Touchstone - No 036 - 1993 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 36
Date: April 1993
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group

This issue of Touchstone, a publication from the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, explores various aspects of earth mysteries, ley lines, and ancient sites, with a focus on personal experiences and investigations.

A Thought-Provoking Afternoon

The lead article recounts a visit in March to the site of a stone mentioned in a charter of 675, located at a crossroads in Knaphill where three parishes meet. The author, accompanied by Doris, found no stone but detected leys with a dowsing rod. The rod indicated the stone's position was near a signpost and two hydrant stones. This was later corroborated by noticing Holy Trinity Church, Knaphill, built in 1905, on the detected ley line. The author noted a 'definite time-lag' in the dowsing rod's reaction when asked for the stone's direction and felt 'quite a bit of energy present' at the church.

A Circle in the Grass

On April 21st, the author noticed what appeared to be a grass circle near the Woburn Hill roundabout. Unlike corn circles, the grass was not flattened but seemed to be growing longer in a half-circle shape, slightly darker in colour. This circle aligned directly with the author's office at the Runnymede Centre. The author also detected a powerful ley line passing through St. Mary's Church, Byfleet, and other significant locations, including a fort near Gerrards Cross and St. Leonard's Church in Chesham Bois. An interesting video dowsing experiment revealed a time lag between the boundary and the dowsing rod's reaction. The grass circle was mown two days later, and nearby, two semicircles resembling a 'Doug and Dave' symbol were observed. The ley line was found to be moderately wide, about 15 paces.

Notes and News

Another Chamber in the Great Pyramid

An article reports on the accidental discovery of a previously unknown chamber in the Great Pyramid. A scientific team sent a robot with a camera through a passage from the Queen's Chamber, presumed to be an air shaft. The robot found a miniature door with large copper handles and black dust, possibly organic remains blown from a chamber beyond. Egyptologists suggest this chamber might contain the remains of Pharaoh Cheops and his treasure. Plans are underway to use optical fibre equipment to illuminate and photograph the chamber. George Hunt Williamson, a writer on extraterrestrials, had predicted in the 1950s that further chambers would be found.

New Stonehenge at Longleat?

The new Marquess of Bath plans to build a replica of Stonehenge at his ancestral home, Longleat, pending planning permission. The author visited the site and noted a stunning view from 'Heaven's Gate' hill, from which the proposed monument would be visible.

TEMS Field Trips

Lionel Beer organized several field trips. One to Kingston involved following a ley line through several churches, including Littleton, Norbiton, and a church now part of the University of Kingston. The ley also passed through the Victoria Monument and skirted a fort near Gerrards Cross. Another trip went to Kingston parish church, near the site of an ancient Saxon church, and the Coronation Stone. A trip to Lovekyn Chapel, a medieval chantry chapel, and nearby almshouses was also undertaken, noting an underground river.

A second trip went to Royston and other sites in Hertfordshire. The spring at Ashwell, a village with Tudor-style buildings and the River Cam rising from a spring, was visited. The church there has the highest spire in the county and old graffiti. Royston itself is on the junction of two Roman roads, and the Royse Stone, though moved, is nearby. A grating in the street leads to a large bell-shaped cave in the chalk, rediscovered in the eighteenth century, which contains Christian religious symbols carved on its walls, possibly by the Knights Templar. Video dowsing of the cave sequence gave a strong reaction.

Near Royston, on its brick plinth by the crossroads, is a large boulder with a depression, theorized to be for libations. Nearby Therfield Heath has tumuli, including a long barrow.

In Standon, another Hertfordshire village, a stone known as the Puddingstone was examined. It is a conglomerate with a pebbly appearance, described as extremely powerful and giving a tingling reaction when touched, resembling a Henry Moore sculpture.

The Council Room, Scott's Grotto

Scott's Grotto, a man-made cave created by a Quaker avoiding smallpox, is described as a maze of tunnels encrusted with shells and minerals. Video dowsing did not produce a reaction here, except in a sequence taken in the summerhouse above the cave, which featured an unusual shaped yew tree.

London Meetings

A list of upcoming meetings for the London Earth Mysteries Circle is provided, covering topics such as 'The Raising of Osiris', 'What is a Sacred Place?', and 'The Mysterious Caves of Europe'. A minibus trip to Kent and Sussex is also announced.

TEMS Meetings and Trips

Details are given for a field trip to Hampshire to follow the mysterious Pitch Hill line and a meeting on 'Big Cat Sightings' by Detective Constable Steve Ashcroft. TEMS meetings are held on the last Sunday of each month at various venues.

Book Review: The Taking of the Stone of Destiny

This book by Ian Hamilton, Q.C., published by Corgi Books, is reviewed. While not strictly an Earth Mysteries book, it details the mythical history of the Stone of Destiny and its symbolism for Scottish independence. The author played a role in returning the stone to Scotland in 1950.

Ley Hunting in Wales

An account of ley hunting in Wales from the early seventies is presented, highlighting the tiny isolated hilltop church of St. John's, Llanfair Talhaiarn, as the most powerful site ever visited. The area around Mynydd y Gaer (Mountain of the Camp) and Llannefydd church is described as having a peaceful atmosphere and palpable energy. The church of St. John's is noted for its strong energy, even felt outside the car.

Publications Available

A list of publications available from Jimmy Goddard is provided, including 'Skyways and Landmarks Revisited', 'Campus Lines', 'Cosmic Friends', 'The Inhabited Solar System', 'Enigmas of the Plain', 'Touchstone' newsletter, and 'Amskaya' newsletter, with prices and postage information.

The Hidden Unity and Beginnings

Two booklets from the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group are introduced: 'The Hidden Unity', which explores subconscious siting of ley points and the prevalence of worship sites on leys, and 'Beginnings', detailing Jimmy Goddard's discoveries over twenty years in areas like earth energy detection and subconscious siting. Both booklets cost £1 plus 30p p&p.

Exchange List

A list of publications with which Touchstone exchanges is provided, including Forteran Times, Northern Earth Mysteries, Folklore Frontiers, The Ley Hunter, Magonia, Gloucestershire Earth Mysteries, Meyn Mamvro, London Earth Mysteries, and Markstone.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Touchstone are ley lines, dowsing, ancient sites, earth energies, and personal investigations into these phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance, presenting anecdotal evidence and personal experiences alongside reports of archaeological and historical findings. There is a clear interest in the spiritual and energetic aspects of landscapes and historical locations, with a particular focus on the UK. The editorial stance encourages exploration and sharing of experiences within the earth mysteries community, as evidenced by the listings of meetings, field trips, and publications.