Ley Hunter - 1974 no 60-61

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 60/61
Date: October/November 1974
Editor/Publisher: Paul Screeton
Address: 5 Egton Drive, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, Cleveland, TS25 2AT.

This issue of The Ley Hunter delves into the world of ancient sites, ley lines, and related phenomena, featuring a mix of articles, reviews, and reader contributions. The magazine's editor, Paul Screeton, also announces the publication of his hardback volume, "QUICKSILVER HERITAGE."

Articles and Features

Quicksilver Heritage

Paul Screeton's hardback volume, "QUICKSILVER HERITAGE," published by Thorsons, is highlighted. It is described as an illustrated book with 304 pages, including a bibliography and index, covering similar ground to The Ley Hunter magazine. The editor expresses hope that readers will support the book, suggesting it as a potential Christmas gift.

Strange Artifacts (Continued from Page 16)

This section, likely a continuation from a previous page, urges readers to support the work of William Corliss, emphasizing the value of his reference works on "fringe" science and Fortean data. It notes that Corliss's multi-series will become a major reference work.

Miscellany

This section provides several brief updates:

• Pop group Jack the Lad has recorded an album titled "The Old Straight Track," which features songs about leys and the Loathly Worm of Spindleston Heugh.
• John Sladek's latest book, "The New Apocrypha," mentions John Michell and leys.
• The next issue of The Ley Hunter is expected to include reviews of Quicksilver Heritage, an article by Bob Brown on ley probability, and information on Wyoming cairns.
• A reader inquires about the death location of Lewis Edwards, who discovered a terrestrial zodiac in Wales.
• An article in the November/December issue of The Atlantean by Amenti is mentioned, focusing on "The Old Straight Track."
• Brinsley le Poer Trench has a new book titled "Secret of the Ages" from Souvenir Press.

Two Somerset Sites by Jimmy Goddard

Jimmy Goddard recounts a day trip with his family and Mollie Carey to Stanton Drew stone circles and Stony Littleton long barrow near Wellow. He describes the Cove at Stanton Drew, noting its stones and a possible fossilized bone. He details the three circles at Stanton Drew and Hautville's Quoit. Goddard mentions Mollie Carey pointing out faces on the stones, some appearing leonine. He also notes a faded map in the church showing an alignment of the Great Circle, NE circle, and Cove, possibly indicating a ley. The visit to Stony Littleton long barrow is also described as impressive, with chambers and a potential spiral marking.

Bristol Cross Sites by John Michael

John Michael investigates the sites of ten crosses in Bristol from an old map dating back to the 1480s. He details the plotting of the High Cross, Stallage Cross, and the cross at Xmas Steps, noting how streets have changed. He also discusses Baldwins Cross, Bewell Cross, and a cross near the castle walls, explaining the methods used to align them on modern maps. A significant alignment is found connecting the High Cross, the Chapel and Hermitage of St Brendon (now Cabot Tower), and other sites. The distance between various religious sites in central Bristol is found to be consistently 374 yards (825 megalithic yards). The article suggests a geometric pattern and a connection to ancient units of measurement.

Alignment of Ancient Sites in the Region of the Essex-Suffolk Border by P.J. Manchester

P.J. Manchester applies the concept of the vesica piscis to the layout of sites in Colchester, Essex, and the surrounding area. He notes a north-south alignment extending to Raydon, Suffolk, an important site for tumuli. The circles pass through ancient churches on hilltop sites. The dimensions of the circles correspond to geomantic measurements discovered by Professor A. Thom. The Lexden and Mersea barrows are mentioned as significant points in the construction. The article speculates on the ancient significance of this construction, noting Colchester's historical importance and potential mystical associations with the abbey site dedicated to St John the Baptist.

A Suggestion as to the Possible Origin of Churches Dedicated to St. Michael and St. Andrew by Barbara Crump

Barbara Crump proposes a connection between churches dedicated to St. Michael and St. Andrew and ancient worship practices. She discusses the Swastika Stone on Ilkley Moor, suggesting its symbol is related to the sound "SH" or "SHEE" and connects to figures like "Sem-an," the SEM Priest of the Great Father-God. She links this to the worship of TAS, a corn spirit or god, and his representation as the SEM-Priest, precursor to the Christian Michael. Crump notes that churches dedicated to St. Michael often have a St. Andrew church nearby, frequently on hills and linked by leys. She provides examples from Somerset and Yorkshire.

Power Centres -- Whence Did They Originate? by Helio-Arcanphus

Helio-Arcanphus, founder of The Atlanteans, discusses the concept of power centres from an occult perspective. He emphasizes that understanding occult principles is essential for evolutionary progress. He explains that power centres exist on different levels and are accumulated by civilizations. He uses an analogy of a hut or room to illustrate how a localized atmosphere can be built up through psychic or occult work. He describes how thoughts and sounds create magnetic fields and shock waves, with trained occultists being able to direct their thoughts more effectively.

Readers' Forum

• F.R. Weaver (Cambridge): Expresses skepticism about ley hunters, finding them "nuts" and preferring a "square person" approach. He likens the ley concept to a mathematical theorem, appreciating the discovery of order and symmetry.
• John Smout (Twickenham): Describes the prehistoric remains on the Mediterranean island of Menorca, particularly the "taulas" (stone circles with uprights). He notes that from one tower, others could be seen, suggesting an ancient signaling system. He mentions outlying stones with holes that might indicate astronomical declinations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ley lines, ancient sites (stone circles, barrows, crosses), geometric alignments, and their potential connection to ancient measurements and belief systems. There is a strong emphasis on historical research, archaeological evidence, and the interpretation of these findings within a broader context of ancient knowledge and mythology. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and open-minded inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to engage with the material and contribute their own findings and questions.

This issue of SPECTRUM, 'the new Occult Magazine', features a range of esoteric topics including astrology, magic, witchcraft, Atlantis, and psychic phenomena. It is published by Bywood Publications and is available as a single issue or via annual subscription.

Ley Lines and Ancient Sites

The issue includes correspondence from readers discussing their interest in 'leys' – lines of earth force connecting ancient sites. One correspondent, John Coombs, seeks information on leys in mid-Wales and notes the presence of churches aligned in straight lines on large-scale maps in Switzerland. Another, Alan Jones, expresses skepticism about theories based on psychometry and other 'psychic' methods, finding many articles vague and inconclusive.

John B. Goody shares insights from Dion Fortune's 'Psychic Self Defence,' discussing how prehistoric remains and Roman sites can be related to trouble spots, and how 'thought forms' can be associated with objects and remain within a magnetic field. He also suggests that nodal points on leys might have varying grades and sizes of fields that can be activated to boost crops and people, potentially forming a 'super ley' system.

S.C. Stroud details his experiences with divining rods, specifically Guy Underwood's geodetic rod (G.R.), for ley hunting. He describes constructing his own G.R. and testing it at sites like Figbury Ring and Salisbury Cathedral, noting powerful reactions at times but also inconsistencies. He mentions Underwood's theory that the surface structure of leys is governed by underwater currents or springs.

Power Centres and Atlantean Legacy

The concept of 'power centres' is explored, particularly in relation to Atlantis. It is suggested that these centres were created by Atlanteans and others, some with benevolent intentions and others with evil. These centres are described as holding accumulated power and can be dangerous if not handled correctly. The issue posits that the UK has a special reason for having these centres, with the potential to lead in achieving sanity and balance. Tapping into these power centres is presented as a fundamental responsibility, requiring constant use to maintain their potency and to bring 'Light' against evil.

The article emphasizes that the locations of these power centres are not to be revealed directly but must be discovered by individuals or groups through personal progression and understanding. The patterns formed by these centres are hinted at as being potentially harmful if knowledge is misused.

Other Occult and Paranormal Reports

Brief mentions are made of other paranormal phenomena. A 'MISCELLANY' section notes reports of Yeti footprints found by a Polish expedition and UFO hunting in Peru by Ted Turner. The magazine also features advertisements for 'SOTHIS,' a magazine of the New Aeon with unpublished Crowley material, and 'The Atlantean Society,' which focuses on New Age philosophy based on Atlantean traditions.

Review: 'Strange Artifacts' by William R. Corliss

A review of William R. Corliss's 'Strange Artifacts' highlights its extensive collection of articles and theories on ancient man and Fortean data. The reviewer notes Corliss's aim to 'rock the boat' by including material that challenges conventional scientific thought. The book's structure and content, particularly sections on structural artifacts relevant to ley hunters, are detailed. The review also references historical contributions to the understanding of Stonehenge's alignments by Sir Norman Lockyer, contrasting them with more recent 'prejudiced' scientific views.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of ancient mysteries, particularly ley lines and their connection to prehistoric sites and potential energy fields. There is a strong emphasis on the occult, psychic phenomena, and the legacy of Atlantis. The editorial stance appears to favor empirical investigation and documentation of these phenomena, while also acknowledging the subjective and sometimes controversial nature of the subject matter. The magazine encourages reader participation and the sharing of experiences in these esoteric fields.