THE LEY HUNTER

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 40
Date: February 1973

This issue of The Ley Hunter magazine, edited and published by Paul Screeton, focuses on themes related to ley lines, ancient games, and the controversial scientific work of Wilhelm Reich.

Miscellany

The 'Miscellany' section notes the release of a new album by the pop group Hawkwind, 'Doremi Fasol Latido', which features lyrics about orgone accumulators. The lyrics to a song titled 'LORD OF LIGHT' are printed, touching on themes of energy, journeys, and unity.

Appeal for Articles

The Ley Hunter appeals for "grassroots" ley articles, seeking descriptions of leys and personal experiences walking along them.

Books by Cyril Davson

Information is provided on two books by Cyril Davson presenting Karl Schappeller's work: 'THE COSMOS IS QUALITATIVE' (£2) and 'THE PHYSICS OF THE PRIMARY STATE OF MATTER' (£3). These are available from Elverton Books.

The Little Green Man by Circumlibr

This article recounts a personal encounter with a small, green-clad being in the Derwent Valley, England. The narrator describes climbing a hill near Alderwasley and meeting a creature about four feet tall with a pointed hat, whose color blended with the grass. The being claimed to be a man and explained its work involved breaking down decaying materials for plants. The narrator reflects on the nature of this being, questioning if it was an elemental or a human soul in development, and ponders the implications of such an encounter for understanding different levels of matter and existence.

Nine Men's Morris: A Game with an Inner Meaning? by Doreen Valiente

Doreen Valiente explores the ancient game of Nine Men's Morris (also known as Merelles), noting its presence in Shakespeare's works and its ancient origins, with examples found in Karnak, Egypt, and on the Isle of Man. She discusses the game's design, consisting of concentric squares and points, and suggests it holds an inner, esoteric meaning. Valiente connects the game's elements—the number three, the two opposing sides symbolizing duality, and the nine 'men'—to Celtic traditions, Druidic lore, and possibly the concept of leys. She also references Henry Dudeney's work on the game and its connection to the 'Eight Ways to the Centre' and the Great Pyramid.

Wilhelm Reich by Leslie Marr

This extensive article provides a biographical and scientific overview of Wilhelm Reich, a controversial figure whose work spanned multiple disciplines including psychology, medicine, physics, and cosmology. Marr highlights Reich's paradoxical nature, his constant conflict with the 'Establishment', and the vast scope of his research.

Reich's key contributions discussed include:

• Character Analysis: Developed as an alternative to Freud's free association, focusing on patient defenses and muscular tensions ('character armour').
• Orgasm Reflex: Reich's theory that sexual frustration and muscular tensions blocked the natural orgasm reflex, which could be restored by breaking down these tensions.
• Cosmic Orgone Energy (Life Force): Discovered in 1939, Reich believed this energy was present everywhere and could be collected using an 'Orgone Accumulator'.
• Bion Experiment & Abiogenesis: Reich claimed to demonstrate the production of living organisms ('Bions' or 'Plasmatic Flakes') from sterile substances, a concept he termed Abiogenesis, challenging established scientific theories.
• Biopathies: Diseases, particularly cancer, which Reich linked to the frustration of the natural 'four beat rhythm of life' (Tension-Charge-Discharge-Relaxation).

The article details Reich's persecution, including the burning of his books and his death in prison, contrasting it with a later revival of interest in his work through films and academic study. It also notes the anticipation of his findings by Dr. Charlton Bastian, who published similar research decades earlier but was also dismissed by the scientific establishment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient knowledge, esoteric beliefs, and unconventional science. The articles on ley lines, ancient games, and Wilhelm Reich suggest a focus on hidden histories, alternative explanations for phenomena, and a critical stance towards mainstream scientific and societal establishments. The editorial stance appears to favor 'grassroots' perspectives and the investigation of phenomena outside conventional understanding.

This issue of The Ley Hunter, identified by volume number 10 and a raw date of '10.', focuses on 'The Glastonbury Debate' through its letters section. The magazine appears to be published in the United Kingdom and is in English.

The Glastonbury Debate

The issue opens with a brief mention of Wilhelm Reich and the Orgone Institute, noting that Reich was attacked and accumulators belonging to the institute were ordered destroyed. This is followed by a section dedicated to letters concerning Tony Roberts's article in issue No. 38. The editor notes that one person supported Roberts's view with reservations, while another was congratulatory. Two letters are presented, with the editor stating that no further space will be given to this matter.

Glastonbury - A Catalyst by Nancy Schinaldi

Nancy Schinaldi, a resident of Glastonbury for six years, writes to offer her perspective on the recent criticism directed at the people living there. She describes many who have come to teach and learn, with a philosophy centered on self-understanding ('Man know thyself'). Schinaldi acknowledges that mistakes are made but emphasizes the shared search for truth. She views Glastonbury as one of many catalysts and compares the community to a big family, where good and bad are accepted. She stresses that all are welcome, as nothing belongs to any single sect or group, and encourages those who can set a better example to come and share their home.

Glastonbury: A Personal Statement by Geoffrey Ashe

Geoffrey Ashe expresses his reluctance to speak out against Tony Roberts's previous criticisms but feels compelled to do so due to Roberts's article in The Ley Hunter. Ashe states that Roberts's attack on the Community as a body, rather than individuals, is an oblique attack on himself, as he is responsible for the Community's existence. He explains that the name and informal corporate identity were adopted in response to his suggestion at a meeting in Easter 1972. Ashe has been in contact with Patrick Behham and others involved in running the centre and producing 'Torc'.

Ashe defends his book 'King Arthur's Avalon', first published in 1957, stating its aim was to draw attention to Glastonbury and promote its rebirth. While he would update it now, he believes it remains largely correct. He clarifies that it is not 'underground' or 'alternative' literature but has had a varied appeal. He notes that the book indirectly led to his co-founding the Camelot Research Committee and excavating Cadbury Castle, and co-authoring 'The Quest for Arthur's Britain'. He feels his endorsement of the New Glastonbury Community is based on a long and thorough study.

Ashe condemns Roberts's attempt to portray him as an ally against the group he wholeheartedly supports. He recounts that Roberts once told him his book inspired Roberts's own course. Ashe dismisses Roberts's latest 'farrago of lies and libel' as not deserving a direct answer but insists on repudiating any attempt to use his name in support of it.

Ashe reveals that 'King Arthur's Avalon' is to be re-issued as a paperback in 1973 with a new preface. This preface details the 'real re-awakening' in Glastonbury, starting with the discovery of Avalonian magic by 'junior seekers' (hippies) in the late 1960s. The Glastonbury Fayre in June 1971 brought national publicity, leading to a vigorous flow of 'junior pilgrims'. In Easter 1972, about forty individuals formed the 'New Glastonbury Community', which has since taken root, publishing a magazine and maintaining a centre. Ashe concludes that his book was not written in vain and reiterates his considered view of the New Glastonbury Community.

Ashe also issues a strong objection to Tony Roberts using his name and publications without permission. He states that Roberts does not have his permission to reproduce his copyright material and reserves the right to consult literary agents and take legal action if this occurs.

Joint Metrculation Board "O" Level Paper in Archaeology

The issue includes a humorous 'O' Level Paper in Archaeology from the Joint Metrculation Board, featuring questions such as explaining the rise and fall of the Roman Empire (answer YES or NO), identifying the primary site of Prof. N. Lockyer's book 'Stonehenge', and naming tools from the Stone Age. It also asks for spellings of Avebury, Arbor Low, and Rollright Stones, defines 'fougou', and asks about Prof. Charles Thomas. A particularly playful question asks if the reader would like to wrestle naked in mud with Raquel Welch, Julie Ege, Jaquetta Hawkes, and Marianne Faithfull, requiring three names.

Future Publications and Notable Quotes

The next issue of The Ley Hunter is previewed to include articles on Avebury by Mollie Carey and UFO Phenomena & Aircraft Accidents by Ian B. Wright. A quote from Jane Gaskell's novel 'Summer Coming' is featured, reflecting on childhood fears of 'jealous professors'. The issue concludes with a quote from Sir Harold Bowden: "FACTS THAT ARE NOT FRANKLY FACED HAVE A HABIT OF STABBING US IN THE BACK."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature and perception of the Glastonbury community, the role of spirituality and 'New Age' ideas, and the historical and legendary aspects of Arthurian Britain. The editorial stance, as expressed through the presentation of letters and the editor's brief comments, appears to be one of facilitating debate while also asserting control over the narrative, particularly by closing the discussion on the Glastonbury topic and defending the magazine's integrity against perceived misrepresentation by Tony Roberts. There is also an undercurrent of interest in UFO phenomena and archaeological matters, as indicated by future article previews and the inclusion of the archaeology quiz.