Touchstone

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 10
Date: July 1986
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Touchstone, a magazine focused on Surrey Earth Mysteries, presents a diverse range of articles exploring ancient sites, folklore, and unexplained phenomena. The cover features a striking image and the headline "STONEHENGE LOOKALIKE," hinting at the contents within.

Stonehenge Lookalike

The issue opens with a poem titled "STONEHENGE LOOKALIKE." This poem, attributed to a nineteenth-century blacksmith, describes a landscape with hills, ancient earthworks, a grave, and historical references to Mercia, Roman power, and Danish entrenchments. The poem was reportedly found inscribed on the bark of a living tree on Castle Hill, Wittenham Clumps, Oxfordshire.

Ancient Sites and Ley Lines

Several articles delve into the exploration of ancient sites and the concept of ley lines. The Wittenham Clumps in Oxfordshire are highlighted for their visual alignment, including Castle Hill and Brightwell Barrow, and their connection to Long Wittenham church and a nearby church at Sandleigh. The magazine details a visit to St. Mary's, Long Wittenham, noting its pre-Christian sanctity and a carving of a dragon on the chancel arch.

Further exploration leads to Dorchester-on-Thames, where a henge-and-cursus system, similar to Stonehenge, once existed. Although now destroyed by gravel excavation, evidence suggests it was a significant Neolithic center, including a wood henge. The article discusses various alignments passing through the "Big Rings" henge site, connecting churches and other significant locations, suggesting potential subjects for future field trips.

Book Reviews and Mysteries

The issue includes reviews of books related to earth mysteries. "Pyramid Power" by Ann Ruffell is described as a gripping story about a teenager whose life is influenced by ancient powers and ley lines, introducing concepts of ley-lore to a younger audience. "The Tall Stones - Book 1 of a Magical Saga" by Moyra Caldecott is reviewed as a novel set in the Bronze Age, exploring ley power in a prehistoric village setting.

The "Philadelphia Experiment" is presented as a chilling account of an alleged U.S. Navy experiment in invisibility during World War II. The experiment was reportedly successful in outlining the ship in the water but had severe consequences for the crew, leading to its denial by the Navy.

Customs and Folklore

An article titled "CUSTOMS IN A LANCASHIRE VILLAGE" explores the traditional life in Chipping, detailing local customs from birth to death, including celebrations, courting rituals, weddings, and funerals. It also touches upon fairs, festivals, and specific traditions like pancake tossing and May-dewing.

Ley Hunter and Other News

The "Centenerian" section notes the hundredth issue of "The Ley Hunter" magazine, discussing its content on ley lines and megalithic sites. A "Two Local Lines" section details ley lines found near St. Anne's Hill in Chertsey and a roadway within the Plessey factory, suggesting further investigation.

New Publications and Exchange List

The issue announces the recent start of "Amskaya," a newsletter from the STAR Fellowship, which focuses on contact with extraterrestrial intelligences and earth energies. The magazine also provides an extensive "EXCHANGE LIST" of other publications in the earth mysteries and related fields, and thanks those who have mentioned Touchstone.

Future Meetings and Subscription Information

Information is provided about future monthly meetings in Addlestone, with dates for September, October, and November. The publication details that Touchstone is published by Surrey Earth Mysteries Group and costs TWO POUNDS for four issues. All articles are welcome, and members are invited to monthly meetings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Touchstone consistently explores themes of ancient sites, ley lines, folklore, and unexplained phenomena, reflecting a strong interest in earth mysteries and alternative history. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and a desire to connect readers with these subjects, encouraging participation in field trips and contributions to the magazine. The inclusion of book reviews and news of related publications like "Amskaya" further solidifies its position within the earth mysteries community.