Ley Hunter - 1973 no 43

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 43
Date: May 1973
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Location: Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, County Durham, United Kingdom

This issue of The Ley Hunter magazine, edited and published by Paul Screeton, explores a range of topics related to ancient mysteries, cosmology, and unexplained phenomena.

Lead-In

The "Lead-In" section introduces the content of the issue, highlighting an article by Paul Devereux, a condensation of his lecture "New Introductions to Ancient Patterns." It also mentions a piece on Brighton by Doreen Valiente, author of "An A.B.C. of Witchcraft Past and Present." Future reviews are announced for books by Patrick Moore and F.W. Holiday. Ian B. Wright's article on UFOs is concluded, and Mary le Masson makes her debut. The editor also appeals for cartoons and notes that the cartoons in this issue are not directly related to the accompanying text.

Articles and Features

Notes Towards a Comprehension of the Prehistoric Cosmology by Paul Devereux

Paul Devereux's article posits that ancient peoples viewed inner and outer reality as a single continuum, integrating psychic experience with the objective universe. He suggests that ancient structures were instruments for understanding and manipulating a subtle energy, possibly for mind-change, manifesting psychic entities (referred to as "gods" or "archetypes"), fertilizing land, or even levitational transport. Devereux critiques the modern "space-age" interpretation of ancient myths as extraterrestrial contact, proposing a more complex understanding of the "interface" between energy and matter. He connects modern phenomena like magical events, mediumism, and UFO sightings to remnants of this ancient knowledge. Devereux notes the increase in UFO sightings in 1967, often occurring in areas of pagan sanctity, and suggests that "ufologists" often ignore this connection in favor of "semi-scientific ramblings."

More About Old Brighton by Doreen Valiente

Doreen Valiente, a resident of Brighton, discusses Patrick Benham's article on the ancient site of Brighton and references J. Foster Forbes' work. She shares notes from Forbes' last lecture, detailing the etymology of Brighton's name (Borstalmaeston, Brighthelmstone) and the significance of "Maes" as a converging point of trackways. Forbes attributed these trackways to the tin trade, mentioning "Portis Adurnae." Valiente also discusses the River Adur and its historical course. She references Stephen F. Annett's research identifying four "Cardinal Points of Britain" connected to Grail legends, suggesting "selig" (holy) for Sussex might relate to this. Valiente identifies Elm Grove in Brighton as an ancient trackway and discusses Old Shoreham Church's reputed pagan site. She touches upon "Old Nick" as a version of Woden and Hermes, and the difficulty of tracing leys in Brighton due to its terrain. She notes the presence of sarsen stones at the Old Steine, possibly from the Goldstone-Dyke Road area, and the Goldstone itself, which she observed resembling a bearded man's head. She speculates on the location of the "Meas" where old trackways converged and mentions earthworks and tumuli on the Downs.

U.F.O. Phenomena & Aircraft Accidents (Part III) "Amoba Contact" by Ian B. Wright

Ian B. Wright's article explores the possibility that alien life forms in our atmosphere might be metallic and potentially dangerous. He cites several incidents: the disappearance of an F89 fighter near Lake Superior after intercepting a radar contact; the disappearance of a Cougar jet fighter near San Francisco; a Comet crashing after flying into a thunderstorm, with indications of being struck; and the disappearances of a Stratocruiser near Tokyo and a Constellation between Cordova and Anchorage. Wright also recounts the disappearance of five Avenger aircraft south of the Bahamas and a Constellation over the Gulf of Guinea. He details an Electra crash near La Guardia where altimeters reportedly read 600ft, and another Electra disintegration in mid-air. Wright suggests that while many accidents have mundane causes, some peculiar circumstances warrant further investigation, possibly through modified magnetometers or by observing atmospheric disturbances.

Editor's Tailpiece

Jimmy Goddard contributes a cutting from The National Tattler about a "Ghost" pulling a plane into the sea in the Bimini Triangle. The article describes a plane experiencing a translucent effect, instruments going crazy, and undersea bands of light, suggesting connections to Atlantis and underwater UFOs. The editor also notes the upcoming publication of a UFO book for children, "Investigating UFOs" by Larry Kettelkamp.

The Birth of the Earth by Mary le Masson

Mary le Masson proposes three ways of healing: herb, word, and knife. She argues that existing societies are only scraping the surface of the world's problems, failing to address negative thinking and operate on ether planes. She draws parallels between human healing through acupuncture and the planet's health, suggesting negative human actions cause planetary disease. Le Masson references the Aetherius Society's transmission of energy and the Cabbalistic Tree of Life, describing a network of energy around the Earth. She uses the analogy of human birth to explain the Earth's "birth," with the ionosphere as the amnion. The Earth, like a newborn, needs to learn to "breathe" by tapping into the life force within the ley system and zodiacal web. She concludes that the Earth and its inhabitants will be "born into reality" through this process.

Swaledale UFO (Northern Echo article by Bob Merrilles of April 24, 1973)

This article reports on three patches of scorched earth found in a triangular pattern behind a hotel in Swaledale, Yorkshire. The discovery followed the hotel owner's wife reporting a red light flying past her bedroom window with a hissing noise. The scorch marks were examined, and photographs were taken. A hotel staff member had previously seen a similar red light, and another incident involved a farmer reporting a hovering object that cut out his car's electrics. The article suggests these events are becoming a regular occurrence in the dale.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Ley Hunter revolve around the interconnectedness of ancient knowledge, natural energies (ley lines), and unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages deeper investigation into these subjects, often questioning conventional explanations and suggesting that modern understanding is incomplete compared to that of ancient civilizations. There is a consistent effort to link modern sightings and events to historical beliefs and practices, particularly those related to paganism and earth energies. The editor, Paul Screeton, actively curates content that explores these fringe topics, inviting contributions and discussions on subjects often dismissed by mainstream science.

This issue of FORTEANA, identified as issue number 10, focuses on paranormal phenomena and Fortean research. The cover story details a peculiar sighting in Leyburn, UK, involving a bright red light that disappeared, described by a local hotel owner as a 'white rubber' object. This incident was reported to the police and passed on to the RAF for investigation. The issue also announces an upcoming convention by The International Fortean Organization (INFO) and discusses the aims of Bob Rickard in fostering a community of Fortean researchers.

UFO Sighting in Leyburn

The main headline on the cover describes a "patch of very bright red light which takes off then disappears." Mr. Joe Roughton, the hotel owner where the event was observed, considered having the "white rubber" object analyzed. The incident was reported to the local police, who forwarded it to the RAF. A report in the April 25 Daily Mail quotes police at Leyburn stating, "We have the object (the white rubber) here, but have no idea what it is. It seems to be made of metal and rubber." They invited anyone who could identify it to come and examine it.

The International Fortean Organization (INFO) Convention

Under the heading "FORTEANA," the magazine announces that The International Fortean Organization (INFO) is holding a convention as a precursor to the centenary of Charley Hoy Fort's birth. The convention is scheduled for August 10-12 in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. Papers are planned on topics such as "Fortean research and sources," "UFOs," "Present cosmological thinking," "Bigfoot," "Archaeology the Acambaro mystery" (by Charles Hapgood), "New England megglithic evidences" (by Andrew Rothovius), "Post-historic survival of mammoths," "Fort's place in philosophical thinking," "Astroarchaeology," and "Ancient astronauts."

Notable speakers include John Keel, John Carlson of Maryland University's Astronomy Department, Al Lopez, A.R.G. Owen (author of "Can We Explain The Poltergeist?"), and Loren Coleman. Jacques Bergier is also contributing a paper titled "Extraterrestrials Yes: UFOs No." The convention's location in the USA makes it likely inaccessible for most in the UK.

However, the most interesting items from the convention are to be reprinted in the INFO Journal. Membership, which includes four quarterly journals, costs £1.70 and can be sent to Bob Rickard at 31 Kingswood Road, Moseley, Birmingham 13 9AN.

Bob Rickard's Newsletter Initiative

Bob Rickard is actively seeking greater cooperation among Fortean researchers. His goal is to produce a monthly newsletter, modeled after "The Ley Hunter," which would reprint clippings, sources, feature a letter column, and serve as a "catalytic function" to connect individuals. This newsletter is intended for "anybody interested in the many mysteries and anomalies and gaps in our knowledge of the universe and the way it manifests around us." Rickard emphasizes that Forteanism is a basic philosophy, not a subject, encouraging an approach free from dogma and orthodoxy. The INFO manifesto is quoted as stating a willingness "...never afraid to voice a loud Bronx xheer (Editor: translation a raspberry) in the direction of any pompous certitude..." Interested individuals are encouraged to write to Bob Rickard.

Reader's Letter: Warminster UFO Newsletter

A letter from Crystal Hogben of Lichfield addresses the perceived changes in the "Warminster UFO Newsletter." Hogben's husband noted that the newsletter "has ceased to cater for the newcomer to the UFO scene." Initially, Hogben disagreed, pointing to the list of sightings available for new researchers. However, after reading issues 39 and 40 of "The Ley Hunters," she began to understand the concern. She cites an article on Wilhelm Reich, which she found "most stimulating," as an example of content that, while valuable, might contribute to an impression that new searching minds could find overwhelming. The letter is continued on page 1.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of FORTEANA demonstrates a clear commitment to exploring anomalous phenomena, particularly UFOs, and promoting Fortean principles. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inclusive, encouraging investigation and discussion without rigid dogma, as evidenced by Bob Rickard's initiative and the INFO manifesto's quote. The magazine acts as a conduit for information, reprinting convention papers and fostering a community through newsletters and journals. There's an emphasis on connecting researchers and providing a platform for diverse perspectives on mysteries and the unexplained.