Ley Hunter - 1975-76 no 69

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 69
Date: December/January 1975/1976
Publisher: Paul Screeton

This issue of The Ley Hunter, a publication focused on ancient alignments, folklore, and mysterious sites, offers a diverse range of articles and correspondence. It explores ancient symbols, geographical alignments, and historical legends, reflecting the ongoing research and speculation within the field of ley hunting.

Contact Column

The "Contact" column features requests from readers seeking information on leys in specific areas, including Tunbridge Wells, Northumberland, and the area around Bognor Regis. It also highlights a call for information on megalithic structures in Northumberland.

Amazing Mazes and Labyrinths

Authored by Janet Bord, this article delves into the universal presence and significance of mazes and labyrinths across different cultures, from ancient passage graves to modern art installations. The author discusses their potential deeper significance beyond mere patterns, touching upon themes of death and rebirth. The article highlights Britain's surviving turf mazes, their varied locations and sizes, and the enduring importance they hold for local communities, evidenced by their continued maintenance.

The Hemlockstone Line

Written by Peter S. Hannah, this piece details the author's research into a proposed ley line in Nottinghamshire-Leicestershire, dubbed the "Hemlockstone Line." The alignment begins at Strelley and passes through several significant locations, including Catstone Hill and Stapleford Hill (also known as Hemlockstone Hill). The article recounts the legend associated with the Hemlockstone, involving a monk and a devil, and describes various sites along the ley, such as churches, earthworks, and ancient crosses, extending into Leicestershire.

Letters to the Editor

This section features correspondence from readers, offering diverse perspectives and raising questions:

• Alan Jones expresses his opinion that while the magazine is diverse, it lacks a central piece of the jigsaw. He suggests the utility of a central register for leys and discusses the difficulty in formulating an all-embracing theory, comparing ley speculation to H.P. Lovecraft stories.
• Peter Williams comments on the "Psychoarchaeological Bulletin" article from a previous issue, questioning its premises. He also raises points about the explanation of "ancient ritual pathways" and the potential connection between accumulated energy in mental hospitals and unexplained phenomena. Furthermore, he discusses discrepancies in Ordnance Survey maps and requests an explanation of methods for accurately drawing lines between sites over long distances.
• Frank James reviews Reiser's book "This Holyest Erthe," critiquing its introduction and questioning the relevance of certain points, such as the inclusion of a 15th-century barn and speculative connections to UFOs and Oriental philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and contrasts Reiser's approach with the scholarly rigor of Alfred Watkins's work on "The Old Straight Track."
• Janet Bord (in a second letter) agrees with Michael Burgess's points on map accuracy and dubious sites in ley hunting. She highlights the unreliability of paper maps due to stretching and distortion, recommending the use of unfolded maps. She also raises the question of ley width, suggesting it may be variable and not necessarily tied to prehistoric trackways.

Lyonesse: The Lost Land

Authored by Anthony Roberts, this article explores the enduring myth of Lyonesse, a legendary flooded land associated with Cornwall and the Arthurian mythos. The author traces the legend's origins, its connection to the Land's End area and the Scilly Isles, and mentions historical accounts from antiquaries like William Camden and William of Worcester. Geological evidence, including findings by archaeologist O.G.S. Crawford, supports the possibility of a prehistoric land subsidence in the region. The article discusses the linguistic connections between Lyonesse and the word "ley," as defined by Alfred Watkins, and suggests that the myth may be rooted in a genuine historical memory of a lost "underworld" continent.

Beal Vale: Naming a New School

James H. Fountain provides reflections on choosing a name for a new county primary and junior school in Crompton. He discusses local place names, including "Beal Vale," and their potential origins, linking them to ancient track systems and beacon fires. He draws a parallel between ancient pathfinders and modern teachers as guides to uncharted minds.

Prayer Wheel or Swastika?

Stephanie Farrar discusses the Swastika Stone near Ilkley, a prehistoric carving with potential alignments. The author explores the symbolic meaning of the swastika, its ancient origins, and its association with solar forces, contrasting it with the reversed swastika often seen as an omen of evil.

Miscellany

This section includes brief mentions of ley hunters, Alan Falconer's book "Rambler's Riding," and a request for pyramid speakers from Gong guitarist Steve Hillage. It also notes a new label from Anvil Music and story-cassettes for children.

The Institute of Geomantic Research

Information is provided about the establishment of the Institute of Geomantic Research, a non-profit organization dedicated to studying geomancy, leys, and related fields, offering a journal and annual subscription.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of ancient sites, geographical alignments (leylines), and the interpretation of myths and legends. The magazine consistently engages with the idea of hidden patterns and connections in the landscape, drawing from archaeology, folklore, and historical accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and a willingness to explore speculative theories, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous research and clear argumentation, as evidenced by the letters section and the editor's own notes. There is a clear interest in connecting ancient practices and beliefs to the modern world, encouraging readers to engage with these subjects in their own areas.

This issue of "The Unexplained" (Issue 10) presents a collection of articles and reviews focusing on paranormal phenomena, UFOs, witchcraft, and ancient myths. The content suggests a broad interest in the unexplained, ranging from historical accounts to contemporary sightings and literary interpretations.

Articles and Content

The Wider Field

This section touches upon the potential for greater acceptance of unexplained phenomena. It mentions Arthur Wakefield and Mr. Burgess, suggesting a discussion or debate surrounding these topics. The author expresses a hope that the current climate might be more receptive to such subjects than in the past, referencing the basic questions of tracking down 'leys' and the 'un-uni-minutiae' of tracking down leys. The author notes that Mr. Burgess raised points in an article, which the writer of this piece feels were "notably involved in the subject" and "likely to accept the pages of T.U.I. on the points raised by Mr Burgess and myself." The author implies a willingness to engage with these points.

DEJA VU

This section is described as "The word indispensable should not be used lightly, but it is appropriate in the case of A HISTORY OF MAGIC, WITCHCRAFT AND OCCULTISM by Dr. W.B. Crow." The review highlights that Dr. Crow's book is a "comprehensive, encyclopedic elucidation of the magic and related matters spanning time from the caveman to the present." It suggests that the book aims to be a "complete account of any magic, of a bondage of belief in the sphere it will be found in these pages." The book is described as covering "wide-ranging" topics including "megaliths, pyramids, Templars, Lamas, Norsemen, Holy Grail, Rosicrucians, magic, magic, ceremonial magic, flowering, and much much more." The review notes that this is the first account of the book and encourages readers to seek out a copy. The book is published by Aquarian Press and is available in paperback from Abacus.

Booksellers Offer

An advertisement or offer from Bath Booksellers Mushroom Bookshop, located at 94 Valcot Street, Bath, Somerset. They are offering "Stones of Land's End" by John Michell for £2 + 25p postage and a copy of "Old Stones of Land's End" by John Michell.

Two Publications

This section highlights two publications. The first is a poem by Tony Rowe, titled "The Quidsons?" (22 p.p.). The second is a piece by P. E. H. Battcliffe, "11 High Plash, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage, Herts."

DRAGON'S BLOOD

This is a review of a book by Jane Gashell, likely titled "The Dragon." The review describes the book as "a piece of ludicruous television, Peter Holland pruned in" and "a type of television news magazine." It is presented as a companion to the New Dragon Hotel. The review mentions "Seven etchings of the Lambton Worm" and that these are displayed in an exhibition to tour Sunderland area schools. The review praises the work of "polytechnic arts faculty teacher Dave Gormley." The review then quotes directly from the book, describing a harrowing encounter with a dragon-like creature. The description is vivid and graphic, detailing the creature's appearance and the violent actions of a character named Kond. The quote emphasizes the visceral and imaginative nature of the narrative, describing "staggering, lurching, his eyes glazing, blood everywhere and the bones of his face standing out like white stone." It details a brutal act of violence where Kond splits the creature's head. The review concludes by calling the narrative "an extremely imaginative work, written vividly and encompassing war, passion, self-realisation and all the ingredients which make for first-class fiction."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the paranormal, the unexplained, and the mysterious. There is a clear interest in UFOs, witchcraft, magic, and ancient folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and a willingness to present diverse perspectives on these subjects, as evidenced by the reviews of books and the discussion of different viewpoints on unexplained phenomena. The magazine aims to inform and engage readers interested in the fringes of conventional understanding.