacs are suspected in the North, and police searched fields at Dalton Piercy after reports of a UFO landing, finding nothing. Tandem is reportedly not publishing further Brinsley le Poer Trench paperbacks.

Back Issues and Availability

The issue lists available back numbers of "The Ley Hunter," detailing articles on topics such as the Megalithic Plan, Nuthampstead Zodiac, Stonehenge-Avebury complex, acupuncture, ley power, orthoteny, stone circles, and various zodiacs. Copies of the magazine can be obtained from the editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ley lines as ancient pathways and energy conduits, the investigation of UFO phenomena with a focus on alternative theories beyond simple extraterrestrial visitation, and the potential connections between these phenomena and ancient mysteries or paraphysical realities. The editorial stance appears open to diverse theories, encouraging readers to consider different perspectives, as seen in the comparative reviews of Keel's and Trench's books, while also maintaining a degree of critical inquiry, particularly regarding the broader categorization of phenomena.