Ley Hunter - 1972 no 34

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 34
Date: August 1972
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Country: United Kingdom
Price: 10p

This issue of The Ley Hunter magazine delves into the mysteries of ley lines, ancient sites, and geomancy, featuring a diverse range of articles and contributions.

Lead-In

The editor, Paul Screeton, introduces the issue, highlighting its "first-class material." He notes R.G. Wood's article on ley dowsing, Tony Roberts' work on Atlantean traditions and geomancy, and contributions from Mollie Carey and Barbara Crump on ancient sites. The editor also mentions an article by Alan Cohen, which originated as a letter, and replies from Patrick Benham and John Michell concerning Michell's book "City of Revelation." The September issue is promised to feature an article on Ivinghoe Beacon by Ross Nichols.

Ley Dowsing by R.G. Wood

R.G. Wood expresses concern that ley hunters have largely ignored the dowsing rod. He explains his method of dowsing ley lines, describing the reaction as four positive triads and a central negative triad. He further details a pattern that extends beyond the ley itself, composed of two double positive triads that reticulate and terminate in 3½ coil spirals, with single negative triads also terminating in spirals. These patterns form a lattice of alternate positive and negative lines. Wood states that leys pass from blind spring to blind spring and that map alignments of man-made objects often correspond to leys. He uses leys as a quick method for locating blind springs, noting that most leys are short and terminate at blind springs, where no ley is apparent.

The Scottish Megaliths: A study of landscape geomancy by Anthony Roberts

Anthony Roberts explores Scotland's rich heritage of stone monuments, focusing on the work of Professor Alexander Thom. Thom's meticulous study revealed the incredible constructional design and mathematical accuracy of these structures, which were not primitive but incorporated complex geometrical principles. The monuments were aligned using circles, arcs, and ellipses, oriented along leys, and aligned with celestial bodies. Roberts emphasizes that this level of sophistication required advanced thought and technology, suggesting it was not the work of "primitive barbarians." He discusses how geometrical methods, including right-angled triangles and proportionately developing radii, were employed. The initial step in building these sites involved divination of precise locations based on astronomical influences and terrestrial currents. Roberts highlights that Pythagoras's theories of geometry, though rediscovered later, were likely based on earlier knowledge, possibly from Atlantean druids. The basic figure in megalithic geometry is the triangle, and the Pythagorean theorem is fundamental. John Michell's book "The View Over Atlantis" is cited for its examination of stone geometry and the discovery of a "megalithic unit of measurement" (a yard of 2.72 feet) used to construct ellipses and circles with specific ratios.

Roberts further elaborates on the scientific abilities of prehistoric man, stating that they were the intellectual equals of modern humans. He argues that the perfection of construction and orientation of megalithic sites negates the idea of them being mere "cult objects" for placating nature spirits. The stones, mounds, and leys, as analyzed by Watkins, Thom, and Michell, reveal a once superb culture. Roberts places this culture in a "late and post Atlantean context," suggesting that such scientific sensitivity could only arise from accumulated knowledge passed down over centuries. He points to the sophisticated design of Scottish stone circles like Callanish and Moel ty Ucha, where Thom discovered a science of exact, geometric astronomy, a legacy from "vanished magicians of prehistory" possibly originating from Atlantis.

Roberts notes that these sites were often oriented to the Summer and Winter Solstice or the rising and setting of the Pleiades, linking them to Atlantean myths of cataclysms and "Giant Sky Gods." He argues that understanding megalithic architecture requires delving into myths and legends, as prehistoric people understood the direct effects of the cosmos on their world and utilized energies through stone instruments and ley systems. Predicting lunar and solar eclipses was crucial for maintaining the balance of terrestrial energy cycles.

Roberts concludes that the monuments in Britain are thousands of years older than previously suspected. The Scottish monuments interlock into a tighter grid-system, making their function easier to decipher. He laments the destruction of monuments elsewhere in Britain. Thom's work shows that Scottish sites have definite functions within a unified landscape geometry, oriented to solar and lunar observations. The stones are aligned with celestial positions and geomantically shaped landscapes. Analysis of sited declinations yields mathematical values for the moon's orbit, parallax, and azimuth, matching modern deductions. Prehistoric astronomers accurately predicted lunar eclipses using patterned stone rows as computers, a feat overlooked by orthodox archaeologists.

Ley-Lines Between Wales and the West Country by Barbara Crump

Barbara Crump recounts her visit to Carmarthenshire with the Pendragon Society and the Research Into Lost Knowledge Organisation, seeking a "Zodiac" similar to Glastonbury's. She focused on locating possible ley-lines, identifying ancient "sarms" or "ways" (like "Sarn Helen"), natural tarns, standing stones, and relevant place names. She describes a wooded hill near Llangadog with names like 'Fen Arthur' and 'Pen Arthur-isaf'. Near this hill, she found a Castle Mound, hill fort, standing stones, a buried long barrow, and places named Bethlehem and Gwynfe. She also noted a raised field with tumps and pine trees, two of which appeared to align with a large stone in an adjoining field. These were likely part of a ley-line going north 30° east to a bridge over the Irfon and south-west towards the Gower Peninsula. Crump notes that trees blocked some views but believes it's a place where leys cross.

She mentions another important ley appearing to link Talley Abbey and Pen Arthur with a charming sylvan setting. Crump has evidence that many parts of ley-lines discovered in Wales can be linked directly with leys in Somerset, emanating from Glastonbury Tor, the Black Mountains, and Brecon Beacons. Another ley passes through Penarth, Pomparles Bridge near Glastonbury, and continues through Dorset. A ley coming through Lower Somerset near Watchet passes numerous churches and other marks, and is noted to strike directly through an immense stone called Carreg Fawr near Llangadog, which was difficult to move for road widening.

Crump suggests that further investigation of leys in the area is warranted, particularly by those sensitive to energies or vibrations along ley-lines or at circles and stones. She poses questions about the connection of these energies to lunar or stellar phases and the alignment of the lines, suggesting that independent observation and data collection could reveal new aspects.

Australian Aborigines' Sacred Paths by Alan Cohen

Alan Cohen discusses the traditional religious ritual system of Australian Aborigines, linked to sacred paths traversing their homelands. According to their myths, these paths mark the routes of supernatural ancestors. Magical centers along these paths are where ancestors performed acts that instituted ritual, social forms, and created species. Aborigines re-enact these journeys to remind themselves that their landscape was constructed according to a divine pattern, activating the life-power of these sites and re-entering the "Dream Time" – a state of awareness where they see their identity as archetypal beings integrated into the cosmos.

Cohen notes that ley hunters can learn from the concepts of Australian Aborigines. He highlights the severe impact of white colonialism on Aboriginal culture, leading to a loss of dignity and respect. The Australian government's denial of legal rights to ancestral homelands is a grave threat, as their entire culture and identity depend on these sacred areas. He mentions that industrial enterprises are waiting to "develope" (desecrate) these lands. The organization "ABJAB" has been formed in the UK to support the Aboriginal struggle, and contact information is provided for Carl Canteri and Alan Cohen for those wishing to offer support or obtain further information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ley lines, geomancy, ancient sites, and the interpretation of prehistoric cultures through scientific and mystical lenses. There is a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of landscape, astronomy, and spiritual beliefs. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for the recognition of the sophisticated knowledge and capabilities of ancient peoples, challenging conventional archaeological views, and exploring alternative interpretations of history and human potential. The magazine promotes the idea that ancient sites hold profound knowledge that can be rediscovered and understood through methods like dowsing and geomancy, and by studying myths and legends.

This issue of The Ley Hunter features articles on "ANCIENT FIELDS" by Mollie Carey and a discussion on "THE CANON OF BEING" and "THE CANON WITHIN US" involving Patrick Benham and John Michell. The magazine also includes a "READERS' FORUM" section with contributions from these individuals, and listings for other magazines and books.

Ancient Fields by Mollie Carey

Mollie Carey writes about her interest in ancient and mediaeval field systems, which she discovered while exploring the countryside around Newbould-on-Stour near Stratford-on-Avon. She explains that while Stone and Bronze Age man is easier to find through mounds and monuments, people from later periods left field systems, known as Celtic Fields, often found near Iron Age forts and isolated farms. These fields are best seen when the sun is low in the sky.

Carey shares her personal journey of becoming interested in these "vanished" fields, particularly the well-preserved system at Crimscote. She notes that even though some land was reverting to scrubland, wartime ploughing revealed high-backed ridges imprinted in the heavy clayland, making the old furlongs still visible. She recounts visiting Ditchford Farm, named after a lost mediaeval village, and walking along the 'street' where only earthworks remain.

She learned that not all earthworks are prehistoric and that some of the most mysterious-looking ones are mediaeval. Carey expresses her dismay at a well-known author who published pictures of the mediaeval fields of Crimscote as "mysterious prehistoric earthworks," criticizing the lack of research and on-site verification. She stresses that pictures should not be taken at face value and that archaeologists always visit sites to verify marks.

Carey also mentions that lines on prehistoric sites can sometimes be explained by natural causes after fieldwork and talking to farmers. She recommends "Medieval England: An Air Survey" by Beresford and St Joseph for those interested in mediaeval fields and villages, and "Collins' Field Guide to Archaeology in Britain" by Eric S. Wood for information covering prehistoric to mediaeval times.

Readers' Forum

The Canon of Being by Patrick Benham

Patrick Benham finds it curious that political matters arise in Alan Cohen's commentary on John Michell's "City of Revelation." Benham assumes that contributors to The Ley Hunter accept the principles of the ancient ley system and the idea of a hierarchical social order. He argues that in a natural society without artificial communication, stability is maintained by a rigid, traditional, and authoritarian government. He suggests that the Ancients had to seal their secrets within closed groups of High Initiates for the welfare of their community, relying on magical operations.

Benham contrasts this with Plato's concept of the philosopher being exempt from subservience. He believes we are approaching a time when anarchistic notions of individual cosmic responsibility might be taken seriously, leading to a society of 'philosophers.' He sees the drift away from specialization and the refusal of young people to be typecast as signs of this. However, he disagrees with the suggestion that living by the Canon might lead to totalitarian or fascist situations, stating that understanding the place of the Great Beast 666 in the Canon exposes the nature of dictatorship and tyrannical rule, and that this number must be fused with 1080.

The Canon Within Us by John Michell

John Michell thanks Alan Cohen for his comments but does not entirely accept his objections to Michell's interpretation of the evidence in his book. Michell acknowledges Jung's belief that mandalas are spontaneous creations of the collective unconscious, but argues it's not the whole truth. He states that the evidence for the "true cosmology" (the cosmic temple, New Jerusalem) is perfectly clear and scientifically represents the relationships between the earth, sun, and moon, with dimensions given with perfect accuracy, obviating any possibility of chance coincidence.

Michell is excited by this discovery and urges Alan to re-examine the numerical passages, particularly the diagrams, and decide for himself if this precise model of the universe, demonstrating ancient claims, could be merely the product of an innate idea. He offers two alternative explanations for the synthesis of astronomical, geometrical, and numerical knowledge in prehistoric times: either it was discovered by philosopher-scientists of a great, unrecorded civilization, or it was taught by someone or something of superior knowledge. He finds the latter more satisfactory than Jung's psychological explanation.

Michell believes that the ancient cosmology contains information "impossible" for early men to have known and could have confirmed Jung's more advanced ideas, had Jung been able to study it without jeopardizing his reputation. He notes that The Ley Hunter readers are better placed than Jung to consider these ideas, which are generally considered heretical by neo-Darwinians, Marxists, and other materialistic schools.

Regarding Alan's article on politics, Michell disagrees sharply, stating that not only human society but also nature, from the solar system to the atom, is hierarchical. He explains that in society, there must be a hierarchy of function, with the King providing protection and organization, analogous to the sun. In return, he receives support from the people. He contrasts this with a tyrant who rules for himself and emerges in societies formed on egalitarian hopes rather than hierarchical certainties. He reiterates that the canon is within us.

Michell also addresses Alan's reference to neo-Fascism and the slogan "power to the people," dismissing them as emotive phrases unworthy of comment in The Ley Hunter.

Magazines and Books

The issue lists several magazines: "COSMIC PAPER" (Nos. 2 & 3), "ARCANA" (June 1972), and "GROPE" (No. 2). It also mentions "MANTRA" (No. 3) with articles on Zen, numerology, and ancient legends. Information is provided on how to purchase these publications.

A "MUSHINDO TRAINING MANUAL" is advertised, covering meditation, Zen Okinawan Magic, Tantric Yoga, Chinese Medicine, Macrobiotics, Acupuncture, and ancient legends, with 200 pages available for £2 + 30p p&p.

Assorted secondhand UFO magazines are for sale from Janet Bord.

Back issues of "THE LEY HUNTER" (Nos. 23, 27-33) are available at 72p each plus postage, along with "Mysteries of Ancient Man" by Arthur Lawton.

Noted

John Wheaton, a contributor to The Ley Hunter, is scheduled to lecture on leys and acupuncture meridians at the Acupuncture Associates' Congress in September. Stonehenge is noted as being in the Top 10 most popular monuments, with 550,700 visitors the previous year, ranking sixth in popularity, while London claimed the top four sites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around ancient history, archaeology, and esoteric knowledge, particularly focusing on ancient field systems, ley lines, and the concept of a universal 'cosmic canon.' There is a strong emphasis on the importance of empirical research, on-site verification, and critical thinking, as exemplified by Mollie Carey's critique of misidentified archaeological evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor a non-materialistic, perhaps spiritual or metaphysical, interpretation of history and the universe, as seen in the discussions by Benham and Michell regarding social order, ancient wisdom, and the nature of reality. The magazine also serves as a platform for readers to engage in debate and share their views on these topics.