Ley Hunter - 1975 no 65

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 65
Date: April/May 1975
Publisher: Not specified
Country: Not specified
Language: English

This issue of "The Ley Hunter" delves into the world of ley lines, ancient sites, and esoteric phenomena. It features a blend of field research, critical analysis, and speculative theories, reflecting the ongoing exploration and debate within the ley hunting community.

The Charlynch Ley (Somerset) by Janet Roberts

Janet Roberts details her findings on a ley line in Somerset, England, which she traced using a step-by-step approach. The investigation began with a 1" Ordnance Survey map and was extended with more detailed maps after visiting the sites. The ley starts at a very old church dedicated to St Mary the Virgin at Charlynch, noted for its orientation and a circular churchyard with a solitary Scots pine. Inside the church, a "Devil's Doorway" is mentioned, believed to have been sealed to keep out evil spirits. The church also contains a Saxon font. The ley then proceeds to Wembdon, passing a crossroads and Wembdon church, dedicated to St George, which was likely a sacred place before Christianity. A detour to the Holy Well or St John's Well is suggested, noted for its medicinal qualities and its connection to the ancient Pilgrims' Way. The Charlynch Ley continues through Castle Field in Bridgwater, then to East Bower, where it bisects a junction at a dew pond and follows a straight road. The author notes that the M5 motorway has unfortunately cut across a previously investigated ley (Monk's Ford Ley), highlighting the challenges of modern development. A significant "cross-ley point" was found near East Bower. The ley then passes through Pendon Hill and Slocombe Hill (also known as Righton's Grave), a shaped mound. Despite poor weather conditions (snowstorm), the investigation pressed on to Shapwick church. Initially, the church's compass reading was slightly off, but historical research revealed that the current church site was established in 1329 A.D., replacing an older church site. The ley is also noted to pass through Buscott Copse, Cradle Bridge, Fisher's Hill in Glastonbury, Wearyall Hill, and culminates near East Pennard at an old ford. Roberts emphasizes the value of larger scale Ordnance Survey maps for ley hunting and mentions finding four ancient mark stones, noting that subtle landscape features like bends in roads or peculiar bridges often indicate ley line connections.

Objections and Obscurities by Michael W. Burgess

Michael W. Burgess presents a critical perspective on ley hunting, expressing growing doubts about the validity of plotting leys and the conclusions drawn from them. While not disputing Alfred Watkins's original supposition of ancient route ways, Burgess focuses on the methodology of map-based research. He notes his lack of field experience but emphasizes that his critique concerns map work. Burgess states he does not engage with geomancy, gematria, or "sacred geometry," finding these aspects subjective and unreliable. His primary concern is the potential for inaccuracies in map symbols and the conventionalization of features like roads and buildings by the Ordnance Survey. He cites a response from the O.S. Archaeology Officer, who had not encountered demonstrable results from aligning sites. Burgess illustrates the problem with a sketch showing how lines drawn through church symbols on a map can lead to significant discrepancies over short distances. He questions the reliance on churches as ley points, especially modern ones, and suggests that many supposed alignments are coincidental. Burgess also discusses the unreliability of symbols for antiquities and the ambiguity of what constitutes a valid ley point. He mentions a study of 40 ley lines in his area, finding that 49% of the 174 points were moats, a type of feature whose role in ley systems is debated. He concludes by stating that while he has not disproved leys, he seeks clarification and proof that they are indeed as pronounced.

Psychoarchaeological Bulletin compiled by Robin Holtom

This section explores the architecture and symbolism of mental hospitals, suggesting they may have occult origins. Holtom draws parallels with ancient labyrinths and Egyptian "spirit doors." He posits that the landscape around these institutions might be arranged according to principles similar to Chinese geomancy (feng shui), creating "anti-energy" or "negative energy." This energy, accumulated in the nervous system, can sometimes be perceived directly. Holtom speculates that mental hospitals serve as large reservoirs of this anti-energy. He then connects this to the phenomena of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), noting that UFOs are often reported near these anti-energy reservoirs. The "water towers" are suggested as conduits for this energy, with UFOs mooring to them and refueling. The anti-energy is purportedly drawn from the building's population via the water supply. The original architecture is attributed to extraterrestrial beings, referred to as "gods" in mythology. A cautionary note is added regarding a theory that extraterrestrials maintain these reservoirs by impersonating administrative functionaries during planning decisions, a theory Holtom finds specious and libellous.

Miscellany

This section contains several short, varied items:

• Alan Foster's Lucky Charm: A postman in Harrogate has an encounter with a gypsy who offers a lucky charm, leading to a dog bite when he refuses.
• Faery Investigation Society: Doug Hardman inquires about the existence of the Faery Investigation Society.
• Loch Ness Investigation Bureau: The bureau has ceased operations due to inflation.
• Ley Hunting in South Humberside: Contact information is provided for A. Lattimore.
• New Musical Express References: The NME has mentioned leys twice, once in relation to Ramases and Selket's "ley-line" from Felixstowe to Cairo, and again in an article about Viv Stanshall.
• Graham Bond and Stonehenge: The article mentions musician Graham Bond, his interest in Aleister Crowley, and an album "Holy Magick" that used ley lines for inspiration. His wife recalled a ritual that caused a studio wall to catch fire.

Auntie Has Her Little Joke by Colin Bord

Colin Bord recounts an experience related to David Attenborough's broadcast about the "Shebas" islands in the Pacific. Attenborough described the islands, their flora and fauna, and "straight stones" – standing stones with holes that allowed early explorers to align them. Bord was intrigued, expecting to find written accounts of these islands. However, he realized the broadcast was a carefully crafted hoax, timed for April 1st (April Fool's Day). The names "Looflirpa" (the main island) and "Madeau Stewart" (the producer) were revealed to be reversed words, confirming the satirical nature of the program. Bord congratulates Attenborough and Stewart on their "anthropological take-off."

One-Day Anti-Metrication Festival

An announcement for a fete and rally to oppose the metric system and promote the British system of weights and measures, to be held on Saturday, August 2nd, at Blacklands House, Calne, Wiltshire.

Straight Lines from Oldham by James H. Fountain

James H. Fountain discusses his research into ley lines, beginning in 1964. He describes a marker-stone near Oldham Church that falls into an alignment stretching from Llangenynin on the Merioneth coast to Scalby, north of Scarborough. He also mentions finding marker-stones and possible alignments in the Shaw-Crompton area, referencing the work of Hartley Bateson and H.C. Collins. Collins suggested a line through Street Bridge, Royson, to the houses called Street, which Fountain believes he has extended. The late Mrs Leach provided information about a track from Street Bridge through Runge Farm yard, past entrenchments, to Moorcock Inn. The alignment also passes through a cross in Shaw Church yard, Way Moss Farm, Crompton House School, and near Gravel Hole. Another alignment crosses the first one. Fountain notes that the explanation of these features as Stone Age routes was first put forward by Dr Moeller about 80 years prior.

The Long Man by Mike Collier

Mike Collier examines the Long Man of Wilmington, a 226-foot-high figure on Windover Hill in the South Downs. The figure, reputed to be pre-Christian, was outlined in white bricks in 1874. It was locally known as the Green Man, possibly indicating a connection with fertility. Collier mentions local beliefs that the Long Man had a companion figure (Adam and Eve), and memories of a man thrown from a horse on a nearby hill. He also notes references to figures on Hindover Hill. A popular belief suggested a cock figure to the right of the Long Man. Collier discusses the figure's placement on the hillside, which results in it being in shadow for ten months of the year, and Flinders Petrie's suggestion of a connection to the gestation period. An 80-year-old inhabitant recalled his parents mentioning an upright line on either side of the figure, visible on June 21st.

Further Objections and Observations (Continued from page 4)

Burgess continues his critique by examining the accuracy of maps and the potential for random alignments. He notes that even with a specified size for drawing random crosses on paper, the act of looking at the paper introduces bias. He describes an experiment where he ringed 246 potential ley points in a 375 square mile area of the Lowestoft map and then ringed 246 farmhouses randomly. This resulted in a multiplicity of lines, suggesting that leys might be coincidental within the laws of probability. He concludes that while he hasn't disproved leys, he remains fascinated and seeks clarification.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the nature and validity of ley lines, ancient sites, and their potential connections to broader esoteric and historical mysteries. There is a clear tension between proponents of ley theory, who present field research and interpretations (Roberts, Fountain, Collier), and critics who question the methodology and evidence (Burgess). The inclusion of "Psychoarchaeological Bulletin" and the "Miscellany" section broadens the scope to include UFOs, ancient symbolism, and humorous anecdotes, reflecting a diverse interest in unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging further investigation, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous methodology and critical evaluation.

Title: The Ley Hunter
Issue: 13
Volume: D5
Date: April 1975
Publisher: Bywood Publications
Country: UK
Price: £2

This issue of The Ley Hunter delves into a variety of subjects, including ancient legends, folklore, archaeological sites, and occult publications. It features articles on giants, dragons, Pictish stones, and Atlantean traditions, alongside reviews and miscellaneous reports.

The Long Man of Wilmington and Sussex Legends

The issue begins by examining the Long Man of Wilmington, a figure whose origins and meaning are explored. A contemporary sketch from 1766 is mentioned, showing additions to the figure. The text discusses how the figure's proportions are adjusted to appear correctly when viewed from ground level. Several giant legends associated with the area are recounted, including the tale of the Long Man on Windover Hill and another giant on Firle Beacon, who allegedly fought and the latter killed the former.

The article also touches upon the bonfire societies in Sussex, noting their unique tradition of performing in front of the Long Man. It suggests that these traditions may be remnants of older, pagan customs. A theory is presented that the Man had Roman associations, supported by coins found from the period. Comparisons are made to similar figures, such as the one on the gate of the sub-god at Tiahuanaco and a rock carving near Lake Onega in Northern Russia.

A personal view is offered that the importance of the Long Man extends to the surrounding countryside, which is rich in animal and bird names that present an interesting problem. The area to the left of the figure's feet is noted for three churches forming a triangle, and Brightling is mentioned for an obelisk built on a ley intersection.

Other Figures and Symbols

The text then shifts to discuss the outline of an elephant visible near the Long Man, which the author suggests might be a symbol of cosmic orientation, referencing Jill Purce's work. Potential zodiacal clues are explored, with references to Argos Hill (Cancer), Lions Green (Leo), and Three Cups Corner (Virgo). Outlines near Laughton are also noted, including a hawk's beak and a horse's head. The possibility of an Arturian connection is raised, linking to Merlin and Sir Gawaine.

Pictish Symbol Stones of St Vigeans

A section by John Wilcock, from "The Quest for Magic," focuses on the Pictish symbol stones near Arbroath, specifically at St Vigeans. The village is known for its collection of engraved stones preserved in a museum. These stones, estimated to be from the 9th century, feature unique Pictish symbols like z-rods, v-rods, and crescents that have not been fully deciphered and appear without antecedents in other cultures. The official guide describes them as artistically satisfying and a mystery in meaning and purpose.

The Drosten Stone is highlighted, a slab with a cross, serpent, dragon, and a hunting scene, bearing mysterious words that are assumed to be names.

Book Reviews and Publications

Several book reviews and listings of occult publications are featured:

• "Atlantean Traditions in Ancient Britain" by Anthony Roberts: The reviewer acknowledges Roberts' masterful marshalling of facts but remains unconvinced of a physical Atlantis. The book is praised for its construction of relationships between Megalithic Culture, leys, zodiacs, and astronomical alignments, though the reviewer expresses a personal inclination to disbelieve in a former earthly Atlantis.
• "The Atlantean" Magazine: A bi-monthly publication covering meditation, astrology, and New Age thought, featuring lectures and articles.
• "QUEST" Magazine: A quarterly magazine on occult interests, including Ancient British Mysteries, witchcraft, and Qabalah.
• "GNOSTICA NEWS" Magazine: An intellectual magazine covering magick, witchcraft, UFOs, and astrology.
• "THE NEWS" Magazine: A bi-monthly publication on fireballs, coastal flares, vanishings, pyramid theory, and exotic animals.
• "INFO JOURNAL" Magazine: Features articles on monsters, maps, wolf girl, and other Fortean matters.
• "TORC" Magazine: Focuses on Glastonbury, the past and future, ley analysis, King Arthur, and includes reviews.
• "LANTERN" Magazine: Covers psychic phenomena and borderline subjects, with articles on Suffolk landscape geometry, psychic photography, and aviation ghosts.
• "SPECTRUM" Magazine: Features articles on "Sacred Alignments of Britain," Crowley, gems, magic, and Avalon.

East Anglian Dragons

An article titled "DRAGONS BLOOD: EAST ANGLIAN DRAGONS" by Paul Screeton details several dragon combats in the Essex/Suffolk border region.

• Bures/Wormingford: A dragon described as vast, with a crested head and saw-like teeth, appeared in 1405, killing sheep. Arrows bounced off its hide. It fled into a marsh. Another legend attributes the naming of Wormingford to a "curious little cockadrille" brought back by Richard I, which escaped and was killed by Sir George de la Haye, its lair being called Bloody Meadow.
• Little Cornard: On September 26, 1449, a battle between two fire-breathing dragons occurred near Little Cornard, with the red Essex dragon winning.
• St Osyth's: A large moving dragon reportedly set houses alight in 1170.
• Henham: In 1668, villagers killed a dragon after ten days of rampaging; it was described as about nine feet long and scaly.
• Ludham, Norfolk: A dragon dug a tunnel and terrorized villagers. After being trapped, it flew towards Bishop's Palace and crashed into St Benet's Abbey, disappearing into vaults. This dragon was described as 12 to 15 feet long with greeny/gold scales.

Paul Screeton's books "The Lambton Worm and other Northumbrian Dragon Legends" and "Yorkshire Dragon Legends" are mentioned as being completed but awaiting publication.

Miscellaneous Reports

• David Mayor is seeking ley researchers in his district.
• "THE HAUNTED TOILETS" reports on a ghost haunting the toilets of the Raine Engineering Co. in Dunston, near Gateshead, with workers hearing eerie cries and feeling a strong manifestation. A cleaner, Mrs Elizabeth Liddle, claims psychic abilities and recounts hearing a scream and the toilet flushing.

The Ley Hunter Editorial Stance

The editor of THE LEY HUNTER expresses a desire to receive articles on leys, Megalithic culture, and related subjects. The magazine is presented as a platform for readers to submit material. The editor states a willingness to publish articles that contradict his views or established archaeological thought, provided the writer is positive, emphasizing his role as an encourager.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include ancient legends, folklore, and mysteries, particularly those related to giants, dragons, and megalithic sites. There is a strong focus on ley lines and their potential significance in connecting ancient sites. The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor of The Ley Hunter, is open-minded and encourages diverse contributions, even those that challenge conventional thought, prioritizing the encouragement of research and publication within the field of speculative archaeology and related subjects.