Ley Hunter - 1973 no 45

Magazine Overview

THE LEY HUNTER - Issue No. 45, July 1973

This issue of The Ley Hunter, a monthly magazine dedicated to ancient skills, wisdom, leys, and related phenomena, is dated July 1973 and is issue number 45. It is edited and published by Paul Screeton from Hartlepool, County Durham. The magazine aims to provide an information service for those interested in happenings in the environs of Warminster, and not solely cater to the UFO scene.

Editorial and Apologies

The issue begins with apologies from the editor for the delay between issue 44 and 45, reminding readers that the dedication of issues to specific months is fluid, with the primary goal being 12 issues published annually. A note is included for subscribers whose subscriptions may have expired.

Book and Publication Announcements

Two publications are highlighted: "QUICKSILVER HERITAGE," a book on leys, spiritual physics, and ancient skills by Paul Screeton, to be published by Aquarian Publishing Co. (London) Ltd. Additionally, "SOTHIS" is available for purchase at 93p plus postage and packing, from The Editors, "SOTHiS", c/o 346 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1AE.

Reader's Letter

A letter from Ken Rogers, Editor of "Warminster News," responds to a previous letter from Crystal Hogben. Rogers clarifies that "Warminster UFO News" is not exclusively for newcomers to the UFO scene, stating that since its inception in 1971, it has aimed to be more than just another "UFO" publication, serving as an information service for those interested in events occurring around Warminster.

Article: "FOR WHOM WAS THE WEB WOVEN?" -- An Introduction to Ley Hunting by Paul Screeton

Paul Screeton introduces the theory of prehistoric trackways, known as leys, which connect ancient sites like stone circles, standing stones, dolmens, mounds, and camps. He references Alfred Watkins, who in 1921, discovered these alignments on maps and traced them as perfectly straight lines. Watkins found evidence of paving stones and presumed they were ancient tracks, possibly for traders. However, he was puzzled by geometrical arrangements and leys passing through difficult terrain. Screeton emphasizes that while Watkins focused on the physical aspect of leys, their esoteric meaning is also significant. He suggests that verifying leys is simple: by drawing circles around prehistoric sites and churches on an Ordnance Survey map, one can find numerous alignments beyond mathematical probability. Screeton posits that leys have a spiritual basis, representing lines of life force that connect to sites of psychic energy, potentially leading to experiences with elementals or even UFOs. He describes leys as "veins of a life force" that crystallized around the globe, influencing perceptions and potentially magnifying ley power.

Article: A Ley From Warminster to Glastonbury by Jimmy Goddard

Jimmy Goddard details a ley running between Warminster and Glastonbury. He recounts visiting several points along this ley during a holiday. The ley passes through St. Augustine's Church, Addlestone, and several sites in the Warminster area, including the 14th-century parish church and a tumulus on Cley Hill. Goddard notes a feeling of energy at Cley Hill, though less joyous than at Glastonbury Tor. He describes the ley's path through various landmarks, including a church north of Longleat, a trigulation point, and a milepost on Beard Hill, before reaching Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well, and Wearyall Hill. Goddard also traces the ley's continuation through London, passing sites like St. Augustine's Church, Addlestone, and Crouch Oak Lane. He highlights St. Augustine's Church as a "ley enigma," noting its modern construction and unusual design, with roof angles similar to the Great Pyramid, suggesting a potential magnification of ley power.

Article: POINTERS TO AN ELUSIVE GIANT by Ian Wright

Ian Wright investigates possible "ley" alignments in North Hertfordshire, particularly around Baldock, which he associates with hill figures. The area is situated on the Icknield Way and intersects with a Roman highway. Archaeological excavations have revealed significant pre-Roman occupation and an Iron Age "chieftain's" burial site. Wright focuses on the "Weston Hills" south of Baldock, which he believes are central to several alignments. He describes a ley alignment heading north from these hills through Baldock church, continuing along a Roman road, and passing two hill fort camps. He notes that the new motorway section of the Great North Road is on this alignment. Wright also discusses the "hill figure" subject, mentioning examples like Uffington and Bledlow, and suggests that similar figures may have existed on the Weston Hills. He recounts the local legend of a "Weston Giant" named "Jack-o-legs," who robbed the rich to give to the poor. The legend is perpetuated by "Jack's Hill Cafe." Another legend speaks of a "giant" sleeping beneath the Weston Hills. Wright suggests that the name "Baldock" might have pagan origins, possibly relating to the god Baal.

Article: SERPENTINE ENIGMAS by Paul Screeton

Paul Screeton draws attention to serpentine trackways, referencing one in France and comparing it to the one at Avebury and serpent mounds in Scotland and Ohio. He describes a serpentine line of stones in Brittany, winding for eight kilometers from the Riviere de Crach to the sea coast at St. Barbe. He notes that while the avenues are not continuous, stones always guide the investigator. Near Kermario, a hillock with stone avenues, including an 11-foot menhir, has been associated with serpents. Archaeological digs in 1923 revealed five carved serpents on the base. Brigadier General William Sitwell is quoted as claiming the serpentine character of alignments is "hardly accidental."

Article: AN ESSEX ZODIAC? by Jim Kimmis

Jim Kimmis, extracting from a letter, proposes the existence of a zodiac in Essex, based on mapwork. He notes that some figures are similar to Somerset figures, with Virgo being the strongest, featuring a clear road/river outline and place names. Chipping Ongar is identified as the center of the circle, with a castle that may be pre-Norman. The Gemini/Cancer figure is missing, possibly due to an airfield. Kimmis mentions other clues like name associations (e.g., Libran dove, Horseman's Side) and a pub called the Eagle. He compares the alignment to the Somerset circle, noting that the Essex alignment may be more precise.

Article: GATES OF GLORY, CUPHOLES AND LEYS NEAR DINGLE (PART II) by Ross Nichols

Ross Nichols continues his exploration, describing a half-day drive and a determination to uncover the "Gates of Glory." He mentions two tall thin stones, with a third fallen, and notes the difficulty of reconstructing angles due to wet conditions.

Recommended Reading

A list of recommended books is provided, including "The Old Straight Track" by Alfred Watkins (£3-75), "The View Over Atlantis" and "City of Revelation" by John Michell (£2-50 and £2-90 respectively), and "Mysterious Britain" by Janet & Colin Bord (£5-90). All titles are from Garnstone Press.

Back Numbers and Related Publications

Information is provided on obtaining back numbers of The Ley Hunter and a pamphlet by J.A.D. Wedd, "Skyways & Landmarks," relating leys to flying saucers, available from Paul Screeton or the publisher, Philip Heselton.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the interconnectedness of ancient sites, earth energies (leys), folklore, and unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging research and discussion, while distinguishing itself from purely UFO-focused publications by encompassing a broader range of ancient wisdom and earth mysteries. The articles often blend historical research, personal experience, and speculative interpretation, inviting readers to consider alternative perspectives on landscape and history.

TORC is an alternative magazine from Glastonbury, presented here as issue number 9, consisting of 29 pages. It is described as offering a wealth of interesting reading matter, including mystical and New Age articles. The issue is available for 132p, post included.

Ley Lines and Local Legends in Dingle

The first article, accompanied by a diagram on page 10, explores the landscape around Dingle, Ireland, focusing on ley lines and local legends. The author discusses the direction of grass with ends like hatchets, pointing towards Cnuic-na-Horan, a hill north of Dingle. This location is linked to the legend of Finn MacCumhall and his defeat of the invasion landing from Daire Donn. Finn's acquisition of wisdom from the Salmon of Wisdom is recounted. The ley line is traced from Ventry Harbour, across Parkmore Point, into Dingle Bay, and also towards Ballyduff, leaving Rough Point peninsula at Naparka. The author speculates about a 'Wisdom Path' along a ley, possibly related to the Salmon of Wisdom. The Holy Stone, though possibly dismembered, is noted as orientating SE and linked to the Mother Goddess. The site of the new church is identified as a former site of an earlier church, orientating NW, associated with death and sacrifice, and linked to a 'Capricorn goat' from a street name. The text mentions the celebration of Mass upon a Bullaun stone in an interval between churches. The four kinds of raven nearby are linked to Bran, the raven god of battle. The ley line is suggested to pass over the Five Forts and their four Ravens, connecting the Goat with Bran and death. It touches two spot heights near Dunacapple, the 'Rath of the chapel', and skirts the foot of Cnuic-na-horan, where an approach shrine may have existed. The article notes that the Holy Ground in the village is only touched by the Mall, which is described as a new name. The Ravens and the Goat are suggested to have been sacrifices in the lower village area, while Finn's wisdom may have drawn people up the nearest hill, with Chapel Lane appearing as a way up.

Publication and Society Notices

An "INTERNATIONAL GADGET SERVICE" notice announces the forthcoming production of an "International Guide to Metaphysical Organisations and Societies." They invite publications and societies to send full details and samples for free mention. The contact is William Porter, with an address in East Ham, London. Material on underground publications and organisations is also welcomed.

Book Reviews

The Roads and Footpaths of Pilton by Margaret A. Reed

Reviewed by John Michell, this book is described as a valuable addition to the ley hunter's library. Margaret A. Reed, a local historian, has written about a small area of North Devon, tracing its tracks and landmarks from neolithic times when the ley system was created. The review highlights Reed's use of 'The Old Straight Track' and her application of its discoveries to local landscape interpretation. It notes that Reed's routes were 'sighted' by neolithic man (3,000 to 2,000 B.C.). The book provides a coherent account of local history and topography, describing leys delineated by old paths and those coinciding with track patterns between ancient sites. The review defends Reed against criticism from other local historians, stating her research is thorough and independently carried out, with profound local knowledge and a justified approach based on firm evidence.

An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present by Doreen Valiente

Reviewed by Doreen Valiente, this book is presented as a fair, sensible, interesting, and knowledgeable account of the Wiccan religion, covering its historical background and its standing in the late twentieth century. The reviewer, who had a premonition about the book, notes that the 'ABC' format relies on the author's emphasis for structure. The book's range of subjects is described as immense, delving into various studies. The reviewer suggests that ley hunters are interested in the whole scope of witchcraft as a channel of knowledge.

Gold of the Gods by Erich von Daniken

Reviewed by Bill Porter, this book is presented as Erich von Daniken's latest work on extraterrestrial artefacts. The reviewer notes Daniken's success, with sales exceeding 4,000,000 in 27 countries, and his reliance on Charles Hoy Fort for style and inspiration. The review critically examines Daniken's theories, particularly his interpretation of the serpent symbol (Kukulkan/Kukumatz/Quetzalcoatl) and his questions about why a people surrounded by flora would focus on snake motifs. Porter questions Daniken's retreat from these critical issues and his overall integrity, citing Daniken's past as a convicted embezzler. The review of the Ecuador tunnel system claims in the book is met with skepticism, urging readers not to be seduced by fantasy. The reviewer concludes that the book is a 'metaphysical titillation' and lacks total integrity, which is deemed essential for a writer of mysteries.

The Old Stones of Land's End

This section announces the publication of a book by John Michell, published by The Elephant Press. The edition is limited to 250 copies, signed and numbered by John. It is for subscribers only and features a size related to the Golden Section, 136 pages, hand-tooled leather binding, and a slip case. The price is £20. Orders are determined by the order of application.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ley lines, ancient mysteries, local legends, and esoteric traditions, including witchcraft and UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical engagement, particularly evident in the review of Erich von Daniken's work, where integrity and objective evidence are emphasized. There is an interest in the intersection of historical accounts, folklore, and modern esoteric beliefs. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting other related magazines and events, fostering a community around these subjects.