Touchstone - No 062 - 2003 07

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 62
Date: July 2003
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group
Focus: The Truth About The Ley System

This issue of Touchstone magazine delves into the concept of the 'ley system,' asserting its reality and significance despite historical opposition from archaeologists. The magazine presents the ley system as a complex and perceptible entity with multiple levels and properties, supported by extensive study and experience.

The Ley System: Rediscovery and Nature

The article begins by detailing the rediscovery of leys by Alfred Watkins in 1921. Watkins identified alignments of prehistoric sites, later including churches and stretches of roads, proposing they served as a prehistoric waymarking system. The concept was also noted by others like Sir Norman Lockyer and Wilhelm Teudt, though it faced significant opposition from archaeologists.

The discussion then moves to the association of leys with 'subtle energies.' This idea gained traction with the Straight Track Club and was further explored in a novel by Dion Fortune. In 1961, Tony Wedd revitalized interest by linking leys with UFO sightings and postulating a system of 'magnetic lines and centres.' Energy effects, such as tinglings and head tones, were noted at some sites, and alignments were found to be dowsable.

Dowsing indicated that leys have boundaries and width, suggesting their actual reality. Most leys were found to be about six paces wide, with some exceptions. Rienk Noordhuis of the Netherlands has also contributed to the understanding of ley structure and nature. One particular ley, the E-Line, is noted for its exceptional width of about 100 paces.

Subconscious Siting and The Hidden Unity

A significant aspect explored is 'Subconscious Siting,' the phenomenon where non-prehistoric sites, particularly churches, align with leys. Alfred Watkins suggested this might stem from a decree by Pope Gregory to Abbot Mellitus in the seventh century, instructing churches to be built on sites of earlier temples. This principle extends to various sacred buildings across different eras, indicating that leys are not merely ancient remnants but an ongoing reality.

The magazine posits that these phenomena are part of a global 'One World-wide System,' citing examples like Germany's 'holy lines,' Peru's Nazca lines, the Inca 'ceque' lines, and Native American 'songlines.' Despite regional variations, these are seen as interconnected. Three major global leys are identified: the E-Line, John Michell's St. Michael line, and a line connecting Native American sites in Sedona and Pipestone.

Effects of Heavenly Bodies and Earth's Health

Leys are also connected to the wider universe. Energy spirals at standing stones reverse polarity six days after each new moon. The energy flow in leys doubles in width around sunrise and sunset, with the E-Line expanding to 200 paces during these times, varying by latitude.

The concept of the Earth as a 'Living Planet' is discussed, with traditional peoples viewing it as a symbiotic being. Tom Graves, in 'Needles of Stone,' likened ancient structures to acupuncture needles healing the Earth's meridian system. The subconscious siting of sacred sites is seen as contributing to the Earth's health.

The Mandir, The Synagogue and The Roman Road

This section details a specific ley that follows a Roman road stretch between Sunningdale and Egham. The article highlights the 'Hidden Unity' principle through the subconscious siting of places of worship on this ley. Examination of aerial photographs and a visit to Fort Belvedere confirmed the road's alignment. The ley passes through various sites, including a crop mark, a wooded line, and a dark line crossing a wood, all pointing towards Fort Belvedere.

The ley continues through Crown Estate land to Leptis Magna temple ruins, then crosses Virginia Water lake. It aligns with a path near Royal Holloway College and links with the Glanty end of the Egham Causeway, pointing towards the Roman bridge at Staines. The ley also passes through Egham United Church and Heathrow Airport chapel.

Further along, the ley connects to Hanwell Church, which aligns with eight other churches. It then proceeds to the Neasden Mandir, a large Hindu temple built in 1995, and crosses Watling Street at a right angle before reaching Hampstead Garden Suburb and the Norrice Lea Orthodox Synagogue.

The Oxford Field Trip 1985

This section recounts a field trip north of Oxford in 1985, following a ley that connected several tumuli, a stone, and a burial chamber. Sites visited included Wagborough Bush tumulus, Icomb Hill, Squire's Clump tumulus, the Hawk Stone, and two Hoar Stones. The trip involved dowsing and investigation of these ancient sites, with members experiencing various sensations and discussing findings.

Notes and News

This section provides updates on upcoming meetings for TEMS (Surrey Earth Mysteries Group) and the London Earth Mysteries Circle, including topics and speakers. It also lists contact information for the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group.

Syon House and Mystical London

A visit to Syon House is described, noting a ley running through it that links Hampstead Heath and Sunbury Cross. The history of Syon House and its connection to the 'wizard earl' involved in the Gunpowder Plot is briefly mentioned.

'Mystical and Legendary London' is announced as a day school focusing on London's legends, sacred sites, ley lines, and ancient customs. The article quotes John Stow on the historical significance of cities.

The Ley Hunter 1969-1976

This section highlights the importance of 'The Ley Hunter' magazine during the editorship of Paul Screeton (1969-1976), describing it as a pinnacle of achievement in ley system research. The magazine's content, including contributions from various researchers, is being made available online. An index of issues from November 1969 to July 1970 is provided, listing articles on leys, UFOs, science fiction, and ancient sites.

The Glastonbury Bowl

A brief mention is made of the Glastonbury Bowl, a silver-inlaid glass bowl found at St. Bride's Well, which was presented as a contender for the Holy Grail.

Publications and Resources

The magazine lists several publications available from J. Goddard, including:

• The Hidden Unity and Beginnings: Explores subconscious siting of ley points, places of worship, and Jimmy Goddard's discoveries. (£2 + 30p p&p)
• Earth People, Space People: A booklet detailing extraterrestrial contact claims, the STAR Fellowship, and extraterrestrial language. (£2 + 30p p&p)
• The Legacy of Tony Wedd: A CD-ROM of Tony Wedd's exhibition on flying saucers, landscape energies, and lost technology. (£12)
• Touchstone Newsletter: The Surrey Earth Mysteries Group's quarterly newsletter. (£2 for four issues)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reality and significance of ley lines, their connection to ancient sites, subtle energies, and a perceived 'Hidden Unity' across cultures and religions. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of the ley system's existence and importance, presenting research and anecdotal evidence to support its validity, while acknowledging past opposition and the ongoing nature of investigations. The magazine aims to preserve and disseminate knowledge about leys, making historical research accessible through online archives and publications.