Ley Hunter - 1974-75 no 62-63

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: Nos. 62/63
Date: December 1974/ January 1975
Editor: Paul Screeton, 5 Egton Drive, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, Cleveland, 18252AT.
Subscriptions: Six months 75p (inc. p&p); one year £1-50. USA six dollars a year.

This issue of The Ley Hunter, dated December 1974/January 1975, features a variety of articles exploring the concept of ley lines and their potential connections to historical, spiritual, and esoteric subjects. The cover prominently displays the magazine's title in bold, block lettering against a yellow background.

LEYS, QUAKERS AND OPEN MINDS by Guy Ragland Phillips

Guy Ragland Phillips explores the resurgence of faith among young people, noting a suspicion towards established religious forms. He draws parallels between modern spiritual seekers and the 17th-century Quaker movement. Phillips discusses how The Ley Hunter covers ley alignments and 'occult' subjects, including UFOs. He reprints a lecture by a spirit named Helio-Arcanophus, who speaks of 'power centres' and the importance of avoiding ritualistic approaches for flexibility. Phillips notes similarities between Helio-Arcanophus's ideas about creating a 'psychic atmosphere' in a dedicated room and the concept of a 'gathered meeting' among Quakers. He suggests that the emphasis on 'psychic use' by Helio-Arcanophus might relate to the Quaker debate on using meeting-houses for purposes other than worship.

FIRST STEPS IN A MATHEMATICAL APPROACH TO LEY PROBABILITIES by Bob Brown

Bob Brown presents a mathematical approach to quantifying the possibility of ley alignments occurring by chance. He argues that such calculations can help in discussing ley validity with scientific skeptics, grading ley definiteness, and satisfying curiosity. Brown defines probability on a scale from 0 (certainly untrue) to 1 (certainly true), with 0.5 being 'fifty-fifty'. He seeks a formula that yields a very small probability, indicating a non-random nature. The article outlines a method to calculate the probability (Pm) of 'm' points lying on a particular strip, using a rectangular area with sides 'x' and 'y' and a strip width 'z'. The formula derived is P = R(1+2+3...(m-2)) x (n-2)m-2 x (n-3)m-3 x (n-m+1), where R is related to the strip area. Brown illustrates this with data from North Staffordshire, finding that 3-point leys are common by chance, while 12-point leys have an incredibly small probability of being chance occurrences.

THE CIRCUS by Mike Collier

Mike Collier discusses the historical significance of the 'circus' in Roman and ancient communities. He references an article by A. Hadrian Allcroft about a circular earthwork at Falmer and a paraphrase of the Universal History by the Spanish monk Orosius, commented on by King Alfred. Collier clarifies that the correct Roman name for such works was 'circus', not the Greek 'amphitheatre'. He explains that the original Circus Maximus in Rome was a small earthwork with an underground altar to the god Consus, serving as a determining point for the city's first pomoerium. The article touches upon the association of circuses with games and council chambers, and the Greek institution of the 'prytaneum' or 'agora' as a sacred precinct and meeting place.

BRISTOL'S LEYS AND SOLAR SERPENT TEMPLE by Stephen K. Jenkins

Stephen K. Jenkins investigates Bristol as a potential ley centre. Initially skeptical, he became intrigued by the large number of old churches in the city, which he found couldn't be explained by population size alone. His interest was further piqued by the mysterious relationship between Chartres Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe, and the activity of the Knights Templar in Bristol. Jenkins plotted ley alignments and discovered three unrelated places that were centres of the local ley system: St Michael's Church Without, St Mary Redcliffe, and the church cross of St James. He proposes that the city's layout, particularly its ancient walls and streets, forms a 'solar serpent' pattern, with St Michael's Church as the tail and St Mary Redcliffe as the head. He notes the recurrence of significant numbers, such as 3, 4, 6, 666, and 1080, in the city's measurements and historical patterns. Jenkins also mentions the prehistoric hill fort at Freemantle Square and Dame Pugsley's Well, suggesting a connection to ley lines and processional ways.

IN CHERRY'S FOOTSTEPS by Ed Armstrong

Ed Armstrong recounts his experiences and observations in Cornwall, particularly around the Lady Downs, near Penzance. Inspired by the story 'The Adventure of Cherry of Zennor', he visited ancient sites such as Chysauster, a village inhabited from 100BC to the 3rd century AD, which he notes shows no signs of Roman influence and appears to have lived in harmony with nature. Armstrong describes his walk along the coast and inland, encountering sites like the Nine Maidens circle, Mulfra Quoit, and Men an Tol. He details a peculiar coincidence where he met individuals who shared similar interests in fringe science, including Velikovsky's theories. Armstrong speculates on the ley system connections of these sites, particularly Mulfra Quoit and the Nine Maidens, and notes the unusual properties of the Men an Tol stone. He concludes by suggesting that the Lady Downs area may be worth visiting for those interested in ley lines and folklore, although he advises against making a special journey.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of ancient sites, ley lines, and esoteric beliefs. There is a strong emphasis on seeking patterns and connections beyond conventional historical and scientific explanations. The articles suggest that ancient cultures possessed a deeper understanding of the landscape and its energies, and that these patterns may still hold significance today. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider alternative perspectives and to investigate these phenomena themselves, as evidenced by the call for comments and the presentation of mathematical and observational data.

This issue of The Ley Hunter, dated 1974, is a compilation of miscellaneous items, reader contributions, and book reviews related to esoteric subjects, ufology, archaeology, and ancient mysteries. The magazine serves as a platform for individuals to connect, share research, and discuss various unexplained phenomena.

Reader Contributions and Contacts

The issue begins with a "MISCELLANY" section featuring several reader requests. Tom Price from Devon and Prasanna Deesandarlang from the Surrey/London area are seeking contact with other ley hunters. R.V. Ling from London SE26 is also looking for anyone with knowledge of leys in the Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, and Heathfield areas. The section also announces the upcoming book "Atlantean Traditions in Ancient Britain" by Anthony Roberts.

There's a note on the launch of a cinema campaign for the record album "The Old Straight Track" by the group Jack the Lad, which is about leys. A coincidence is noted regarding the name John Michell, with a mention of an astronomer John Michell who lived in Thornhill Rectory and experimented with electricity and magnetism, having friends like Herschel.

Pippa Braybrook from Stratford-on-Avon is seeking correspondence with anyone researching underground tunnels. An archaeological dig by young Alison Heap and Beverley Sullivan in Leeds reportedly found an "old Roman teapot," raising questions about the introduction of tea to Europe.

John Montgomery of Brighton is compiling a book titled "Talking to Flowers" and requests personal experiences where plants have responded to human interaction, emphasizing the close link between human, animal, and plant life.

Phil Ledger and a colleague are to conduct a computer study of Anglesey leys, and information is sought. Ed Armstrong is seeking participants for a research trip to Callanish. For numerology enthusiasts, Woburn Abbey's number is noted as Woburn 666.

Back numbers of The Ley Hunter are available from Dark They Were & Golden-Eyed Bookshop and Compendium Bookshop.

Book Reviews and Features

Cairns in Wyoming

A piece discusses the Big Horn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming, an arrangement of stones that an American astronomer suggests could have served as an astronomical observatory for Plains Indians, helping them determine the summer solstice. The article links this to the Sun Dance and suggests the "wise man" who brought the message to begin the dance might have been a skilled astronomer rather than a magician. It notes that while other Indian structures have solstitial alignments, the Medicine Wheel might represent the northernmost penetration of an astronomical culture. Dr. John A. Eddy interpreted these findings, comparing the achievement to Stonehenge. The 28 spokes of the wheel may have been used to count days of a lunar month, and the seven cairns might have been used to sight rising stars.

The Borderline Science Investigation

This group studies unexplained phenomena in East Anglia, focusing on ghosts and UFOs, as well as local leys, ancient sites, legends, and folklore. They produce a quarterly magazine called Lantern. Subscription details are provided.

More Miscellany

An article by the editor on ley computer programming is mentioned as appearing in TORC. Statistical data analysis related to this is being done at Santa Barbara, California, in connection with Donald Cyr of Annular Publications. Cyr is interested in publishing photographs of prehistoric stones with holes or notches.

The Draconian Research Group is seeking information related to Dragonian Cosmology. Mike Heron of the ex-Incredible String Band comments on Scientology. The editor of The Ley Hunter is mentioned in relation to a photograph in "Quicksilver Heritage."

Patrick McFadzean of Yorkshire is seeking information on Yorkshire ghosts and apparitions, as well as leys.

Quicksilver Heritage by Paul Screeton

This book is reviewed as a seminal study of leys and allied phenomena, drawing heavily from The Ley Hunter itself. It is described as an encyclopaedic compendium on speculative archaeology and spiritual physics, explaining ideas from Alfred Watkins, John Michell, and Professor Alexander Thom. The review praises its avoidance of pseudo-spirituality and its grounding in geomantic magic. It examines prehistoric civilizations through their monuments and occult doctrines, linking them with leys to create "shadows of heaven." The book is considered technical, detailed, yet accessible, and a potential standard addition to its field, with extensive references.

Ancient Carving in Britain by Evan Hadingham

This book is reviewed as an exploration of cup and ring marks and other Neolithic depictions on stones in Britain. While acknowledging the author's objectivity, the reviewer notes a bias in his use of condemnatory adjectives for certain researchers' work. The book is praised for its maps, photographs, diagrams, and detailed descriptions, but one paragraph is noted as incomplete. It is considered a valuable addition for understanding the organization of social life in Britain 4,000 years ago and our megalithic heritage.

Invisible Residents by Ivan T. Sanderson

Sanderson's book is described as a sincere investigation into UFOs, with the reviewer finding his investigative skill and scientific comprehension admirable, though not entirely convinced by the "underwater civilisation" blurb. The book is seen as a well-documented account of one aspect of ufology, though the author is perceived as shying away from directly addressing the UFO phenomenon.

Black Holes in Space by Patrick Moore & Iain Nicolson

This book is recommended as a straightforward exposition on black holes, offered at a low price. It is contrasted with Professor John Taylor's more philosophical approach and praised for being data-rich and written in easily understandable terms, avoiding metaphysical ramblings.

Secret of the Ages: UFOs from Inside the Earth by Brinsley le Poer Trench

The book proposes that Earth is a hollow "cosmic doughnut" and that UFOs originate from its interior, entering through the poles. The reviewer expresses skepticism but follows the argument, quoting John Grierson's account of compasses behaving erratically near the Magnetic Pole. The reviewer welcomes comments from readers on the possibility of a hollow Earth.

Operation Earth by Brinsley le Poer Trench

This paperback is described as possibly the best overall book on recent thought regarding UFOs, covering leys and orthoteny objectively.

The Old Straight Track by Alfred Watkins

This book, a revival of interest in leys, is described as a lavishly-illustrated paperback detailing the network of sacred aligned sites across Britain. These tracks, dating from the Stone Age, influenced Roman roads and linked various ancient features. The book suggests that these alignments indicate prehistoric scientific application, including accurate surveying, and hints at a mystic dimension. It is considered a "labour of love" that has significantly contributed to understanding our topographical heritage.

Ghosts by Janet Bord

This book is praised as an intelligent study of psychic phenomena, suitable for both children and adults. It presents evidence for authenticated cases of apparitions and suggests reasons for their presence, including a section on the Victorian craze for spiritual seances. The book is well-illustrated and puts psychic phenomena into perspective.

Small Magazines

Brief descriptions and subscription details are provided for several small magazines:

• Lantern: Issue 7 includes "Mysterious Stones" and covers ghosts, UFOs, and psychic phenomena with a regional slant.
• The News: The November 1974 issue includes "Some Fortean Ramblings" by Janet Bord, linking phantom beasts with leys and other unexplained occurrences.
• Torc: Issue 14 features articles by J.W. Foster and Geoffrey Ashe, with an interest in the Glastonbury district.

Societies and Publications

• The Atlantean Society: Promotes New Age philosophical teaching based on Atlantean traditions, offering details on healing, meditation courses, and their magazine, "The Atlantean."
• Spectrum: A new occult magazine covering astrology, magic, witchcraft, Atlantis, and psychic happenings.
• SOTHIS: A magazine of the New Aeon featuring unpublished Crowley material, Thelemic artwork, and articles on the 93 current.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ley lines, UFOs, ancient sites, archaeology, and psychic phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into unexplained phenomena, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of research. There is a clear interest in connecting ancient traditions and beliefs with modern mysteries. The magazine acts as a hub for individuals interested in these subjects, facilitating communication and disseminating information through articles, reader contributions, and book reviews. The overall tone is one of exploration and a desire to understand the less conventional aspects of reality.