Ley Hunter - 1972 no 37

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 37
Date: November 1972
Publisher: Paul Screeton

This issue of "The Ley Hunter" delves into ancient sites, astronomical interpretations, and esoteric theories, with a particular focus on Stonehenge and prehistoric landscapes in Britain.

Reviews

SKYWAYS & LANDMARKS by J.A.D. Wedd

This review discusses the republished essay by Tony Wedd, which connected leys and UFOs. The reviewer notes that Wedd's work, predating John Michell's "dragon paths" theory, was influential in bringing ley awareness to public consciousness. Wedd, a proponent of extraterrestrial contact, linked flying saucer sightings to ley points. The reviewer acknowledges that while orthoteny (UFO alignments) is now considered a minor aspect of leyology, Wedd's essay remains a fascinating exploration of the UFO connection with prehistoric alignments.

MAGIC: AN OCCULT PRIMER by David Conway

This review is critical of David Conway's book, stating that while its aims are commendable, the result is disappointing. The reviewer notes that the book intermingles "rubbish" with straightforward information, potentially misleading uninformed readers. The review quotes another reviewer who found the book to be a "joke in bad taste" and criticizes its failure to accurately represent Wilhelm Reich's work.

HAWKINS IN PERSPECTIVE by John Richardson

This extensive article critically examines Gerald S. Hawkins' theories on Stonehenge, particularly as presented in his book "Stonehenge Decoded." The author, John Richardson, draws heavily on the critiques of R.J.C. Atkinson and others.

Hawkins' "Stonehenge Decoded" Thesis

Hawkins' central argument, presented in his 1963 NATURE article and later book, was that Stonehenge functioned as a sophisticated astronomical computer and calendar. He proposed that alignments of stones, particularly the station stones and trilithons, were used to predict solar and lunar events, including eclipses.

Critiques of Hawkins' Methods and Conclusions

Richardson highlights several criticisms leveled against Hawkins:

• Accuracy of Measurements: Atkinson points out that Hawkins' definition of sunrise/sunset as the point where the disc is tangent to the horizon lacks historical support and that his error margins (plus or minus 20) are unrealistic.
• Mixing of Periods: Hawkins is accused of mixing stones from different periods of Stonehenge's construction (e.g., station stones with Stonehenge I alignments), which archaeologists argue belong to different phases.
• Data Selection: Critics like Atkinson suggest Hawkins selectively chose alignments and points, ignoring evidence that contradicted his theories. The probability of his claimed alignments occurring by chance was calculated to be extremely low, but critics argue that with a more comprehensive analysis of all possible alignments and stone holes, the probability increases significantly.
• Reliability of Plans: The plans used by Hawkins were noted as potentially unreliable, and many stones had been disturbed over time.
• Horizon Factor: The crucial role of the horizon in determining sighting directions was not adequately accounted for by Hawkins.
• Natural Origin of Holes: Some stone holes that Hawkins used were considered by archaeologists to be of natural origin.
• The "Computer" Theory: Hawkins' idea that the 56 Aubrey holes served as a computer was also questioned. The varying sizes of the holes and the practicalities of rotating stones to predict eclipses were debated.
• Collaboration with J.B. White: The book "Stonehenge Decoded" is described as an elaboration of Hawkins' earlier work, with White's contribution in the preface acknowledging his amateur interest and "imaginary" research.

Archaeological Counterarguments

Archaeologists like Atkinson and Miss Hawkes emphasized that the neatness of the plans might be due to the Ministry of Works' marking, not actual prehistoric precision. They also pointed out the inconsistent dimensions of the Aubrey holes.

Fred Hoyle's Contribution

Fred Hoyle, while agreeing with the eclipse prediction theory, argued that a large circle was unnecessary for such calculations and that Hawkins' counting system was not verifiable by prehistoric builders. He suggested a "Neolithic Einstein or Newton" might have been involved in Stonehenge I, but that this intelligence was lost by Stonehenge III.

Newham's and Newall's Skepticism

Mr Newham, an expert on Stonehenge's astronomical interpretation, was critical of Hoyle's theories. Mr Newall was convinced that alignments involving the F, G, and H holes should be discounted and was skeptical of most sarsen alignments.

Overall Assessment

Despite the criticisms, the article concludes that no one has definitively demolished the general thesis that Stonehenge incorporated some astronomical alignments. However, the author laments that Hawkins' failure to refine his arguments and his condescending tone towards the popular press hinder effective communication.

Editor's Note on Richardson's Thesis

The editor adds a note that Richardson's thesis covers more ground and raises additional points:

1. Professor Thom's Avoidance: It questions Professor Thom's "studious avoidance" of Stonehenge.
2. Ancient Man Theories: It summarizes theories from Thom, Marshack, Critchlow, Guy Underwood, Michell, and Watkins on ancient man, noting that some non-orthodox researchers may have misused facts. It also recounts a TV interview where a geologist's theory about stones being deposited by glaciation was countered by archaeological evidence and historical accounts.
3. Call for Unity: Richardson calls for researchers to cease arguing and collaborate.
4. Thom's Quote: It reiterates Thom's advice not to assert that people of the past could not have known or done certain things.

ANCIENT DORCHESTER by Mollie Carey

This article explores ancient sites in and around Dorchester, Dorset, highlighting their importance in prehistoric times.

Maiden Castle

A friend of the author's, who is psychic, found Maiden Castle to be strangely "dead" and felt she was in the wrong place. The Neolithic enclosure on the hill has a long mound and three burials, suggesting it might have been a cattle roundup site rather than a permanent settlement.

Iron Age Fortifications

The hill was later fortified with impressive Iron Age ramparts, where Britons were massacred by Romans.

Dorchester Town Sites

Two significant sites are within Dorchester:

• Maumbury Rings: A Neolithic henge converted into a Roman amphitheater. It featured a massive bank over 15ft high and a henge 350ft in diameter with pits 35ft deep.
• Mount Pleasant: A huge circular or oval site on the outskirts, comparable to Durrington Walls. It had a ditch within a bank and a large round barrow (Conquer Barrow) on the west side. Excavated in 1970, it featured a palisade fence and a large timber-built structure (38 meters diameter) later replaced by a stone structure of sarsens. Four pits at the corners of a square were found, with a three-sided sarsen monolith structure.

Other Sites Near Dorchester

• Bronze Age Axe: A bronze axe was found in the Neolithic layer at Mount Pleasant, challenging the notion of a non-metal era.
• Eggardon Hill: An Iron Age fort possibly used in the Bronze Age, with two round barrows.
• Litton Cheyney: A possible henge and two circles, one with at least four stones, another with one standing.
• Kingstone Russell: A circle with recumbent stones.
• Winterbourne Abbas: A railed nine stones circle with numerous barrows and standing stones.

Significance of Dorchester Area

The author suggests that the Dorchester area, with its complex of sites, was as important as Stonehenge. The presence of many leys passing over the area is noted.

Personal Experience and Sacrifice

The author recounts a letter from a man who experienced fear at Maiden Castle, feeling he saw someone being chopped up. The archaeological account mentions bodies with limbs chopped off, suggesting possible sacrifice. The author concludes that while the area presents a puzzle, it reveals a mix of primitive and advanced peoples, and Maiden Castle's significance in Neolithic and Bronze Age times was less than initially perceived.

GURDJIEFF & LEY CONSCIOUSNESS?

This section presents an extract from "Our Life With Mr Gurdjieff" by Thomas de Hartmann, detailing an experience of Gurdjieff and his pupils in the Caucasus.

Gurdjieff's Discovery of Dolmens

While traveling between Essentuki and Sochi, Gurdjieff and his pupils encountered peasants who knew of dolmens in the mountains. They found a dolmen described as a "heavy stone box, seven or eight feet square, hollowed from a single rock," with a large flat stone cover and a hole about ten or twelve inches in diameter. The dolmen was empty. Gurdjieff theorized that these dolmens might have been road signs pointing the way to places of initiation.

Further Dolmen Discoveries

They subsequently found two more dolmens, one covered in grass and bushes, and another with a broken stone cover. Gurdjieff took measurements and determined a direction for them to follow through the woods.

READERS' LETTERS

Philip Jones Writes:

Philip Jones expresses concern about what he perceives as a "blinkered editorial" in a previous issue that dismissed conventional archaeology. He argues for the value of traditional archaeological techniques, even while acknowledging the "lunatic fringe." Jones believes that understanding man's evolving relationship with his environment and the degeneration of cultures through their artifacts is crucial for finding models for the future. He criticizes the dismissal of the chronological order of ages (e.g., Iron Age following Bronze Age) as irrelevant if one is only interested in "romantic speculation and the perpetuation of myths."

Jones also discusses the limitations of archaeological methods and the importance of precise measurements, geometric analyses, intuition, and psychic investigations, citing examples like Sir Frederick Bligh Bond.

Recommendation for "Prehistoric London"

Jones recommends E.O. Gordon's "Prehistoric London," exploring theories about a Pythagorean triangle of sanctuaries in London, including Parliament Hill, Tothill, Penton, and White Mount (Tower of London). He notes that some of these sites have questionable connections to prehistoric times, with Penton being a 1773 development.

Salt Hill and Chalvey Monkey

Jones references an article on Salt Hill and the Chalvey Monkey, suggesting the effigy represented the infant Dionysus Sabazius with a calf's head, but finding no evidence it was carried in the Eton Montem procession.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "The Ley Hunter" consistently explores the intersection of ancient sites, esoteric beliefs, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor unconventional interpretations of history and archaeology, as evidenced by the critical reviews of mainstream archaeological approaches and the positive engagement with theories linking ancient sites to ley lines, UFOs, and mystical practices. There is a clear interest in challenging established narratives and exploring alternative explanations for prehistoric monuments and events. The publication seems to cater to an audience interested in ufology, ancient mysteries, and alternative history.

This issue of The Ley Hunter, identified as issue number 10, features a collection of articles, reader contributions, and book reviews. The content spans historical accounts, mythological interpretations, and explorations of esoteric and paranormal phenomena.

Chalvey and Ancient Traditions

The issue begins with a discussion of the Chalvey procession, drawing parallels to ancient cults like that of Dionysus in Rome and Ceres. It speculates on the origins of this tradition, suggesting it might have survived from the native Belgic population of Roman Britain or been influenced by nearby monastic institutions in the medieval period. The area around the Winsor reaches of the Thames is noted as being rich in folklore and legend, with mentions of diverse traditions such as the Sidehill Winder, Hermes the Hunter, the Blue Mist of Bisham, St Anne's Hill, and the Grey Lady.

The village of Chalvey itself is introduced, first mentioned in 1227 as Chalfeye, a Saxon name meaning "calf island." Another name, "Stab Monkey," is explored for its possible derivations from "Sab-azius" or the Welsh word "myn-cig" for young kids' flesh.

Cosmology and the 'Cosmic Canon'

A reader, identified as having read an exchange with Al Cohen and John Michell, expresses dissatisfaction with the conclusion in "City of Revelation" that the "cosmic Canon" was received whole and at one time. The reader argues that man could have derived this understanding from observing the earth and solar system, rather than solely from visitors from the sky. This perspective is supported by Prof. Thom's observations on cup and ring markings at megalithic sites, suggesting ancient peoples could translate knowledge to smaller scales, and by the understanding of logarithmic proportions in ox horns, indicating close observation of the microcosmic order.

Reader Contributions and Corrections

John Bradley writes in to offer corrections regarding "Prehistoric London," specifically concerning Salt Hill. He notes that Chalvey is a village in its own right, a few miles away, and that the print showing the hill is smaller than depicted. He also questions the relationship between the Montem Festival and "Hilles" at Winchester, suggesting it's not as straightforward as Mr. Gordon suggests.

Mary Stanton writes in response to a mention of her book "The Resurrection of the Dead." She clarifies that it is not British Israelite literature and that official British Israelite bodies oppose her views. She states that the ultimate standard of knowledge is the Bible in its original languages.

Book Reviews

"The Eternal Man" by Louis Pauwels & Jacques Bergier

This review positions the book as a mature picture of ancient man's capabilities, contrasting it with the more infantile speculations of von Daniken. The reviewer finds the book to be a solid, reasoned factual account but is disappointed by its lack of original, challenging ideas. Pauwels and Bergier are described as erudite researchers who have explored familiar ground concerning topics like the Piri Reis Map, Stonehenge, pyramids, and extraterrestrials.

"Mysteries From Forgotten Worlds" by Charles Berlitz

Berlitz's book is also reviewed, covering topics such as Bimini, Mystery Hill, Stonehenge, pre-Columbian voyages, and the Piri Reis map. The reviewer notes that both books challenge the notion that Rome and Greece were the earliest civilizations and effectively rebut evolutionism. The books are praised for their sane and sound presentation and non-sloppy writing.

"Journeys Out of the Body" by Robert A. Monroe

This review focuses on Monroe's book as a milestone in the study of astral projection and out-of-the-body experiences. The author, an American businessman, recounts his own verified experiences and provides step-by-step instructions on how to achieve them. The book is described as a serious and practical study that avoids wild or incredible claims, and it is noted that Dan Butcher has written articles for "The Ley Hunter" on possible links between astral vehicles, UFOs, and leys.

The View Over Albion

This column, by the "Long Man of Wilmington," touches on UFOs, inspired by Erich von Daniken's "Chariots of the Gods?" It mentions Paul St John's solo disc on the theme "Flying Saucers Have Landed," and references Steve Allen's "Life On Mars." It also notes a connection to the number 22 and mentions a "Cerne Abbas Giant" and Bill Elmhirst of Dartington Solar Quest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of ancient civilizations, alternative cosmologies, and the critique of mainstream archaeological and evolutionary dogma. There is a clear interest in challenging established narratives and presenting evidence for advanced ancient knowledge and phenomena beyond conventional understanding. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry into these subjects, providing a platform for reader contributions and reviews of books that align with these interests.