Touchstone

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 76
Date: January 2007
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group

This issue of Touchstone, a newsletter from the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, focuses on "Ley Hunting in Grail Country" and explores connections between ancient legends, geological features, and earth energies.

Ley Hunting in Grail Country: Shropshire

The main article by Graham Phillips investigates the research into an object believed to be the Holy Grail, located in the Wem area of Shropshire. Phillips' research builds on claims by Thomas Wright, a 19th-century Shropshire historian who asserted his ancestors, the Peverel family, possessed the Grail. The Peverels, known for their legendary connection to Sir Perceval of Arthurian romance, were possibly descended from a son of William the Conqueror. Wright purportedly hid the Grail in the 1850s and left cryptic clues, including references to the "Shepherd's Songs" (Psalms of David), leading to a stained glass window in Hodnet parish church and statues in a cave in nearby Hawkstone Park.

The Hodnet church window depicts the four evangelists. The figure of John is notable for carrying a chalice and being surmounted by an eagle, which Phillips reasoned might indicate the object's hiding place. The eagle statue in Hawkstone Park, also damaged, was identified as a possible clue. Further investigation into the eagle statue revealed it was a first-century Roman-style ointment or spice jar, identified by the British Museum. This led to the theory that the object might not be the Last Supper cup but Mary Magdalene's ointment jar. The depiction of John in the window also showed feminine features and colours associated with Mary Magdalene.

A book by Fulk FitzWarine, a descendant of the Peverel family, suggested the existence of a second object, referred to as "the Book of the Holy Vessel" or "the Book of the Holy Grail," possibly written by Jesus himself. The John figure in the window was depicted holding not only a cup but also a cylindrical object, potentially for a scroll, pointing downwards. Phillips surmised that two pillars beneath the figure could represent Roman pillars Wright had placed at the gate of Wroxeter Church.

The article highlights the significance of Hodnet Church as a centre of leys radiating to other Grail-related sites like Whittington Castle and Wroxeter. It references Alfred Watkins' "The Old Straight Track" and its mention of "Hod names" being significant on leys.

Hodnet Church, dating from the fourteenth century, has an octagonal tower, and its east window features the four Gospel writers on octagonal platforms. The John figure in this window is again noted for resembling depictions of Mary Magdalene.

Hawkstone Park, once owned by the Hawkstones and later the Hill family, has a history of landscape development. The article mentions a tall monolith erected recently on a ley line passing through the park.

Ley Lines and Geology in Surrey

Bob Shave contributes a detailed article on "The Geology of the E-Line in Surrey," following up on a previous piece. He confirms that the E-line, a powerful ley running across Surrey, appears to skirt sandstone ridges and align with spring lines, particularly where there is a sandstone/clay boundary on hillsides.

Holmbury Hill and Wormley Area

Research confirms a spring line near the 200-metre contour on Holmbury Hill, where the E-line runs close to the sandstone/clay boundary. The Wealden District geological guide describes a marshy belt of springs at this junction. In the Wormley area, the E-line runs close to the sandstone/clay boundary between Brook and Wormley, and in one section, it runs along a geological fault in the sandstone.

Coldharbour

At Coldharbour, the ley follows a sandstone/clay contact before descending the escarpment and rejoining the sandstone ridge later.

Tilburstow Hill and Tandridge

Figure 4 illustrates the sandstone/clay boundary and the E-line near Tilburstow Hill and Tandridge in East Surrey.

Conclusion: Shave concludes that the E-line in Surrey is closely associated with documented spring lines in three distinct areas: Wormley, Holmbury Hill, and Tilburstow Hill. He poses the question of whether dowsers are picking up energy from these spring lines.

Local Lore and Other Articles

Local Lore

The article mentions Hydon's Ball near Wormley, known for its worm legend and Morris dancing. St. Peter's Church, Hambledon, on the E-line, features a stained glass window of St. Michael spearing a serpent, a common theme on the St. Michael Line.

References

The article cites several sources, including Bob Shave's previous work, geological surveys, and books by Jimmy Goddard, Paul Broadhurst, and Hamish Miller.

TEMS and London Earth Mysteries Circle Meetings

Announcements for upcoming meetings of the TEMS (The Earth Mysteries Society?) and London Earth Mysteries Circle are included, listing topics such as "The Apollo Moon Landings," "Healing with Sound," and "The Buckingham Palace and Other Leys."

Austin Osman Spare: The Man behind the Magic

A brief mention of a talk by Geraldine Beskine on Austin Osman Spare.

Edric Rides - Folktales, Earth Mysteries and the Traditional Craft

A mention of a talk by Ken Rees on a Shropshire Case Study.

E-line Giant Eats Garlic

A short piece describes a television program featuring nutrition experiments, including one testing the effect of garlic on male erections, with the Cerne Giant figure in Dorset (on the E-line) as a backdrop.

Ilminster Ley, Corfe and the St. Michael Line

This section details a ley line passing through Ilminster, Corfe, and other churches, aligning with the St. Michael Line. The St. Michael Line is described as a serpentine path that deviates from a straighter route, running through various sites in Somerset.

Tracks above Long Man

This section discusses Arthur Watkin's theory about the Long Man figure in Sussex representing a surveyor who plotted ancient highways. It describes how various tracks meet above the figure and mentions Bronze Age settlements and the use of Beacons for signalling, possibly linked to ancient religious ceremonies and the word "black" (meaning "light"). It also touches upon Sussex "Bonfires" and carnivals.

Book and CD-ROM Reviews/Promotions

The Hidden Unity and Beginnings

Promotional text for two booklets by J. Goddard: "The Hidden Unity," which explores subconscious siting of ley points and the significance of worship, and "Beginnings," detailing discoveries in earth energy detection, natural antigravity, and cognitive dissonance.

Earth People, Space People

Promotional text for a booklet by Tony Wedd, detailing claims of extraterrestrial contact, the STAR Fellowship, and evidence for life in the Solar System.

The Legacy of Tony Wedd

Promotional text for a CD-ROM containing Tony Wedd's research and findings on flying saucers, landscape energies, and lost technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient legends (Grail, Arthurian), earth mysteries (ley lines, earth energies, geological connections), and local folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and open-minded inquiry into these phenomena, often referencing historical research and dowsing practices. There is a clear interest in identifying patterns and connections between seemingly disparate elements, whether they be historical artifacts, geographical features, or ancient beliefs.