Quicksilver Messenger - No 10

Magazine Overview

Title: Quick Silver messenger
Issue: Number 10
Date: Not specified, but likely mid-1980s based on publication dates of reviewed books.
Publisher: Not explicitly stated, but edited by Christopher Ashton.
Country: Originally published in Britain, with the next issue to be published from Indonesia.
Language: English
Price: 75p

Editorial

Christopher Ashton, the editor, reflects on reaching issue number 10, acknowledging the struggles and the personal search for meaning that drives the magazine. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with the earth and the concept of 'you and the land are one,' especially relevant in urban environments. This issue marks the last from Britain for a while, as the magazine is moving its publication base to Jakarta, Indonesia. Future issues are planned to feature interviews with British geomantic researchers and comparisons of Western leys with feng shui.

Contents

The issue includes a variety of articles and reviews:

• Caught in the Act: An interview with Paul Devereux and Nigel Pennick about their upcoming book, 'The World Compendium of Earth Mysteries.'
• The Destruction of the Sacred Landscape: Cuttings from newspapers detailing the despoilation of ancient sacred sites.
• Reviews: An extensive section reviewing several books.
• The Druids and Pythagoras: An interview with Ward Rutherford.
• Geomario Reflexions: A series returning with Christopher Castle.
• Patriarch's Corner and Letters: Contributions from Anthony Roberts, Paul Screeton, and David Tait.

Caught in the Act

This article details a visit to Paul Devereux and Nigel Pennick in a converted barn in the Welsh countryside, where they were working on their book 'The World Compendium of Earth Mysteries.' The book is intended as a primer on earth mysteries, drawing on Pennick's archives and Devereux's research. It aims to present a comprehensive study of the subject, from its historical roots to contemporary research, with a text length of 70,000 words and numerous photographs. The authors believe that 'Earth Mysteries' (EM) is a study of ancient patterns and lost knowledge, crucial for understanding the whole earth system. They argue that modern consciousness is fragmented, leading to potential global crises. The book will also include material on political contexts of geomancy, such as the Nazis' involvement and alignments in China, as well as new material on Rennes-le-Chateaux and earth energies, including the work of Worac and 1890s earth ray photography. The authors stress that the book will not be a potboiler but a brief yet comprehensive introduction to the subject, written at a level that is accessible but not overly simplistic.

The authors believe the book will help academics see the subject holistically, moving beyond attacking 'The Old Straight Track.' They acknowledge the difficulty of convincing sceptics but argue that the growing body of evidence from around the world makes it harder to dismiss earth mysteries as a mere notion. The book is expected to provoke international interest and change public awareness. It also aims to connect fragmented geomantic traditions and provide an overview of earth mysteries, answering the question of what it is by relating it to a Taoist approach.

The Destruction of the Sacred Landscape

This section highlights the alarming rate at which ancient sites in Britain are disappearing. It reports on an incident where people were digging around the Rollright Stones, looking for 'golden eggs' as part of a Cadbury Schweppes treasure hunt. The hunt, which involved 100,000 people and offered a £10,000 golden egg prize, led to damage at scheduled and unscheduled sites. Stones were dislodged, and holes were dug, some as deep as two feet. Despite a note in the booklet warning against digging on archaeological sites, many participants ignored it. The board secretary, Arthur Swift, expressed dismay, suggesting the public either couldn't recognize or didn't care about archaeological sites. Cadbury Schweppes eventually stopped the hunt and converted it to a paper competition after intervention from the Environment Secretary.

Reviews

This issue features a substantial reviews section:

• The Celts by T.G.E. Powell: Reissued classic, praised for its comprehensive overview of Celtic history, archaeology, and linguistics, noting their lunar calendar and the concept of the king marrying the landscape goddess.
• A Dictionary of Symbols by J.E. Cirlot: Highly recommended for its profound study of symbols, useful for occult, psychoanalysis, and comparative religions.
• Dictionary of Christian Lore and Legend by J.C.J Metford: A scholarly dictionary of Christian symbols, useful for researchers of the Christianized landscape.
• Visions * Apparitions * Alien Visitors by Hilary Evans: A comparative study of ghosts, apparitions, and alien visitors, attempting to record cases without the filter of a strong belief system. It is considered a valuable sourcebook for reference.
• The Evidence Series: A series of books from Aquarian Press, including 'The Evidence for Alien Abductions,' 'The Evidence for Bigfoot,' 'The Evidence for UFOs,' and 'The Evidence for Visions of the Virgin Mary.' These are described as providing impartial material and comprehensive assessments of phenomena.
• Feng Shui- The Science of Sacred Landscape in Old China by E.J.Eitel: A classic text, reissued with a new foreword and afterword, considered essential reading for anyone interested in geomancy.
• Eccentric Lives and Peculiar Notions by John Michell: A casebook documenting the lives of original thinkers, inventors, and conspiracy theorists, celebrating individuality and unorthodox ideas.
• Anti-Feminist Papers No. 1: Sacred Glastonbury: A Defence of Myth Defiled by Anthony Roberts: A booklet arguing for a more balanced perspective on feminism, criticizing what it terms 'excesses of feminist thought' and advocating for a shared vision between men and women. The reviewer agrees with the sentiment.
• Myth and Ritual in Christianity by Alan Watts: A lucid and insightful analysis of Christian myth and ritual, contextualizing motifs within other religious systems. The reviewer notes Watts's ability to complement his scholarship with an accessible style.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of earth mysteries, geomancy, ancient traditions, and alternative consciousness. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of questioning established orthodoxies and seeking deeper connections with the natural world. The magazine appears to be a platform for researchers and thinkers who challenge conventional scientific and societal paradigms, encouraging a holistic understanding of the earth and human existence. The move to Indonesia signals an expansion of its scope and a continued commitment to its unique editorial direction.

This issue of Quicksilver Messenger features a conversation with author Ward Rutherford about his books "The Druids - Magicians of the West" and "Pythagoras - Lover of Wisdom". The discussion, presented as a recorded conversation, explores the thematic links between these two books, delving into historical rumours, etymologies, and cultural connections between Celtic and Greek civilizations.

Main Themes: Druids and Pythagoras

Ward Rutherford addresses the central question of the main themes linking the two books. He highlights a persistent rumour found in late classical references suggesting that Pythagoras was instructed by a British druid named Abaris, who was described as a priest of the Hyperborean Apollo. Rutherford notes that while some believe the druids instructed Pythagoras, others posit the reverse, leading to the idea of "Pythagoreanism in a Celtic guise." He dismisses this as "historic nonsense" and "a piece of Greek chauvinism" but acknowledges that similarities exist between Celtic druidism and Pythagoreanism.

Who was Apollo?

Rutherford discusses the mysterious origins of the Greek god Apollo. He suggests Apollo might not have been originally Greek, with myths acknowledging him as a god from the north. He proposes a possible connection to a Celtic sun god named Belenos, who shares similarities with Apollo. Another etymology for Apollo suggests it means 'devoid of multitude' or 'one,' and he is addressed as 'The One.' A further etymological link is made to the Celtic god Maponos, the young son, who was also a solar god, mirroring Apollo's solar attributes and parentage (son of Zeus). The similarity in names ('Ap' meaning 'son' in Celtic) leads to the speculation that the Greeks may have adopted a Celtic god.

Celts and Greeks in the Classical World

The conversation explores the connection between the Celts and the Greeks. Rutherford suggests it's quite possible that Pythagoras himself, or at least his father, travelled to Britain for trade, specifically for silver and tin, as his father was a tradesman in precious metals. He also recounts a story from Jean Markale about a Celtic expedition to Delphi around 270 BC. This expedition, described as a 'crusade,' marched on Delphi in late autumn and arrived in winter. The oracle famously stated, "I shall be saved by the white virgins," which is interpreted as the snows that fell, forcing the Celtic army to retreat after engaging with the Greeks. Despite the retreat, the Celts did reach the shrine, which had already been stripped of its treasure, not by the Celts, but in anticipation of their arrival. Rutherford notes that the Celts' objective was not gold but a more arcane purpose.

Delphi and the Shift in Religious Focus

Rutherford explains that Delphi became Apollo's shrine around 1500 BC, having previously been the shrine of the Earth Mother, Demeter or Gaia. He argues that this change signifies a Greek recognition of the male role in conception, moving from a maternal to a paternal focus in religious ideas, as exemplified in Aeschylus' play 'The Orestii.'

Feminine vs. Masculine Spirituality

The discussion touches upon the historical emphasis on the female figure in pre-history, where childbirth was not solely attributed to intercourse but also to the entry of a departed soul into the woman's body. This contrasts with the modern feminist movement's desire to rewrite history with a feminine-based focus. Rutherford posits two parallel strains in prehistoric supernatural views: a maternal one associated with sedentary agriculture and a shamanistic, masculine, and elitist trend among non-sedentary agricultural people. He notes that while the feminine Earth Mother religion was communal, the shamanistic trend involved individuals communicating with deities, often in an ecstatic state. He sees a fear of the woman, particularly in her guise as a witch, as a fundamental aspect of the human spirit, linking it to the 'Castrating Mother' archetype. Conversely, he identifies a feminine fear of the elitist, dominating, masculine, shamanistic trend. Rutherford believes that while major religions have often been shamanistic and masculine-dominated, the feminine aspect, though repressed, emerges, citing the Blessed Virgin Mary in Catholicism as an example. He advocates for a balance and partnership between masculine and feminine energies, likening it to yin and yang.

The Pythagorean Cult and Gender Roles

Regarding the Pythagorean Cult, Rutherford describes it as an elitist cult. He notes that evidence suggests it was predominantly masculine, with the Cult of Apollo also being very masculine-dominated, particularly around the 8th to 6th centuries BC. The aphorisms at Apollo's shrine included directives like 'KEEP WOMEN UNDER RULE.' The emphasis on fitness and athletics in the Delphic and Pythian Games, which were closed to women, is highlighted. Rutherford points out that Greek society at the time was patriarchal, comparable to modern Moslem society, where women were often excluded from social gatherings.

Unacknowledged Heritage and Modern Druids

Rutherford discusses an unacknowledged heritage in Britain and the West, attributing a dominant influence to the Celts that survived subsequent invasions. He cites examples like the Abbot's Bromley stag dance. He expresses hesitation in affirming that modern druids frequenting Stonehenge are carriers of ancient knowledge, suggesting their connection is "not very much."

The Break with Druidism

The break in Druidism is attributed to the Roman occupation of Britain, which prohibited druidic practices. While areas like Scotland and Ireland, less affected by Roman influence, may have seen a continuation of druidism, the main break occurred with Romanization. Rutherford suspects that Welsh druids might have continued their activities covertly. He notes that in Celtic prehistory, druids, bards, and 'vates' (diviners) were merged, but later split. He suggests that after the Roman occupation, druids might have adopted the harp, and bards may have been druids continuing their activities under cover.

Shamanism and its Revival

Rutherford is currently working on a book about shamanism, viewing it as a phenomenon where shamanistic ideas are carried in the human psyche and re-emerge. He cites the 19th-century spiritualism movement as a revival of shamanism, characterized by individuals with the gift of communicating with spirits through trance. He also notes shamanistic elements in major religions, such as Christ's experience of death and rebirth and Odin's self-sacrifice. He discusses the shamanistic renaissance in the 1960s, linking it to the use of psychedelic drugs, which he states are involved in shamanism across cultures (e.g., fly agaric in Lapland, peyote in South America).

Feminism and Partnership

Rutherford acknowledges a potential danger of elitism in modern feminism, while strongly condemning patriarchy. He emphasizes the need for progress through partnership between sexes, viewing a joint view as essential. He believes that the disadvantage of a patriarchal system is a disadvantage for the entire human race, leading to a warped society. He stresses the need for both feminine and masculine sanity and common sense, asserting that both sexes are equally capable of insanity.

Reviews

"The Stars and the Stones" by Martin Brennan

This review praises the book as a "first class production" detailing investigations into the astronomical significance of Irish megalithic art and monuments, particularly in the Boyne area. The reviewer highlights Brennan's "intuitive hunch" and "scientific basis" for conclusions, noting that "the mounds were accurate sun cronometers." The book is recommended as a valuable resource for understanding pre-historic man and his relationship with the cosmos.

"Lord of the Underworld: (Jung and the 20th century)" by Colin Wilson

This review discusses Colin Wilson's biography of Carl Gustav Jung, describing it as "eminently readable and lucid" and taking an "objective and astringent approach." Wilson is credited with capturing the reader's interest and exploring Jung's life, conflicts, and his concept of the romantic as someone who sees "life is full of hidden meanings." The review highlights Jung's breakthrough with "active imagination" during a period of breakdown following his schism with Freud, where he could converse with characters from his subconscious mind. The book is presented as a critical analysis, avoiding the "Jung as guru" school.

"Inner Journeys: Visualisation in Growth and Therapy" by Gallegos and Rennick

This review notes that two Americans have produced a book of case histories on "active imagination" (termed 'guided imagery'). The book is described as having a "small-campus-in-the-Mid-West feel about it: sincere, ernest and slightly naive." It is seen as a good companion to "Lord of the Underworld," offering a practical application of a technique that Jung himself did not fully clarify.

Geomatic Refexions: the new landscape artists

Christopher Castle

This section introduces Christopher Castle, an artist whose work uses geomantic focal points. Castle's creative journey began with music before moving to painting in the early 1960s. He studied at Ravensbourne Art School, where he became interested in Oriental religion, meditation, and yoga. His interest in the East influenced his mandala-based paintings. He was also influenced by Geoffrey Ashe's books on Arthur and Michell's "Flying Saucer Vision," which helped him explore the spiritual dimension in landscape. Castle also experimented with psychedelics, finding a "joint adventure" in exploring consciousness. He describes his work as "cosmologically orientated," viewing landscape as an externalization of one's inner state. He uses elemental and metamorphic figures in his art, aiming for a subtle effect that requires a "double take." His process is described as alchemical, refining his perceptions and transforming elements from the earth into a more refined spiritual expression. Castle emphasizes the importance of "contacting the real thing" through landscape and subjective modes of thought. He mentions influences from artists like Hieronymus Bosch and his own experiences in Ireland and Malta, where he encountered the "Maltese goddesses." His work has been exhibited at New Grange. He also discusses challenging the Renaissance art world's focus on individual ego by working in groups and depicting vibrations and focusing through mandalas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient cultures, spirituality, and art. There is a strong emphasis on uncovering hidden connections between seemingly disparate traditions, such as Druidism and Pythagoreanism, and between Celtic and Greek civilizations. The issue delves into the evolution of religious thought, particularly the shift from feminine to masculine-centric spiritualities, and advocates for a balanced partnership between these energies. The role of shamanism as a recurring element in human spirituality is also a prominent theme. The reviews highlight contemporary explorations of these themes in literature and art, with a particular focus on figures like Carl Jung and artists like Christopher Castle who engage with geomantic and spiritual aspects of landscape. The editorial stance appears to favour a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, valuing subjective experience and the search for meaning.

This issue of QSM, identified by its page numbers (23 and 24) and the "letters / PATRIARCH'S CORNER." heading, focuses on critiques of what is perceived as militant matriarchal feminism and explores themes related to ancient symbolism, art, and historical interpretations.

Content Analysis

Patriarch's Corner and Letters

The "Patriarch's Corner" section features correspondence that strongly criticizes what the writers term "militant matriarchal feminists." One letter, from Anthony Roberts in Glastonbury, describes this movement as a "reluctant rage" that has consciously eroded a new harmony and co-operation between men and women. He argues that these feminists are rewriting history and sociology to serve their "empty, vainglorious obsessions" and that their "evil Matriarchal concepts are just as ruthless as any male's," leading to a "totalitarian rule under another disguise." Roberts asserts that the "earth mysteries/geomantic worlds" are being falsely presented as matriarchal focal points, and he counters this with the idea of "Libertarion harmony" as the only true way forward. He also announces that his wife Janet will write "ANTI-FEMINIST PAPERS NO2" titled "MOTHERS BEWARE MOTHERS: A CRY AGAINST THE RUINATION OF MEN BY THEIR EARLIEST, CLOSEST AND MOST TRAITOTOUS COMPANIONS."

Another letter from David Tait in Hove responds to a previous QSM issue, finding an article on the Hove Mound and the question of King Arthur's burial there "fascinating and informative." Tait also notes an article on the origins of a Mount in the Priory grounds in Lewes, where a photograph revealed the outline of a conventional flying saucer, suggesting that advanced beings might have arrived in such a craft.

Ed. replies to David Tait, questioning whether truly advanced beings would have landed in Lewes.

Paul Screeton of Seaton Carew praises the issue, particularly R.A. Wilson, and mentions his own experience with an anonymously submitted "sexist" column for The Guardian. He also recalls Jimi Hendrix's wish for a rave on his grave.

Art and Symbolism

A significant portion of the text delves into the artist's personal journey and perspectives. The artist, who focuses on printing because it is "more marketable," has also been working on icons, inspired by Goddess imagery and the realization that Mary icons are continuations of Byzantine pictures. He recounts a British Council sponsored trip to Poland where he worked at the Warsaw Academy, noting the presence of icons and the Byzantine form of Christianity. He describes icons as representing the "other world of cosmic forces" and their unique perspective, which differs from the Renaissance "one eye looking at the world" to a "multi-view" that makes the viewer the vanishing point.

The artist also shares experiences from a trip to Malta, where he explored megaliths and seated goddesses. He describes the Maltese feast of Saint Mary, with its intense firecrackers, and notes the cultural observations about women's appearance and behavior. He discusses finding alignments in Gozo, including a beam of light entering a chamber, which he interprets as a "phallus of the sun entering the womb of the earth." He critiques the "matriarchalists" for missing the "union of opposites" and the balance inherent in megalithic symbolism, stating that their focus is "so unbalanced" and that "dynamism of the balance" is important.

Book Review: The Mists of Avalon

Anthony Roberts reviews Marion Bradley's novel "The Mists of Avalon." He describes the book as "turgidly written" and a "Goddess obsessed propaganda exercise for militant matriarchy." Roberts contends that the novel reverses the traditional Arthurian saga, focusing entirely on female participants and their dialogue about Goddess worship, while neglecting action and description. He criticizes the characters as "two dimensional puppets" manipulated by "near omniscient females," calling it "naked female power fantasy writ large." He contrasts this with science fiction, where Bradley is known for "excitement and vivid imagination." Roberts concludes by recommending other works, such as Henry Treace's "Great Captains" and Rosemary Sutcliff's "Sword at Sunset," as superior examples of historical fiction.

Exchange List

The issue includes an extensive "Exchange List" of various publications, primarily related to fringe topics, paganism, mysteries, and alternative beliefs, such as "The American Dowser," "The Cauldron," "Circle," "Common Ground," "Earth Giant," "End Times Bulletin," "The Shaman," "Stonehenge Viewpoint," "Earthquest News," "Terrestrial Zodiac News," "Quest," "Touchstone EM," "The Ley Hunter," "Golden Section Order," "The Symbol," "Lantern," "Magona," "Northern Earth Mysteries," "Oseap Journal," and "Pipes of Pan." It also lists contact information for the "Universal Parapsychological Foundation."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critique of what is perceived as militant matriarchal feminism, the exploration of ancient symbolism (megaliths, Goddess imagery), the nature of art and its marketability (printing, icons), and a re-evaluation of historical narratives, particularly in the context of Arthurian legend. The editorial stance, as expressed through the "Patriarch's Corner" and the book review, is highly critical of feminist interpretations that are seen as unbalanced, overly dominant, and a distortion of historical and spiritual truths. There is a strong advocacy for a holistic, balanced approach that integrates "masculine" and "feminine" elements, contrasting this with what is described as the "gender civil war" promoted by some feminist factions. The magazine also appears to be a platform for alternative and fringe topics, as evidenced by the extensive exchange list.