Ley Hunter - 1975 no 67

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: No. 67
Date: August/September 1975
Price: £1-50 (One year); Seven dollars (U.S.)

This issue of The Ley Hunter, edited by Paul Screeton, delves into various aspects of ancient sites, earth mysteries, and synchronicity. It addresses the challenges of maintaining a small publication in the face of rising costs and acknowledges delays in correspondence due to personal reasons, including the birth of a son.

Lead-in and Editorial Notes

The editor, Paul Screeton, briefly addresses subscribers, explaining the delay in issuing number 66 and thanking those who have renewed their subscriptions and added extra contributions. He notes the impact of inflation on postal charges and apologizes for being behind in answering letters. He also mentions a son's birth on August 23rd and requests information about any references to his book "Quicksilver Heritage" in Private Eye or on television broadcasts.

Mid-Argyll of the Cosmos by Hugh Fife

This section details an exhibition held in Lochgilphead by the Mid-Argyll Cosmological Institute (MACI) on August 16th. The exhibition, titled "A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD STONES," aimed to stimulate interest in ancient sites and cosmology. MACI had gained local recognition after a conference for Antiquarian Societies of Argyll, where founder George Frazer spoke on "Getting to know the Boss-man," Donald MacDougall discussed ley theory and psychic experience, Dick Lee explored the potential of Woodhenge as a musical instrument, and Hugh Fife spoke about sacred agriculture. The exhibition featured information sheets on topics ranging from leys and dowsing to UFOs and astrology, a map of Kilma tin Glen, and a relief map illustrating ley theory. Duncan Lunan spoke about his studies of messages from space. The event included Celtic music, food, and artwork, culminating in a play titled "From the Threat of the Whirlpool." The organizers expressed a desire to connect with similar societies.

It Ain't No Coincidence by Robin Holtom

Robin Holtom presents a series of seemingly coincidental events that began in 1974, relating to musician Graham Bond and Aleister Crowley. These include his wife buying a book on Crowley, meeting Graham Bond who claimed to be Crowley's illegitimate son, and subsequent events involving a friend, a tunic, a record, and an article publication. Holtom draws a parallel between these "synchronicity" events and the spatial alignments of leys, suggesting that the universe is more like "great thoughts than a machine." He references works by Arthur Koestler, Carl Jung, and others.

A Survey of the Saxon Church at Bradford-on-Avon and Alignment by Janet Roberts

Janet Roberts describes her visit to the Saxon church of St Lawrence at Bradford-on-Avon. She notes its historical significance, built by St Aldhelm around 978 A.D., and its rediscovery in 1856 after being converted into a cottage. The church is distinguished by its unique construction, with no additions made over time. The article details the altar made of stones with Saxon carvings, the remains of a Saxon cross, and the church's remarkable orientation of 27° N. of E., with a skewed chancel and an off-centre north porch entrance. Roberts speculates that these orientations might have been aligned with specific stars. She also discovered a ley line passing through Bradford-on-Avon, which she lists with 19 other points over 36 miles, though she has not yet visited these sites physically.

The Forgotten Heart of Albion (2) by Paul Devereux & Andrew York

This section explores "The Fault Line," a geological fault running through West Leicestershire and Charnwood Forest. The area is known for earth tremors, and the authors list several incidents from 1837 to 1974. Notably, in 1957, unidentified lights and "Tadpole-shaped UFOs" were reported over Charnwood Forest during tremors. Dr. A.T.J. Dollar suggested that new springs might provide information about these tremors. The article also touches upon the potential significance of these events and locations.

Traditional Rituals and Assemblies

This part of the magazine details various historical customs and gatherings:

• Hallaton: Mentions the Hare Pie Scrambling and Bottle Kicking activities, with a note about a hare being used in procession.
• Riding of the George: Described as a "grandest solemnity" in a town, with Kelly noting a lack of records but assuming similarity to Norwich's St George's Guild.
• Meadow Mowing: A custom in Ratby where the meadow was mown, followed by music and dancing.
• Dane Hills: Gatherings on Whit Monday for sports and merrymaking, possibly connected to the Banaan tribe.
• Gartree: Known for a singular bush where the Hundred Court was held.
• Swanimote Courts: Meetings held in the open air for the Forest of Charnwood, including at Whitwick and Copt Oak.
• Stanwell: Mentions remains of a tree where manor courts were held.
• Shipley Hill: Earthworks on the hill where villages met for celebrations.
• Hare Hunt: A mock hunt that took place at Black Annis Bower.
• Wakes: Annual wakes held at Whitwick and Shepshed, arranged to avoid clashes.
• Sileby: An ancient elm beneath which the Vicar distributed oranges.
• Royal Oak Day: Celebrated on May 29th with children going door-to-door.
• Floral "Rents": An annual custom of paying rent with a flower for buildings or land.
• Whipping Toms: A riotous game that took place in Leicester's Castle Yard until suppressed in 1846.
• Aylestone Meadow: Hay gathering and procession to Braunstone Church.
• Sanvey Gate: A Whit Monday procession carrying images of the Virgin and apostles.
• Framland Wapentake: A meeting held at a wood near Melton Mowbray.
• Spelthorn: A moot site in Oadby, indicating a place for speeches.

The article suggests that these assemblies, though not directly of interest to ley hunters, might reflect aspects of prehistoric cosmology.

Reviews

• Quicksilver Heritage by Paul Screeton: Reviewed by Guy R. G. Phillips, who describes the book as a comprehensive survey of magic's impact on contemporary thought, with a particular focus on leys. Phillips notes his personal familiarity with Screeton's stamping ground and points out a minor error in Screeton's citation of "J.R. Wahlbron." He praises Screeton's boldness and clarity, suggesting the book offers hope in a world of despair.
• Glastonbury Tales by John A. Greed: Reviewed by an unnamed author, who highlights the book's service in providing a comprehensive guide to Glastonbury, covering its orthodox history, Arthurian connections, and New Age associations. The reviewer commends the author's enthusiasm, scholarly yet popular style, and balanced attitude.
• The Rollright Ritual by W.G. Gray: Reviewed by an unnamed author, who expresses agreement with Gray's view on the importance of sacred sites and the criminal nature of their abuse. However, the reviewer is undecided about Gray's specific ritual account, finding it potentially too subjective. The review notes the book's compact nature and recommends it for ritualists interested in megalithic sites.

The News

This section announces that "Portrait of a Fault Area" by Paul Devereux and Andrew York is running simultaneously with The Ley Hunter. Subscription details are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the interconnectedness of ancient sites, ley lines, and earth mysteries. There is a strong emphasis on the idea that these sites hold a deeper significance, possibly related to prehistoric cosmology and a non-materialistic understanding of the universe. The editorial stance appears to be open to a wide range of phenomena, including UFOs and synchronicity, viewing them as relevant to the primary interest of the journal. The magazine promotes a holistic approach, bridging the gap between scientific and esoteric perspectives, and encourages readers to look beyond conventional explanations.

This issue of the magazine, identified by the designation R4. and featuring content related to UFOs and esoteric subjects, includes reviews of two books and extensive reporting on aerial phenomena and ley lines, particularly within Leicestershire.

The Search for Abraxas

The first section reviews "The Search for Abraxas" by Nevill Drury and Stephen Skinner, published by Askin Publishers. The reviewer notes that the book is not easy for those seeking a conventional religion but appeals to those interested in gnosticism and inner knowledge. The book is described as a blend of gnosticism and an autobiographical account of achieving cosmic consciousness. It reflects the authors' obsessions and explores various aspects of occultism, including Qabalah, the text "Oahspe", drugs, astral projection, and surrealist art, relating them to the theme of man's quest for transcendence. The reviewer highlights the book's individuality and the Australian writers' enthusiasm for a diverse field, suggesting it offers a path of initiation towards Godhead and encourages the examination of knowledge and art to understand the mind's "inner space". An introduction by Colin Wilson is also mentioned.

Principles of Prehistoric Sacred Geography

Next, the magazine reviews "Principles of Prehistoric Sacred Geography" by Dr. J. Heinsch, translated from German by Michael Behrend, with a preface by Anthony Roberts and a foreword by Nigel Pemnick. The book is noted for its historical value and its potential independence from Alfred Watkins's ley thesis. Heinsch's work is presented as embracing Stonehenge and Palestine, proposing a universal system of alignments based on astronomical considerations. The review mentions that the work was intended for presentation in Amsterdam in 1938 but was delayed. The publication is praised for its presentation, and its conclusions on a metrological plane are deemed interesting, with speculations on prehistoric life, suggesting advanced surveying capabilities and the importance of astronomy and spirituality for ancient peoples.

Leicestershire Lore: Alignments

This section delves into the challenges of plotting ley lines in Leicestershire due to insufficient map information. The authors suggest that while map alignments alone are insufficient, fieldwork can reveal tentative alignments. Several potential ley lines are described:

• Hoston St. John's Stone: An alignment from St. John's Stone to the Humber Stone, noted for its potential Midsummer Day sunrise bearing, extends northeast through the site of the lost village of Hamilton and over high crossroads.
• Oadby Green Hill: A ley line running through Oadby, Leicester, Anstey, Bradgate, Benscliffe Wood, and Green Hill, approximately 10.5 miles long, incorporating features like roads and church symbols. It also passes near Bawdon Castle Farm and potentially touches a "monolith". The alignment was originally determined by photographs of an Anstey Stone and St. Mary's church against the Old John copse.
• Thornton: Referencing Rev. H. Cooper's "Historical Sketch" and a letter from Mr. Robert Harrison, this section describes Bagworth Park in the mid-1800s, noting its wide moat and evidence of Roman bricks. A ley is described incorporating Thornton church, Bury Camp, and features near Bagworth, with potential extensions to Packington Church.
• Heather - Quoarn/Ragdale: A tradition about walking without seeing the sky led to the investigation of a potential ley line from Bardon Hill to Beaumanor Park and Quorn. While astronomical factors were considered, they were not definitive. A revised alignment is presented, incorporating features like Bardon Hill and Beacon Hill, with potential extensions to Ragdale church.

Miscellaneous Information

This part includes brief notes:

• A mention of Robert Calvert's experience with the band Hawkwind and a hymn written for the sun.
• A request from Vince Russett for contacts interested in leys and speculative archaeology in the Berkeley area.
• News that Francis Hitching is making a film based on his book "Earth Magic".
• A request from B. Longbottom for information on mazes, labyrinths, and "frcy towns" in England, Wales, and Eire.

Aerial Phenomena and Leicestershire

This extensive section explores the correlation between aerial phenomena and the landscape, focusing on Leicestershire. It begins by noting that preliminary investigations yielded 96 UFO reports between December 1953 and August 1974, involving at least 155 UFOs, with a significant number occurring within 10 miles of Croft Hill. Key areas for UFO activity are identified as Elaby-Wigston Fields, Evington-Humberstone, Loughborough-Coalville, and Hinckley-Earl Shilton-Croft Enderby.

Several specific sightings are detailed:

• A "disk" hovering over Billesdon for 20 minutes in September 1971.
• A "strange dark shape with lights" observed encircling Croft Hill in September 1967.
• A "bright object" described as "as big as a double-decker bus" passing over a car on the Ashby-Hinckley road in May 1971, affecting electrical equipment.
• An "airship" seen over Humberstone in November 1965 and a "cigar-shape" craft in July 1967.
• An object leaving a "trail of sparks" seen over SW Leicester in December 1971.
• The autumn of 1971 saw an object appear after a spate of window breakages in Leicester.

The text suggests that Leicestershire's fault-area is remarkable for inexplicable aerial and meteorological events. A "dreadful and most prodigious Tempest" in Markfield on September 7, 1659, is described, involving lightning, and the falling of objects resembling swords and daggers, accompanied by loud noises and fire.

The Barwell Meteor and Related Phenomena

The issue discusses the "Barwell Meteor" event on December 24, 1965, noting it yielded more fragments than any other British meteor fall. Reports suggest multiple fireballs, possibly on parallel courses. Dr. Keith Hindley of the British Astronomical Association is quoted, though his dismissal of some accounts as "embroidery" is noted. Acoustic phenomena, termed "electrophonic", associated with electromagnetic factors, were also reported. The text posits that occurrences like meteor falls, fireballs, UFOs, and electrical storms reflect and are associated with the distribution of forces within the landscape, channelled by nature and ancient man.

Further investigation into other fireball cases revealed 6 sightings from May 1966 to December 1971, with 4 disappearing over an area SW of Leicester, near Croft Hill.

UFO Reports and Correlation

Preliminary investigations identified 96 UFO reports between December 1953 and August 1974, with a high concentration of sightings occurring within 10 miles of Croft Hill. The regularity and duration of UFO appearances over certain sites, like Wigston Fields, are highlighted. The article suggests that these reports represent only a fraction of actual UFO activity.

The text emphasizes the correlation between aerial phenomena and the landscape, specifically within West Leicestershire and Charnwood Forest. It lists various elements such as fault lines, meteors, sacred hills, UFOs, old stones, ancient churches, moats, wells, springs, quartz, groves, earthworks, fireballs, legends, meteorological phenomena, and fairylore, suggesting that orthodox thought may struggle to accept this observed correlation.

Stand Up for the Foot

This short piece, attributed to Jonathan How, describes a Grand Ant-Metrication Garden Fete at Blacklands House in Calne, Wiltshire. It details attractions like cream teas, Punch and Judy, a silver band, and a balloon ascent. The author notes the event's conjuring of "good old days" imagery and the presence of various attendees, including those interested in the "Curu-in-chief" and "surprise personalities". The price of souvenir programmes in decimal currency is mentioned, as is a theatrical piece involving "the worm Bamai and his maggots" attempting to "metricate the virginal Miss Foot of Maiden Castle". The author concludes that the event, despite its eccentricities, was "good clean fun".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the esoteric, the unexplained, and alternative historical perspectives. It demonstrates a strong interest in ley lines, UFO phenomena, ancient sites, and unusual meteorological events, particularly within the geographical focus of Leicestershire. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating and reporting on phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific or religious explanations, suggesting that "orthodoxy...cannot agree to unorthodox observations" and implying a need for open-mindedness when examining such topics. The publication seems to advocate for the exploration of "inner space" and personal spiritual seeking, as exemplified by the review of "The Search for Abraxas". There is also an encouragement to support events and publications that promote these alternative viewpoints, as seen in the note about two festivals being given coverage.