Pulsar - 1977 No 1

Magazine Overview

PULSAR, Volume 1, Issue 1, is the inaugural quarterly publication from P.U.L.S.E. (Preston Ufological & Leyographical Society Expedition), dated April 1977. The magazine aims to cover a broad spectrum of topics related to Earth Mysteries, including ufology, ley lines, geomancy, and related phenomena. The editor, Kathryn Jayne Preston, expresses hope for a favorable response from readers and outlines plans for future issues, emphasizing the importance of reader contributions for enhancing content diversity.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Kathryn Jayne Preston, marks the debut of PULSAR as a P.U.L.S.E. publication. Preston outlines several improvements and regular features planned for the second edition, contingent on reader input. These include a Letters Page, Question Time for reader queries, a Personal Column for items wanted and for sale, a Books Page for reviews, a What's On Where section for future events, Miscellaneous News, Cartoons, and Current Research articles. PULSAR is slated for quarterly publication in April, July, October, and January. The editor encourages readers to promote PULSAR to friends and neighbors to increase readership and P.U.L.S.E. membership, which would facilitate a greater diversity of material and potentially lead to an exchange program with other groups. The goal is to achieve national membership rather than remaining a local organization.

Leyography

An article titled "Leyography" by Kathryn Jayne Preston introduces readers to the subject of ley lines, a branch of terrestrial geometry. It references John Michell's books, "The View Over Atlantis" and "City Of Revelation." Alfred Watkins is credited with "rediscovering" the Ley System in 1920, conceptualizing ley lines as a network connecting ancient sites like Stonehenge and Silbury Hill. The article details "Mark Points" (e.g., Prehistoric Mounds, Mark Stones, Circular Moats) and "Confirmation Points" (e.g., Churches, Ancient Crosses, Aligned Roads). The process of identifying ley lines involves using a 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey map to find straight lines passing through at least four mark points, further confirmed by confirmation points. Fieldwork, described as "Ley-Hunting," involves trekking across the countryside to confirm alignments and discover new ley points. The author notes that gates, gaps in hedgerows, lone trees, and hillside notches can indicate ley lines. Leyography is presented as a way to keep fit and gain insight into the landscape. The article also touches upon theories that ley lines are lines of energy or psychic energy, potentially producing electromagnetic effects and being followed by UFOs, which may derive energy from them. The author intends to further study the UFO-ley line connection, noting that ley lines are part of the broader subject of Geomancy.

Reds Join Triangle Search

A brief news item reports on a joint expedition by Russia and America to study the Bermuda Triangle, code-named "Polymode." The expedition, involving nine ships from each country, aims to solve the mystery of the area's ship and plane disasters. The Soviet Union has shown significant interest, with Moscow having previously staged an investigation. Russian theories suggest 'whirl formations' in the region may be responsible for the disasters.

The Ley Hunter Magazine

An advertisement or informational piece for "The Ley Hunter," described as "The Magazine of Earth Mysteries," is presented. This bi-monthly magazine, produced since the 1960s, focuses on research into alignments of prehistoric sites (leys), megalithic monuments, their astronomical properties, and folklore. Its scope also includes former cosmologies, Earth Mysteries, enigmatic structures, geomancy, legends, traditions, cosmic and terrestrial energies, UFOs, and other supernatural events, all approached in an open-minded yet serious manner. Contributors listed include John Michell, Allen Watkins, and Paul Screeton. Subscription rates are provided for both domestic and overseas mail.

Citizens' Band: Why Not Here Too?

This article by Ian Liston-Smith discusses the pros and cons of introducing Citizens' Band (CB) radio into Britain. Currently, operating transmitting equipment without a license is forbidden by the Home Office, and obtaining a license requires passing the Radio Amateurs Examination. However, the advertising and sale of 'walkie-talkies' and 'mini-bug' transmitters are not illegal, though their use is. A Citizens' Band Association (CBA) has been formed with proposals including 40 channels (two reserved for emergency and mobile use), no restrictions beyond legality and decency, a license fee of £2.50 per set, and sales restricted to licensed individuals. The article highlights the potential benefits of CB for communication, citing its usefulness in America during blizzards for relaying road condition information. It notes that Italy has legalized CB after a prolonged struggle. The author advocates for the introduction of CB in Britain, suggesting that strict limitations on transmitter power would prevent channel overcrowding and interference. The CBA estimates that £2.50 licenses could yield £2 million annually. The article concludes by questioning why CB cannot be introduced into the UK.

'UFOs are utter rubbish'

This section features an interview with TV astronomer Patrick Moore, conducted by David Harrison for the Manchester Evening News. Moore expresses a highly skeptical view of UFOs, calling them "utter rubbish" and attributing sightings to misidentifications such as bats, balloons, satellites, or the planet Venus. He dismisses claims of witnesses being trained observers, suggesting that policemen might be mistaken due to late hours. Moore believes that any claims of contact with UFO occupants are psychological. He states that while intelligent life may exist elsewhere in the universe, it is too far away for communication with current technology. He also dismisses theories about Americans withholding UFO film from Apollo moonshots. To be convinced of UFOs' existence, Moore states he would need to see one himself and, if a "little green man" emerged, he would invite them on TV.

The Lamanche Zodiac

This article by Kathryn Jayne Preston details the discovery of a new terrestrial zodiac, named "The Lamanche Zodiac," based on a straight line rather than a circular or elliptical configuration. The name is derived from the three counties it spans: Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Cheshire. The discovery was made while searching for ley lines on a 1:50,000 map of the Preston area. The ley line found runs the full length of the map and extends northwards through the Lake District and southwards through Bolton, west of Manchester, Cheshire, and potentially into Staffordshire, possibly connecting with the Banbury and Kingston zodiacs. The author observed that churches in the Bolton/Anglezarke Moor area, an area of intense UFO activity, appeared to align with the constellation Leo. Further investigation revealed a winding pattern of the other eleven zodiacal signs along the ley line, from Aries to Pisces, over a 61-mile stretch. The author's own sun sign, Taurus, covers her living area, and her ascendant sign, Leo, was the first sign identified. The article suggests this zodiac may have been laid down during the Great Age of Cancer (Druid era) and mentions the "Round Loaf" tumulus as a potential symbol. Bob Lord's Pendle Zodiac is noted as being nearby. The article concludes by linking known zodiacs to areas of intense UFO activity, such as "The Pennine Run" and East Anglia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PULSAR are ufology, ley lines, and the broader field of Earth Mysteries. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded but serious approach, as indicated by the description of "The Ley Hunter." While presenting various perspectives, including a skeptical one on UFOs from Patrick Moore, the publication also delves into speculative topics like ley lines and terrestrial zodiacs, suggesting a belief in unexplained phenomena and ancient mysteries. The editorial stance, as expressed by Kathryn Jayne Preston, is one of exploration and inclusivity, encouraging reader participation and aiming for a national reach.

This document is the first issue of the "AMERICAN U.F.O. STUDIERS" (AUFOS) newsletter, dated July 1977. It is a non-profit organization founded on December 3, 1974, by Kevin S. Rentner and Maurice L. Kilpatrick, Jr., dedicated to investigating UFO phenomena. The newsletter is published bi-monthly.

Introduction

The introduction outlines the mission of AUFOS: to investigate possible UFO sightings and conduct general studies on the overall phenomena. It invites interested individuals to join the organization and contribute to solving the UFO mystery. The organization's main branch is located in Lebanon, Illinois, USA.

Membership Application

Page 11 details the membership application for AUFOS. Members receive six bi-monthly issues of the "AUFOS Newsletter" and other benefits. The annual dues are six U.S. dollars, intended for case investigation and research costs. Alternatively, one can subscribe to the newsletter for four U.S. dollars for a one-year subscription.

UFOLOGY OPINION SURVEY

Page 12 presents an "UFOLOGY OPINION SURVEY" established by the American U.F.O. Studiers to determine trends in ufological literature and research. The survey asks respondents to identify top UFO authors and books, support UFO theories, list significant UFO cases, describe their reaction to occupants and contactees, list UFO organizations they belong to, and share personal UFO sighting experiences. It also requests general demographic information and opinions on a centralized UFO organization. The survey is to be returned to Kevin S. Rentner in Tacoma, Washington, USA, or D.J. Parry in Wisbech, England.

What's On Where?

This section on page 13 lists upcoming events related to ufology and geomancy. These include a Geomancy Symposium in Cambridge on July 9, 1977, featuring a talk by the editor about "The LAMANCHE Zodiac." A Northern UFO Network General Meeting is scheduled for September 10th in Nottingham, also featuring a talk by the editor. Co-ordinated national skywatches are planned for August, September, and October. A BBC TV UFO Documentary is also mentioned as possibly airing in April.

Book Review: Miracle of the Gods

Page 13 and 14 feature a review by Fredk S. Iredale of "Miracle of the Gods" by E. von Daniken, published by Corgi in 1977. The book, a paperback of 240 pages, is described as departing from von Daniken's usual focus on direct extraterrestrial contact to explore religious claims of supernatural powers and visions. It analyzes religious visions, such as the Fatima sightings, and questions their origins, suggesting that many are received by children. The review notes that Chapter 2 discusses the origin of the Bible and Christ's connection with the Essene Sect. The book attempts to link physical events with abstract ideas of cosmic consciousness and extraterrestrial intelligence transmitting thought impulses. The reviewer finds the book interesting and readable, with useful illustrations, but criticizes the lack of an index. It is recommended for the philosophically-minded and those seeking to broaden their perspectives.

New Star Trek is Boldly Launched: Kath Aims at National Research on Visitors from Space

This article on page 6, by David Sapsted, profiles Kathryn Wayne Preston, founder and chairman of the Preston Ufological and Leyographical Society and Expedition (PULSE). Preston, who claims to have seen two UFOs in 1968, is leading research into the connection between ley lines and UFO sightings. She has identified a "terrestrial zodiac" running in a straight line across Lancashire, which she believes is a navigation system for extraterrestrial visitors. The article mentions her previous involvement with the Preston Society for Psychical Research (PSPR) and the formation of PULSE with three others. Preston hopes to expand her organization nationally to conduct more exhaustive research. The article also briefly touches upon a UFO sighting in Hampshire in 1967 and a cylindrical object seen in Manchester.

Pictures That Are Still a Mystery

Page 6 includes two photographs: one of a UFO spotted and photographed in the USA in 1967, and another from Coniston, England, in 1954, snapped by schoolboy Stephen Darbishire, which remains unexplained.

Last Words

Page 16 contains several short notes. It reflects on a previous article about Lancashire Evening Post, noting an increase in PULSE membership. It clarifies that the majority of the defunct SPR membership helped form the Lancashire Society for Psychical Research (LPR). A film titled "Mysteries of the Gods," starring William Shatner and based on Erich von Daniken's book, is announced for release. The editor notes that since the article on The LAMANCHE Zodiac was written, all twelve signs have been identified, including a crab (CANCER), and further details will be in future editions. A "Drock Dragon" shape, marked out in roads and tracks near Preston, is also discovered. The section inquires about information regarding a 1954 alleged U.S. Government contact at Edwards Air Force Base and a subsequent censorship of UFO news. A footnote links Lancashire's Martin Mere to the legend of Lancelot of the Lake, promising more Arthurian revelations linked to The LAMANCHE Zodiac in the next issue. Material is requested for future editions of PULSAR, with a deadline of July 1, 1977.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of UFO phenomena, the exploration of connections between ancient sites (ley lines, zodiacs) and UFOs, and the analysis of religious visions as potentially extraterrestrial communications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and a desire to gather data and opinions from a wide range of individuals interested in ufology. The organization actively seeks new members and contributions, aiming to foster a community dedicated to understanding these mysteries.