Touchstone

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 19
Date: October 1988
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group

This issue of Touchstone delves into various aspects of earth mysteries, with a primary focus on the "Pumpsaint Zodiac" in Wales. It also includes reports on ley line research, archaeological findings, folklore, and theoretical concepts related to 'allotechnology'.

The Pumpsaint Zodiac

The lead article by Philip Heselton details the "Pumpsaint Zodiac" near Lampeter in Wales, discovered in 1948 by Lewis Edwards. Edwards believed the circle was an actual temple, identifying two hills within it as inner and outer sanctuaries. Heselton describes the site's atmosphere, contrasting it with the nearby "Llwyn wood" which had a feeling of decay, possibly due to fallen trees from a hurricane. He notes similarities to the "Somerset Zodiac" and mentions an unusual observation of a lorry full of whining dogs. The name "Llwyn" is identified as Welsh for "grove", suggesting a possible druidical origin for the wood.

The Pumpsaint Zodiac is compared to the Somerset Zodiac, noting differences such as Scorpio being represented by three figures: a scorpion, a serpent, and an eagle, symbolizing death and the transcendence of the soul. A nearby pass called "Bwlch Cefn Sarth" is discussed, with "Sarth" potentially being a corruption of "Sarff" (serpent), linking it to the serpent hill.

Further exploration of the zodiac by Edwards identified specific figures, though some, like Aquarius and Leo, are difficult to find. Pisces is noted as being well-defined by two woods visible from the road. The "Carreg-y-Bwchi" or "Hobgoblin Stone" is highlighted as a striking feature on an alignment that skirts two sanctuaries and coincides with a stretch of "Sarn Helen". Ley links are also described connecting this stone to nearby cairns and other points.

The site itself is described as impressive, featuring a mound with a large conglomerate slab on top, and a hollow that may have been used for offerings. Lewis Edwards believed it to be the remains of a stone circle. Stories are recounted of farmers being discouraged from removing the stone by freak thunderstorms.

An alignment mentioned by Edwards, believed to have been used to "set the circle", is detailed. This alignment passes through the centre of the circle and connects several cairns known as "Crugiau Edryd" and an isolated cairn "Crug y Biswal". The line from Crug y Biswal through Crugiau Edryd points to the centre of the Circle and is identified as the line of Orientation. This line passes through other points, including a motte, a settlement at Pencader, a church at Pont Rhyd-felin, and a standing stone. The alignment to the eye of Taurus suggests the Temple was constructed around 4,500 B.C. The author notes that their holiday was cut short, limiting further investigation.

Ley Lines and Archaeology

A report from the "Swansea Moot" covers discussions on earth mysteries in Wales. Chris Hall reports on the moot, which included a review of the Welsh earth mysteries scene and an introduction to archaeology. References were made to folklore, particularly from Cambrian News columnist Llowarch. Dewi Bowen of the Welsh Earth Mysteries Group discussed their work, including the rediscovery of holy wells and the creation of "ceremonial monuments for the new age", such as stone circles and turf mazes.

Mick Wysocki provided an account of the archaeology of the Abertawe (Swansea) region, noting the changing focus in archaeology towards ancient peoples and their complex societies. The issue of local "cut price" stone circles, similar to major sites like Stanton Drew, is mentioned, with examples at Trecastle Mountain and Nant Tarw, and the visually impressive "Cerrig Duon" circle with its outlier "Maen Mawr".

The region is also noted for its chambered cairns, with carbon dating suggesting a period around 3000 B.C. Study of skeletons hints at patterns and selectivity in burial rituals. A field trip to Gwyr (Gower) included visits to three chambered cairns.

Other Earth Mysteries and Research

A talk on "Project Pennine" by ufologists David Clarke and Andy Roberts is summarized. This project has been gathering accounts of "earth light" phenomena over the Pennines, described as UFOs, ghost lights, or fairy lights, seen in various forms and often in autumn or midwinter. The talk offered an overview of existing material.

Michael Shallis, author of "The Electric Shock Book", is discussed. His work explores human sensitivity to electricity, suggesting that some individuals are electrosensitive to a high degree and may be more prone to allergies and psychic phenomena.

Paul Devereux and Nigel Pennick are mentioned for their upcoming book on ley research, emphasizing the value of synthesizing existing evidence. Their work is described as a valuable contribution to ley theory, providing a fresh look at the concept of straight lines in surveying, from Roman times to the present.

The article "Towards the Future: A wider context for allotechnology" by Philip Heselton explores the potential roles of sound, music, and colour in 'allotechnology', possibly as triggers or aids for free energy devices. The importance of specific light qualities, such as "Venus light" and the light during sunset or eclipses, is discussed. The potential use of metals, crystals, stones, water, and woods as materials is also considered, with a particular focus on the historical understanding of metals by medieval alchemists.

Book Reviews

• Two book reviews are included:
• "Tales of Old Oxfordshire" by Cecilia Millson is described as disappointing, shallow, and secondhand, lacking the enthusiasm of someone familiar with the county.
• "The Berkshire Village Book" compiled by the Berkshire Federation of Women's Institutes is recommended for its potted histories of village churches, folklore, hauntings, earthlights, and folk remedies.

Notes and News

This section includes a spectral story from "The Book of Silchester" about military officers observing vanishing soldiers on horseback. It also mentions a conference in Bristol titled "Hearing the dragon", focusing on environmental education and earth mysteries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ancient sites, ley lines, folklore, and unexplained phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on research and the synthesis of information from various sources. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into earth mysteries, encouraging researchers and presenting diverse perspectives, while also offering critical reviews of publications. The publication itself, "Touchstone", is presented as a platform for sharing such research and facilitating monthly meetings for interested individuals.