Ley Hunter - 1974 no 51

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 51
Date: January 1974

This issue of The Ley Hunter, edited and published by Paul Screeton, delves into a variety of topics related to ancient mysteries, folklore, and esoteric studies. It features articles on ley lines, underground tunnels, Feng Shui, and landscape painting, alongside reviews and miscellaneous news items.

Leys, Underground Tunnels and Spirit Paths by John Michell

John Michell explores the connection between the ley system, as discovered by Alfred Watkins, and the ubiquitous legend of underground tunnels. He notes that many ancient sites, manor houses, and churches are reputed to be connected by hidden tunnels. While some of these may be natural faults or crevices, Michell argues that the persistence of these legends indicates a genuine tradition related to the ancient ley system. He suggests that dowsers can detect these underground features, which might explain responses to leys. The article posits that the people who constructed the ley system were dealing with a form of natural energy, termed "ley power," which runs beneath the ground. Michell also references Dr. Winifred I. Haward's book, "Hide or Hang," which discusses secret passages and hiding places, and notes Haward's observation that the "underground passage tradition is widespread." Haward suggests that long-distance passages are often imaginative but that shorter lengths of drains were adapted as escapes. The article connects these tunnel legends to ghosts and spirit paths, citing examples where ghostly figures are associated with supposed underground routes. It concludes that leys were not merely trackways but paths of energy or spirit, linked to the cycle of life, rebirth, and fertility, representing an ancient science of natural forces.

Eitel, Feng Shui & The Foreigner in China by Bob Rickard

Bob Rickard examines the Chinese system of Feng Shui, arguing for the need to understand Chinese symbolism and geomancy to progress in comprehending ancient practices. He discusses the dragon, phoenix, tortoise, and other composite symbols in Taoist alchemy. Rickard highlights that China maintained its ancient traditions longer than the West. The article critiques the missionary approach in China, particularly referencing E.J. Eitel's "Feng-Shui" (1873) and Rev. Joseph Edkins's "Chinese Buddhism." Eitel's work is presented as an attempt to undermine Chinese superstitions, including Feng Shui, which missionaries viewed as an obstacle to foreign civilization. Eitel's refutation is based on a perceived lack of scientific objectivity in Chinese physiology and medicine. However, the article notes that Eitel and others had doubts about the limitations of Western science. Edkins, a colleague of Eitel, also studied Chinese Buddhism and proposed a book on geomancy. The article details how missionaries, often with a contemptuous attitude towards Chinese culture, actively worked against Feng Shui, viewing it as a hindrance to their goals. It recounts how the building of churches and mission stations often contravened Feng Shui principles, leading to conflict. The article mentions the Boxer Uprising in 1900 as a reaction against these "sacrilegious and demonic foreigners." It also touches upon a modern story of geomantic survival in Hong Kong, where a film production had to appease local authorities due to Feng Shui concerns after villagers claimed it disturbed the local geomancy, leading to deaths. The article concludes by referencing a Thames & Hudson book on Taoist painting that includes alchemic symbolism and Feng Shui.

Miscellany Page

This section contains several short items:

• From Journey to Ixtlan by Carlos Castaneda: A quote describing the perception of "lines of the world" as fluorescent white lines criss-crossing the surroundings, suggesting a discovered secret.
• FREE EARTH: An advertisement for a magazine offering information on communal living, alternative medicine, UFOs, and neo-paganism.
• Poem: A short poem titled "The wind in the trees."
• Ley Power: John Michell draws attention to a reference in Aeschylus's "Eumenides" concerning a political and technological perversion of the old ley power, where Apollo is accused of making human ways cross the paths of gods and blighting distributions of power.
• CONTACT: Philip Jones seeks correspondence with others interested in leys and megaliths in his area and the legend of Joseph of Arimathea.
• WHITE HORSE: A note about the White Horse above Kilburn not being affected by the sale of the Kilburn Estate.
• FIREBALL: An appeal for witnesses of a recent spectacular mystery object to contact Mills Observatory.
• By the Light of the Selvery Moon: Barry King shares a cutting from a newspaper about a possible human face seen on the stones at Stonehenge, photographed by Mr. P.G. Wood. The article speculates if this could be the secret of Stonehenge and if carved figures representing Neolithic gods might have existed.
• The Mystery of the Misguided Pigeon: A brief mention of a mystery in New York State concerning homing pigeons consistently setting out in a direction a few degrees clockwise of home.
• Ancient Metrology: A brief booklet by C.S. Hay on prehistoric measurements between sites is mentioned.
• QUEST: An advertisement for a subscription to the magazine "Quest."

Landscape in Britain: A review by Paul Devereux

Paul Devereux reviews the exhibition "Landscape In Britain c1750-1850" at the Tate Gallery, noting its relevance to ley hunters. He discusses two types of landscape painting: one arising from the interaction of external forms and the artist's inner mind, and a shallower type focused on visual effect. Devereux praises the exhibition for showcasing landscape painting as a medium for ancient intuition, suggesting that painters shared a semi-recollected understanding of a mysterious landscape. He quotes Conal Shields, who describes landscape painting as a phenomenon without a convincing account, attributing its development to the aristocracy's acquaintance with ancient and mysterious landscapes. Devereux argues that this genre provided a rich, mythical milieu for artists, allowing them to evoke archetypal figures and elemental realms. He describes this as a "recognition" of parts of the landscape that evoked a deep response, or "visual geomancy." The review then discusses paintings by Claude Lorrain and Nicholas Poussin, noting Poussin's enigmatic nature and possible involvement with a major cabbalistic group. The article delves into a mystery surrounding a French village priest who allegedly found coded manuscripts and used the money for village improvements, possibly linked to the "Treasure of Solomon." This mystery is being investigated by a British researcher, with findings suggesting connections to Nazi excavations and coded messages on gravestones. The article also highlights paintings by Paul Sandby and Thomas Jones, including a depiction of "The Bard" by Thomas Jones, which is described as a mountainous landscape with a ruined henge monument and butchered bards. The review notes the presence of visionary works by William Blake and Samuel Palmer, and mentions related books, poems, and maps, including an 1815 map by William Smith. It concludes by stating that the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view a wide spectrum of landscape awareness.

Reviews Reviews Reviews Reviews

WRITINGS AND DRAWINGS by Bob Dylan (Cape, £2-50)

This section reviews Bob Dylan's collection of his writings and drawings. The reviewer acknowledges Dylan's statement "What's the matter with me? I don't have much to say" but argues that the collection disproves this. While admitting Dylan may have passed his peak, the reviewer considers him the most perceptive living poet and an exciting rock 'n' roll performer. The book contains most of his written work, though some surprising exclusions are noted, such as "George Jackson" and the "Self Portrait" songs, and the "Basement Tapes" series. The reviewer points out Dylan's curious changes to lyrics in the published text compared to audible versions on disc. The collection also includes 16 line drawings and original typescripts, showing the evolution of his lyrics. The review highlights the rich imagery in Dylan's work and quotes lines that are described as "startling."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of ancient mysteries, esoteric knowledge, and the interpretation of landscape and symbolism. There is a consistent focus on ley lines, their connection to ancient sites and energy paths, and the broader concept of "ley power." The issue also delves into non-Western traditions, particularly Feng Shui, examining its historical context and its perceived conflict with Western influence. The role of intuition, ancient wisdom, and the interpretation of natural phenomena (including UFOs and ghosts) are central. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting research and perspectives from various contributors while encouraging further investigation by readers. There's a clear interest in connecting historical traditions with contemporary phenomena and in uncovering the "ancient science" that underlies these practices. The reviews section indicates an appreciation for artistic and literary works that exhibit depth and mystical qualities, as seen in the review of Bob Dylan's writings.

THE LEY HUNTER, Issue 10, is a magazine focused on esoteric and philosophical topics, with this particular issue featuring reviews of three books on Taoism, Alchemy, and Tantra. The magazine also includes a poem and a quote attributed to Bob Dylan.

Book Reviews

Tao by Philip Rawson & Laszlo Fegeza

This book, described as a large-format paperback, is scholarly and lavishly illustrated. It delves into Taoist subtle body concepts, including meditation leading to inner alchemy. It also touches upon body energies utilized by acupuncturists and introduces Feng-shui. Feng-shui is explained as a geomantic science that studies the currents of subtle energy within landscapes, emphasizing the preservation of ancient earth currents. The book is noted as being an art-book, with discussions on how landscape artists induce a sense of 'dragon veins' in their work, a principle likened to geomantic practices in prehistoric Britain.

Alchemy by Stanislas Klossowski de Rola

This book is praised for reproducing fine illustrations of the symbolism of the Great Work. The accompanying text is described as concise and fresh. The review clarifies that the actual aim of alchemy is presented correctly, refuting the notion that it is solely a primitive precursor to chemistry.

Tantra by Philip Rawson

The review addresses the often dubious publicity surrounding Tantra, particularly from 'adult girlie' magazines. It clarifies that while sexual intercourse is a principal form of enjoyment and delight in Tantra, the book is not to be sought out among literature on flagellation. The pictures within the book are intended to stimulate mental activity and evoke psychosomatic forces. Tantra is presented as a practice that uses rituals, including yoga and meditation, to harness bodily, emotional, and mental energies for positive use, aiming to provide a new basis for life and seek enlightenment.

Synthesis of Books

The three reviewed books collectively offer separate routes to higher consciousness and greater happiness. They are described as a balanced combination of philosophies worthy of study, along with the associated arts.

Poetry and Quotes

The issue opens with a poem reflecting on a mystical, wonder-filled experience during a wild, rain-swept evening, culminating in a sense of being spellbound by freedom. Following the poem is a quote attributed to Bob Dylan, identified as a "Spokesman for a generation, poet of the jukebox, mystic, prophet," who advised, "let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late." The text agrees with this sentiment, stating, "Too true."

Future Issue

The next issue of THE LEY HUNTER is slated to include articles by Robin Holtom and Simon Glen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around esoteric philosophies and practices, specifically Taoism, Alchemy, and Tantra, and their potential to lead to higher consciousness and personal well-being. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, scholarly inquiry into these subjects, aiming to present them accurately and distinguish them from sensationalized or misunderstood aspects. There is an emphasis on the art and philosophical depth of these traditions, encouraging readers to engage with them thoughtfully. The inclusion of a poem and a quote from Bob Dylan suggests an appreciation for artistic and cultural expressions that resonate with themes of introspection and truth.