Quicksilver Messenger - No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Quicksilver Messenger
Issue: Spring '81, Number 3
Date: 1981
Publisher: Quicksilver Messenger
Country: UK
Price: 60p
ISSN: 0260-7484

Quicksilver Messenger is a publication focused on earth mysteries, particularly in South East England, alongside local strange phenomena, radical philosophy, folklore, and geomancy. The magazine is open to articles on conspiracy theory and welcomes contributions, comments, and criticisms. Material published remains copyright of the author, and the views expressed are not necessarily those of Quicksilver.

Editorial

The editorial addresses the economic challenges faced by the publication. Initially aiming for a price under 50p, the cost of production for the previous issue was 58p, resulting in a loss on each copy sold or mailed. To address this, a "three-pronged attack" for economic recovery is outlined: doubling production to 500 to decrease unit cost, increasing subscription rates to £3.20 for four issues to cover postage and packing, and accepting articles on conspiracy theory to broaden the magazine's appeal. The editor notes the interconnectedness of subjects like e.m. phenomena, radical philosophy, and conspiracy theory, citing examples of Knights Templar involvement in places with significant alignments and dowsable energy, and the proximity of Post Office microwave towers to ancient sites.

Contents

The issue features a diverse range of articles:

• The Magician Strikes Back: Ward Rutherford compares urban and rural cultures.
• The Lewes Priory Mount: Dave Holland discusses its possible origin and uses.
• Unknown Sussex: J. Foster Forbes explores the place of psychometry in radical archaeology.
• Ley Dowsing Part 3: Colin Bloy concludes his article tracing the development of the intuitive faculty through dowsing.
• Phenomena Related to Leys: Mike Collier investigates strange manifestations of 'ley energy'.
• The Great Mound of Hove: Chris Ashton examines circumstantial evidence and the importance of place regarding the potential grave of King Arthur.
• Letters: A response to John Michell's 'Myth of Darwinism', and other correspondence.
• Reviews: Books include 'The Cosmic Trigger', 'Leys of the German Empire', and 'The Global Manipulators'. A review of the film 'Flash Gordon' is also included.
• Where you can get Quicksilver: Information on obtaining the magazine.
• Exchange: Ads and Journals: A section for advertisements and journal exchanges.
• Strange Phenomena Section: Features 'Sussex Werewolves??'.

Articles

An Introduction to Ley Dowsing - part 3 (Colin Bloy)

Colin Bloy continues his exploration of ley dowsing, suggesting that the faculty can evolve from physical rod-dowsing to a mental process involving visualization. He posits that dowsing is a superficial aspect of consciousness and that a mechanistic view is a rationalization of a deeper phenomenon. Bloy discusses the importance of a passive and reflective state of mind for achieving flashes of insight and suggests that transcending the conventional sense of identity, often described as 'ego-conscious', is key to perceiving higher realities. He links this to concepts like transcendental meditation and the 'abyss' or 'neant' described by esotericists and poets. Bloy argues that a humble admission of the limits of conventional physics and an openness to subtle forms of reality are essential for super-perception. He concludes that the dowsing of ley energies can lead to realms where one can either abuse them (Black Magic) or use them by submitting to spiritual alchemy, leading to a more agreeable existence.

The Destruction of Hove's Great Mound (Chris Ashton)

Chris Ashton laments the destruction of Hove's great mound, viewing it as an example of modern ignorance and disregard for ancient culture. The mound, which stood near Palmeria Square, was believed to be the tomb of an important British chieftain and a link to the past. It was a site for the traditional 'kiss in the ring' dance on Good Friday. Now, its treasures are in Brighton museum, and its soil is used for ornamental gardens and building. Ashton details the discovery of a rudely constructed oak coffin in 1856-57, containing charred bones and relics, including a rare amber cup, a double-headed axe, a dagger blade, and a 'whetstone'. He dates the burial to the Bronze Age (c. 1600 B.C.).

Ashton explores the mythological associations of these artifacts. The 'kiss in the ring' dance is linked to pagan ceremonial significance and fertility cults. The amber cup, sacred to Apollo (the Sun God), and the double-headed axe ('labris'), associated with the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, both connect to solar symbolism. He suggests that the Hove mound could be the actual tomb of Arthur, representing a Celtic solar king or chief, and that the Arthur myth has evolved from various strands, with the sun hero archetype being central. The value of Arthur lies in his timeless, mythical aspect, valid in places like Hove as much as Glastonbury.

Phenomena Related to Leys (Mike Collier)

Mike Collier discusses the mystery surrounding ley lines, discovered by Alfred Watkins. He notes that while their existence is observable through dowsing, their purpose and origin remain unexplained. Collier describes leys as having a consistent width with a stronger side, and that their energy appears to be above ground, moving upwards. He finds that terrestrial figures, such as the Stonegate zodiac and the elephant figure near Wilmington, dowse similarly to leys, suggesting a connection. He recounts an experience at Gote Lane, Ringmer, where a non-straight line, similar to a ley, avoided religious structures. Collier also describes a revolving 'beam' phenomenon associated with old churches and sites, which he likens to a lighthouse beam, always moving in a clockwise, or sunwise, direction, mirroring ancient procession traditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of earth mysteries, ancient sites, folklore, and the interpretation of phenomena through dowsing and archaeoastronomy. There is a strong emphasis on the South East of England as a region rich in these mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging discussion and the exploration of alternative explanations for historical and natural phenomena, particularly those that challenge conventional scientific or historical narratives. The magazine aims to stimulate discussion and active interest in these subjects, suggesting a belief in the importance of place and the potential for discovering deeper meanings in the landscape and in ancient myths.

This issue of Quicksilver Messenger, dated Summer 1942, features a prominent article titled "Unknown Sussex" by J. Foster Forbes, exploring earth energies, ley lines, and ancient sites. The magazine also includes contributions on the dichotomy of city versus country life, shamanism, and reviews of relevant books and phenomena.

Unknown Sussex by J. Foster Forbes

J. Foster Forbes introduces his work on "Unknown Sussex," extracted from handwritten notes. He describes unusual phenomena such as "lines of circles" and "bands of energy" that move southwards, noting their reduction in number when leys are stronger. He also points out the fascinating proximity of churches, earthworks, and other sites on O.S. sheet 198, Brighton and the Downs, at a distance of 9 kilometres, which he relates to "megalithic yards."

Forbes emphasizes the need to look beyond conventional archaeology and folklore to understand the "true spirit of a place." He outlines a threefold method of investigation involving a suitable site, sympathetic co-ordination of his own knowledge, and his partner Miss Cambell's psychometric interpretation of "radio-active" waves.

He explains that psychometry involves receiving invisible radio-activity from material substances that have absorbed thought wave lengths of great intensity. Forbes proposes to set out his psychometric findings from the Sussex Downs, adding his own testimony and inviting readers to draw their own conclusions. He expresses a desire to carry this work further if the initial effort receives a positive response.

Lewes Priory Mount by Dave Holland

Dave Holland examines the Lewes Priory Mount, challenging the popular view that it is merely a spoil heap from the adjacent "Dripping Pan." He questions the purpose of its construction, noting its presence on early maps and the significant human effort involved. Holland considers the needs of any culture: protection, food, and ritual. He explores the possibility of the Mount serving as a fortification, a vantage point, or a structure for monks, but finds these explanations lacking.

He discusses the soil deposits around the base, potentially from railway cuttings, and the adjacent Mountfield Road. Holland also considers the Mount's spiritual context, suggesting it might occupy an earlier pagan site and could have been present before the 11th-century Priory, potentially linked to an earlier religious function. He notes its position relative to sunrise and sunset and its potential significance for ley hunters.

Holland also examines the pre-Roman trackways and their possible use of the Mount for alignment. He concludes that the Mount is likely of considerable age and linked to an early socio/religious function, shrouded in mystery due to a lack of extensive excavation. He suggests further investigation through digging or collecting information from similar sites.

The Magician Strikes Back by Ward Rutherford

Ward Rutherford contrasts the city-dweller's perspective with that of the countryman, highlighting a historical battle of wits and a deeper division in human experience. He cites Jacques Soustelle's observation that a city is a total organism, unlike a village of independent households.

Rutherford argues that cities emerged fully formed, often as fortified interpolations, and their development was intrinsically linked to trade. He discusses how the city's advent altered agriculture and dominated the economy. The concept of "civilisation" is closely linked to the word "city," implying that city attitudes prevail.

He explores the shift in fundamental attitudes towards the supernatural, with the city becoming the perceived lodging place of gods, and the ruler as the primary mediator. This leads to the countryman being viewed as eccentric for adhering to his own notions of the universe.

Rutherford contrasts the man-made, familiar city environment with the capricious, powerful, and often terrifying countryside of early times, including wilderness areas. He then delves into the role of the shaman-magician, who controls supernatural forces, as opposed to the priest who ensures subservience to gods.

He traces the shaman's origins to organized hunting groups and their diverse roles as diviners, astrologers, and healers. Rutherford notes that while city dwellers may see shamanic rituals as mumbo-jumbo, there is evidence that they acquired real and testable knowledge using methods we are only beginning to comprehend.

He highlights the rediscovery of respect for nature, interest in natural foods, and ecology, suggesting a return to the shamanistic notion of partnership between man and nature.

Book Review: Leys of the German Empire by Kurt Gerlach

Chris Ashton reviews Kurt Gerlach's "Leys of the German Empire," translated by Michael Behrend. The booklet contains four essays from the Nazi-era publication 'Germanien.' Ashton finds the detailed research fascinating but notes that the minute detailing of place names can be distracting. He suggests larger maps would improve accessibility. The book's thesis is that certain places with the same name on the Saxon/Bohemian border align with distances that are multiples of 11 kms, featuring familiar ley hunter elements.

Book Review: Cosmic Trigger: Final Secret of the Illuminati by Robert Anton Wilson

Chris Ashton reviews Robert Anton Wilson's "Cosmic Trigger." He praises the book as a factual account of Wilson's research into the Illuminati, contrasting its approach with Eastern retreats. Ashton highlights Wilson's idea that the search for one correct model is obsolete, marking a transition from Aristotelian to non-Aristotelian civilization. He describes the book as a "cosmic fun house" exploring double agents, UFOs, and quantum physics.

Film Review: Flash Gordon

Chris Ashton reviews the film "Flash Gordon," describing it as a visually stunning and well-proportioned film with good special effects and a sense of humor. He notes its simple plot of good versus evil, its mature mythic quality, and its depiction of Ming as a galactic dictator ruling through fear and division.

The Global Manipulators by Robert Eringer

Chris Ashton reviews Robert Eringer's "The Global Manipulators," which he describes as a well-researched book that reveals the script writers and directors behind current affairs, primarily members of governments and academic institutions. The book focuses on the Bilderberg Group and the Trilateral Commission, suggesting their aim is to influence world affairs.

Letters

Chris Hall from Fleet, Hampshire, responds to a discussion on leys and reality, agreeing that articles encourage thought. He takes issue with Charles Walker's account of the Surrey Puma, citing earlier sightings and police search limitations. Hall suggests that while some sightings might be explained by known animals, others remain unexplained.

Tony Ridgway, Brighton, writes about "The Myth of Darwinism," questioning the attribution of evolution solely to Darwin and suggesting Edward Blyth's idea of natural selection for preservation was closer to the mark. Ridgway argues that while Darwin's theories have been misused by right-wing ideologies, this does not invalidate the theories themselves. He also discusses the myth of progress and its connection to imperialism.

Strange Phenomena: Sussex Werewolves

This section reports on encounters with large, wolf-like creatures in the Sussex countryside, primarily in the 1930s. The creatures are described as paying little attention to witnesses and disappearing quickly, leading to speculation about ancient hill foxes, werewolves, or unusually large grey foxes. The article notes that these sightings are not typical of wild animals and have a "ghostlike quality."

Exchange Journals

This section lists various publications related to earth mysteries, folklore, and unusual phenomena, providing their titles, subscription details, and addresses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around earth mysteries, ancient sites, and unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on "Unknown Sussex." The editorial stance appears to encourage critical thinking, exploration beyond conventional scientific and historical frameworks, and an interest in alternative explanations for natural and historical events. There is a clear appreciation for research into ley lines, geomancy, psychometry, and shamanism, suggesting a belief in hidden knowledge and a deeper understanding of the world beyond the immediately visible.