Ley Hunter - 1972 no 29

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: 29
Date: March 1972

This issue of "The Ley Hunter" is a publication dedicated to exploring mysteries, ancient sites, and esoteric subjects, with a particular focus on ley lines. The magazine is edited and published by Paul Screeton.

Lead-In

The editorial notes that this issue is shorter than usual due to the intention to expedite its printing and ensure the April issue appears on schedule. Several features have been postponed to the following month. The upcoming issue is slated to include an article titled "Alvediston - Shades of Avalon" by Mollie Carey, a review of John Michell's "City of Revelation," a letters column, and a column on "The Long Man of Wilmington."

Magazine Reviews

"INFO"

"INFO" is described as a magazine covering "the whole gamut of the unknown." It is published by the International Fortean Organization and is noted for being well-produced, substantial, and packed with Forteana. The articles are characterized as serious yet refreshingly light. Interested parties are directed to contact Bob Rickard for details.

"ORE"

"ORE," now in its 17th year, is presented as a poetry magazine that also publishes articles and reviews. Its stated aim is to "remember the island of Britain and those who first came to it." The review mentions articles on the Book of Kells and witch trials, as well as poems by Brian Louis Pearce and Ithell Colquhoun that touch upon the magnetism of leys. It is published by Ore Publications.

A COUPLE OF LEYS PLUS

This article, written by "CIRCUMLIBRA," explores ley hunting, starting from an unlikely location: a traffic island in a busy city centre, identified as "Moorfoot" (formerly "Bottom o' Moor"). The author traces a ley line that runs through historical and religious sites, including a former chapel, a Baptist church, a Congregational church, a cemetery chapel, an old coaching inn, and the Methodist church. The ley is noted to pass by Ecclesall Parish Church and a stone circle on the moors. The article continues to trace the ley to Robin Hood's Well, Castle Naze, an old chapel at Grindleford, and Eyam Parish Church, known for its Saxon Cross and the site of Mompesson's plague preaching. Another ley is suggested to start from the Royal Infirmary in South Yorkshire, passing through St Mark's Church and Greystones (a former stone circle), crossing the first ley on Stoney Ridge near Little John's Well, and continuing to Stoney Middleton.

The author highlights that the starting points and various churches mentioned are often on cross leys and have historically served as meeting places for congregation, worship, and protection. The article reflects on how "Holy Ground" has become a "dreaded focal point" in modern times, leading to frustration and danger. It posits that where people meet and emotions are stirred, energy is concentrated and transmitted, influencing others and encircling the earth. Ley plotting is described as fascinating but an "interim exercise," with the understanding of ley forces and function being more important and difficult to comprehend.

The article suggests that ancient man possessed a greater knowledge of intangible things and knowingly placed structures in specific locations. It contemplates whether modern man's chaotic building and arrangement patterns might inadvertently align with these old patterns. The author muses on the possibility of an overall plan and other levels of matter where entities operate, suggesting humans might be "stooges" or "puppets on a string." It is noted that man has become deeply entrenched in physical matter, possibly losing touch with entities that work for the common good, unlike ancient man who lived nearer to nature.

ORDER OF BARDS, OVATES & DRUIDS

This section announces an event at Kingsway Hall on April 12th, featuring Dom Robert Petitpierre speaking on Christian exorcism. He is described as a well-known exorciser within the Church of England, and his talk is expected to cover his theories and experiences. Admission is by ticket.

Another event, "BELTANE AT GLASTONBRRY," is scheduled for May Eve, Sunday, April 30th, on the Tor. Details are provided for assembly and culmination times, with inquiries to be directed to the Secretary, O.B.O.D.

GREAT WRYLEY REVISITED

This article by Paul Screeton recounts the story of William Rigby, a former miner who established a small museum in Great Wryley in the early 20th century. Rigby exhibited fossils and curiosities, aiming to foster an interest in palaeontology among local youngsters, and provided soft drinks and primitive fruit machine entertainment. Among his exhibits were carved stones bearing designs of men, animals, and plant forms, which puzzled visitors and baffled archaeologists. Rigby claimed to have found these stones in pits in the Cannock area of Staffordshire. Despite attempts at verification, the museum was not successful and closed in December 1922, with most exhibits sold. At the auction, a single buyer acquired the remaining stones, and by Rigby's death in 1928, at least seven people possessed what became known as the Wryley Stones. The article notes that no similar stones have been found in Britain since, and no one has attempted to revive interest in them for the past 40 years. The stones are described as beautifully worked and meant to stand up, with intricate designs, some showing evidence of a "third eye." A book on the subject, "The Wryley Stones" by Helen Travers Sherlock, is mentioned, which largely focuses on descriptions and photographs of the stones, some of which were taken by Alfred Watkins. Miss Sherlock's conclusion suggests that the carvings are of sufficient importance to warrant further investigation to establish their authenticity, noting their affinities with primitive art, particularly of the Stone Age.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES IN ANCIENT AMERICA (Part II)

This article by Anthony Roberts discusses the Inca Empire, describing it as the last great stone empire in South America. The Incas, who conquered the Chimus, created a new age of gold, drawing on the histories and relics of their past. The Inca Empire reached its height in 1200 A.D., covering the western line of South America with its roads, public buildings, temples, and pyramids. The author characterizes it as a spiritual and cultural resurgence of the antediluvian world, tempered by the harshness of its times. The Incas established a highly civilized and communal society, excelling in agriculture and economy, led by a learned priesthood and a royal family. Their society was a theocratic communism, with the Inca as a religious symbol of solar energy.

The temples of the Incas were covered in gold, with gigantic golden discs carved with mystic symbols hung upon them, creating an atmosphere of communion with the sun. The article quotes Henry Prescott from "The Conquest of Peru" describing the Coricancha temple in Cuzco, which was literally a "mine of Gold," with a massive gold plate representing the Deity on the western wall.

The Incas developed a complex socio-economic system that functioned efficiently without many modern essentials like the wheel or gunpowder. Their society achieved harmony and balance between economic and religious forces, creating an enduring monument to organizational abilities. The capital city of Cuzco was built from meticulously cut stone blocks fitted with exceptional engineering accuracy, attributed to the Incas' access to secrets from the Atlantean past. They could soften stone using an alchemical liquid and produce levitational effects with golden discs. They also practiced efficient medicine and surgery, including trepanning, and used a complex mathematical system known as 'Quipu.'

The Inca Empire prioritized the well-being of its individuals, guaranteeing peasants a good proportion of grain. A key aspect was their geometric, interlocking road system, constructed with great artistry. These roads were often laid down upon the ruins of a previous system and aligned with sacred astronomical patterns and terrestrial leys. The roads were driven across mountains and ravines without deviation from "the old straight track."

The main Inca towns and ceremonial centers featured roads forming a mystical grid-system based on metaphysical mathematics, with processional routes aligning with fixed stars. This Solar-Nature worship was inherited from the Atlantean past. The Inca Empire, influenced by Atlantean heritage, integrated magic, solar religion, cyclopean architecture, legends of white gods and sky people, geomancy, and communal harmony, reflecting the lost patterns of the Atlantean world.

The article concludes by stating that the tremendous public buildings and roads were rebuilt on foundations laid by earlier beings. Inca myth and legend are full of images of these beings and events, containing a shadowed spiritual history. These rites were similar to those celebrated in England, Egypt, and Mexico, all of which were considered colonies of Atlantis.

SUNSET AT YARNBURY CASTLE HILLFORT

This is a poem by Mollie Carey, evoking a scene at Yarnbury Castle Hillfort at sunset. It describes the crisp air, the glowing sky, and a sense of hushed stillness. The poet imagines walking the ramparts, seeing shadowy figures, and hearing the sounds of ancient times, including chariots, warriors, and drums. The poem conveys a sense of impending conflict and the vulnerability of the people within the fort.

READERS' FORUM

IAMBLICHUS

This section features a contribution from John Michell, who references Iamblichus's "Magical Treatise on the Maysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans and Assyrians." Michell highlights Iamblichus's discussion of esoteric, elemental science behind the ley system. Iamblichus explains that certain religious practices are symbolic, therapeutic, or have an "arcane cause." His first example is the erection of phallic pillars, described as a "sign of prolific power" that attracts generative energy to the world, particularly consecrated in spring. He also states that phallic stones had a secondary purpose: to make people consciously aware of their own natures and learn to avoid negative passions, suggesting that suppressed passions can become violent and require moderate indulgence.

Michell notes that Iamblichus lived in the 3rd century A.D., by which time the original meaning of traditional rites may have been lost, and the physical science of the ley system discontinued or practiced unconsciously. However, he suggests that Iamblichus's quotation indicates a genuine tradition of the scientific purpose of standing stones existed in early Christian times.

READING MATTER OF BRITAIN

This section reviews several upcoming and recently published books.

• "City of Revelation" by John Michell: Garnstone Press is publishing this book, subtitled "On the Proportions and Symbolic Numbers of the Cosmic Temple." It presents evidence for the view that ancient man was highly civilized and understood natural laws, mathematics, and "cosmic temple" construction. The cost is £2.90.
• "Mysterious Britain" by Janet and Colin Bord: Garnstone Press has commissioned this book, which will contain 185 pictures and text. It is scheduled for publication in October 1972 at approximately £2.50. The authors are seeking odd/strange observations of places, facts, and legends for consideration.
• "The Time Is Earth" by Peter Kolosimo: Garnstone Press is also issuing this book in October 1972.
• "Alfred Watkins of Hereford" by Allen Watkins: This book will be available in the summer in a signed limited edition of 300 copies at approximately £3.50.

"WITCHCRAFT", No. 2

This periodical is reviewed by Doreen Valiente. It is described as a "Monthly Chronicle of Horror, Satanism and the Occult." Only two issues had appeared since its autumn 1971 debut. The articles are unsigned, and no editor is named in this issue. The publishers are "TNT Publications," whose address is also listed for Gresham Books, offering "Glamour Movie Films" and "Adult Readers" books. The reviewer cynically suggests the initials "TNT" stand for "Torture, Nudity and Twaddle." A note indicates a third issue appeared in March, with content similar to the first two, including topics like "Crowley, law of the lash, death in voodoo village, encounter with devil, and rape wedding in New Guinea."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "The Ley Hunter" revolve around ancient mysteries, ley lines, archaeological sites, and esoteric knowledge. There is a strong emphasis on the connection between ancient civilizations, their practices, and the natural landscape, particularly through the concept of ley lines. The magazine appears to adopt a serious yet accessible tone, exploring subjects like the Wryley Stones, Inca civilization, and the symbolism of standing stones. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena and historical enigmas, encouraging reader participation and discussion, as evidenced by the "Readers' Forum" and the call for contributions for "Mysterious Britain."

This document is a review of an issue of the magazine "Glamour Movies", identified by the number "10". The reviewer criticizes the magazine's treatment of witchcraft, suggesting it is superficial and potentially extends to other topics like Buddhism, citing an example of a sexual sacrifice offered to Buddha. The reviewer notes that the magazine's information on witchcraft history is readily available in public libraries and criticizes its outdated information, such as referring to the closed Museum of Witchcraft at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, while unaware that its proprietor, Mr. Cecil H. Williamson, has since opened a new Witchcraft Museum at Boscastle, Cornwall.

The magazine reportedly includes content about "King of the Witches" Alexander Sanders, featuring photos of his cabaret act, and a story about an alleged initiation into a black magic circle in Essex. The reviewer also points out the inclusion of "sickeningly detailed descriptions of torture" and "lots of nudes."

For readers genuinely interested in learning about witchcraft, the reviewer strongly recommends saving the magazine's price (30p.) and purchasing books such as "Witchcraft Today" by Gerald Gardner, "The Witch Cult in Western Europe" and "The God of the Witches" by Margaret Murray, "The White Goddess" by Robert Graves, and "Witchcraft in England" and "A Mirror of Witchcraft" by Christina Hole. The reviewer also suggests seeking out Gerald Gardner's novel, "High Magic's Aid," for its fictionalized magical knowledge. Additionally, the reviewer commends "The Pattern Under the Plough" by George Ewart Evans as a book that depicts "the Old Religion, the Wisecraft of our forefathers" in a rural setting, noting it is available in paperback for 85p.

Erratic Thought: Stonehenge

The document also includes a section titled "Erratic Thought" which discusses a BBC-2 "Chronicle" program. In the program, a Mr. Kellaway defended a theory that Stonehenge was constructed from glacial erratics. The reviewer notes that Glyn Daniel, in his criticism, quoted Geoffrey of Monmouth's assertion that the stones were "brought from the west." The reviewer finds it odd that Daniel quoted Monmouth, who was considered "unscientific," and points out that Monmouth insisted the stones came from Ireland, not Wales. The reviewer also shares a personal observation about a large granite slab in their locality, considered an erratic, which shows no signs of glacial scratching and is described as "active," suggesting that the idea of erratics being dumped and never moved requires further research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance is critical of superficial and sensationalist treatments of subjects like witchcraft, advocating for deeper, more scholarly resources. The reviewer champions traditional and historical perspectives on witchcraft and the "Old Religion." The "Erratic Thought" section demonstrates a skeptical yet curious approach to scientific and historical theories, particularly concerning Stonehenge, and encourages further investigation into geological and historical evidence.