Touchstone - No 004 - 1984 07

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 4
Date: July 1984
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries
Focus: Earth Mysteries, UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and related research.

SKYWAYS AND LANDMARKS REVISITED

This article critically examines the booklet "Skyways and Landmarks," written by Tony Wedd and published by the Star Fellowship, which is credited with initiating the post-war Earth Mysteries movement. The booklet linked Alfred Watkins' concept of leys with Aime Michel's "orthotenies" of UFO alignments, thereby introducing the idea of leys as energy lines. However, the article notes that "later ley hunters" have found numerous flaws in the booklet's findings. Orthoteny itself reportedly declined after orthotenic "flaps" ceased to occur, and its discoverer lost interest. The "sightings" in "Skyways and Landmarks" are described as not constituting true orthotenies. The leys identified were predominantly pine clumps lacking prehistoric monuments, and their accuracy has been questioned.

The group, including Philip Heselton of the Northern Earth Mysteries Group, undertook fieldwork in Kent to re-evaluate the booklet's content. Philip, Paul Baines, and the author spent a weekend among Scots pines, with Michael de Styrcea visiting during that time. This fieldwork was necessary because such clumps are often not marked on Ordnance Survey maps. The primary task was to record grid references for clumps mentioned by Tony Wedd in "Skyways and Landmarks" and in an article in "The Ley Hunter." While some clumps could not be found, most were located, many being prominent. These grid references provided a database for evaluating the booklet. The group also visited other sites, including a cruciform cave mentioned by Tony.

The alignments discussed in "Skyways and Landmarks" were grouped into parallel lines and a radiating star pattern centered on Chiddingstone. This star pattern was purportedly based on a message from extraterrestrials, indicating a line 6 degrees north of north-east with five other equally spaced lines forming a ley centre at Chiddingstone, where healing centres were said to be found. A transparent sheet with 30-degree spaced lines was used to overlay maps. Tony Wedd's account was contradictory regarding visual alignments and the centre of the system. Grid references for Mark Beech, Wilderness Farm, and Chested clumps indicated the castle was the centre. Minor points like crossroads and coincident tracks were found on the lines, but few "classic" ley points, except for a church in Tunbridge Wells and the Chiding Stone. However, several springs were found on or near the lines, relevant to the healing aspect. The article mentions a striking clump near the Sevenoaks bypass that Tony Wedd noted, which, when connected to Chiddingstone Castle, passed through another clump at the Rock, Chiddingstone Hoath. This latter clump was not identified by Tony as being on a line, suggesting a potential discovery independent of his plotting, possibly indicating an extraterrestrial origin rather than simple human engineering.

The authors express hope for a future booklet titled "Skyways and Landmarks Revisited" to provide full research details. A note from Jimmy Goddard indicates the reader's subscription expires with this issue.

DOWSING A LEY (continued)

By Gordon Spinney

This section explores two ways wave systems interact: strong interpenetrative interaction leading to particle formation and a weaker affair involving pattern exchange without merger. The latter, a purely local affair, does not permanently alter units. The article draws a comparison to human decision-making, where internal changes may not be outwardly apparent. Severe challenges, like collisions, trigger irreversible changes, collapsing the wave function into a particle. Sensory observations, the basis of scientific knowledge, occur only during strong energy exchanges. The act of observation can force a wave system to reveal itself through particulation, though this event can occur independently of human observation.

Sensory observation requires two conditions: a severe interaction reaching the quantum level and energy exchange, and transmission of this exchange to the brain via the nervous system. The article touches upon the problem of how minute energy transfers in the brain become states of mind, suggesting that perception is not a sudden shift from physical to mental but rather a continuous process. Every unit of being has a subjective side, possessing a primitive form of self-awareness. Condensation into a particle event intensifies subjective being. In the human brain, myriad condensations are integrated by the Mind into sensory experience. However, sensory stimuli are only a part of what the Mind processes; physical energy exchanges are condensed from an atmosphere of wave interaction where systems continually collapse into particles or maintain cyclic states.

The author argues against deriving mental experience solely from particle exchanges, emphasizing the role of the "wave envelope" of the brain, which generates the sense of free choice. This wave envelope is influenced by configurations of wave systems from the environment at a subquantum level. Weak interactions result in quasi-spontaneous mental changes without a strong sense of compulsion. These changes occur at a primary level of subjectivity and can manifest as thoughts, imagery, or impulses. Such interactions in "wave space" can lead to displacements in physical space and time, diverging from the physical order and contributing to the paranormal.

In telepathy, wave configurations from another human brain may enter consciousness during relaxed cerebral activity. Clairvoyance involves intrusive wave patterns from collective subjective states of biological and physical units below the human level. The Mind must interpret these faint patterns, as sensory reactions are often preceded by an "aura" or "pre-echo" derived from prior wave-level contact. These hypotheses are suggested to make ley dowsing more intelligible.

The difficulty with ley dowsing lies in the lack of an obvious physical source for leys. Hypothesizing about leys requires considering factors such as their perceived benefit to early man, connection to megalithic structures, Earth Magic, geological associations (faults, springs), directional factors, prominent situations, and connections to UFOs. The author finds the hypothesis of a physical ley presence hard to accept, preferring a Watkins-type interpretation of ceremonial straight lines used for religious purposes, later developed as primitive communication tracks. However, if dowsers consistently demonstrate a reaction to leys without prior knowledge, the physical reality of leys would be difficult to deny.

The challenge lies with alignments. While ley points might be associated with underground anomalies, a continuous network of such anomalies coinciding with ley lines is hard to explain by natural causes. The author suggests dowsers might be clairvoyantly sensing the direction of the next point source rather than a geometric energy line. The problem of why these sources fall in straight lines remains, making a man-made interpretation seem more preferable.

STRANGE SURREY

Out of Place Animals

This section, by Bob Skinner, compiles reports of unusual wild animals sighted in the UK. Chris Hall's interest in the "Surrey Puma" is noted, an elusive animal reported in the 1960s and 1970s. Di Francis, author of "Cat Country," suggests multiple types of big-cats inhabit the UK. A motorist reported seeing a cheetah run across the road at Walton Heath in May 1983, an experience corroborated by his familiarity with cheetahs from living in South Africa. No escaped animals were reported from zoos. In 1982, a wallaby was caught near Banstead, identified as an escapee, though escaped wallabies have established breeding communities elsewhere.

The article discusses "contemporary legends" about sewers in New York being colonized by alligators or crocodiles. It notes that such legends can have a basis in fact, citing a recent report of a crocodile caught in the sewers of Paris. Historical reports of crocodiles in the UK are mentioned, particularly in Over Norton, Oxfordshire, during the last century. A report from the Natural History Journal of 1879 mentions a small crocodile caught in the Thames at Isleworth. In the same year, a small turtle was found in the Thames at Kingston. More recently, turtles have been seen in the Thames, and loggerhead turtles have been found on beaches at Hayle & Perranporth, presumed to have arrived via the Gulf Stream.

Sightings of exotic birds are attributed to straying migrants, but unusual land-based animals are harder to explain. Theories range from escaped or deliberately dumped pets acclimatizing to phantom creatures. Di Francis suggests "Black Dogs" might be black cats, like panthers. The article notes that many recent "mysterious big-cat" sightings have involved black animals, referencing the Exmoor Beast of 1983. A recent report describes three sightings of a black cat-like creature south of Dartmoor.

References are provided for the cited reports.

THE OLD STRAIGHT TRACK IN SURREY

By Jimmy Goddard

This article details the "Hurt Wood Track," a straight track over two miles long in Surrey, identified by ley hunters. Philip Heselton and another member of the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group independently found it. It is considered the best example of an aligned track found in Surrey to date.

The track begins in Winterfold Forest and runs straight to a cross-tracks near Holmbury St. Mary. It is broken by a farm, requiring walkers to skirt around it. Four indications suggest it might be an ancient ley track: it's not a modern A-to-B track, its continuation past the farm suggests antiquity, its varying nature along its length implies it's not of recent origin, and it runs up steep hills. The track is also considered a good ley, with a Scots pine clump on it and numerous cross-tracks. The alignment passes through several points of interest, including a junction in Holmbury St Mary, Leylands Farm, Leigh church, a church south of South Nutfield, and a fort south of Westerham. The Hurt Wood Control Committee informed the author that the track was "Roman, as far as we know," though its course as a Roman Road was not known. It is thought to be assumed Roman because it is ancient and straight.

The author describes meeting the track at Houndhouse Road. To the west, it climbed steeply to a hilltop with a Scots pine clump, the path being stony. Eastwards, the path became wide, straight, and well-made, continuing to Lawbrook Lane. It then plunged steeply downwards as a narrow track, eventually meeting another track running along the valley bottom, where it became obscured by vegetation. A striking view of a Scots pine clump through which the track runs evoked a feeling of walking a ley.

Crossing another forest track, it became wide and straight across heathland. After another track, it narrowed and descended steeply to a barbed wire fence. The author had to leave the track and rejoin it later, where it ran straight and wide through woods and heather to its end near Holmbury St Mary.

An anecdote from Philip Heselton is recounted: in May 1966, while walking the track, he met the Hurt Wood Ranger who pointed out a strange, round object on legs on a ridge. The Ranger went to investigate, but the outcome is unknown. The ranger, when contacted later, did not recall the incident but mentioned that 1966 was a peak year for puma sightings in Hurt Wood, with the wood being the center of activity. The article notes that only one tentative account linked the ridge object to a UFO, leaving its mystery unresolved.

Letters and Reports

From Mike Collier, Brighton, Sussex:

Mike Collier thanks the publication for the latest copy of "Touchstone" and suggests a ley that starts at sea and disappears into Surrey beyond Lingfield Church. The ley passes through four churches in Brighton (Preston being the Norman one), Ditchling church, a pond, "Holy Hill" (Lodge Hill), a private chapel on Ditchling Common, Wivelsfield church, a new church in Haywards Heath, misses Lingfield church but goes through the Tudor house next door, another private chapel, two churches in West Hoathly, and Lingfield Church.

A LOCAL CLUMP:

A Scots pine clump visible from the Samaritan Centre car park in Addlestone is noted to align with Ottershaw and Weybridge churches, and another point further east.

LONDON EARTH MYSTERIES MOOT 1984:

This two-day gathering was considered a success despite miserable weather. The author arrived late on Saturday, May 26th, but Paul Baines had arrived earlier and managed the group's display boards, ensuring their representation.

The Behaviour of Ball Lightning

This section responds to an article by Paul Baines in the previous issue of "Touchstone," which proposed that ball lightning is a natural columnar standing wave. The author agrees with the theory but suggests that ball lightning avoids contact with objects only in some cases. The article mentions Dr. Walther Brand's study of approximately 600 accounts of ball lightning, with over 200 detailed. B.O. Goodlet's 1937 paper summarizing Brand's findings is referenced.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of Earth Mysteries, ley lines, and UFO phenomena, often critically examining established theories and presenting new research or anecdotal evidence. There is a strong emphasis on fieldwork and investigation, as seen in the re-evaluation of "Skyways and Landmarks" and the exploration of the "Hurt Wood Track." The publication also covers a range of unusual phenomena, including unexplained animal sightings and theoretical physics related to consciousness and energy. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded yet analytical, encouraging readers to engage with the mysteries presented while maintaining a degree of skepticism and seeking evidence-based explanations where possible.

Title: TOUCHSTONE
Issue: 4
Date: September 17, 1983
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Touchstone, published by the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, features two main articles: one on the phenomenon of ball lightning and another on ancient ley line alignments.

Ball Lightning

The article on ball lightning discusses its differing characteristics when 'floating' versus 'attached'. Floating fireballs are described as having high voltage but low current, with a red color similar to meteor tracks, and they tend to move through the air, entering closed spaces like houses through open windows or doors, or chimneys. Attached fireballs are of blinding brilliance, white or blue, and attach themselves to good conductors, preferring high points or rolling along roof gutters. They heat objects and can cause severe burns or lethal effects on the human body. The transformation between these two states is described, often occurring when a floating fireball darts to a conductor or an attached fireball rises from its support.

The section concludes with a quote from 'Goodlet' stating that 'No satisfactory theory of ball lightning has so far been developed. As the phenomenon cannot be observed at will it is likely to remain a mystery for some time to come'. The author of the current article agrees, noting that despite subsequent technological advancements, no overall satisfactory explanation has been developed.

Two notes are appended. Note 1 references a 1937 article in 'Lightning' Journal of the Institute of Electrical Engineers and W.R. Corliss's 'Strange Phenomena Sourcebook of Natural Phenomena' and his more recent work 'Lightning, Auroras, Nocturnal Lights and related luminous phenomena'. Note 2 draws a parallel between ball lightning occasionally moving over the human body and causing burns, and the phenomenon of Spontaneous Human Combustion (SHC), questioning if there is a connection.

A brief mention is made of a case of ball lightning at Farnborough in the 1960s where the ball of light left a room via an electric plug socket, with details appearing in 'Pegasus', the magazine of SIGAP (The Surrey Investigation Group into Aerial Phenomena).

Ley Lines and Ancient Alignments

This section features a letter from Richard Colborne, dated September 17, 1983, addressed to the editor. Colborne responds to an article about Fox Hill and Carter's Lane in Old Woking, suggesting there are not two, but three (or even four) leys in close proximity.

Colborne details his research into 'The Kings' Ride', a series of alignments. He discusses a hill called Roundhill or Monument Hill, from which two lines emanate. One line, aligned with Monument Road, leads to Windsor Castle. He then describes extending this alignment northeast from the tower site on Monument Hill. This extended line passes through locations such as Pyrford Court, Foxhill, Ridgway, Lees Farm, Dodds Lane, West Hall, and scores a direct hit on St Mary's church in East Molesey.

Further extending the alignment, it crosses the Thames near Hampton Court Palace, then re-crosses the Thames north of Kingston Bridge, passing close to Latchmere House before entering Richmond Park. The line then crosses the Thames again via a bridge (Putney) and passes Fulham (Bishop's) Palace, following the King's Road in Chelsea to Buckingham Palace and then to St James's Palace.

Colborne notes that this alignment involves at least four palaces and four houses connected with nobility. He also mentions that the hospital at Pyrford might have been previously Pyrford Place, from which an avenue supposedly led to Hampton Court.

He also refers to archive evidence found by Bob Skinner regarding this alignment. King James I is noted to have traveled from Whitehall to Hoe Place, where he was entertained by Sir Edward Zouch. Hoe Place is identified as being on the site now marked as 'moat', south of Carters Lane.

The King's Road in Chelsea is identified as a royal road during the time of King Henry VIII. Katherine Beaufort, mother of Henry VII, lived at Woking Palace, and Wolsey was living there when he received news of his Cardinalate. Wolsey also had Hampton Court built.

Colborne speculates that the alignment might be within the southern boundary (Hog's Back) of Windsor Great Park, suggesting it's a significant area for alignments, particularly the Hoe Place locality.

He also asks if the reader has noticed the Worplesdon Church Fox Corner track/boundary alignment towards Dawney's Hill, describing it as short but clear.

Publisher Information

The magazine 'TOUCHSTONE' is published by the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, located at 25 Albert Road, Addlestone, Weybridge, Surrey. It does not have set publication dates. The editor is Jimmy Goddard, and production is by Michael de Styrcea. A subscription costs £1 for four issues. All articles and letters are welcome, and meetings are held at the publisher's address.

Exchange List

The issue concludes with an 'EXCHANGE LIST' of other publications, including Quicksilver Messenger, Caerdroia, Earthquest News, Common Ground, Fortean, Northern Earth Mysteries, Stonehenge Viewpoint, Terrestrial Zodiac News, The Pipes of Pan, and The Shaman. The publishers thank these exchange publications for mentioning them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained phenomena of ball lightning and the exploration of ancient earth mysteries, specifically ley lines and historical alignments. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting research and anecdotal evidence without necessarily endorsing definitive conclusions, particularly regarding ball lightning, which is acknowledged as a persistent mystery. The publication actively encourages reader contributions and fosters a community around these interests.