Ley Hunter - 1971 no 24

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 24
Date: October 1971
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Country: United Kingdom
Focus: This issue of The Ley Hunter delves into the study of ley lines, their identification, historical significance, and potential connections to UFO phenomena, ancient civilizations, and spiritual concepts.

Readers' Letters

Gypsy Rye, writing on behalf of the 'Tribe of the Temple of the Stars', details findings related to the 'Laye of Danite Dragon' in Cornwall. This ley, running through Roche Rock, is interpreted as a solar clock used to manipulate space-time. The letter mentions UFO sightings of 'green eyes the size of saucers' near Mevagissey and Corran Haven, suggesting a link to Muan culture and ancient 'Archai perica' relics. The ley is described as an 'evolutional guide' for astral travel, with a current 'alchemical dome' over Earth needing to be broken. The letter concludes with a hopeful outlook for a 'Golden Age' and understanding 'fusion and orgon living'.

An Introduction to Ley Hunting

Paul Screeton, the Editor/Publisher, provides a comprehensive introduction to ley hunting. He emphasizes that mapwork is essential but secondary to fieldwork, likening a map to a railway timetable that guides but does not transport. Screeton advises using Ordnance Survey 1" to the mile maps for sufficient detail and larger scale maps for specific routes. He suggests starting in one's native district for easier fieldwork and local knowledge. The process involves laying out a map and using a ruler and pencil to identify alignments of prominent sites. While quantity is not the sole aim, identifying patterns is key. Screeton advises selectivity, suggesting circling prominent sites and then checking for alignments of four or more points. An alternative method involves rotating the ruler around a point to find radiating alignments. He notes that ley centres might appear on maps without visible ancient sites, prompting further investigation for mark stones or tree clumps. The article stresses that leys are exactly straight and an alignment of three or fewer points is not considered a ley. Pioneers Alfred Watkins and Major F. C. Tyler accepted a minimum of four points, though some modern ley hunters require five. Fieldwork can reveal additional points, validating a ley. The article lists prehistoric and early Christian sites (stone circles, tumuli, churches, castles) and unmarked features (mark stones, tree clumps, skyline notches, fords) that can serve as ley points.

Britain, Albion, and the New Jerusalem

Alan Cohen explores the fundamental human urge to access another world, described mythically as Paradise, Tir-Nan-Og, or the Golden Age. He discusses how mythologies suggest a past link between the human and divine worlds, broken by a 'Fall'. Cohen connects this theme to studies of sacred sites, explaining that these places, where divine power irrupts into the human world, serve as bridges between heaven and earth. He cites examples like Sinai and Beth-El from the Bible, and the Babylonian King Gudea's dream. Cohen argues that religious structures and sacred sites validate human existence and express yearnings for salvation, making the human world as harmonious as possible and enabling access to a 'superhuman world'. He applies this to geomancers of Northern Europe, suggesting that the entire landscape, not just a village or city, becomes a temple and a place of fusion with the divine. Stone circles like Carnac and Stonehenge are seen as more than astronomical instruments; they are places of perfect fusion between heaven and earth. Cohen links this to the Chinese concept of 'feng-shui' and the Taoist pursuit of a harmonious age. He also touches upon British folk tradition and the myth of a lost Albion as Britain's true nature, a Golden Age achieved by the megalith builders.

The Gematria of the Hebrew Cabbala: A System for Interpreting Ley-Lines?

Kenneth Knight examines the relationship between ley lines and sacred architecture, focusing on Wells Cathedral and Glastonbury Abbey. He discusses the alignment of Neroche Castle with sites like Elworthy Barrows and Weymouth Bay, suggesting a grid system for the British Isles and the world. Knight highlights the cabbalistic significance of St. Andrew's Cross and its connection to Wells Cathedral. He notes that the siting of Wells Cathedral aligns with the cardinal directions and that its name may relate to the Hebrew 'Bethsheba' (well of seven), a name also given to the Pleiades by mediaeval cabbalists. Knight presents numerical relationships found in the architecture of Wells and Glastonbury, linking them to dates like 37AD and 64AD (arrival of Joseph of Arimathea) and astronomical cycles. He mentions the 'Vesica Piscis' ratio and its application to architectural measurements. The article connects Glastonbury to the Isle of Avalon, a Celtic centre and entrance to the Underworld, and mentions Bristol as an entrance to the Kingdom of Logres. It also refers to the Knights Templars and the Old Religion, and the Tor at Glastonbury as a secret entrance.

Who Were the Leymen?

Christine discusses the existence of Atlantis and its advanced civilization, referencing Plato. She suggests that the Kelts of Britain have legends of a lost part of their country extending into the Atlantic. If the pyramids of Egypt and Yucatan were built by Atlantean emigrants, it provides further food for thought. Christine proposes that the first 'Leymen' might have been Atlanteans who brought their teachings to Britain. She questions whether serpent mounds in Ohio, Avebury, and Argyllshire are located on leys. The article suggests that the 'Straight Track' might be Atlantean and that religion uses symbology to convey moral precepts, with 'Straight Tracks' potentially serving as monuments of symbolic teaching. It speculates that certain Biblical events might have occurred when Atlantis existed and the sun was in Taurus, linking this to bull worship and the eventual precession to Aries. The author encourages members to consider the orientation of stones as clues to the sun's position during precession.

Dee Days

Paul Screeton writes about the Howe of Cromar in Aberdeenshire, describing it as an 'uneasy psychic domain' influenced by Scorpio, with prehistoric sites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of ancient sites, earth energies (ley lines), and potential paranormal or spiritual phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on fieldwork and interpreting landscape features as evidence of ancient knowledge and belief systems. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance, presenting various theories and reader contributions that link these subjects to mythology, UFOs, and esoteric spirituality. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging investigation and exploration of these often-unconventional topics.

Title: The Ley Hunter
Issue: No. 10
Volume: Vol. 1
Date: Midsummer 1971
Publisher: Zodiac House Publications
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1.50

This issue of The Ley Hunter delves into the realms of speculative archaeology, ancient traditions, and unexplained phenomena. The cover prominently features "ATLANTEAN TRADITIONS IN ANCIENT BRITAIN. PART ONE: VISIONS OF ALBION." by Anthony Roberts, signaling a deep exploration into theories of lost civilizations and their influence on Britain.

Editorial Content and Articles

The issue opens with a personal account of visiting ancient sites in Britain, describing the "potent forces of instilled good and evil" and the "eerie equilibrium" felt at these locations. The author details experiences at various earth houses, stone circles, and churches, noting the presence of both natural wildlife and the lingering sense of ancient energies. The narrative touches upon a reported UFO sighting at Tomnaverie, where soldiers allegedly fled from two occupants.

The magazine then transitions into reviews, with Paul Screeton providing a review of "ATLANTEAN TRADITIONS IN ANCIENT BRITAIN. PART ONE: VISIONS OF ALBION." by Anthony Roberts. Screeton notes Roberts' extensive research into Atlantean speculation, acknowledging their differing views but commending the work's stimulating nature. He highlights Roberts' exploration of Neolithic trackways, the Glastonbury Zodiac, leys, and geomancy, drawing on various sources. Screeton also points out the book's contribution to challenging orthodox archaeology and offering an alternative viewpoint, while expressing a personal skepticism about the theory of Atlantis itself.

Another significant review is of "BRITAIN: A STUDY IN PATTERNS," a collection of essays that explore prehistoric geometry, astronomical calculations, and metrology. The review praises the contributors' willingness to theorize beyond conventional academic boundaries, presenting findings in a generally scientific manner. It specifically mentions Julian Calyon's speculations on Gothic architecture and John M. Coles' piece on the "Bull Cult in the Bronze Age of Western Europe," though the latter is deemed less suited to the publication.

The review of "PREHISTORIC LONDON: ITS MOUNDS AND CIRCLES" by E.O. Gordon describes it as a stimulating book that covers mounds, astro-archaeology, stone circles, astrology, and early roads. While acknowledging that parts are factual and parts debatable, the reviewer finds it provides "veritable food for thought" within the scope of "live archaeology."

Gordon's work is further discussed, drawing comparisons between physical remains in Britain and Israel, and exploring linguistic similarities between English and Hebrew. The review notes the strength of the Brutus in Britain myth and its connection to the diffusionist theory.

Magazine Reviews

A substantial portion of the issue is dedicated to reviewing other magazines and publications, offering insights into contemporary alternative and esoteric literature:

• THE WAXING MOON (Midsummer 1971): Described as a journal of the Pagan Movement, featuring articles on paganism, heathen magic, and the old religion, with a mention of leys.
• THE NATIONAL MESSAGE (August 1971): The organ of the British Israelites, discussing how orthodox archaeologists are aligning with "live archaeology" theories, mentioning Hawkins, Thom, and Borst, and concluding with the diffusionist theory of cultural migration.
• MANTRA, No 1: A new publication on ancient wisdom literature, including an introduction to ley hunting by Paul Screeton, and articles on colour, sound, form, Zen karate, PSI, and New Age thought.
• COSMOS (Summer 1971): An issue focused on "Themes of Contact," featuring articles on prehistoric trackways and UFO entities, with leys mentioned in relation to Elen or Helen.
• PSYWAR, No 4: This issue covers life after death and includes readers' letters and magazine reviews, though its printing and layout are criticized.
• WITHCHCRAFT, No 1: A glossy magazine described as pandering to sexual immaturity, but also containing an article on masks and the history of witchcraft. It is noted as being more akin to "Mayfair" and "Penthouse" than academic studies.
• NICAP JOURNAL Vol.1 No.4: An UFO magazine with varied content, including articles on leys, UFO propulsion, astrology, spaceflight, and a UFO encounter at Shrewsbury.
• PUNCH, Sept. 22, 1971: A review of the Underground Press, mentioning John Nicholson's "The Other Britain" and "Gandalf's Garden," but notably omitting "The Ley Hunter."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the exploration of ancient British history and mythology, particularly focusing on Atlantean traditions and megalithic sites. There is a strong emphasis on "live archaeology" and alternative viewpoints that challenge conventional academic perspectives. The magazine actively promotes debate and encourages readers to engage with the presented theories, as evidenced by the open invitation for comments on Tony Roberts' work. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into esoteric subjects, while maintaining a critical perspective, as seen in the nuanced reviews and personal reflections on the nature of belief and evidence.