Touchstone

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 16
Date: January 1988
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Touchstone, a newsletter from the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, focuses on the "Northern Moot 1987" and delves into various aspects of earth mysteries, including terrestrial zodiacs, ley lines, ancient sites, and shamanism.

Northern Moot 1987

The Northern Moot was held at the Lindisfarne Centre in Newcastle-on-Tyne, described as a new age centre situated on a powerful spot with connections to ancient sites like Hadrian's Wall. The moot featured several speakers.

Terrestrial Zodiacs

Philip Heselton introduced the theme of Terrestrial Zodiacs. He noted that archaeologists often dismiss the subject as "the lunatic fringe of the lunatic fringe." However, the concept of dividing the world into zodiacal segments dates back to Ptolemy. Katherine Maltwood's discovery of the Glastonbury Zodiac in the 1920s brought renewed attention to the idea. Approaches to zodiac research include logical methods, as exemplified by Mary Caine's rules, and geomorphological analysis, which examines land shapes. The function of these phenomena, if they are natural, is questioned, with "genius loci" (spirit of place) being a significant influence.

Nigel Pennick provided an outline of the climate of opinion during Mrs. Maltwood's time, mentioning her suggestion that landscapes were planned into a planisphere and her use of aerial photographs. He also noted that in the 1960s, Mary Caine wrote about the Glastonbury Giants, and in the 1970s, the subject of earth mysteries saw a resurgence.

Research into Ancient Sites

Several talks presented research into ancient sites:

• David Thompson reported on research at the Simonside Hills, north of Newcastle, focusing on a large standing stone with a hole drilled through it, aligned for midsummer sunset and midwinter sunrise. The site also featured a rough circle of stones and an equinoctal alignment.
• Rob Wilson discussed the "Head Stone," an impressive rock formation near Sheffield, with possible features resembling a penis or baby. Its original names were "Stump John" and "The Cock Crowing Stone," and it is associated with a legend of turning when it hears the cock crow.
• Jimmy Goddard presented his findings on the "World Zodiac," potentially the largest terrestrial zodiac. He identified formations like the Canadian Rockies as the Bull and a vast area including India, Indo-China, and the Himalayas as Scorpio. He also briefly mentioned the Salisbury Star Map and isosceles triangles of White Horse figures found by Doug Chaundy.
• Derrick Wilbie-Chalk shared ideas on Rothbury and Simonside, suggesting Rothbury is a special site enclosed by a semicircular fault, with hills representing a "Rothbury Dragon" or earth energy source. He also mentioned a recent pilgrimage to a "holy well" in Sutton Park, near Guildford, organised by "The Guild of Our Lady of Ransom."

Other Talks and Discussions

• Anthony Thorburn spoke on the Cheviot Zodiac, interpreting the landscape as an "Earth Mother" figure.
• Anthea Wilbie-Chalk led a visit to Callaly Hill, noting its unique trees with multiple trunks and a strong sense of life force.

The weekend was described as stimulating and exciting, combining theory with experience.

The Ley Hunter Moot at Oxford

Chris Hall reported on the TLH Moot held in Oxford, which featured criticism of modern publishing for recycling outdated material and a lack of in-depth analysis. Paul Devereux highlighted the issue of good material being privately published with small circulation. He is working on a book with Nigel Pennick about cursuses and linear earthworks.

• Maggie Stewart shared her intuitive and psychic experiences, leading to a campaign for the re-opening of the Cross Baths at Bath.
• Guy Lyon Playfair discussed the paranormal, emphasizing that weaker environmental stimuli can lead to stronger mental effects. He also spoke about hypnosis and mesmerism, suggesting that doubt can hinder paranormal experiences.

Several short talks from groups and individuals were presented, including slides of alignments from Belgium, rock formations from California, and an investigation into a "pillar of fire" seen over the sea in Greece.

Shamanism and Earth's Dreamworld

Brian Bates, a scholar of the Anglo-Saxons, discussed the disconnect between modern society and the natural world. He highlighted the Saxon awareness of earth and sky and their understanding of interconnectedness. Bates contrasted this with modern science's analytical approach, which he believes can destroy the essential image of nature. He introduced the concept of "wyrd" and the idea of a three-dimensional web of life-force present in all things. Dreams were described as a different layer of perception, and shamanism as a stage beyond dream, where one enters the "Earth's dreamworld."

Notes and News

• Recognition of Dowsing: An article in "New Scientist" suggested that dowsing faculty might be influenced by sensitivity to changes in the Earth's magnetic field. Research indicates that creatures like bees, birds, and whales can navigate magnetically, and experiments with schoolchildren showed a consistent directional discrepancy when magnets were fitted to their heads.
• Letters: Contributions from Terry Veale, Fred Hadley, and Norman Darwen discussed ley lines, the etymology of "leys," and a recent pilgrimage to a "holy well" in Sutton Park.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the interconnectedness of ancient sites, natural landscapes, and human perception. There is a strong emphasis on the value of intuition and understanding over purely analytical or skeptical approaches. The magazine promotes the study of earth mysteries, ley lines, and ancient traditions, encouraging readers to look beyond conventional explanations and engage with the "spirit of place."