THE LEY HUNTER

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 47
Date: September 1973
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Country: United Kingdom
Description: The Ley Hunter is an independent, non-profit making monthly magazine dedicated to ancient skills and wisdom. This issue explores various topics related to ancient sites, cosmology, folklore, and esoteric science.

Articles

Stonehenge and Golan This section presents a precis of an article by Yoram Kessel from The Jewish Chronicle. It discusses Rujum Hiri, also known as 'The Mound of the Spirits,' located near Lake Kinneret in Israel. Infra-red photographs suggest the site dates to the Middle Bronze Age, possibly around 3,500BC. The article draws parallels with Stonehenge, noting that while the upper structures differ, the ground plans are almost identical and likely served a similar purpose as astronomical observatories and calendars. Yehoshua Yitzhaki of Tel Aviv University suggests that constructing such an 'impeccable planetarium' would have required decades or centuries of testing.

Wanderings on Dartmoor By Paul Devereux, this article describes the remote and elemental atmosphere of Dartmoor, England. Devereux draws tentative correspondences between Dartmoor's prehistoric lines and Nazca in Peru, noting both are raised, isolated areas with visible lines. He discusses Dartmoor's stone rows, particularly those on Ugborough Moor, and mentions the 'water sight point' or 'flash' phenomenon. The article highlights the presence of ancient stones marking civil parish boundaries and the discovery of a complex of stone rows and a circle near the A384 road, where the sound of underground water can be heard. Devereux speculates that Dartmoor may have been a 'vast, open-air university' for prehistoric engineering and the phenomena associated with it.

Star Channeling at Glastonbury: A Note By Ross Nichols, this note discusses a site near Glastonbury, England, reportedly identified by John Michell and Professor Thom. The site is believed to be important for star alignments and channeling power into The Tor and the Chalice Well. It mentions three menhirs in a N-S row on Stone Down and their orientation relative to The Tor and the former Chalice Well pool. The article suggests that the NE direction from The Tor tower aligns with the northernmost stone, and the NE from the Chalice pool aligns with a hillside spring.

Wilhelm Reich (Part 3) By Leslie Marr, this article continues a series on Wilhelm Reich's discoveries. Marr recounts his personal involvement in repeating Reich's 'Experiment XX,' which aimed to demonstrate the production of living forms from sterile preparations using a microscope and pressure cooker. He describes obtaining 'Plasmatic Flakes' and 'Bions,' which exhibited characteristics of live cells. Marr also details his experience with Reich's orgone accumulators, including building a man-sized one and a successful case where a lady's neck growth disappeared after daily use. The article also speculates that the Ark of the Covenant might have been a portable orgone accumulator.

New Folklore for Old (Reviews) By Bill Porter, this section reviews several reprinted folklore books. Porter emphasizes Alfred Watkins' directive that knowledge is gleaned from earthworks, place names, and folklore legends. He notes the reappearance of older folklore books, particularly from the Yorkshire firm E.P. REPRINTS. Titles mentioned include "FOLKLORE AND LEGENDS OF ENGLAND," "THE FOLKLORE OF HEREFORDSHIRE," and "FOLKLORE OF THE NORTHERN COUNTIES OF ENGLAND AND THE BORDER." The review highlights the association of dragons with leys and the pervasive presence of serpent mounds and megalithic avenues across Britain, suggesting a widespread 'Dragon/Serpent culture.' It also touches upon books covering witchcraft, haunted spots, sprites, and goblins.

Witchcraft in Scotland and Irish Witchcraft and Demonology This part of the review section discusses two books: "WITCHCRAFT IN SCOTLAND" by Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe and "IRISH WITCHCRAFT AND DEMONOLOGY" by St. John D. Seymour. Sharpe's work is noted to draw inspiration from ancient Scottish paganism and magic, with witchcraft trials influenced by King James VI's "Daemonologie." Seymour's book covers witchcraft in Ireland from 1661 to 1690 and includes a vivid account from William Turner's "THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF MOST REMARKABLE PROVIDENCES" (1697) detailing strange apparitions seen in the sky in County Tipperary in 1678, including an arm-like object, a ship, and a fort that transformed into ships.

History of the Devil This section briefly mentions Daniel Defoe's "HISTORY OF THE DEVIL," first published in 1726, and available as a modern reprint. It notes Defoe's credited 'common sense' and acceptance of divination methods like 'Bibliomancy' and 'Second-sight.' A quote from the book illustrates a witty exchange about the number of devils.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient history, archaeology, folklore, and unexplained phenomena. There is a strong focus on ley lines, prehistoric sites (such as Stonehenge, Rujum Hiri, and Dartmoor), and their potential astronomical and energetic significance. The editorial stance appears open to unconventional theories and research, particularly concerning ancient technologies and belief systems. The inclusion of reviews of folklore and historical texts suggests an interest in preserving and re-examining traditional knowledge. The discussion of Wilhelm Reich's work indicates an openness to alternative scientific theories. The magazine seems to advocate for a deeper understanding of the past and its connection to present-day mysteries, encouraging researchers to look beyond conventional explanations.

This document is page 10 of the magazine NINE, volume 10, issue 46, with the cover date likely around September 8, 1973, based on the 'Miscellany' section referencing an event on that date. The magazine appears to focus on themes of mystery, ancient history, visionary art, and potentially esoteric subjects.

Content Highlights

The page begins with a poem, numbered (5), titled "Hidden Paths" by S.R. Lysaght, which speaks of secret paths, hidden nooks, and enchanted grounds, suggesting a theme of exploring the unknown or mystical.

• Following the poem are 'NOTES' that cite several books and a manuscript related to ancient theories and legends:
• (1) "The Old Straight Track" by Alfred Watkins (1925, reprinted 1972) - cited for its introduction and specific pages.
• (2) Ibid. pages 30,31 and page 136.
• (3) Ibid. page 136.
• (4) "The Dragons and Serpents of Antiquity" by William Porter (1973, manuscript in preparation) - this work is described as exploring the origin of Dragon/Serpent cults with a gazetteer and map of related sites.
• (5) "Hidden Paths" (poem) by S.R. Lysaght (1911).

Miscellany Section

The 'MISCELLANY' section provides several distinct pieces of information:

• Atlantis Expedition: It notes an advertisement for "THE NEWS" on the back of issue 46, calling it a worthwhile venture. More significantly, it details an upcoming expedition to search for the mythical Atlantis off Cadiz. Mrs Maxine Asher, described as having "literally sold the family jewels," is in charge, affiliated with a Los Angeles University. Egerton Sykes, a known figure to readers, is also mentioned. Edgar Cayce is cited as having foreseen the first rising of Atlantis in Florida. The section humorously notes that the Nixon Secret Service allegedly banned the expedition from a certain zone due to "vibrations" interfering with micro-wave transmissions from Key Biscayne.

• Feature Film Plans: The miscellany humorously reports on plans for a feature film about the Atlantis expedition, with Gregory Peck interested in playing Dr Nava, Melina Mercouri considered for Mrs Asher, Mark Spitz for Robert Stein, and auditions for unknowns for the part of Grekt. James Mason is suggested for Egerton Sykes.

• The Doors Naming: The section then shifts to the naming of the band "The Doors." It presents two legends: the first suggests Morrison took the name from William Blake, quoting Blake: "There are things that are unknown: in between are the doors." The second legend attributes the name to Aldous Huxley's book "The Doors of Perception," which explored inner discovery through psychedelic experiences. The text notes that this story fits well, as The Doors became known as an "acid rock" band.

• Announcement of NINE Magazine: The section concludes by announcing "NINE, a new magazine of visionary art and magic." It is available for one dollar per issue and is edited by Storm de Hirsch, located at 414 Park Avenue, South, New York, N.Y. 10016. Manuscripts are invited.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this excerpt are the exploration of hidden or ancient knowledge, as seen in the poem and the references to Watkins' and Porter's works. The miscellany section highlights a blend of serious investigative journalism (Atlantis expedition) with a satirical and humorous take on potential media adaptations and pop culture (film plans, band origins). The editorial stance appears to be one that embraces esoteric subjects, ancient mysteries, and also engages with contemporary culture through a critical and often witty lens. The announcement of NINE itself suggests a focus on visionary and artistic content.