THE LEY HUNTER

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 54
Date: April 1974
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Location: Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, County Cleveland, TS25 2AT, United Kingdom

This issue of The Ley Hunter focuses on the exploration of ley lines, ancient sites, and related phenomena, blending personal experiences with historical and archaeological research. The magazine adopts a tone of earnest inquiry into esoteric subjects, particularly those related to earth energies and ancient landscapes.

LEY DETECTION by Simon Glen

Simon Glen recounts an experience at a crossroads (ST791121, near Dorchester) where he and others had a vivid 'vision' of a mediaeval scene. He suggests this crossroads, adjacent to an Iron Age hill fort, is on a ley line. Glen also describes a method for 'ley detection' using dowsing rods made of wire. These rods, when held correctly, swing and cross over 'underground disturbances' such as streams, wells, or power lines. He notes that the rods work particularly well on leys and can be specialized to detect specific materials like metal by suspending a sample from one rod.

FACTORY FOLK by Circumlibra

This section, written under the pseudonym Circumlibra, offers a personal reflection on individuals encountered while working in a factory. The author shares anecdotes about a "City's Seer" who performed complex calculations and a Jamaican woman who possessed strong intuition, particularly regarding dreams. The narrative touches upon the 'unseen' and the difficulty of understanding human nature, contrasting it with the more predictable nature of material things. The author also recounts an experience of hearing phantom footsteps, suggesting a connection to the past inhabitants of the building.

LONG MEG AND HER DAUGHTERS

This extract, from a book by John Foster Forbes and Iris Campbell, discusses the megalithic site of Long Meg and Her Daughters in Cumberland. Through psychometry, the site is described as a central receiving station for communication, with the earth used as a medium for transmitting messages. The stones are said to be tuned to Long Meg, acting as a transformer for earth currents and representing Zodiac signs. The text suggests that the stones are gradually losing their magnetism, which is transferred to the vegetable kingdom and then to animals, indicating a transition from a 'stone period' to a 'body of Light'. The site is attributed to the period of pure Druidical culture, not to 'troglodyte Dwarfs'. The influence of the site is estimated to have extended over approximately 1,000 years, concluding around A.D. 16.

ORIENTATIONS AT FIRLE DOWN by Arthur John Hubbard and George Hubbard

This article, extracted from "NEOLITHIC DEW PONDS AND CATTLE WAYS", describes an ancient earthwork on Firle Down in Sussex. The authors suggest this structure, a circular embankment with concentric inner circles and a central square depression, served as an early method of measuring time and observing the sun's position on the horizon during solstices and the old May year. They propose it functioned as a neolithic observatory, more complete than Stonehenge. The text notes the difficulty in obtaining accurate measurements due to the ruinous state of the remains and mentions local traditions attributing the mounds to an old windmill, which the authors find unlikely given the astronomical significance.

READERS' FORUM

Paul Devereux responds to Janet Bord's criticisms: Paul Devereux addresses criticisms from Janet Bord regarding his ley notes. He defends his approach as an editor compiling snippets of information and argues against Bord's dismissive attitude towards potential ley significance. Devereux emphasizes that intuition and vision precede research and challenges Bord's flat declarations about place names. He also discusses the difficulty of ley hunting in Leicestershire and suggests that the area's complexity might explain why it's a challenging prospect. He notes that David Morris's maps, while not definitive leys, show patterns worth investigating.

Observation on a terrestrial dekagon: Devereux makes a tentative observation that a great terrestrial dekagon, centred on Whiteleaved Oak in the Malverns, passes through Glastonbury, Stonehenge, and Ibstock. He suggests this circle may trace active earthquake areas and notes its connection to the Glastonbury Zodiac and other zodiacal patterns. He also mentions receiving new material on Leicestershire from a student researching underground passages, standing stones, legends, and rituals, which may shed light on the area's ley potential.

REVIEWS

"THE OLD STONES OF LAND'S END" by John Michell: This review praises John Michell's book as a vindication of Alfred Watkins's ley system theory. The book surveys megalithic monuments in West Penwith, Cornwall, finding positive verification of aligned pre-Christian sites. Michell concludes that these alignments are accurate and often have astronomical significance. The review highlights the book's detailed examination of 44 megalithic sites, including photographs, plans, and maps. The closing essay argues that these monuments represent a prehistoric technology and science, suggesting a past society of equals with a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, geometry, and subtle energies.

"ALTERNATIVE LONDON" by Nicholas Saunders: This review describes Nicholas Saunders's book as a comprehensive guide covering a wide range of subjects beyond its title, including housing, law, community development, and politics. The book is praised for its practical advice, accessible tone, and updated format with an index. It is noted for its extensive coverage of the mystical scene and numerous addresses for various wisdom paths.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Ley Hunter consistently explores the intersection of ancient landscapes, earth energies, and unexplained phenomena. The magazine appears to champion the investigation of ley lines and megalithic sites, often presenting personal accounts and research that challenge conventional archaeological views. There is an underlying belief in the existence of ancient knowledge and technologies, and a willingness to consider esoteric explanations for historical sites and events. The editorial stance encourages open-minded inquiry and the pursuit of evidence, even when it deviates from mainstream scientific or historical interpretations. The inclusion of reader contributions and book reviews further broadens the scope of these investigations.

This document is page 10 of what appears to be a UFO-themed publication, likely a magazine or newsletter, titled 'UFO REVIEW' based on the meta description. It contains reviews of three books: 'Ghost Hunting: A Practical Guide' by Andrew Green, 'The Jewel in the Lotus: Creative Meditation' by Grace Cooke, and 'Challenge to Science: The UFO Enigma' by J & J Vallee.

Book Reviews

Ghost Hunting: A Practical Guide by Andrew Green

The reviewer introduces Andrew Green's book, published by Garnstone Press for £2-25, noting that ghost hunting is a popular hobby. This book distinguishes itself from others by not merely detailing case histories but by offering sensible advice on how to determine the nature of any manifestation. Green suggests examining hauntings within the context of location, the people involved (percipients), natural causes, and the realm of parapsychology. The reviewer considers it the best book on the subject they have read, comprehensive and appealing to both casual enthusiasts and those wishing to research further. The author's matter-of-fact attitude is praised, and it's suggested that this approach can be applied by ley hunters. A specific point addressed is the phenomenon of 'cold spots,' which Green logically attributes to underground wells, springs, or streams. The reviewer agrees with Green's assertion that 'Ghosts do exist.'

The Jewel in the Lotus: Creative Meditation by Grace Cooke

This book, published by The White Eagle Publishing Trust (Liss, Hants, GU33 7HY) for £1-25 + 20p p&p, is reviewed by someone who admits to being unqualified to judge meditation books. The reviewer reproduces the book's blurb, trusting its accuracy. The blurb describes 'The Jewel in the Lotus' as a guide to the 'deep and true centre of creative life' accessible through meditation. Grace Cooke, with over thirty years of teaching experience, shares accounts from students to provide insights into meditative experiences. The book is presented as offering practical, inspiring guidance on meditation, aiming to provide a clear path into inner worlds and lift the reader out of confusion.

Challenge to Science: The UFO Enigma by J & J Vallee

This book, published by Tandem for 35p, is noted as a bestseller in its hardback edition. The reviewer emphasizes that Jacques Vallee, a mathematician and astronomer, approaches the subject without wishful thinking or sensationalism. The book presents verifiable facts and considers whether they support the existence of phenomena on a material plane. It examines global activity in the skies and advocates for classification, analysis, and investigation. The reviewer mentions their personal skepticism towards 'nuts and bolts UFOs,' despite having personally witnessed two enormous 'mother craft' over Hartlepool. However, they stress that this personal view should not detract from the book's merit, describing it as written by two serious people and a classic in the field, recommending it for anyone interested in UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are paranormal phenomena, specifically ghost hunting and UFOs, alongside spiritual practices like meditation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, valuing rational explanations and serious, fact-based investigation, particularly in the UFO field, while acknowledging the existence of phenomena that defy easy explanation. The reviewer for 'Ghost Hunting' explicitly states agreement with the existence of ghosts, and the review of Vallee's book highlights the importance of scientific rigor in studying UFOs.