Ley Hunter - 1972 no 35

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 35, of "The Ley Hunter" magazine, published by Paul Screeton from Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, is a bi-monthly publication dedicated to exploring the connections between ancient sites, ley lines, and various aspects of esoteric knowledge. The magazine aims to provide interesting and unusual articles for its readers, covering subjects from prehistory to metaphysics and esoteric sciences.

Desiderata

The issue opens with a section titled "Desiderata," which presents a philosophical and reflective piece on how to live a peaceful and fulfilling life. It encourages individuals to maintain composure amidst chaos, speak their truth, listen to others, avoid envy, and nurture their spirit. The text emphasizes self-acceptance, the importance of inner peace, and a gentle approach to oneself and others, likening individuals to children of the universe.

Lead-In and Featured Articles

The "Lead-In" section highlights the main articles of the month. It features Ross Nichols, the Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, discussing the Ivinghoe Beacon and its surrounding area. "Circumlipra" contributes on shaped stones and other related topics, and John Bradley writes about Slough's Montem. The issue recommends E.O. Gordon's "Prehistoric London" for further reading on mounds and similar sites, with extensive book reviews promised for this and the next issue.

Ivinghoe Beacon and the Diagonal Ley Across Southern England by Ross Nichols

Ross Nichols details a survey conducted around Ivinghoe Beacon, a prominent hill in the Chilterns. The research, using a pendulum, aimed to identify active centres of power and their periods. While Ivinghoe Beacon itself did not register as a power centre, Ivinghoe Church showed a startling degree of natural power, leading to the investigation of a WSW-ENE line. The survey found that many expected sites, such as Aylesbury and Leighton Buzzard, showed little or no power, while others like Kings Langley registered strongly. A list of tested sites with their power readings (indicated by asterisks) is provided, including Tring, Combe Hill, Cymbeline's Hill, Bodington, Whiteleaf Cross, Boscombe Hill, Ellesborough, Belmont Hill, Longdown Hill, Chinnor Hill, Aston Hill, Bald Hill, Sherburn Hill, and Watlington.

Nichols also discusses experiments on lines extending beyond the Chilterns, noting that power sites were more frequent in the south. He mentions Whiteleaf's potential power due to an oaktree and Watlington as a beauty spot. Further investigations explored directions from Ivinghoe Beacon, including a line to the SW that revealed old power sites, and a NW to SE line that was largely negative except for Wing Church and Kings Langley. The article touches upon the historical activities along the Icknield Way, including trading and fighting, and suggests that this activity might integrate with the earth's natural energy flows. The author posits that man himself could be a main agent in channeling these forces.

Remarkably, the article identifies a significant ley-line running approximately 27° N of E (or 64° from Lands End) to Lowestoft Head. This line is described as potentially the most remarkable single ley-line in Britain. It connects various significant locations, including the "Squirrel Track" (Icknield Way), St Michael's Church, Ogbourne St George, Avebury, Glastonbury's Michael Tower, and Creech St Michael. The line extends south to Bodmin Moor, north of St Michael's Mount, and ends at Land's End. Another direction of this ley cuts through Bury St Edmund's, Ixworth, Palgrave, Diss, and Hopton.

The article also mentions other significant sites and their connections, such as The Hurlers on Bodmin Moor, Berkhampstead Castle, and the alignment of churches on The Mump. It references Alfred Watkins's theories on the connections between Stonehenge, Avebury, and other sites, linking them to planetary deities.

The research was conducted with the assistance of dowser Mr Bernard Kell.

Salt Hill, The Montem and Stabmonks by John Bradley

John Bradley writes about Salt Hill, a round barrow near his childhood home, also known as The Montem Mound or Montem Hill. He details the Festival of the Montem, which took place annually until 1759 and triannually until 1847. This festival involved a procession of boys and masters from Eton College who would accost travellers on the Bath road near the mound, demanding a 'salt' toll, with the profits going to the college Captain.

Bradley then delves into the local history of Chalvey, whose residents are known as 'Stabmonks'. He recounts a tale explaining this title, involving an organ grinder and a monkey. However, he notes that a carved effigy, once believed to be of the monkey, was later identified by a local historian as a 'pagan' fertility symbol, possibly a shrivelled new-born calf.

Returning to Salt Hill, Bradley suggests that the 'Stabmonk' effigy might have been carried in the Montem procession, raising the possibility that the festival itself had a fertility theme. He notes that the barrow lies on a long straight line passing through several locations in the east (Cowley Church, Horsenden Hill, Parliament Hill, Cockerells, Hutton) and west (White Waltham, Sonning Church, Caversham Church, Sulham Church). He concludes by questioning whether the Festival of the Montem was a survival of an earlier festival aimed at celebrating and diffusing fertility and energy stored in the barrow.

The Atlantean, Quest, and TORC

• Brief descriptions are provided for three other publications:
• The Atlantean: A bi-monthly magazine focusing on the unity of diverse aspects of existence, with contributors covering subjects from prehistory to metaphysics and esoteric sciences. It is described as an occult magazine that is different, with sample copies available for 15p.
• Quest: Offers a subscription of 75p for four issues, with copies sent as they are published.
• TORC: A friendly mystic magazine, published bi-monthly from Avalon House, with sample copies costing approximately 8p.

Book Reviews and Exhibitions

Exchange Books

A section lists books for sale in new condition, with prices indicated. Titles include "Chariots of the Gods" by Eric von Daniken, "Pyramidology Book I" by Adam Rutherford, "Two Short Accounts of Psychoanalysis" by Sigmund Freud, "Did Man Get Here by Evolution or by Creation?", "Vincent Van Gogh" by W. Uhde, "Leonardo da Vinci," and a book on the "British Museum, London."

Alfred Watkins Exhibition

An exhibition of the photographic works of Alfred Watkins is announced at The New Photographers' Gallery in London. The exhibition marks the publication of "Alfred Watkins of Hereford: His Life and Pioneer Work" and the sixth edition of "The Old Straight Track." Allen Watkins's book is available in a signed limited edition, and "The Old Straight Track" is also offered.

Miscellany

• This section includes several short notes:
• A mention of "Oracle of Albion, No. 2" containing articles on runes and "Z Northumbrian Zodiacs" by Paul Screeton.
• Publicity for Garnstone Press.
• A preview of upcoming articles in "The Ley Hunter," including contributions from Philip Heselton and Jimmy Goddard.
• Information on the "WARMINSTER UFO NEWSLETTER," which covers UFOs in both physical and supraphysical terms.

Book Reviews I: Woodhenge to Woodstock

This section reviews C.A. Burland's book "Echoes of Magic," which studies seasonal festivals and their relation to leys, corn dollies, maypoles, solstices, equinoxes, and sacrifice. The review discusses the concept of an "alternative form of culture" presented at rock festivals, drawing parallels to ancient fairs and the revival of eroticism. It explores the similarities between psychedelic happenings, ceremonial magic, and prehistoric practices.

The review breaks down these connections into categories: Sight (ceremonial magic, happenings, Neolithic), Sound (ceremonial magic, happenings, Neolithic), Smell (ceremonial magic, happenings, Neolithic), Taste (ceremonial magic, happenings, Neolithic), Touch (ceremonial magic, happenings, Neolithic), and Mind (ceremonial magic, happenings, Neolithic).

It highlights how Neolithic people might have used hallucinogens, music, and natural substances. The review acknowledges the difficulty in fully picturing the lives of megalith builders but emphasizes the value of folklore and "superstition" in understanding ancient traditions. It notes that sensitives often disagree on the functions of ancient sites.

The review concludes by suggesting that ordering one's life according to the seasons and the path of the sun could lead to cosmic humanism.

Book Reviews II: Into the Occult

This section reviews Peter Underwood's book "Into the Occult." The reviewer praises Underwood's sincere and honest approach to occult subjects for the general reader, commending his scientific approach to ghosts and psychism. The review notes that the book covers the territory of the occult with clarity and objectivity. It expresses disappointment that the witchcraft section was singled out for its sexual content in a syndicated review, clarifying that sex is indeed prominent in poltergeist and mediumistic activities but is handled by Underwood without sensationalism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "The Ley Hunter" are ancient sites, ley lines, folklore, and esoteric beliefs. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet analytical approach, presenting research and theories from various contributors while also encouraging personal reflection and a connection to natural energies and ancient traditions. The editorial stance, as suggested by the "Desiderata" section and the overall content, leans towards a holistic understanding of life, emphasizing peace, self-awareness, and the integration of ancient wisdom with modern life. There is a clear interest in the potential energetic properties of the landscape and the historical practices of ancient cultures.

This issue of The Ley Hunter, identified by its 'Book Reviews III' section and a publication date around May 1972 (based on a review date), focuses on literary reviews within the paranormal and esoteric fields. The magazine appears to be a UK-based publication, as indicated by the currency (£) and location references.

Book Reviews

"The Cleveland Way" by Alan Falconer

The review highlights Alan Falconer's book, "The Cleveland Way," which focuses on the North Yorkshire Moors and the theory of ley lines. The reviewer shares a personal connection to the area and Falconer's work, noting that Falconer pays tribute to Alfred Watkins's theories. The book is described as being written for the Countryside Commission and is considered invaluable for walkers of the North Yorkshire Moors. The reviewer also mentions that the maps alone are worth the price of the book, and its cover is rain-resistant. Falconer recommends "The Green Popinjays" by Eleanor Fairburn for insights into the area in the Middle Ages.

Wilhelm Reich

A significant portion of the reviews is dedicated to the work of Wilhelm Reich. The issue discusses his theories on the orgasm, the orgone accumulator, and flying saucers. His books, particularly "Listen, Little Man!," are described as challenging and aimed at stripping away vanities to awaken positive aspects. The review notes that Reich's ideas, while sometimes misunderstood as fascist or idealist, are presented as a clear statement about primal cosmic energy and human nature. His relationship with Freud and his interest in Carl Jung's critic are also mentioned. The reviewer suggests that while not everything Reich claims may be acceptable, his work offers "much food for thought."

"ANNOUNCING THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD" by Mary Stanton

This book is identified as British Israelite literature, filled with Bible quotes. The foreword by Mary Stanton explains a delay in publication due to a hospital stay for foot surgery.

"Alternative London" & "Survival Guide for Strangers" by Nicholas Saunders

These two books, distributed by TANDEM, are reviewed positively for their relevance to readers of The Ley Hunter. They offer information on esoteric groups, magazines, and practical advice for those aged 16-30 in the city, covering topics like living cheaply, jobs, political groups, health, law, bargains, and the mystical scene. The reviewer notes that a significant portion of information is unique to each book and commends them for being "not entirely capital oriented."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes related to ley lines, paranormal phenomena, esoteric beliefs, and alternative lifestyles. The reviews suggest an editorial stance that is open to unconventional ideas, particularly those that challenge mainstream thinking, as seen in the detailed discussion of Wilhelm Reich's work. There is a clear interest in historical and geographical connections, as exemplified by the review of "The Cleveland Way."