Touchstone - No 013 - 1987 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 13
Date: April 1987
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group
Country: United Kingdom
Theme: Mysteries, Paranormal, Ancient Structures, Energy Phenomena

Project Baalbeck

The issue opens with an examination of the ancient ruins at Baalbeck, Lebanon, described by Brinsley Le Poer Trench (Lord Clancarty) and referencing Mark Twain's awe at the "massive sub-structures" capable of supporting "a world almost." These structures are built from colossal stone blocks, with one stretch of the platform composed of three stones, one measuring sixty-nine feet long. The article highlights the mystery surrounding who built these massive foundations upon which the Romans later erected their temples. It also mentions the quarry from which these stones were taken, located a quarter of a mile away, and a massive, squared stone found there, fourteen feet by seventeen feet wide and seventy feet long, which was apparently abandoned unfinished.

The 'Pyramid of Hands' Experiment

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an intriguing experiment called the "Diminution of Weight" or "The Pyramid of Hands," brought to attention by Bob Swift. This experiment, described by Robert Charroux, involves five people: one person sits as 'P', and four others lift 'P' using only the top two phalanxes of their index fingers. The method requires a specific hand-piling technique and a period of contact (about twelve seconds, preferably twenty-five to thirty) before lifting. The results are consistently astonishing, with the person being lifted "like a bird," succeeding 100% of the time, even with children participating.

Further discussion reveals that the effect is not dependent on specific invocations, though some participants have experienced forceful upward movement. The experiment was also attempted with an inanimate object, a table, which felt considerably lighter when lifted after the hand pyramid. When the experiment was repeated without one person in the circuit, an "extremely strong reaction" occurred, with the person lifted almost to the ceiling. The conclusion drawn is that the piling of hands acts as a "battery for the mysterious energy involved," with the energy likely originating from the lifters, possibly involving life force, as the presence of one individual seemed to inhibit the effect.

Lone-Wolf Experiments and Scale Readings

Further experimentation was hampered by a lack of cooperation from outsiders. However, the author conducted "lone-wolf" experiments using sensitive scales. Piling hands on objects and then touching them resulted in a "very slight weight loss." It was found that piling hands prior to touching was unnecessary, and the group piling simply accentuates an "already innate effect." The experiments showed that the weight loss was proportional to the object's weight, with heavier objects losing more weight. For example, a 49 lb drum of silica gel lost about an ounce, while a 420 lb pallet of equipment lost 14 oz. This suggests a loss of approximately three ounces per hundred pounds.

Richard Pywell raised a potential objection, suggesting subconscious lifting, but the author found this unlikely due to the weight proportionality. Further tests with a duffel coat between boxes on the scale showed a loss of about four ounces. However, difficulties persisted, including a lack of weight loss when Bob Swift participated and issues with scale sensitivity and suitability.

Hand Contact and Energy

At a February meeting, experiments attempting to show weight loss empirically were thwarted. One attempt involved a member standing on scales while the hand pyramid was on his head, but this was unsatisfactory due to lifter stretching and potential cross-contacts. The scale used was found to be faulty. The "classic" experiment with a seated person was successful, but when the pyramid of hands was placed on the head instead of the person's head, success was still achieved, indicating the energy accumulation was in the lifters, not the object or person lifted.

An experiment with a linked circle of hands, suggested by Daniele Hart, produced a "very strong reaction," causing the person to travel halfway across the room. This effect was absent when concentration was focused without hand contact. A final experiment with a linked circle around a person on the scale showed no effect, but the scales were noted as faulty. The conclusion drawn is that while actual weight loss cannot be definitively ascertained without proper instrumentation, an effect exists where objects become easier to lift through the accumulation of energy from hand contact, regardless of the object's material.

The article notes previous indications of energy in hands, referencing Eeman's copper circuits and healing techniques like Reiki, suggesting this energy can also be used to help lift heavy objects, possibly explaining ancient feats at places like Baalbeck.

Waverley Abbey

Rob Stephenson contributes an article about Waverley Abbey, one of the sites for a joint field trip by the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group and the London Earth Mysteries Circle. The abbey was founded in 1128 by William of Gifford, Bishop of Winchester, with twelve monks from Normandy. It was the first Cistercian house in England and was known for its quiet location, though occasionally flooded. The abbey became a large establishment, with its church built between 1203 and 1278. An incident involving the abbey shoemaker being arrested for murder within the abbey precincts by King's Officers in 1240 is recounted, leading to the Dean and Vicar being flogged for violating sanctuary.

The monks also owned Wansborough Church and held a fair there. Sir William Temple is mentioned for laying out the gardens in a mixture of Dutch, French, and English styles. Jonathan Swift served as secretary to an Irish relative of Dorothy Osbourne, Sir William Temple's wife. Sir Walter Scott was inspired by the place for his first historical novel, "Waverley Abbey," and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle featured the abbey and its hero in his novel "Sir Nigel."

William Cobbett, born in Farnham in 1763, is also discussed. He worked at Moor Park and wrote about his country journeys. On October 27th, 1825, he visited the estate and recounted early memories, including the first recorded account of the "Surrey Puma" sighting around 1767-70, where a small boy saw a large cat enter a hollow elm tree. Cobbett later saw a similar wild grey cat in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, called the Lucifee (a lynx).

Dragon Project Meeting

Ian Jackson reports on a Dragon Project meeting held on Saturday, January 10th, at the Rollright Stones. Approximately 30 people attended to discuss and plan a program for monitoring unusual energies at the stones. This project is an extension of the Dragon Project established in late 1977, which has resulted in various publications and unpublished findings.

The project was originally overseen by Dr. Robins and Paul Devereux, with the psychic program by John Steele. Robins and Steele have since moved on, prompting a streamlining of efforts. The project has received private funding for equipment, including two sensitive magnetometers, a tunable wide-band ultrasonic receiver, and a multimeter. The primary aim is to establish a continual monitoring period with minimal breaks.

During the meeting, some members had recorded extraordinary ultrasound activity (38-40 KHz) inside the largest stone of the Rollright circle at dawn, lasting about an hour. This intense activity reappeared around midday. Ian Jackson is coordinating efforts and seeking volunteers from the Surrey E.M. Group, noting that while the machinery is easy to operate, the monitoring can be boring. Interested individuals are asked to contact him on Woking 25439.

Mother Ludlam's Hole Field Trip

An announcement for a field trip on Sunday, June 28th, organized by the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group and the London Earth Mysteries Circle. The itinerary includes visits to Waverley Abbey, Mother Ludlam's Hole, Moor Park, and various other locations with potential ley line connections, including tumuli and cross-roads. Participants are advised to bring a packed lunch, strong shoes, and rainwear. Transport arrangements can be coordinated by contacting Weybridge 49505.

Notes and News

Chris Hall writes about ley lines, noting an approximate straight line between Frensham Common and Yateley, and mentioning Farnham Castle and the parish church. He also notes a possible mark stone in Millbridge and a rumored tunnel linking Waverley Abbey and Farnham Castle.

Terry Veale of Bath University discusses a "ley-university connection," mentioning a former stone circle at Claverton and a triangle formed by Stonehenge, Glastonbury, and Claverton, each representing an astrological age and aspect of Deity.

Norman Darwen of Sidcup writes about Stirling University in Scotland, noting the presence of a hillfort, a standing stone, and a field marking the site of the Picts' defeat. He also mentions a church called "Airthrey Castle" and a standing stone near Bridge of Allan, with a ley line passing through the campus.

Ian Jackson is seeking land for a Cretan labyrinth project.

A Green Fair is announced for Monday, May 25th, in Kingston, featuring music, food, and entertainment.

London Earth Mysteries Group meetings are listed for April 28th to July 28th, covering topics such as "The Straight Track Club," "Skyways and Landmarks," "The Development of Legend," "Tarot Cards," "Stonehenge as model of solar system," "Celtic fire festival of Lughnasad," and "London Terrestrial Zodiac."

The magazine "Touchstone" is published by Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, with subscription details provided. A Celtic Crafts advertisement offers hand-carved wooden items and copper wire/bronze work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Touchstone revolve around ancient mysteries, unexplained phenomena, and the exploration of subtle energies. The magazine showcases a blend of archaeological enigmas (Baalbeck), experimental investigations into paranormal effects (Pyramid of Hands, weight loss experiments), and the study of earth energies and ley lines (Dragon Project, field trips). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and investigation into subjects that lie beyond conventional scientific understanding, encouraging reader participation and discussion. There is a clear interest in historical accounts of unexplained events and ancient technologies, presented with a critical yet curious perspective.