Touchstone

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 50
Date: October 1998
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group

This issue of Touchstone, a newsletter for the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, delves into various aspects of earth mysteries, focusing on ley lines, ancient sites, and folklore. The content is primarily based on field trips and personal investigations by group members.

Ley Line? No, The Lyne Ley!

The main article investigates a ley line named the 'Lyne ley', discovered by the author's wife, Doris, near Chertsey. The author traces this ley westward on a map, noting its passage through numerous churches (including St. Mary's in Walton-on-Thames, Lyne and Longcross churches), road junctions, and natural features like Swinley Forest and the 'Lower Star Post' in Finchamstead. The ley is described as being about ten paces wide, with some unmarked centres and a small oak grove noted along its path. The article details the author's dowsing experiences, noting the ley's strength and the powerful energies felt at sites like Longcross Church.

The Treacle Well Field Trip

This section recounts a field trip undertaken by TEMS and SEMG members on September 6th, focusing on ley hunting and the 'Treacle Well' project. The trip visited Binsey, near Oxford, where the church is associated with the 'treacle well' from Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland'. The well itself is described as an underground vault with stone steps. The group then visited Godstow Nunnery and Dorchester, noting that the church there is on a ley connected to a henge monument and the Abbey. The article highlights Dorchester Abbey's survival of the Reformation and its rich carvings. The 'Big Rings Henge' near Dorchester is discussed, noting its similarity to Stonehenge but lack of visible stones, with its site now submerged due to gravel workings. The trip also included a visit to the Maharajah's Well at Stoke Row and the Bayeux Tapestry in Reading Museum. The author also mentions his family's connection to Silchester and his work on a CD-ROM about the Roman city.

Farnham Field Trip Sunday 11th October

Six TEMS/SEMG members participated in a field trip to Farnham Castle Keep. They explored the Keep, which is described as a powerful site with spectacular views. From there, the group visited the ruins of Waverley Abbey, noting a ley line running through its nave. They also visited Mother Ludlam's Cave, a site with folklore about a white witch, and Frensham church, where a large copper cauldron is displayed. The final visit was to Stony Jump, a hill with legendary associations.

A Press Release on Behalf of the Genius Loci of West Penwith

This section, presented as a press release, addresses the anticipated influx of visitors to West Penwith, Cornwall, for a solar eclipse. It expresses concern about potential damage to ancient sacred sites and outlines plans by local Pagans to hold coordinated eclipse celebrations at major sites like Boscawen-un to focus energy and protect the locations. The release emphasizes the importance of respecting the land and its 'genius loci' (spirit of place) and warns against disrespectful behaviour, mentioning 'Spriggans' as protective spirits of the area.

Letters

Steve Douglas writes about his ability to feel 'energy lines' radiating from prehistoric sites and churches, comparing it to dowsing but seeking to explore if it can be detected electronically. He mentions his background in aviation electronics and his work with the National Federation of Spiritual Healers.

Notes and News

This section provides details on upcoming TEMS and SEMG meetings, including a talk on 'Gather Together Your Monoliths' and a Christmas supper. It also lists meetings for the London Earth Mysteries Circle, featuring talks on 'The Megaliths and Psycho-Spiritual Practices' and a social evening. A list of 'good Web addresses' for earth mysteries research is also included.

Booklets

Information is provided on two booklets: 'The Hidden Unity and Beginnings' by Alfred Watkins, which discusses subconscious siting of ley points, worship, and environmental implications, and 'Earth People, Space People' by Tony Wedd, detailing claims of extraterrestrial contact and the STAR Fellowship.

Subscription Information

Details are provided for subscribing to Touchstone, the newsletter of the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, including the cost and contact address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ley lines, ancient sites, dowsing, and earth energies. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration, investigation, and a deep respect for the landscape and its historical and spiritual significance. There is a strong emphasis on personal experience and field research, as well as a concern for the preservation of ancient sites. The magazine also touches upon folklore and the potential for spiritual or energetic phenomena.