Terrestrial Zodiacs Newsletter - No 10

Magazine Overview

Title: TERRESTRIAL ZODIACS NEWSLETTER
Issue: LAST ISSUE (Volume 10)
Date: January, 1981
Publisher: Paul Screeton
ISSN: 0140-9905
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This is the final issue of the Terrestrial Zodiacs Newsletter (T.Z.N.), published by Paul Screeton. The editor announces the discontinuation of the publication due to a lack of submitted material and a general decline in interest, stating it seemed pointless to continue without sufficient contributions. He notes that the newsletter generally paid for itself and expresses hope that it provided readers with enjoyment. Inquiries will be forwarded to Nigel Pennick, editor of the magazine 'Ancient Mysteries', which has published articles on terrestrial zodiacs and is available for purchase.

Farewell Editorials and Contributions

An Epitaph by Paul Screeton

Paul Screeton's editorial explains the cessation of the newsletter. He mentions that Katherine Maltwood's discovery of the Glastonbury Zodiac had spurred much interest, leading to the mooting of many other landscape astrological effigies. However, the lack of submissions over the past seven months and a perceived downturn in interest have led him to close the publication. He directs readers interested in further information to Nigel Pennick's 'Ancient Mysteries' magazine and the book 'Terrestrial Zodiacs in Britain', co-authored by Robert Lord.

Celtic Deities in the Somerset Terrain by Anthea Turner

Anthea Turner explores the presence of Celtic deities within the Somerset landscape, particularly focusing on representations of stags, boars, and wolves. She identifies landscape features, such as streams and roads around Pennard Hill and West Bradley, that form the shape of stag antlers. The convergence of roads near West Bradley is described as forming the body of a stag, with other roads defining its neck and a stream outlining its stomach. Turner connects these animal forms to the three principle sacred beasts of the Celts, associated with the Moon. She references the Welsh myth 'Romance of Math, Son of Mathonwy', where Gwydion is punished by being transformed into a stag, boar, and wolf. The article also touches upon Llew Llaw's identification with the stag and the deer-goddess Sabd. Gwydion is further equated with Merlin, who is often depicted with stags and is linked to the horned god Cernunnos, the precursor to the Devil figure in later traditions. The article also discusses the 'Big Piggy' formation near High Ham and Low Ham, possibly related to the Great White Sow Goddess and the Barley Goddess Albina. The 'wolf' formation is traced near Bristol Airport, with its outline spanning from Winford to Goblin Combe and Kingdown. Turner questions whether these formations were deliberately created by the Celts or if they evolved naturally through landscape shaping, suggesting that leys might have energized these sacred beasts over millennia. The editor notes that drawings by Anthea Turner were provided and that she can be contacted via a stamped addressed envelope.

T.Z.N. Bibliography and Letters

Bibliography

• A continuation of the T.Z.N. bibliography lists previous articles and publications, including:
• "A Sussex Zodiac" by Mike Collier (Quicksilver Messenger, No. 2, 1980)
• "Terrestrial Zodiacs: A Morphological Approach" by Philip Heselton (Ancient Mysteries, No. 17, 1980)
• "Obituary: S. G. Wildman" by Jim Kimmis (Ancient Mysteries, No. 17, 1980)
• "Nuthampstead Zodiacs" by Daryl Potter (Ancient Mysteries, No. 17, 1980)

Donations

Donations are gratefully acknowledged from Clive Harper and Philip Jones.

Letter from Bob Forrest

Bob Forrest responds to Peter Hughes's calculation method regarding near-vesica alignments, published in TZN 9. Forrest argues that Hughes's method is 'over-particularised (a posteriori)' and that the odds of 120 to 1 are artificially high. He also criticizes the stringency of Hughes's definition for random point alignment. Forrest expresses his opinion that Hughes's scheme would not stand up in statistical court and suggests that deliberate alignments would be made more effectively. He thanks Peter for his comments and wishes for more people to share his view of the 'Ulro Zodiac'.

Obituary: Sam Wildman

Sam Wildman, author of "The Black Horsemen", passed away on July 21st at the age of 67. He was a reader of T.Z.N. and contributed an article on the age of the Glastonbury Zodiac (No. 6) and a letter (No. 7). The newsletter extends its sympathy to his family.

Exhibitions

Jill Bruce and Bruce Lacey will be exhibiting their "Year Round the Bury St Edmunds Zodiac" at Norwich School of Art from April 27 to May 16, alongside the '77 Glastonbury Zodiac.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on the concept of 'terrestrial zodiacs' or landscape astrological effigies. It explores their potential origins, interpretations, and connections to mythology, history, and local geography. The editorial stance, as indicated by the final issue, is one of passionate engagement with the subject matter, but also pragmatic recognition of the challenges in maintaining a niche publication. The editor's decision to cease publication suggests a shift in focus or a conclusion to this particular endeavor, while also ensuring continuity of information by directing readers to other relevant resources.