TERRESTRIAL ZODIACS NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

Title: TERRESTRIAL ZODIACS NEWSLETTER
Issue: No. 3
Date: October 1977

This issue of the Terrestrial Zodiacs Newsletter focuses on recent developments in terrestrial zodiac research, including an exhibition by artists Jill Bruce and Bruce Lacey, and a detailed description of a unique zodiac found in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. The editorial section delves into the philosophy of avoiding over-specialisation in art and life.

Earth Spirit Exhibition and Glastonbury Zodiac Journey

The newsletter highlights the "Earth Spirit" exhibition by Jill Bruce and Bruce Lacey, described as a "myth-defying experience" resulting from a year of instinctive connection with Earth and cosmic forces. This exhibition was presented at Battersea Arts Centre and was scheduled for a showing at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff. Bruce and Lacey also produced a booklet titled "Journey Round the Glastonbury Zodiac," documenting their trip through Somerset, combining verse, information, and illustrations related to the zodiac sectors. This booklet is available for 50p plus postage.

The artists' work is now labelled as Performance Art, and they have focused on returning to a harmonious state by visiting ancient sites and allowing them to inspire their creative activities. They emphasize that their research is not exclusively focused on zodiacs but encompasses all aspects of earth mysteries and ancient knowledge. Their journey around the Glastonbury Zodiac is described as a pilgrimage rather than objective scientific research.

The Hebden Bridge Zodiac

John Billingsley contributes an article detailing the Hebden Bridge Zodiac, located along the valley sides of the River Calder in West Yorkshire. This zodiac is approximately 5 x 22 miles and is marked out by roads, tracks, paths, streams, and landscape features. Two unusual characteristics are noted: the figures are oriented to be "upright" when viewed from a northerly viewpoint, and the normal constellation progression is reversed. Billingsley lists and describes the figures for each sign, from Aries (a seated lamb) to Aquarius (an eagle or phoenix), often noting local landmarks and historical associations, such as the connection to Robin Hood lore and potential UFO activity in the region.

Too Much Specialisation

The editorial section, under the headline "TOO MUCH SPECIALISATION," argues against the concept of specialisation in both life and art. The author posits that mankind's evolution was due to adaptability rather than specialisation, and that over-specialisation is leading to a downfall. In art, they believe that varied human experiences should not be compartmentalised. The authors, who now work under the label of Performance Art, see their artistic experience as a complex blending of disciplines, reflecting an original state where art was a physical manifestation of humanity's harmonious relationship with subtle energies and forces. They believe everyone is an artist, and labels are a modern societal construct.

Documentation and Future Plans

Jill Bruce and Bruce Lacey mention that their experience has inspired a surge of creative activity, including poetry and electronic music, which they plan to combine with slides and films for future presentations. They also note that documentation of their events will be part of an exhibition at Chapter Arts Centre in February 1978. The newsletter also includes a detailed schedule of their "Journey Round the Glastonbury Zodiac" from September 21-25, outlining the sites visited and activities undertaken for each zodiac sign, with financial assistance from the Arts Council of Great Britain.

Bibliography and Letters

The newsletter provides a bibliography of "ADDITIONS TO TERRESTRIAL ZODIACS" including booklets and articles on various zodiacs, such as the Ongar, Lamanche, and Glastonbury Zodiacs. It also features a letter from Kathleen Elsmire, who discusses the interpretation of figures like the Long Man of Wilmington and the Cerne Abbas giant, suggesting they may have originally carried other figures or represented different symbolic meanings related to bulls and ancient deities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of terrestrial zodiacs as a means of understanding earth mysteries and ancient knowledge, the integration of art and life through performance art, and a critique of modern specialisation. The editorial stance is one that advocates for a holistic, adaptable, and interconnected approach to understanding the world and human experience, moving away from compartmentalisation and towards a more intuitive and harmonious engagement with the environment and ancient traditions.