Ley Hunter - 1972 no 36

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Ley Hunter, number 36, dated October 1972, is edited and published by Paul Screeton from Seaton Carew, Hartlepool. It is available for 72p plus postage, with a six-month subscription at 60p and a one-year subscription at £1.20. The U.S.A. price is 50 cents per copy.

New Publications and Reviews

The issue highlights the upcoming publication of MYSTERIOUS BRITAIN by Janet & Colin Bord, scheduled for November 13th by Garnstone Press. The book is described as a comprehensive panorama of British mysteries, including stone circles, standing stones, earthworks, ancient buildings, sacred sites, wells, mazes, leys, UFOs, zodiacs, Arthurian legends, fairies, dragons, the Loch Ness Monster, ghosts, giants, and pagan ceremonies. It features a reading list, index, and a detailed map. Garnstone Press is offering readers of The Ley Hunter a pre-publication price of £4.50 post free.

Additionally, Garnstone Press has released a revised edition of THE VIEW OVER ATLANTIS by John Michell, costing £2.50, which includes new illustrations. Also mentioned is THE BLACK HORSEMEN by S.G. Wildman, of interest to Arthurian researchers. The third issue of ARCANA is noted, covering topics like King's College Chapel, puddingstone track, and William Blake, with a Cambridge v Glastonbury controversy. It costs 30p plus postage from Cokaygne Bookshop.

THE ATLANTEAN, a bi-monthly magazine, is also featured. It covers subjects from prehistory to metaphysics, esoteric sciences, and vegetarianism, offering a broad sense of the occult. A sample copy is 15p post free, with an annual subscription at £1.

Tending – An Awakening Realisation of An Old Responsibility

This article by Philip Heselton explores the concept of 'tending' in relation to ley lines, inspired by David V. Tansley's book RADIONICS AND THE SUBTLE ANATOMY OF MAN. Heselton draws a parallel between Tansley's description of the human etheric body, with its 'nadis' (fine energy threads) and 'chakras' (centres of force), and the ley system. He suggests that ley centres might function similarly, receiving, assimilating, and transmitting cosmic energy.

Heselton posits that the elaborate constructions found at ley centres – stone circles, pine clumps, moats, and mounds – may have been designed to assist in the assimilation of this energy, analogous to how humans use technology like water wheels and reservoirs to control water. He proposes that these marks could act as reservoirs to store power or as devices to draw it off as needed, suggesting a fluctuating power source that might be influenced by daily or seasonal cycles, linking to phenomena like 'The Tides of the Day'.

The article discusses how early man might have classified these energies, possibly through terrestrial zodiacs or the four elements (earth, air, fire, water). The variation in species of trees, rock types, or stone circle spacing could have been attempts to fine-tune the energy flow. The piezo-electric qualities of quartz crystals in stone circles are mentioned as a potential link between stone type and the emanating power.

Heselton suggests that 'tending' – the caring for and maintenance of ley points – might have been an instinctive activity, lost with urbanisation. He believes this practice is crucial for maintaining the flow of cosmic energy and keeping ancient centres in good heart. He recalls visiting King's Caple Tump, a ley centre overgrown with brambles, highlighting the importance of clearing such sites.

He also touches upon 'ritual tending', such as witches raising a cone of power, which can create a concentration of bodily energy to facilitate an even flow of cosmic energy by dispelling blockages. This practice is seen as similar to 'pranic healing' and is considered as natural and necessary as tending food crops.

Heselton laments that this art is in danger of being lost due to centralisation and the rapid changes in economic life, leading to a loss of natural sensitivity to the rhythm of the landscape. He concludes that Alfred Watkins's revelation came at a crucial time to reawaken this sensitivity, encouraging a new understanding and striving to reconnect with old rhythms and ancient centres.

Orientation & The Third Reich

This section, an extract from Ernst Zinner's book "The Stars Above Us", discusses the historical interpretation of prehistoric structures, particularly stone circles, as proto-Germanic observatories. It critiques the Nazi era's attempts to 'prove' the existence of pagan observatories and sacred lines, labelling these as imagined and a waste of time. Zinner argues that with thousands of stone circles and alignments, it's always possible to find patterns that appear to align with celestial risings or settings, which were then used to arbitrarily date structures.

Britain – The Haunted Island

This review by Jimmy Goddard discusses John Harries's book, THE GHOST HUNTER'S ROAD BOOK. The book is described as an atlas of British ghosts, detailing accounts by region with road maps. It explores the theory of 'etheric recordings' by T.C. Lethbridge, suggesting that some ghostly phenomena might be residual imprints. The review highlights cases of spectral coaches, modern vehicles (limousines and lorries), and phantom houses. It also mentions the sound of a wartime 'doodlebug' heard in 1963 and the ghost of a house near South Cadbury hillfort.

The article notes that many ghosts seem to haunt places of ley interest, such as ancient churches, ruined abbeys, and hillforts. Examples include screams and grunts at Uphill hillfort, the ghost of a man in gold at Bryn yr Ellyon, and a luminous figure at Arthur's Stone. The ghost of Brooklands Track, associated with an aircraft factory, is also mentioned.

Back Numbers

A section lists available back numbers of The Ley Hunter, with Nos. 22, 30, 31, 34, and 35 available at 72p + postage, and Arthur Lawton's "Mysteries of Ancient Man" at 10p + postage. Nos. 29 and 33 are in short supply.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interconnectedness of ley lines with ancient sites, esoteric practices, and paranormal phenomena. The magazine appears to champion the exploration of these less conventional aspects of history and landscape, encouraging readers to engage with and 'tend' to these sites. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into subjects often dismissed by mainstream archaeology and science, particularly concerning the interpretation of prehistoric sites and the nature of hauntings.

This issue of The Ley Hunter, identified as Volume 6, Number 3, with a cover date of November 25th (likely 1970s based on context), is published by The Pendragon Society. The magazine focuses on subjects related to ley lines, ancient sites, paranormal phenomena, and esoteric knowledge. The cover features an illustration of a horse-drawn carriage.

Articles and Reviews

Ley Lines and Dowsing

The issue features an article titled "LINES OF THE ELEMENT AIR" by John Legon, which discusses the detection of ley lines. Legon clarifies that while Guy Underwood's work focused on geodetic currents (earth and water), ley lines are of the 'air element' and travel in straight lines. He explains that dowsing for leys requires a specific mental focus on the nature of the current being investigated. The article highlights the correspondence between leys and blind springs, noting that medieval churches and sacred sites are often located over these springs, suggesting a relationship crucial for ley perpetuation. It is proposed that "sacred power centres" are linked by these energies to benefit the country.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed, catering to an audience interested in the unorthodox:

• "THE LIGHT IN BRITAIN" by Grace and Ivan Cooke: Recommended for its exploration of clairvoyance and the origin of ancient centres like Stonehenge. Reviewers describe it as an optimistic book harmonizing with ley hunters' ideas and a valuable resource.
• "THE ILLUMINED ONES" by Grace Cooke: A description of two past lives, one in Egypt and one in the Maya race, illustrated with photographs.
• "THE PATTERN OF THE PAST" by Guy Underwood: This paperback edition is reviewed by Paul Screeton. Screeton acknowledges Underwood's theory of geodetic currents but finds his Uffington Dragon conclusions untenable. He notes that John Griffin criticized Underwood's work as a 'misconception of primitive society,' but Screeton believes Underwood cannot be dismissed so easily. The review mentions Underwood's failure to detect ley power in his original work.
• "ALFRED WATKINS OF HEREFORD" by Allen Watkins: This biography of the discoverer of the ley system is presented with two testimonials. It is praised as a filial, humane, and rational account of Alfred Watkins' life and work, highlighting his qualities of perception and understanding. The book is described as a classic that reveals Watkins as a man of science, not just a crank. The review notes the resistance Watkins faced due to prevailing theories of history and his own statement, "That way madness lies!"
• "THE ANATOMY OF WITCHCRAFT" by Peter Haining: Reviewed by P. Screeton, this book is described as a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of contemporary witchcraft, focusing on the present rather than just historical aspects. It introduces various types of witches and practices worldwide. The reviewer notes Haining's interviews and correspondence as sources, but quibbles about his disbelief in elementals and dismissal of witches' abilities.

Other Content

• Pendragon Society Symposium: Information is provided about a symposium on November 25th, including topics like Pumpsaint Zodiac.
• TORC Magazine: A brief mention of issue number 6, featuring articles on "The Countenance of Michael," zodiacs, and New Age changes.
• QUEST Magazine: A subscription offer for four issues at 75p is presented.
• Bob Rickard's Research: Bob Rickard is seeking information on oriental forms of magic, including Taoist, Confucian, Shinto, Buddhist, and Bon Nag magic.

Editorial Notes

An editor's postscript details excavations in Hartlepool that revealed a medieval graveyard and a 'presence' in a nearby hotel. It also mentions a Grey Lady phantom at St Hilda's Hospital and notes that St Hilda's Church is a ley culmination point.

Next Month's Issue

Future articles will include Mollie Carey on Dorchester and reviews of books by Pauwels, Bergier, Conway, and Berlitz.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded approach to unusual and unorthodox subjects, particularly ley lines and their connection to ancient sites and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and investigation, encouraging readers to consider diverse perspectives. There is a strong emphasis on the work of Alfred Watkins and the ongoing research into ley systems. The reviews suggest an interest in contemporary esoteric practices, such as witchcraft and various forms of magic, alongside historical and archaeological investigations.