Terrestrial Zodiacs Newsletter - No 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Terrestrial Zodiacs Newsletter, dated Summer 1980, is edited and published occasionally by Paul Screeton from Seaton Carew, Hartlepool. It is available free, with donations welcomed. The issue features a prominent cover headline: "HINTS OF A TERRESTRIAL ZODIAC IN NORTH-WEST HERTFORDSHIRE" by Peter M. Hughes.

Article 1: HINTS OF A TERRESTRIAL ZODIAC IN NORTH-WEST HERTFORDSHIRE by Peter M. Hughes

This article explores the possibility of a terrestrial zodiac centered around Harpenden and St Albans in North-West Hertfordshire. Hughes begins by examining place-names like Ramridge and Bulls Wood, which suggest links to constellations such as Aries, Taurus, and Sagittarius. He details attempts to define a base circle for this pattern, eventually settling on a 'vessica piscis' figure formed by two intersecting circles, each 7.00 miles in diameter, with their centers 3.75 miles apart. The axis joining these centers runs N15 W. The north circle passes through three pre-Reformation churches: St Leonard's (Hampstead), St Leonard's (Sandridge), and Ss Peter & Paul (Kimpton). The south circle includes St Helen's (Wheathampstead), St Nicholas' (Harpenden), and St Mary's (Redbourn). Other significant sites mentioned include St Albans Abbey Cathedral and three churches built by Abbot Ulsinus. Hughes notes the custom of building churches south of pagan shrines and discusses the geometric relationships between these churches, including distances and angles. He suggests a unit of 1760 megalithic yards (2.72 feet) as a 'megalithic mile', proposing that 5.44 miles (two such units) is a common spacing for significant points on ley alignments. The article highlights that the line joining Kimpton and Sandridge Churches crosses the line through Harpenden and Wheathampstead at right angles, and similar right-angle relationships exist between other church pairings. Hughes calculates a greater than 120 to 1 chance in favor of deliberate placement for these sites, even with a tolerance for slight inaccuracies. He also notes that five of the six churches lie on or near 28 equally spaced radials to the north circle, with an angle of 12.857 degrees between adjacent spokes, possibly relating to the '28 mansions of the moon'. The article concludes by stating the next part will explore non-church features and the discovery of the orientation through a connection with the Earth Mother goddess.

Article 2: VIRGO, ROBIN HOOD, AND VIRGO AGAIN by John Billingsley

John Billingsley discusses the symbolism of Virgo in the context of terrestrial zodiacs, moving beyond the typical Corn Goddess image. He describes Virgo as a 'hunch-backed old hag' and a symbol of the Triple Goddess, capable of appearing as a crow. The article links this imagery to 'Bog Eggs' and tales of witches sucking children's blood, recalling figures like Black Annis. Virgo's ability to transform is highlighted, becoming the Earth Mother and giver of sustenance, associated with water and wisdom from Nut Clough. The article mentions the Celtic element 'coll' (hazel) as being associated with Virgo. Billingsley then connects this to the Midgley Pace-Egg Play and the figure of Tosspot's wife. The discussion shifts to Robin Hood, identifying him with Sagittarius, the archer and Noble Warrior. Tales of Robin Hood as a giant playing games with standing stones are mentioned, along with his connection to Blackstone Edge. His death at Kirklees Priory is presented as a ritual sacrifice. Billingsley argues that Robin Hood's character is hazy, with his role being essentially pagan, representing the 'Green Man' living in balance with nature. The article delves into the esoteric side of the Prioress, who is the agent of Robin Hood's death, suggesting she embodies the Triple Goddess. It questions why Robin sought Christian healing, noting that many Yorkshire nunneries faced accusations of immorality, implying Kirklees Priory might not have been entirely Christian. The Prioress is depicted in various guises: maid, mother, lover, healer, and death-dealer, reinforcing the Triple Goddess concept. The article concludes by stating that Robin Hood becomes Sagittarius and the Prioress becomes Virgo, both part of the terrestrial/British zodiac family.

Article 3: THE GAINT AND THE DORSET CURSUS by Mollie Carey

Mollie Carey examines the Dorset Cursus, a prehistoric earthwork over six miles long. She questions the conventional archaeological explanation of it being a 'ritual track', finding it implausible for people to walk such a distance daily for ritual purposes. Carey suggests an alternative explanation, possibly related to a larger figure or pattern. She describes how remnants of Grims Ditches align with a potential figure, likening it to a cloak and hand. She speculates that the figure might be seated on a beast's back. Carey believes this interpretation offers a new explanation for the Dorset Cursus' purpose, aligning it with other earthworks in the area. She mentions sites like Sandleheath, Tarrant Hinton, and Hinton Martell, noting the meaning of 'Hinton' as 'High Place'. The article also touches upon folklore, including the Salisbury giant and the Gaint's Grave long barrow. Carey proposes that the Stonehenge Cursus and other similar earthworks might also be parts of figures, and that the Stonehenge avenue could have served a similar purpose. She acknowledges that her ideas might seem unconventional but points out that St Aldhelm was active in Saxon times and seemed to possess significant knowledge.

Letters and Additions

Clive Harper adds a note regarding a reference to the Glastonbury Zodiac, mentioning that he was unable to identify a specific portfolio among four missing volumes.

Elizabeth Gaudry from East Grinstead writes about four pubs in her village: The Lion, Unicorn, Crown, and Punch Bowl, questioning if these names refer to zodiacal figures or are purely coincidental.

Peter Hughes recommends "Window to the Past: Exploring History through Extra Sensory Perception" by Hans Holzer, suggesting it could aid in understanding techniques related to the subject matter.

Bob Forrest is introduced as a statistician whose work is expected to challenge researchers. Hughes expresses his belief that ley lines and zodiacs are inseparable and that all zodiacs should have an underlying ley pattern. He outlines his stricter criteria for accepting alignments, excluding modern features and non-pre-Reformation church sites, which he finds helps to reduce background 'noise' and makes identifying patterns easier. He also mentions overcoming Bob Forrest's 'crumpled paper' objection by requiring identical copies of effigies elsewhere.

Bibliography

The issue includes a continuing bibliography of previous issues, listing articles on terrestrial zodiacs, geomancy, and ancient technology from publications like 'Lantern', 'Journal of Geomancy', 'The Occult Observer', and 'TZN'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently explores the intersection of ancient sites, folklore, geometry, and potential terrestrial zodiac patterns. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the publisher's note and the content, encourages the investigation of these unconventional connections, welcoming contributions and donations from interested researchers. There is a clear emphasis on detailed analysis, geometric interpretation, and the integration of ley line theory with site placement. The articles suggest a belief in ancient, possibly pagan, systems of knowledge that influenced the landscape in ways not fully understood by conventional archaeology.