Quicksilver Messenger - No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Quicksilver Messenger
Issue: Number 2
Date: Autumn 1980
Publisher: Quicksilver Messenger
Country: UK
Price: 60p.

This issue of Quicksilver Messenger, subtitled "The South-East Magazine of Earth Mysteries," presents a diverse range of articles focusing on unusual phenomena, ancient sites, and alternative philosophies. The cover prominently features "A Terrestrial Zodiac in Sussex Discovered!" and highlights articles on "The Myth of Darwinism" by John Michelle and "In mysterious Hove: The Goldstone strange phenomena" by John Ley Dowsing, alongside reviews and a continuation of a series on Ley Dowsing.

Editorial

The editorial welcomes readers to an expanded and illustrated issue, Number 2. It announces the first publication of Mike Collier's discovery of a terrestrial zodiac in Sussex, an anti-Darwinist article by John Michelle, the second part of Colin Bloy's "Ley Dowsing" series, a section on strange phenomena in Hove, and reviews of books, TV, and events. It also notes the availability of adult education courses on dowsing in Hove and Worthing.

An Introduction to Ley Dowsing - Part 2

By Colin Bloy, this article continues the exploration of ley lines. Bloy suggests starting with established medieval churches, as they are often situated on dowseable ley lines, typically forming a cross shape and linking to adjacent sites. He describes the experience of finding a ley line as potentially life-changing, opening up a new dimension of reality. The article posits that ley lines are not static but can evolve, influenced by human consciousness and actions, such as acts of worship or significant events. It discusses how modern structures like microwave towers and TV transmitters can fall on calculated leys, challenging conventional views. The Dragon Project, investigating stone circles with conventional instruments and dowsing, is mentioned for its findings on shifting electromagnetic fields. Bloy suggests that ley energies involve aspects of electromagnetic, radioactive, electrostatic, and gravitic fields, potentially having common ground with the unified field theory and consciousness itself. He notes that ley lines can be distinguished by the number of parallels they possess, with "simple" lines having two parallels and others ranging up to triple 64s for major continental lines. The article also touches upon the idea that ley energy reacts to certain states of consciousness, and that dowsing itself is a form of mental probing. The concept of "node points" is explored, questioning what unites diverse sites like stone circles, churches, wells, and nuclear power plants, suggesting they are foci of group consciousness. The establishment of new energy paths is linked to deliberate human acts, creating new equilibria. The article concludes by warning that engaging with ley lines can be a profound experience, potentially leading to vulnerability if participants are unprepared for the subtle and intangible nature of these energies.

A Sussex Zodiac

By Mike Collier, this article introduces the concept of a terrestrial zodiac found in Sussex, which he has been researching for several years using dowsing rods. He describes it as a phenomenon at the "edge of reality" and suggests that familiarizing oneself with such contents can lead to a better grasp of reality. The Sussex zodiac is presented as being roughly twice the size of the Glastonbury zodiac, approximately twenty miles across, and centered around Stonegate. The article details specific zodiacal figures identified on the map, including Aquarius (a phoenix), Pisces (a whale), Taurus (head and hoof), Cancer (a crab), Capricorn (a goat-unicorn), Gemini (a giant sitting in a boat), Sagittarius (a centaur or mounted archer), Scorpio (a scorpion), Leo (a hound-like figure), and Virgo (a goddess holding a sheaf). The article notes the significance of place names and their potential connection to these figures and earth mysteries. It also mentions that these figures are dowseable and share characteristics with ley lines, suggesting they are part of a larger ley system. The article references Arthurian legends, particularly regarding the burial site of King Arthur at "The Moors" near Glastonbury, and notes potential connections to the Sagittarius figure in Sussex.

Letters

Two letters are included. Derek Banks reports on discoveries made while walking in the South Downs, including alignments related to the Norman Priory at Wilmington and a model hollow road near Friston, suggesting connections to ley lines and sacred sites. The second section is an advertisement for "SIMPLE SUPPLIES," a shop in Brighton offering wholefoods and other items.

Exchange Journals

This section lists various related publications and organizations, including "Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review," "Fortean Times," "Ancient Mysteries," "Occult World," "Northern Earth Mysteries," "The Ley Hunter," "The American Dowser," "RILKO Newsletter," "Mjollnir," and "Lantern." It also lists lectures and courses at The Portland Centre, including a talk on "The Ley System" by Colin Bloy and "Dryads, Ley-Lines and Tree Magic" by Dusty Miller. A two-day course on Dowsing with Dr. Arthur Bailey is also advertised. A section on "PENTACLE BOOKS" lists several books on earth mysteries and related subjects available for purchase.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are earth mysteries, ley lines, dowsing, and the exploration of ancient sites and phenomena. The magazine appears to promote an alternative perspective on reality, encouraging readers to consider concepts beyond conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance is open to unusual discoveries and theories, particularly those related to earth energies, ancient civilizations, and paranormal phenomena, positioning itself as a platform for exploring these subjects.

This issue of "The Myth of Darwinism" delves into a critical examination of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, presenting it not merely as a scientific hypothesis but as a powerful "creation myth" that has profoundly influenced societal structures, beliefs, and actions over the past century.

The Myth of Darwinism

The lead article argues that Darwinism, like traditional cosmogonies, provides a narrative for the origin of life and humanity. It posits that the myth of spontaneous organization and growth, culminating in the 'ape-like creature' developing higher consciousness, has been elevated to dogma. This myth, it is claimed, has been used to justify the perceived superiority of certain classes, races, and nations, particularly the white races, who are seen as the 'fittest' and therefore the natural rulers of creation. The author contends that Darwinism prevailed not due to rigorous scientific testing, but because it aligned with the ruling classes' interests and prejudices. The elevation of evolution to a "fact" by figures like Sir Julian Huxley is cited, with disbelievers being stigmatized.

The article contrasts Darwinism with the "outworn myth of God's Creation," asserting that educated people now acknowledge man as a "beast at heart," whose instincts are kept in check by modern civilization, developed primarily by the white races. This perspective, it is argued, led to the idea of "survival of the fittest" being applied to human societies, justifying colonialism and even genocide, as seen in the alleged Darwinian influence on Hitler's racial ideology. The concept of racial breeding, promoted by Francis Galton, Darwin's cousin, is highlighted as a scientific pursuit aimed at accelerating evolution, a proposal Darwin himself supported.

Critique of Evolutionary Evidence

The issue scrutinizes the scientific basis of Darwin's theory, noting that it began as "biological speculation" with no initial proof of descent between species. The author points out that despite over a hundred years of searching for "missing links," only the notorious Piltdown skull has emerged, which is revealed to be a fabrication – an ape's jaw attached to a human skull, likely by Teilhard de Chardin, to support the evolutionary faith. Other "ape-man" candidates are described as reconstructions from bone fragments, often pieced together with plaster and imagination.

The article addresses common arguments for evolution, such as local variations within species and the effects of selective breeding (e.g., dogs, pigeons, strawberries, horses, cows). It argues that these are "micro-effects" that do not lead to fundamental changes in species. The example of melanism in moths is presented as a temporary adaptation, not evidence of species transformation. Experiments with fruit flies exposed to radiation are also discussed, noting that while mutations occurred, offspring tended to revert to the normal form, indicating no macro-changes.

The Piltdown Hoax and Scientific Dishonesty

Gertrude Himmelfarb's "Darwin and the Darwinian Revolution" is cited for exposing the "dishonest, bullying tactics" used by Darwin and his followers. Norman Macbeth's "Darwin Retried" is praised as a clear critique of Darwinism as a biological theory, demonstrating its failure to meet scientific tests. The author suggests that modern science has quietly abandoned classical evolution theory, much like pre-Darwin geologists abandoned creation theory while maintaining allegiance to the "Myth of Darwinism."

The article criticizes the social implications of Darwinism, particularly its influence on ideas of the "beast in man," which is used to justify the repression of human nature and aggressive characteristics. The evidence concerning human origins from fossil finds is deemed equivocal, with the possibility of proving that apes descended from men, as suggested by Charles Fort.

Alternative Perspectives on Nature and Creation

If Darwinism is deemed inadequate and destructive, the issue questions what should replace it. It proposes that a formal creation myth might not be necessary, advocating instead for observing nature as it is, appreciating its "essential fitness" and "beauty." The author contrasts the Darwinian view of nature as a "perpetual, painful struggle" with the principle of "symbiosis," mutual dependence, and co-operation, suggesting the latter is a more profitable subject for human study. The "Fall of Man" is presented as a potentially more fitting myth than "Man's Rise to Civilization."

The article touches upon the influence of creation myths on modes of thinking, drawing a contrast between Darwin's perspective and that of William Blake, whose perceptions were rooted in ancient cosmogeny and philosophy.

Ley Dowsing and Earth Mysteries

The issue explores "Ley Dowsing," a practice that transcends conventional sensory data, suggesting it has a "tenuous veracity." The author draws parallels between ancient knights' quests and the modern practice of dowsing, linking it to concepts of organizing chaotic energy forms and establishing equilibrium. The importance of motive and love in such pursuits is emphasized, with a caution against seeking material advantage and a reference to the Faustian path as having "without value in the long run."

Ley dowsing is presented as a way to identify energy forms not available to established science, dependent on transitory phenomena. It is suggested that this can unlock understanding of the "para-normal, the magical, the miraculous," and rescue humanity from a "mechanistic and dialectically materialist trap." The world of subtle energies is described as "Kabbalistic," where number and form are key to identifying primary states of matter. The significance of geometric forms, such as the octagon, and the number 8 are mentioned, along with the idea that ancient practices like alchemy and mystery schools may have held valid insights.

The Goldstone of Hove

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to "In mysterious HOVE: THE GOLDSTONE." The article details the history of a large stone located in Hove Park, originally known as the "Goldstone Bottom." The stone, believed by some to be an ancient relic of "Druidic" worship, was buried in the early 19th century by a farmer fearing damage to his crops. It was later exhumed and relocated in 1906. The controversy surrounding its authenticity is discussed, with the author noting its improbable location in a suburban park and the historical association of execution sites with ancient locations.

The article recounts the "Antiquarian's" letter protesting the burial of the stone and mentions legends involving St. Dunstan and the Devil. It also discusses the possibility that smaller stones found nearby were originally from a pond. The author attempts to demystify the Goldstone but concludes that it remains a mystery, with arguments against its authenticity being "full of holes."

The Goldstone's location is linked to the Brighton and Hove Albion football ground, raising questions about its potential connection to new "ley energy systems" generated by large crowds. The article concludes by suggesting that competent dowsers might find the site interesting to investigate.

Strange Phenomena: The Phantom Puma

Another section addresses reports of a "Phantom Puma" or large cat roaming Southern England. The creature is described as cat-like, with a long tail, and has been sighted in various locations, eluding searches by police and experts. The article notes that prints have been found, but no animal matching them has been identified. The creature's origins remain a mystery, with checks on zoos and private collections yielding no explanation for its presence.

Reviews and Reactions

The issue includes reviews of books and programs related to earth mysteries and strange phenomena. "Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World" is reviewed, highlighting its exploration of various mysteries, from eclipses to unexplained events like sea serpents and giant stone balls. The "Ley Hunter's Companion" is also reviewed, praised for its research into ley lines and earth mysteries.

A section titled "Reactions" features positive comments from editors of other publications, such as "Ancient Skills and Wisdom," "The American Dowser," "Journal of Geomancy," and "Fortrean Times." These commend the magazine for its content and contribution to the field of earth mysteries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critique of established scientific paradigms, particularly Darwinism, and the exploration of alternative perspectives on nature, spirituality, and unexplained phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on questioning conventional explanations and embracing a more holistic or mystical understanding of reality. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards purely materialistic or reductionist scientific views, advocating for a broader appreciation of ancient wisdom, symbiosis, and the mysteries of existence. The magazine seems to position itself as a platform for exploring "Earth Mysteries" and challenging dominant narratives.