Touchstone

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 9
Date: April 1986
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group
Country: UK

This issue of Touchstone delves into various aspects of Earth Mysteries, including ley lines, ancient sites, and alternative energy concepts. The magazine features a critical review of a television programme, explores the potential of 'free energy', and discusses the similarities between different energy concepts and technologies.

LEYS ON THE BOX

The lead article, "LEYS ON THE BOX," critically examines a television programme titled "The Strange Affair of the Old Straight Track." The author expresses disappointment with the programme's apparent bias, suggesting that the conclusions were predetermined. The programme is criticized for its simplistic arguments, such as the claim that points are not intervisible enough, and for a suspect computer procedure that did not compare a field of truly random points but rather 'nudged' real ley points. Despite its perceived flaws, the programme is acknowledged for showcasing interesting places and ley sites.

The article also mentions another programme, "Mysteries of Peru - the Nazca Lines," which provided a detailed description of the lines and animal figures in Peru, as well as other South American alignments. Both programmes are available for viewing at monthly meetings.

LETTERS

Richard Colborne from Manchester raises questions regarding an article by Richard Pywell. He points out that if 150m either side of a line reveals 45 discovered lines, then the mean direction being close to the 'Great Ley' is not surprising. He also questions the significance of deviations if the distance between mark points is unknown. Colborne suggests that if displaced stones are downhill from a ley, their significance increases, and this also applies to small barrows.

Chris Hall from Fleet comments on Richard's analysis of the St. Michael's Mount ley, noting the high concentration of sites in Wiltshire. He finds it surprising that Devon has only three sites, especially as a ley line appears to cross North Dartmoor, and notes that the line misses Brent Tor church. Hall suggests that the fewer sites east of Wiltshire might be due to survival rates and the availability of stone.

FREE ENERGY AND MICROWAVES

This section, authored by Jimmy Goddard, explores the concept of 'free energy,' linking it to 'earth energy' and Reich's 'orgone energy.' The article posits that the known effects of these energies are similar to those of microwaves, suggesting this as a potential lead for investigation. A table compares orgone and microwaves, detailing their properties regarding absorption, reflection, and transmission with organic substances, metals, ceramics, and glass.

The De Land Installation in California is highlighted as a significant application of free energy, used to prevent frost on orange groves. Its similarities to the magnetron, a key component in microwave ovens, are noted. The article also touches upon 'charged' areas drifting south, especially when the ground is wet, and the need for a wire to be aligned to magnetic north in De Land systems.

NOTES AND NEWS

This section includes several brief reports:

• Milton Keynes: A map of medieval Milton Keynes reveals that the midsummer aligned boulevards are new. The area around where the Belvedere is located was historically known as Black Hill, a potentially ley-significant name.
• Flooded ley: An aerial view of Chertsey from 1947, shown at an Addlestone Historical Society meeting, clearly displayed the Ferry Lane alignment within the flooded landscape.
• Future echoes past: A poster advertising electronic instruments depicts a futuristic scene with a dome-roofed structure surrounded by stones, a pyramid, and a monorail viaduct, suggesting a utopian vision with children being taught by a flowing-robed teacher and blue-robed 'elders'.

The significance of sound

The Seminarium in Rothbury, Northumberland, is organizing three seminars on different aspects of sound: "The Hidden Face of Music" by Herbert Whone (April 19), "The Healing Effect of Sound" by Rolf Hildebrandt (May 3), and "The Heart of British Music" by Anthony Thorley (July 12).

STAR Rally

The first rally of the new STAR Fellowship is scheduled for May 31st at Chiddingstone, Kent.

EXCHANGE LIST

A list of publications with which Touchstone exchanges material is provided, including Quicksilver Messenger, Caerdroia, Earthquest News, Common Ground, Fortean Times, Northern Earth Mysteries, Stonehenge Viewpoint, The Pipes of Pan, Folklore Frontiers, Word Spirit, The Ley Hunter, Circle, Magonia, and Earth Force.

NORTHERN EARTH MYSTERIES GROUP PUBLICATIONS

Reviews are provided for three booklets:

• EARTH MYSTERIES: An Exploratory Introduction by Brian Larkman and Philip Heselton: A 36-page guide covering topics like Leys, Archaeo-astronomy, Folklore, Earth Energies, Dowsing, and Sacred Geometry, suitable for newcomers and experienced individuals.
• SKYWAYS AND LANDMARKS REVISITED: A re-evaluation of Tony Wedd's work on leys and flying saucers by Philip Heselton, Jimmy Goddard, and Paul Baines. This includes the original text of Wedd's 1961 booklet, a historical perspective, and new survey results verifying alignments and exploring tree clump significance.
• GEOMANTIC SURVIVALS IN YORK by Ben Fernee: This booklet investigates the traditions of boundary markers and church siting in York, referencing John Browne and Sacred Geometry, and providing evidence for a lunar religion and awareness of earth energies.

These booklets are available for purchase from Philip Heselton.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Touchstone are ley lines, Earth Mysteries, and alternative energy sources. The editorial stance appears to be critical of mainstream media's portrayal of these subjects, advocating for more thorough and unbiased investigation. The magazine actively promotes discussion and research within the Earth Mysteries community, evidenced by its letters section, notes and news, and the promotion of publications and events.