Ley Hunter - 1971 no 26

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 26
Date: December 1971
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Address: 5 Egton Drive, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, County Durham, TS25 2AT.

This issue of The Ley Hunter delves into the mysteries of ancient sites, ley lines, and earth energies. It features a prominent article on the Hestingsgarth stone circle, a detailed examination of Cley Hill and its connections to Glastonbury, and a piece exploring the magical nature of British islands.

Hestingsgarth: An Astronomical Temple

The issue includes a significant excerpt from Edward Milles Nelson's 1911 book, "The Cult Of The Circle-Builders," focusing on the Hestingsgarth stone circle in the Shetland Islands. Nelson's research, conducted in 1905, suggests Hestingsgarth was not merely a collection of stones but an "Astronomical Temple" erected for the worship of the Sun-god. The article details the circle's position, its structure (an outer ring of 33 unhewn stones and an inner circle of 26), and its precise astronomical alignments. These include solar solstitial marks and the co-amplitudes of stars like Bootis. Nelson posits that the builders used specific linear measures and a "secret number of the Sun-god." He argues that the astronomical significance of stone circles is often overstated, with the primary purpose being the laying out of the sun's solstitial amplitudes. However, he emphasizes that Hestingsgarth, through its bearings and alignments, provides strong evidence for a cult focused on trigonometric functions and the discovery of a specific "foot" measurement, which he believes has Phoenician origins and is found in other ancient sites like Baalbec and Great Zimbabwe.

Nelson's analysis of the bearings at Hestingsgarth suggests they were used as reference marks for a transit instrument, with the bisection of an isosceles triangle formed by these bearings yielding the meridian. He also notes two hollows in the outer stones, likely used for observing the rising and setting Sun at the Winter Solstice. The stones marking cardinal points are slightly displaced, indicating a deliberate orientation. The article suggests that the stones marking the rising of Bootis point to a date around A.D. 100 for the circle's construction, while stones aligned with the summer solstice sun suggest a connection to Neolithic solar worship. The editor notes that the next month's issue will further detail the "Hestingsgarthfoot" and Nelson's comments on the number 666.

The Sacred Hills: Cley Hill, Warminster, and Glastonbury

Mollie Carey contributes an article exploring the perceived connections between Cley Hill (near Warminster) and Glastonbury. Her visits to Glastonbury Tor and Cley Hill evoked strong feelings of "Holy Ground" and impressions of "spirals" and "flying arrows." At Cley Hill, she describes an ancient Iron Age fort and two tumuli, experiencing a vision of a bard singing to a crowd. She notes the hill's resemblance to a ruined pyramid and its artificially shaped terraces. Carey feels a strong connection to "Ancient Wisdom" and the "Dragon Path," linking these hills to a powerful, perhaps spiritual, energy.

She recounts a second visit to Cley Hill where she met young people interested in "Old Leys." This led her to consult Ken Rogers, a collector of local history, who provided information about the origins of the name Warminster. The derivation suggests a place where "THE BLUE SKY GOD WAS WORSHIPPED IN A GREEN PLACE AT WHICH A DRAGON PROTECTED THE SPIRIT OF A CHIEF IN HIS GRAVE." Carey interprets "The Dragon" as a code for the Sacred Hills. She discusses the history of churches at St. Denys, including a Saxon church and a Norman dedication to SS Simon and Jude, possibly linked to the Neolithic Sun God "Dhu" or "Sol-dieu." A legend about a guardian spirit of the Bugley folk directing water underground to create Hog's Well is also mentioned, drawing a parallel to Glastonbury's Chalice Well.

Carey summarizes that Warminster was likely the site of a Celtic monastery near an ancient stone circle, where a Sky God was worshipped. She speculates about a Zodiac connection to Cley and Warminster and notes that many UFOs are seen over the area. Following a line of tumuli from Cley Hill on a map led her directly to Stonehenge.

A Magic Island

Marian Green's article, "A Magic Island," focuses on the mystical nature of the British Isles, particularly islands off the west coast. She highlights Lundy, an island in the Bristol Channel, as a place of profound magic. Green describes Lundy's early habitations, hut circles, and lack of roads, emphasizing its unique peace and the whispers of forgotten things in its air. She speculates that ancient people came to Lundy seeking this "strange restless calm" and may have been magicians who observed celestial events. She connects Lundy to legends of a king sleeping under a holy hill or sailing to a Celtic paradise, and suggests that ley hunters might find lines pointing to the island, possibly from Glastonbury, Devon, Cornwall, and Wales.

Other Content

The issue includes a quote from "The Atlantean" (Sept/Oct. 1971) discussing Earth's magnetic power lines, termed "LEYS," and the potential consequences of scientific interference with them. It also lists articles planned for future issues, including topics on "God-Names and Sighting Lines on Exmoor," "Yarnbury Castle Hillfort," "The Castle and Place of Rothiemay," "The Control of Energy In Man," and "Historical Perspectives in Ancient America." Subscription rates and contact information for the editor/publisher are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interconnectedness of ancient sites, the presence of earth energies (ley lines), and the exploration of prehistoric beliefs and practices, particularly those related to celestial observation and sun worship. There is a strong emphasis on the magical and spiritual significance of landscape features like hills and islands. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these esoteric subjects, presenting research and anecdotal evidence from various contributors, encouraging readers to explore and connect with these ancient mysteries. The magazine seems to foster a community of individuals interested in uncovering and understanding the "ancient Truths."

This issue of "The Ley Hunter" magazine, dated November 1971, is primarily a "READERS' LETTERS" section, featuring correspondence from various individuals commenting on previously published material and sharing new information. The issue also includes reviews of other publications and an obituary.

Readers' Comments on Arthur Lawton's "Mysteries of Ancient Man"

A significant portion of the letters addresses Arthur Lawton's pamphlet "Mysteries of Ancient Man," which the editor had recently republished. Jimmy Goddard found the booklet interesting and ahead of its time, particularly the parts on subtle energies, though he found the mathematical sections difficult. Allen Watkins also praised the booklet, comparing its significance to Samuel Butler's "Erewhon" for students of biology. Watkins felt that Lawton's essay on "leys" (ley lines) revealed a deep philosophy and that Lawton believed leys were conducting wires for a real force used by ancient man. However, Watkins expressed skepticism about Lawton's arithmetic and the convincing nature of his "coincidences" of distance, suggesting that too many approximations could lead to false conclusions. He also questioned whether measurements were "as the crow flies" or more precise. Watkins found Lawton's logic poor and his connection between measurement units and power flow unconvincing. He noted that Lawton's concept of "eustasia" was logical and achievable through meditation, independent of leys, but suggested ley points might have offered a shortcut, explaining the siting of churches on ancient spots.

William Porter found Lawton's work both stimulating and frustrating. He appreciated Lawton's clear argumentation but felt the central tenets were not sufficiently expanded. Porter also suggested that diagrams of the Avebury configuration and St Mary's Church, Netley, would have been beneficial. Porter disagreed with Lawton's statement that other cases corresponding to the thesis would be tedious to describe, feeling it left the reader wanting more.

Jimmy Goddard also requested further information on Lawton's other works and papers.

UFO Sightings and Related Information

An article titled "FLYING OBJECT" OVER SALTASH MYSTERY" reports on a sighting on a Saturday in October 1971, where over 30 people phoned local newspapers and TV to report a mysterious cigar-shaped object hovering above Saltash. Mrs Marilyn Preston reported watching the object for over half an hour. She, a practitioner of spiritual healing, claims advanced thinkers can contact UFOs. Mrs Preston, who had previously reported seeing mysterious objects, was driving with Mr Mike Mansergh when they saw a strange "pink and golden light" at Ellbridge. They drove to investigate but the light disappeared, only to reappear when they returned to the same spot.

Another mention of a UFO sighting occurred in relation to Wittenham Clumps. A letter writer recalled information about a UFO sighting on Thursday, November 10, 1966, seen over North Berkshire by two people. The object was described as high up, partially obscured by cloud, with "legs" dangling like an octopus, and was near Wittenham Clumps. The writer noted its similarity to an object seen near Vauriat and suggested, based on a sketch map in "Flying Saucer Review", that Wittenham Clumps might be an active ley centre.

Obituary for T. C. Lethbridge

The issue includes an obituary for Tom Lethbridge, an archaeologist and explorer who died at the age of 70. Lethbridge was known for his work recovering the Gog Magog hill figures in Cambridgeshire and for popularizing extra-sensory perception later in life. The obituary notes that he was not convinced of the existence of leys, which might surprise readers of his work. He is remembered for discovering the hill figures, including a controversial claim of excavating a giantess and horse at Wandlebury Camp. Professor Christopher Hawkes is mentioned as having referred to the hill figures in The Times. Lethbridge is survived by his widow, Mina.

Reviews of Publications

Several publications are reviewed:

• WALRUS, No. 8: Described as Glastonbury's alternative magazine, this issue features articles on geomancy and Cambridge by editor Nigel Pennick, who discovered the Nuthampstead Zodiac. The article suggests Cambridgeshire's occult lore may equal or surpass Glastonbury's. The magazine also covers the "alternative scene" in Cambridgeshire.
• AZOTH, No. 4, Nov. 1971: A well-produced duplicated magazine with illustrations, focusing on practical and theoretical occultism. It includes Old Verbeek cartoons and covers topics like Alchemy and Crowley.
• "WITCHCRAFT FOR ALL" by Louise Huebner: This book is described as generally commonsensical and believable, covering spells, herbs, vitamins, and other aspects of witchcraft. However, the reviewer notes the author can be dogmatic, dismisses lycanthropy as impossible, and calls the Tarot deck "nonsense." The reviewer found the book enjoyable and recommended it, particularly for women readers.
• "METEOR STRIKES AND THE HOERBIGER THEORY" by Egerton Sykes: This booklet focuses on meteor strike zones and reappraises theories of "catastrophe merchants." It blends scientific findings with the ideas of Donnelly, Hoerbiger, and Velikovsky. The reviewer notes Hoerbiger's doctrine of cosmic ice and fire influenced Nazi war machine theories, leading to a disinclination to take him seriously, but states such theories cannot be ignored.
• "NEW WORLD ANTIQUITY" (Markham House): This double issue, edited by Egerton Sykes, includes articles on meteor strikes, early European discoverers of America, ancient writing, an inscription in Tennessee, and primitive Chinese culture. It also discusses gravitic anomalies, with two examples cited in Ayrshire.
• "STELLA POLARIS": A bi-monthly magazine for spiritual unfoldment, featuring teachings from White Eagle, letters from Grace Cooke, and articles on healing, meditation, life after death, and happiness.
• "THE ATLANTEAN": A bi-monthly magazine that believes in the essential unity of diverse aspects of existence, covering subjects from prehistory to metaphysics and esoteric sciences. It is described as an occult magazine that is different.
• "TORC": Glastonbury's alternative magazine, featuring articles on Glaston, the Phoenix Effigy, Compost Gardening, and readers' letters.

Other Mentions and Information

• Mr. L. Banham of Watford is seeking contact with others interested in English mysticism.
• G. A. Kellaway wrote an article on "Glaciation and the Stones of Stonehenge" in "Nature" (Sept. 3, 1971).
• C. Cochrane wrote an article titled "Looking for Lost Roads" in the "Ago" magazine (Aug. 1970).
• Jimmy Goddard provided information about Wittenham Clumps, including a poem carved on a tree that dates between 1844 and 1847, referencing historical events and local geography.
• "TARANTULA" by Bob Dylan: Reviewed as a book reflecting Dylan's mind during the recording of "Highway 61 Revisited." It is described as obscure, exasperating, mind-bending, and a "penetrating and haunting collage."
• "THE LIGHT IN BRITAIN" by Grace and Ivan Cooke: This book is described as stating that "the human race is not very evolved today but it will become great again when this secret power has been released and the whole vibration of the earth thereby raised."
• "THE HISTORY AND ORIGINS OF DRUIDISM" by Lewis Spence: This book is presented as a definitive work on Druidism, covering its origins, influences, practices, and beliefs. Spence is noted as a prolific writer interested in ancient civilizations and Atlantis.
• Grace Cooke is described as a clairvoyant whose insights into the lives of Britons are utilized in a book, suggesting a wonderful lost civilization created by kindliness and brotherhood.
• Iris Campbell and Mollie Carey are mentioned as writers whose work has helped clarify the age when leys were marked.
• The editor has four photostat maps of Holderness Zodiac available for loan.
• John Michell visited recently.
• The January issue of "Prediction" will include "Britain's Mysterious Leys" by Nadine Smith.
• Information is sought regarding why Capella should be an important star.
• Doreen Valiente has completed a second book and is working on a third.
• Marian Green is seeking information on whether any leys end on Lundy.
• Several errata are noted for previous issues, including incorrect spellings of place names and magazine titles.
• Back issues of "The Ley Hunter" are available.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around "leys" (ley lines), ancient mysteries, archaeology, and esoteric beliefs. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of letters and reviews, is one of open-minded inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to share information and explore alternative perspectives. There is a clear interest in connecting ancient sites, historical accounts, and modern phenomena like UFO sightings through the lens of ley line research and broader esoteric studies. The magazine appears to foster a community of like-minded individuals interested in uncovering hidden histories and understanding the "alternative scene."