Touchstone

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 41
Date: October 1994
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group

This issue of Touchstone delves into the mysteries of the Scilly Isles, exploring their dual nature as a place of both treacherous seas and a sub-tropical climate. It investigates the legend of Lyonesse, a land said to have once stretched from Land's End to the islands, and examines the possibility that the Scilly Isles form a zodiacal pattern similar to the Glastonbury Zodiac.

The Scilly Zodiac: The Temple of Lyonesse?

The article "THE SCILLY ZODIAC The Temple of Lyonesse?" by an unnamed author, details the geographical and legendary aspects of the Scilly Isles. It notes their location 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall and their unique climate. The author discusses the general acceptance that the islands were once a single landmass in the Bronze Age, evidenced by remains of ancient houses. However, legend suggests a more extensive land called Lyonesse, with the islands being its hilltops. A map drawn by Agnes Stickland in 1901, published in 'Lost England' by Beccles Wilson, is mentioned as a representation of this. Evidence of a great town, the City of Lions, is claimed to exist between Land's End and Scilly, with underwater findings supporting this. The area is also noted for its concentration of prehistoric sites, including numerous chambered cairns. Lyonesse is further linked to Arthurian legend, with Tennyson's 'Morte d'Arthur' and the Rev. Whitfield's 'Scilly and its Legends' depicting Arthur's followers fleeing Mordred over Lyonesse after his death, with Merlin causing the land to sink.

The author recounts a recent visit to the Scilly Isles and a surprising discovery: the island outlines bear a resemblance to the figures of the Glastonbury Zodiac, but in reverse sequence. This similarity is particularly apparent when examining the undersea contours. Specific islands are identified with zodiacal figures: Bryher as Cancer (a ship), St. Martin's and surrounding islets as Leo (a lion), and St. Agnes as Libra (a dove). The article also mentions Scorpio being formed by the Western Rocks, with the wreck of the HMS Association on the Gilstone noted. Gemini and Taurus are discussed as less clear figures, with Tresco possibly representing a girl twin. Annet and its attendant islands are suggested to resemble a fish, possibly Pisces, though misplaced. The article references several sources, including works by Jeanette Ratcliffe, Nigel Pennick, R.L. Bowley, and Katherine Maltwood.

Maidstone Area Field Trip

A report on a field trip to the area north of Maidstone in Kent on September 10th, 1994, undertaken by the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group. The trip aimed to investigate leys in connection with the Pagan Project. Although not entirely successful in its primary objective, the participants, Lionel Beer, Reg Allum, Eileen Roche, and the author, found the experience enjoyable and noted spectacular skies. They investigated two leys that meet at a specific point, with Eileen using dowsing rods to detect the lines. The investigation involved visiting sites like Lower Kit's Coty and the other Kit's Coty dolmen, noting evidence of pagan activity, Roman-era oyster shells, and pottery fragments. Despite some initial confusion and a severe downpour, the author later realized that two genuine leys had been identified, even though the initial grid reference was erroneous. The report also touches upon the distinction between ley crossings and ley centres.

Book Review: Time Travel - Fact, Fiction and Possibility

This section reviews Jenny Randles' book, which explores the concept of time travel. The review highlights the author's interest sparked by J.W. Dunne's assertion that dreams can be premonitions. It discusses evidence for the travel of information through time, including dreams and sudden strong feelings leading to actions that avert disaster. The phenomenon of 'timeslips' and the 'Oz factor' experienced by UFO witnesses are also covered. The review touches upon synchronicity and the 'collective unconscious'. A significant portion is dedicated to the 'Philadelphia Experiment' and its alleged effects, as well as UFO cases that suggest the existence of 'time craft'. The review notes the book's tendency to favour time-travel explanations for UFOs over extraterrestrial origins, mentioning the 'Allende letters' and the 'abduction syndrome'.

Other Articles and Sections

• CD-ROM Review: A review of 'Discover York', a CD-ROM offering detailed maps and aerial imagery of York, useful for ley hunting.
• From the Straight Track Club folios: Notes from a visit to the Straight Track Club archives, mentioning the 'Dole Stone' at Dundry and a five-day field trip in the Hereford area in 1933.
• Letters: A letter from Robert Fisher discusses UFO sightings near Dundry and asks about ley lines in the Bristol area. It also mentions formations in Dorset and a 'white horse' sighting. Another section details a ley line between Dundry and Old Sarum.
• TEMS Notes and News: Announcements for upcoming meetings of the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group (TEMS) and the London Earth Mysteries Circle, including topics like Royston Cave, Geneset Target Earth, and the ancient lore of high places.
• Jerusalem Temple Solar Alignment: An excerpt from 'The Interpreter's Bible' suggesting the Temple at Jerusalem may have had a Newgrange-type solar alignment at the equinoxes.
• Booklets: Information on two booklets available from Touchstone: 'The Hidden Unity and Beginnings' and 'Earth People, Space People'.
• Exchange List: A list of publications and organizations for exchange, including Fortean Times, The Ley Hunter, and Magonia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Touchstone are earth mysteries, ancient sites, folklore, ley lines, and unexplained phenomena such as UFOs and time travel. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that is open to exploring alternative theories and historical mysteries, encouraging research and the sharing of information among its readers. There is a clear interest in the intersection of ancient history, mythology, and unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on British sites and legends.