The Shaman - No 11 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: The Shaman
Issue: 11
Publication Date: 1985
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0140 9522
Price: £3 for 4 issues

This issue of The Shaman, number 11, is presented as an independent, non-profitmaking magazine incorporating the Ancient Skills & Wisdom Review. It announces a shift towards a folkloric theme, with the forthcoming issue to be titled 'New Folklore Mercury'. The magazine aims to focus on urban belief tales, mirroring the philosophy of Fortean Times by collecting and commenting on contemporary urban folklore, relating it to modern myths, and exploring the socio-psychological aspects of belief transmission.

Editorial and Content

The editorial highlights a year of personal mixed fortunes affecting production. The editor expresses a desire to be 'inclusionistic' in collecting contemporary urban belief tales and relating traditional folklore to modern myths. Readers are encouraged to contribute clippings and tales. The new title, 'New Folklore Mercury', is chosen to reflect the mercurial aspects of folklore – its sudden appearance and urbanised location, with 'Mercury' suggesting immediacy and a journal of record.

The magazine retains the 'Ancient Skills & Wisdom Review' section for books and magazines within a similar spectrum of subjects. Subscription rates have been adjusted, with a new price of £3 for 4 issues for the UK, reflecting increased production costs.

Key Articles and Features

Interview: Sex and the Shameless Shaman

This section features an interview conducted by Libby Dobell with Tony 'Doo' Shiels, who is described as a shaman. Dobell questions Shiels about criticisms of his work, particularly his apparent obsession with naked female flesh, and accusations of sexism, voyeurism, and exploitation. Shiels defends his approach as surrealist, making no distinction between dream and reality. He admits to being a middle-aged, heterosexual male with lustful thoughts but denies sexism. He views nudity as a natural state representing freedom. Shiels discusses his belief in homeopathic magic and the power of imagery, stating that if pictures evoke a response, it helps prove his point about 'raising things'. He also touches upon the fetishistic power of objects and his deliberate creation of 'poetic fetish-objects'. The conversation extends to the symbolism of Guinness, oysters, and the myth of the sea monster, linking them to sexuality and the 'feminine waters'.

Reg Wright and Geordie King Arthur

Authored by Paul Screeton, this article profiles Reginald Wright, a composer, poet, and amateur historian. Wright has focused his research on the legend of King Arthur in the North-East of England, particularly in the Castle Eden and Black Hall areas. The article suggests that Wright's work, 'A History of Castle Eden Lore in search of King Arthur', may convince scholars of a 'north-eastern Arthur'. Wright's approach is described as imaginative and rooted in Celtic/Druid heritage, avoiding purely academic questions. He draws parallels between local landmarks and Arthurian sites like Glastonbury. The article notes that Wright's work is anecdotal and lacks academic referencing but is aimed at the general reader. It also mentions Wright's other publications, including 'Black Hall Rocks and Blackhall' and 'Black Hall Rocks and Other Poems'.

Book Reviews and News

The magazine includes a section reviewing various books, primarily from Routledge & Kegan Paul (RKP) and its Arkana imprint. Reviewed titles include:

• MEETINGS WITH REMARKABLE MEN by G.I. Gurdijeff
• VIEWS FROM THE REAL WORLD by G.I. Gurdijeff
• A NEW MODEL OF THE UNIVERSE by P.D. Ouspensky
• THE BOOK OF THE DEAD by E.A. Wallis Budge
• THE POCKET I CHING by Richard Wilhelm
• THE SECRET OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER by Wilhelm
• THE CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS by Farid ud-Din Attar
• THE MAGICAL ARTS by Doreen Valiente and Anton Le Vey (reviewed by Richard Cavendish)
• THE POWER OF THE PENDULUM by T.C. Lethbridge
• WOMEN OF WISDOM by Tsultrim Allione
• THE WESTERN WAY: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE WESTERN MYSTERY TRADITION by Caitlin and John Matthews
• RESEARCHES ON THE I CHING by Julian K. Shchutskii
• SORCERY by J. Finley Hurley
• EARTH ASCENDING by Jose Arguelles
• STAYING ALIVE: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN SURVIVAL by Roger Walsh
• THE RAIMENT OF LIGHT: A STUDY OF THE HUMAN AURA by David Tansley

There is also a note about a new magazine called 'Nnidnid', an 'occasional review of the International Surrealist Movement', being produced by 'Doc'.

Readers' Letters

One letter from S. Gray-Thompson comments on 'black panthers' and 'big cat' sightings in North Sutherland, also speculating on driving causing trance states and shamans seeing animals. The letter also mentions UFO sightings made from cars. Paul Screeton replies, clarifying a previous quote and sharing his own experience of misidentifying a sandy Alsatian as a lioness, and also reporting sightings of a stoat and a white creature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a strong interest in folklore, mythology, and the paranormal, particularly focusing on urban belief systems and their connection to ancient traditions. There is an embrace of the surreal and the unconventional, as seen in the interview with Tony Shiels. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and 'inclusionistic', encouraging reader participation and the exploration of less conventional aspects of belief and history. The shift towards 'New Folklore Mercury' signals a continued dedication to documenting contemporary folklore and its evolving forms. The magazine also champions local history and less mainstream research, as exemplified by the article on Reg Wright's Arthurian studies. The reviews indicate a broad interest in earth mysteries, occultism, and alternative spiritualities. The magazine seems to advocate for a more imaginative and less rigidly academic approach to understanding myth and legend.

This issue of ANCIENT SKILLS & WISDOM REVIEW, number 28, published around 1985, focuses on a variety of esoteric and historical topics, with a strong emphasis on earth mysteries, paganism, and ancient traditions. The issue features reviews of several books and booklets, as well as summaries of various related magazines.

Book and Booklet Reviews

Nigel Pennick's Publications

The issue begins with a review of three booklets by Nigel Pennick: "LABYRINTHS THEIR GEOMANCY AND SYMBOLISM" (£1-20), "PAGAN PROPHECY AND PLAY" (£1), and "THE COSMIC AXIS" (£1). Pennick, based in Cambridge, offers these publications via mail order. "Labyrinths" is described as explaining mystic principles, symbolic layout, geometrical properties, and connections to numerology and Qabalah, presented in a modern perspective and illustrated. "Pagan Prophecy and Play" delves into board games and divination, explaining their symbolism and spiritual uses, and providing rules for playing them. "The Cosmic Axis" explores the traditions of the Elder Faith in Northern Europe, focusing on geomantic layouts, the symbolic meaning of the cosmic axis, and its connection to psychic experiences and near-death experiences. It also covers crossroads, sacred trees, maypoles, and turf mazes.

New Albion Newsletter

Nigel Pennick is also associated with the "NEW ALBION NEWSLETTER," an information bulletin on the current European and world pagan scene and fundamentalism. Two issues are mentioned: No. 1 discusses Christian imbalance in the media, and No. 2 announces "PRACTICAL GEOMANCY."

Runestaff Booklets

A stop press note announces two further Runestaff booklets: "SKYLORE OF THE NORTH" by O.S. Reuter, a translation of a German expert's work on astronomy and calendars, and "RUNESTAVES AND OGHAMS" by Nigel Pennick, a revised edition dealing with ancient phonetic scripts of Northern Europe, including Runic and Celtic Ogham systems.

"FENG SHUI" by E.J. Eitel

This review discusses Eitel's book, originally published in 1873, which examines the Chinese geomantic system. Despite the author's Christian missionary perspective and prejudices, it is considered a classic account. The review highlights the book's third modern edition, featuring illustrations from an 1843 book, and the contributions of John Michell, who describes feng-shui as "The art of perceiving the subtle energies that animate nature and the landscape, and the science of reconciling the best interests of the living earth with those of all its inhabitants."

"THE DRAGON OF CHRISTCHURCH & OTHER WONDERS SEEN ON A JOURNEY THROUGH THE WEST OF ENGLAND IN 1113"

This entry reviews a translation by Jeremy Harte of Hermann of Læn's "Miracles of Our Lady." The book evokes a cleric's fundraising trip and discusses medieval accounts of 'drafons,' which Harte suggests were meteorological phenomena, particularly ball lightning. This is noted as the first occasional paper of the South-Western Antiquarian Society.

"THE GREAT SEA-SERPENT CONTROVERSY : A CULTURAL STUDY" by Paul Lester

Paul Lester's booklet, an extract from a PhD thesis, examines the awe of the unknown depths and the folklore surrounding sea serpents. It discusses rituals and omens in seamanship and concludes that water monsters are part of a larger modern myth representing "pre-eminently the realm of prehistory."

"SKYWAYS AND LANDMARKS REVISITED" by Philip Heselton, Jimmy Goddard and Paul Baines

This publication, a joint effort by the Northern Earth Mysteries Group and Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, re-evaluates Tony Wedd's 1961 work that linked leys and flying saucers. The authors examine alignments, particularly tree clumps, and argue for their continuity and visibility. The review notes the contentious aspect of 12 healing lines being received through a sensitive, Mary Long, and discusses the interface of leys and ufology, with Heselton emphasizing the significance of these lines being discovered through extraterrestrial communication.

"THE KNIGHTS OF DANBURY" by Andrew Collins

Andrew Collins' book is described as a "psychic quest" exploring the identity of a "picked knight" in Danbury church. It delves into the St Clere family, sun worship, midsummer celebrations, devil legends, pagan connections, an embalmed knight, and the history of the manor. The book includes a pictorial review of the village.

Magazine Reviews

THE LEY HUNTER

This senior Earth Mysteries (E.M.) magazine covers ancient alignments, geomancy, folklore, prehistoric sites, and phenomena. Issue No. 97 includes a supplement and critically examines a "Ley Lines in Question" diatribe. It features articles on African shamanism and an earth lights case. Issue No. 98 discusses radiation at Rollright, a New Jersey "spooklight," and Alfred Watkins. It also features pieces on places and sites, and abstracts of exchange magazines. Subscriptions are available for U.K. and U.S. readers.

NORTHERN EARTH MYSTERIES

This journal from the Northern Earth Mysteries Group offers varied content. Issue No. 27 includes an astrological analysis of Alfred Watkins and investigations of incised stones. Issues No. 27 and 28 feature articles on local sites, including "A Walk in the Fylde" by Jimmy Goddard, tales from Seaton Carew's churchyard by Paul Screeton, and alignments at Pocklington by Ian P. Taylor. The journal also celebrates 20 years of THE LEY HUNTER.

QUEST

This magazine focuses on the Western mystery tradition, with articles on tides, stone circles, mythology, magical questing, and god/goddess consciousness. Issue No. 60 covers these topics, while No. 61 discusses a Yorkshire "folly" and No. 62 features "Shamanic Site Work." Issue No. 63 emphasizes self-help.

NORTHERN UFO NEWS

This bi-monthly publication covers various aspects of ufology. Issues reviewed include reports on paranormal television programs, fatal air crashes, the Rendlesham Forest case, pulsed light-tracks, "UFO nests," and national investigations committees. It also features book reviews, media matters, and case histories, including sightings near Snowdon and RAF Valley, and discussions on UFO classification.

EARTHQUEST NEWS

This A5 format journal covers psychometry, questing, and the psychic side of E.M. in Essex. Issue No. 12 features "The Doc Shiels Phenomenon" and an account of Monstermind '83. It also includes reports on a mystery big cat, a preserved guardian dog, and a "Satanic" birdman. Issue No. 13 continues with personal investigations and local folklore.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are diverse, encompassing ancient geomancy, pagan traditions, folklore, earth mysteries, ufology, and historical accounts of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various perspectives and research findings from different authors and publications. There is a clear interest in the intersection of ancient beliefs, landscape, and modern phenomena, including UFO sightings and earth energies. The reviews are generally informative, offering summaries and critical assessments of the reviewed materials, with a consistent focus on the esoteric and the unexplained.