Terrestrial Zodiacs Newsletter - No 04

Magazine Overview

This issue, No. 4, of the Terrestrial Zodiacs Newsletter (TZN) is an informal publication produced by Paul Screeton from Hartlepool, Cleveland. It aims to debate the subject of terrestrial zodiac possibilities in the landscape and their relationship to other geomantic studies. The newsletter is distributed at intermittent intervals and is available free, though contributions of money or stamps are welcomed. This issue covers the Maltwood Fund, a Welsh literary zodiac, the Stonegate Zodiac, and a review of a book on the Kingston Zodiac.

You and the Maltwood Fund Cash

The lead article addresses the Maltwood Fund, established by Katherine Maltwood, who left a substantial amount of money in trust to The Royal Society of Arts. The fund supports archaeological and antiquarian research in Somerset. The author notes the incongruity of Professor Glyn Daniel, who has publicly ridiculed the terrestrial zodiac hypothesis, being on the panel of advisers for the fund. The article includes a press release detailing the grants awarded for 1978, totaling £1,000. These grants supported various projects, including excavations of a medieval manor house, research into deserted medieval settlements, publication of a report on a Romano-British cemetery, excavation of Bronze Age structures, research into the early building history of Frome, research into vernacular architecture, archaeological research on Steep Holm, and publication of a Bronze Age barrow excavation. The Maltwood Fund was established in 1969, and by the time of this publication, a total of £9,225 had been disbursed. A further offer of grants for 1979 is mentioned. The advisory committee for the fund included notable figures such as Prof. Glyn Daniel, Prof. W.F. Grimes, and Dr. D.B. Harden.

A Welsh Literary Zodiac? (Clues to a Possible T.Z. in the Medieval Story of Llew Llaw Gyffes)

This section, authored by Jin Kimmis, explores the possibility of a terrestrial zodiac within the medieval Welsh story of Llew Llaw Gyffes, found in the Mabinogion. The author draws parallels with other medieval tales set in identifiable British landscapes, such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Tristram and Iseult. The story of Llew Llaw Gyffes is analyzed for elements that might correspond to zodiacal signs. Key elements discussed include Arianrhod giving birth to twins (Dylan and an unnamed 'something'), Gwydion's role, Llew being named after a trick involving a wren, and a second doom placed upon him. The creation of Blodeuedd from flowers to be Llew's wife, her seduction by Gronw Pebyr, and Llew's subsequent transformation into an eagle are also detailed. The author suggests that the story fits a zodiacal framework, including terrestrial forms of Cancer, Libra, and Aquarius, and proposes that the area around the Snowdon massif in North Wales might contain this 'Snowdon Zodiac'. Specific sites mentioned include Caer Dathyl, Caer Arianrhod, Dinas Dinlleu, Mur-y-Castell (Tomen-y-Mur), the River Cynfael, Nantlleu, and Llyn Morynion. The author invites further information from researchers working on earth mysteries in North Wales.

The Stonegate Zodiac

Authored by Mike Collier, this piece discusses the Stonegate Zodiac, which he encountered while writing about the Long Man of Wilmington. He suggests that there may have once been a series of figures, including one of a man falling off a horse (possibly Sagittarius), and that the Stonegate Zodiac is one of the largest found, spanning 20 miles across Sussex and Kent. Brief descriptions of potential zodiacal figures are provided: Scorpio (near the Battle of Hastings), Virgo (with a possible crow or cock figure), Leo (possibly a hound or wolf), Gemini (a giant in a boat, the Argo Navis), Cancer (a crab figure), Taurus (head and hoof), Aries (head looking south, with an earthwork called Ramslye), Pisces (a whale and a fish, with Bayham Abbey and Jews Wood), Aquarius (a phoenix, possibly linked to Glastonbury), and Capricorn (a goat-unicorn figure). Libra is possibly not found, and the interpretation of the elephant figure is uncertain, though it might link to the Long Man. The author notes that the point F in the ship relates the zodiac to the heptagon, as described by Michael Behrend. He also mentions that dowsing suggests non-straight leys and that Arthurians might find a connection with Glassenbury and Mrs. Maltwood's statement about Arthur lying at The Moors.

"The Kingston Zodiac"

This is a review by Mary Caine of a book titled "The Kingston Zodiac" by the author at 25 Kingston Hill, Kingston, Surrey. Caine praises the book for its credible presentation of research into alleged terrestrial zodiacs, contrasting it with other 'flimsy' presentations. She notes that the book treats each figure in detail, comparing it with the Glastonbury Giants and using philology and mythology to interpret place-names. Caine highlights the author's comprehension of solar mysteries symbology and her 'lively, quixotic style'. The review mentions the book's speculative nature, linking Arthur's last journey with the university boat race, and noting 'coincidences' familiar to those in the Western Mystery Tradition. It also touches on rivers' curvature, Templar 'jokes', nursery rhymes in the landscape, and the significance of Herschel living at Slough. Caine points out a 'strong radical streak' in the book, particularly concerning Robin Hood and the Norman policy of suppressing free speech. The review concludes by agreeing with the author's insistence that zodiacs are natural and evolving, calling the book a 'useful lesson' for those researching terrestrial zodiacology.

Continuing T.Z. Bibliography

The newsletter includes a bibliography of books and articles related to Terrestrial Zodiacs (TZ), referencing previous issues of TZN and other publications from 1977 and 1978. Books listed include E.C. Krupp's "In Search of Ancient Astronomies". Articles cover various zodiacs, including the Glastonbury, Hebden Bridge, Holderness, South Yorkshire, Bristol, Stonegate, Bury St Edmunds, and Somerset figures, with authors like Jill Bruce, John Billingsley, Vince Russett, Mike Collier, and Mary Caine.

Editorial Notes and Constraints

The producer, Paul Screeton, apologizes for the delay in issuing the newsletter and for not responding to all correspondence. He mentions that most correspondents have been patient and that their contributions may be rewarded elsewhere. He asks correspondents to map out TZs clearly on A4 paper for potential inclusion and offers to provide approximate print runs for those wishing to photostat sheets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration and documentation of terrestrial zodiacs, their potential origins, and their connection to landscape, mythology, and history. The newsletter appears to advocate for a rigorous and credible approach to research in this field, as evidenced by the positive review of Mary Caine's book. There is a clear interest in connecting ancient sites and folklore with geomantic studies. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, while also being critical of unsubstantiated claims. The inclusion of the Maltwood Fund highlights a connection between terrestrial zodiac research and broader archaeological and antiquarian studies, despite potential academic skepticism.