Quicksilver Messenger - No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Quicksilver Messenger
Issue: Number 4
Date: Summer/Autumn 1981
Publisher: Quicksilver
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0260-7484

Quicksilver Messenger, issue number 4, published in Summer/Autumn 1981, is dedicated to exploring "Earth mysteries in South East England." The cover features a striking illustration and highlights key articles such as "Wolstenbury Enigma," "Sussex Sea Serpent," and "Long Man of Wilmington," along with an interview with "Edgerton Sykes," described as a pioneer of Earth mysteries research.

Editorial

The editorial welcomes readers to Quicksilver 4, introducing a new regular feature, "Quicksilver Heroes," beginning with an interview with Edgerton Sykes, commemorating 60 years of ley hunting. The magazine celebrates its first birthday issue with "five pages of letters from maniacs and philosophers alike," aiming to serve as a platform for discussion, offering a £3 book token for the most interesting letter. The editorial also previews the next issue, mentioning upcoming articles on ley names, sacred sites and microwaves, megalithic culture, the Dragon Project, and featuring John Michelle as the next "Quicksilver Hero."

Quicksilver Heroes: Interview with Edgerton Sykes

This section introduces Edgerton Sykes, an 86-year-old pioneer in earth mysteries and associated subjects, and the last surviving member of the Straight Track Club (STC). Sykes, an engineer by training, has had a diverse career including soldiering, diplomacy, journalism, and foreign correspondence, living through numerous revolutions and working in many countries. He has an extensive publication record and has been involved with ancient history, archaeology, UFOs, and radiesthesia.

Sykes recalls the STC, founded by CARR GOMM based on Watkins' book, dating back to the 1920s. He notes that while members often disagreed, they shared good ideas. He posits that leys likely radiate *towards* a center rather than *from* it, suggesting they served as neutral territory for local tribes. He also describes how crossroads on leys often featured priests or priestesses who advised travelers.

He explains that Roman roads often followed straight tracks, citing Watling Street as an example of its importance, even influencing peace treaties during Alfred the Great's reign. Sykes wonders if 'ley people' existed in Neolithic France, suggesting leys might be part of Neolithic civilization. He laments that the STC disbanded just as new discoveries were becoming possible, with most members being elderly.

Regarding the personalities within the STC, Sykes mentions he has a card index of the 25 members and is the sole survivor. He credits the club with initiating many theories now prevalent in fringe archaeology, including the "zodiac cult" started by Mrs. Maltwood.

Comparing the modern movement to his time, Sykes feels the modern interest lacks the depth of research and serious study of the STC members, who would walk extensively to explore and document sites. He believes the modern reliance on cars diminishes the experience and that much material has been obscured by development.

Sykes states that leys were "strictly a business purpose," primarily for travel from point A to point B, with any mystical associations being secondary or coincidental. He emphasizes their historical importance, forming the basis of Roman road systems.

He met many authorities in the field, including Margaret Murray and Lady Flinders Petri, during the highly fruitful period of exploration between 1930-1939.

The Sussex Sea Serpent

This article, by Peter Costello, discusses the sighting of a massive serpent-like creature off the Sussex coast. (Details are limited in the provided OCR text).

The Wolstonbury Enigma

Written by Chris Ashton, this article explores the "Wolstonbury Enigma," which began with the discovery of a circular alignment of ancient sites around Wolstonbury Hill. Two leys were found to cross at the exact center of this circle, and dowsers detected a terrestrial energy related to these sites. Several paranormal occurrences have been reported, and local folklore ascribes importance to the area. The Knights Templars are also mentioned as fitting into the picture.

Ashton describes how the land around Wolstonbury Hill is interlaced with ancient trackways, some used by Romans. He notes a flattened area on the hill where an image of the Long Man of Wilmington was marked out. Investigating with a map and compass, he identified a point where a footpath meets the circular bank, which became the center of a circle linking three Anglo Saxon Churches and a farm.

He discovered two leys intersecting at this center point: Alignment 1 passes through the "Devil's Dyke" (an Iron Age fortified town) and the North Hill tumulus, continuing north. Alignment 2 runs from New Timber Church, through a house called 'Halfway,' and onto St. Margaret's in Ditchling. 'Halfway' is noted as being geographically halfway between the circle's center and St. Margaret's.

Terrestrial energies were also explored by dowser Colin Sienas, who detected an overground energy line running from Wolstonbury Hill towards Shipley Church, an area historically part of a Knights Templar estate. Dowsing revealed spiral patterns and rams horns, suggesting localized energy manifestations. Saddlescombe and New Timber, linked by the alignments, also belonged to the Knights Templar. Patrick Lofting, a Hove dowser, found a reaction on the circle and an overground line running to New Timber Church.

The article discusses the possibility that these alignments and energies connect the Knights Templar to the Wolstonbury pattern. It notes the limited documentary evidence on Templar practices but suggests their involvement in esoteric religious practices. The article questions whether they were attacked for their wealth or for esoteric knowledge related to terrestrial energy.

Conclusion: The article concludes that three alignments of ancient sites intersect at a single point, with dowsed overground energy lines connecting to the Knights Templar. It suggests a possible fragment of a geomancy system developed by the Templars from an older system of terrestrial geometry.

The Long Man of Wilmington

Authored by Mike Collier, this article delves into the "Long Man of Wilmington," a 226-foot high figure on Windover Hill, considered the world's largest representation of a human being. While its current form, outlined in white bricks, dates to 1874, the figure is reputed to be pre-Christian. It was formerly known as the "Green Man," possibly indicating a connection with fertility.

Collier notes that the figure had practically disappeared and was not always easily visible. He mentions T.C.Lethbridge's account of a shepherd's tale about the Long Man having a companion, Adam and Eve. J.P.Emslie recorded memories of a figure representing a man thrown from a horse, and Hadrian Allcroft mentioned a figure on Hindover Hill that schoolboys in the 1860s recollected.

A popular belief also suggested a cock figure to the right of the Long Man, visible as late as 1870. The nearby River Cuckmere was once known as the Coq River.

The article highlights that the figure is in shadow at sunrise and sundown for ten consecutive months, a detail Flinders Petrie linked to gestation periods associated with the god Varuna. A local belief described an upright line, presumably a trench or bank, running from the summit to the bottom of the slope on the left of the figure. In 1923, an inhabitant recalled his parents telling him that on June 21st each year, a straight line was visible for about an hour at midday.

Collier discusses the possibility that the figure's placement relates to the Bronze Age and Aryan worship. He references Mr. Krishniengar's account of a similar large, red-filled figure in India representing a demon. He suggests that the Wilmington figure might represent Aryan deities, with the importance of the horse in Aryan worship potentially supporting this.

Letters

This section includes a letter from B. Johnstone-Smith of Worthing, who dismisses the magazine as "nonsense" and "pie-in-the-sky." He criticizes the article on King Arthur in Hove as a "bundle of loosely connected pseudo facts and pieces of myth and legend," suggesting it was manipulated to impress readers. He also questions the seriousness of reports about UFOs and "werewolves in Sussex."

In response, Quicksilver Messenger awards B. Johnstone-Smith a £3 book token, stating his letter "came through the letter box round about the time of the last full moon (17th June), and was one of the few things that made any sense to us at that time! Keep writing in B.J-S.!"

Reviews

This section lists several books for review:

• *Messengers of Deception* by Jacques Vallee
• *The Dark Gods* by Tony Roberts and Geoff Gilbertson
• *The Only Way to Deliverance* by R.L.Soni
• *Mysticism and the New Physics* by Michael Talbot
• *The Illuminati Papers* by Robert Anton Wilson

(The actual reviews are not detailed in the provided OCR text).

Extra Letter

This section contains an "EXTRA LETTER" from B. Johnstone-Smith, titled "NONSENSE." He criticizes the magazine for publishing what he considers "pie-in-the-sky nonsense," specifically mentioning the article on King Arthur in Hove and reports of UFOs and werewolves. He concludes by stating the magazine could do without such content.

Psychic Community Action: A Project to Make Brighton a Better Place to Live

This section describes a project in Brighton aiming to "put into practice and to measure the power of positive thought." The idea is that positive thinking and acting can lead to better outcomes. The project seeks to generate enough positive thought to create a calming effect on the community, potentially reducing tension-related diseases. This effect would be measured statistically.

The author draws parallels to revolutionary ideas like Copernicus's, which were initially met with resistance and ridicule. The project emphasizes that it's not about simply telling oneself everything is okay, but a more subtle and evidence-based approach. The text mentions that psychics, dowsers, and magicians have long understood the power of thought, citing examples of healing through controlled thoughts and dowsers creating dowsable lines by thinking them into existence. The power of thought is also noted in placebo effects.

The next meeting is scheduled for July 2nd at 8 pm in St. Bart's Church Hall, off London Road. Contact Ben on 684514 for more details.

Afterword

This section offers information for "Students of conspiracy theory." It mentions "The Danny," an Elizabethan home north of Wolstonbury Hill, which was the site of an Imperial War Cabinet meeting on October 13, 1918, where the decision to negotiate the armistice with Germany was made.

It also discusses the village of Ditchling, its church dedicated to St. Margaret (symbolizing earth energy), and its yearly fair. In 1940, the lord of the manor was Guy-Larnach-Nevill, whose coat of arms, the rose in the cross, is noted as being similar to that of the Rosicrucians, who are implicated in the construction of a large terrestrial pentacle in France.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Quicksilver Messenger strongly focuses on "Earth mysteries," particularly within South East England. Recurring themes include ley lines, ancient sites, folklore, and paranormal phenomena. The magazine positions itself as a platform for discussion and exploration of these subjects, as evidenced by its "Quicksilver Heroes" feature and the encouragement of reader letters. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional ideas, while also valuing serious research and historical context, as highlighted by Edgerton Sykes's interview. There's a clear interest in connecting historical sites and folklore with potential energetic or esoteric explanations, as seen in the articles on Wolstonbury and the Long Man of Wilmington. The inclusion of a project on positive thought suggests an interest in the broader applications of consciousness and belief systems.

Title: Quicksilver Messenger
Issue: Volume 3, Summer 1981
Publisher: Quicksilver Messenger
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Quicksilver Messenger delves into a variety of esoteric and historical topics, featuring articles on ancient figures, unexplained phenomena, book reviews, and reader correspondence.

Articles

The Long Man of Wilmington: The 1850 Illustration

The article discusses the Long Man of Wilmington, a hill figure, and its proportions as depicted in an 1850 illustration. It notes the figure's elongation, which counteracts foreshortening when viewed from below, suggesting it was meant to be seen from the ground. The text mentions legends associated with the figure, including a quarrel between two giants. Theories about Roman associations and connections to other ancient sites like Tiahuanaco are explored. The author also touches upon the idea of dowsable geodetic lines outlining such figures, referencing Guy Underwood's work, and notes the presence of a curious quarry in the 1850 illustration.

The Sussex Sea Serpent

This section features an illustration of a sea serpent and an article by Peter Costello. It begins by referencing the controversy surrounding Charles Dawson, who was associated with the Piltdown Man hoax and was also known for claiming to have seen a sea serpent. Dawson's unpublished account from a private letter dated October 7, 1907, to Dr. Arthur Smith Woodward is presented. In it, Dawson describes witnessing an object resembling a large, black, cable-like creature with rounded, arched loops in the English Channel on Good Friday, 1906. He estimated the loops to be about 8 feet high and the total length between 60 and 70 feet. He noted its serpentine motion and that it disappeared into the sun's rays on the water. Dawson took a snapshot, but the distance prevented any clear detail from being captured. The article notes that such reports were often dismissed by the scientific establishment, despite historical sightings by sailors, and mentions the work of Dr. A.C. Oudemans on the subject.

Book Reviews

THE ONLY WAY TO DELIVERANCE by R. L. Soni

Reviewed by Tony Ridgeway, this book is discussed as a symptom of the growing trend of Eastern thought, specifically Buddhism, becoming dogmatic and orthodox in the West. Ridgeway notes that while Buddhism offers an intellectual appeal, this book presents its doctrines in a dry, scholastic style, using technical Pali terms that might confuse beginners. The reviewer suggests that the book echoes the conventional style of Christianity that many have rebelled against and recommends it for Open University Comparative Religion modules.

THE DARK GODS by Anthony Roberts and Geoff Gilbertson

Chris Ashton reviews this book, which posits that humanity has been influenced by 'ultra-terrestrials' (UTs) or 'Dark Gods' for centuries. The book distinguishes UTs from extra-terrestrials, suggesting UTs are from another dimension and are the source of many UFO-related 'intrusions'. The review highlights the book's exploration of UFO phenomena, the occult, and the 'New Age' scene, linking them to a 'Great Conspiracy' theory involving esoteric groups manipulating history, finance, and social conflict. Ashton emphasizes the book's core message about free will and individual responsibility, warning against blindly following gurus. The review concludes that the book is thought-provoking and recommended for those interested in alternative explanations of reality.

MESSENGERS OF DECEPTION (UFO Contacts and Cults) by Jacques Vallee

Chris Ashton also reviews this book by Jacques Vallee. Ashton notes Vallee's background in computer science and astrophysics and his focus on the sociological and cultural implications of UFO phenomena. The review highlights Vallee's argument that the widespread belief in UFOs is creating a new myth that replaces rational knowledge with extraterrestrial revelation. Ashton points out that the scientific establishment's refusal to seriously investigate UFOs has created a gap in understanding. Vallee suggests that contactee propaganda undermines the idea of human destiny and could be nudging the planet towards political unification, potentially promoting racist and totalitarian ideologies. The review praises the book as timely, well-researched, and thought-provoking.

THE ILLUMINATI PAPERS by Robert Anton Wilson

Reviewed by Chris Ashton, this book is described as a collection of essays, interviews, and observations on diverse topics. Ashton praises Robert Anton Wilson's writing style, finding it humorous and insightful, and his vision of practical, positive optimism. The review includes a quote from Wilson humorously suggesting that 'Bugs Bunny' could be proven to be the 'Hidden God' of secret societies through selective editing. The book is recommended as a companion to 'The Dark Gods'.

MYSTICISM AND THE NEW PHYSICS by Michael Talbot

Jenny Teare reviews this book, which examines how our perceptions reflect reality and explores the relationship between consciousness and the physical world. Talbot investigates how the classical scientific method has shaped Western thought, leading to a view of the world as solid, real, and governed by causal laws. The review highlights the book's discussion of modern physics concepts like curved space and the observer effect, which challenge conventional logic and suggest that consciousness plays a role in determining reality. Talbot connects these ideas to mystical traditions, including visions of the Virgin, creation myths, and Zen Buddhism. Teare finds the book's implications profound and recommends it for those interested in the union of rational and intuitive minds, suggesting it offers new perspectives on humanity's relationship with the environment and a potential shift towards spiritual aspirations.

Letters

King Arthur in Hove: The Debate Starts

Michael Ray, Borough Planning Officer for Hove, responds to a letter and articles suggesting King Arthur might have been buried in Hove. Ray questions the evidence, noting the dates provided for the burial mound (1600 BC and 1239 BC/1500 BC) and stating there is no Arthurian folk tradition in the area. He also corrects the timeline regarding the discovery of Arthur's grave at Glastonbury, noting it predates the Wars of the Roses. Ray suggests that if a plaque is erected, the wording should be briefer.

In a reply, the author of the original article acknowledges the date correction regarding the Wars of the Roses but maintains that the political motive for faking the Glastonbury burial (to quell unrest by demonstrating Arthur had not risen) remains valid. The author clarifies that the hypothesis concerns the historical Arthur, not the mythical one. The reply also discusses the tradition of naming ancient sites after Arthur and suggests there were multiple historical figures named Arthur, not just one.

Ley Dowsing

Ron A. Bishop writes to express appreciation for the magazine, particularly for Colin Bloy's 'Ley Dowsing Part 3', which he found encapsulated his own thoughts on dowsing. He also comments on the artwork on page 17.

Forever!

Tom Costick expresses his enjoyment of the magazine and looks forward to the Summer '81 edition, especially an article on Wolstonbury Hill, where he feels a 'strange' presence.

J. Foster Forbes

Peter Costello writes to express his interest in an article on 'Unknown Sussex' by J. Foster Forbes. Costello is researching a new book on the Piltdown Hoax and is enclosing a note on Charles Dawson's sea serpent sighting. He requests any information readers might have on Piltdown.

Understanding Ancient Man

This section features a letter from someone who thanks the magazine for publishing their 'werewolves' piece. They discuss how common red foxes can sometimes grow to the size of a labrador, potentially explaining some 'puma' mysteries. The writer leans towards explaining ancient mysteries through perception, nature, and different ways of thinking, rather than ancient astronauts or lost technologies, seeking natural explanations.

Editorial

Editor

The editor announces that Quicksilver Messenger is working with Hove Council to raise funds for a plaque commemorating the mound site discussed in the letters section. Readers are invited to send donations to 'The Hove Mound Memorial Fund'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ancient mysteries, earth energies (ley lines, dowsing), unexplained phenomena (UFOs, sea serpents), historical enigmas (King Arthur, Piltdown Man), and alternative explanations for reality, often challenging mainstream scientific and historical narratives. There is a clear interest in conspiracy theories and esoteric knowledge. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inquisitive, encouraging readers to question conventional assumptions and explore a wide range of possibilities, from the geological and historical to the paranormal and metaphysical. The magazine also features book reviews and reader contributions, fostering a community of like-minded individuals interested in these subjects.

Title: Quicksilver Messenger
Issue: 3
Date: Not specified, but context suggests 1981.
Publisher: Not specified.
Country: United Kingdom.
Language: English.

This issue of Quicksilver Messenger delves into the complex relationship between consciousness, reality, and the phenomenon of ley-lines. It presents a dialogue between readers and the editor, alongside contributions that explore philosophical and esoteric concepts.

Correspondence: "A HOTCH POTCH"

The issue opens with a letter from J. A. Christensen of Ventnor, I.O.W., who thanks the publication for Issue No. 3. While acknowledging the effort as 'meritorious', Christensen expresses reservations about the magazine's content being a 'hotch-potch' and notes 'too numerous compositing and spelling errors' which render it 'inadvisable for me to recommend to any agent I know'. He suggests that the production and material could be refined.

In response, the Editor defends the publication's approach. He states that QsM is a non-profit making publication created by enthusiasts in their spare time, and that perfection of production should not be expected. The Editor highlights that shops retailing QSM are interested in the dissemination of new ideas and do not 'quibble about spelling mistakes'. The emphasis, he asserts, is on ideas, and words are merely a vehicle for them, as long as they are intelligible. He questions Christensen's suggestion for refinement, pointing out that notable contributors like John Michell and Ward Rutherford are already involved. The Editor also offers to send Issue No. 6 upon receipt of 80p.

Correspondence: Chris Hall and Colin Bloy

Chris Hall from Fleet, Hampshire, offers a brief comment, suggesting that understanding ancient mysteries requires shedding prior knowledge and seeing the world as primitive minds did. He links this to a wider theory explaining leys in terms of how the 'primitive mind perceives nature', referencing John Glover's 'pathways of light'.

Colin Bloy responds to Chris Hall's comment, acknowledging it as a 'gentle but probing' observation. Bloy agrees that Hall has raised a point of 'fundamental importance' regarding the 'Introduction to Ley-Dowsing'. He notes that while he would typically avoid discussing 'ultimate reality' in such an introduction, it is 'highly relevant to the interpretation of the reality of ley-lines'.

Ley-Lines, Consciousness, and Reality (Colin Bloy)

Bloy engages with Chris Hall's propositions, particularly the idea that 'there is nothing in the world except that which our own beliefs have put there'. Bloy counters that while consciousness influences perception, it does not necessarily mean leys only exist because we conceive of them. He uses the analogy of Newton identifying gravity, which then became an object of study, suggesting an independent reality.

Bloy then presents his own three propositions:
1. In atomic physics, the theoretical existence of a particle is often shown to exist, albeit in ephemeral form.
2. The world is Platonic – the ultimate reality of the material is idea.
3. Ley-energy and human consciousness appear to be aspects of the same phenomenon.

He elaborates on the third proposition, observing that ley-lines are more prevalent in populated areas and seem to connect with human activities, including worship and prayer. He tentatively concludes that ley energies are connected to higher states of consciousness. Bloy posits that entities from other dimensions (spirits, elementals, angels) manifest on ley-lines, either evoked or voluntarily, functioning when a specific human act opens a channel. He suggests that human will influences extra-dimensional manifestation, citing examples of paranormal metal bending and healing.

Bloy connects this to the idea that modern 'altars' like political H.Q., microwave towers, and nuclear stations are foci of human consciousness, forming a collective consciousness that embraces significant places. He likens the ley system to the 'nervous system of humanity collectively', part of a greater organism 'Gea' or 'Jehovah Elohim'.

Addressing Hall's second proposition ('The only reality we see is the reality we seek: leys exist because we are looking for them'), Bloy discusses the concept of 'ultimate reality' being 'idea'. He suggests that conscious will can influence evolutionary forces, either accelerating or reversing them. He acknowledges the philosophical debate about free will but proceeds on the assumption that individual acts of will are independent. He proposes that while ley-lines may be objectively real in an immediate sense, ultimate reality might be shaped by how we ultimately wish it to be, depending on who controls the collective consciousness and dominant archetypes.

Bloy touches upon the Hitlerian phenomenon as a potential attempt to change the evolutionary nature of man through an act of will, implanting a new concept and dynamic at a super-conscious level to alter ultimate reality. He also mentions the mystery of Golgotha as an event that changed ultimate reality.

He argues that man, as a receptacle of evolving consciousness, is moving towards a Platonic vision, and the relationship between ultimate reality and belief systems is real, not nihilistic. He suggests that evolving consciousness might eventually make the material world as unsubstantial as other dimensions are to us, changing reality through belief. He uses the example of a hypothetical triumph of Marxism, where a collective consciousness solely focused on materialism would create that as its ultimate reality.

Regarding Hall's third proposition ('By imposing laws on the universe, man must acknowledge his own non-existence'), Bloy calls it a paradox. He references the biblical idea that God made man in His own image, suggesting that man might be making God in his image through consciousness and will.

Bloy concludes by referring to an article in the French revue 'Nouvel e Acropole' about Einstein's unified field theory, which he equates with the 'world of idea'. He quotes the article stating that the unified field, the 'ultimate sub-structure of physical reality', along with 'pure consciousness', is what is meant by 'supreme knowledge' in the Bhagavad-Gita. He ends by quoting Ludwig Wittgenstein: "Unsayable things do indeed exist".

Exchange Journals and Events

The magazine includes a list of other journals and publications available for exchange, covering a wide range of topics including ancient skills, wisdom, fortean phenomena, ancient mysteries, occultism, earth mysteries, dowsing, and UFOs. Several UK and US-based publications are listed with their subscription details.

A notice for the 'Festival of Creative Living 1981' at Hove Town Hall on August 29/30 is also included. The festival's theme was 'Self Help' and featured stands, demonstrations, and lectures on earth mysteries and other subjects.

Publisher Information

A small advertisement for 'Tantra Designs' offers a catalogue of badges, posters, statues, and other items related to Yoga, Tibetan Buddhism, and various sub-cultural themes, providing a contact address in Bristol.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of reality, the influence of consciousness and belief systems on perceived reality, and the phenomenon of ley-lines. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance towards esoteric and paranormal subjects, encouraging exploration of 'new ideas' and 'earth mysteries'. The editorial stance, as evidenced in the response to Christensen, prioritizes the content of ideas and their dissemination over strict adherence to conventional standards of grammar and spelling, reflecting a commitment to a non-profit, enthusiast-driven publication focused on challenging conventional perspectives.