Touchstone - No 084 - 2009 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 84
Date: January 2009
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group
Focus: Earth Mysteries, Ley Lines, Ancient Sites, Archaeology, Paranormal Phenomena.

The Byzantine Triangle

The lead article, "The Byzantine Triangle," explores an exhibition on Byzantium at the Royal Academy. It details how the Byzantine Empire succeeded the Roman Empire when Emperor Constantine moved his capital to Constantinople. The article highlights a map of Constantinople in c. 1200, which reveals an alignment of churches forming a triangle. This 'Byzantine Triangle' is analyzed for its ley line properties, with its base angles approximating those of the Great Pyramid (around 52°). Specific churches mentioned as forming the triangle's vertices include Christ of Chora, St. Mary Pammakaristos, St. John in Petra, Christ Eurgetes, the Church of the Holy Apostles, and St. John of Studios. The article notes that the baseline of the triangle runs roughly east-west along the Mese road, passing through St. Mokios, the four forums, and St. Irene. Other alignments are discussed, including one that may point towards Jerusalem and another that passes through Nicaea, the site of the first Christian council. The significance of St. Sophia not being directly on a ley line, but having a street aligning with the Column of Constantine, is also noted.

Temples in the Mormon Church

This section, "Temples in the Mormon Church," by Bob Shave, examines the decision to build the first London Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church) in Newchapel, east Surrey, in August 1953. The article explains that Mormon temples are rare, regional centers for special ceremonies ('ordinances'), distinct from chapels for Sunday worship. Non-Mormons are not permitted entry. The decision to site the temple in Newchapel is explored, with President David O. McKay expressing a strong feeling about the location. The area's historical allusions, including Roman roads and Celtic occupation, are mentioned. The article notes that the temple site is aligned with an old Roman road, and that unusually shaped pine trees near the site and along the road might indicate earth-energy attraction. The garden design by Gertrude Jekyll is also briefly mentioned. The article contrasts this intuitive siting with Brigham Young's reaction to the Salt Lake Valley. It also observes that the Newchapel temple, like others, is prominently located on a transport corridor (the A22) and has a feel of security due to past hostility towards the church.

Cropmarks at Heathrow

Another article discusses a rectangular earthwork known as Caesar's Camp near Heathrow Airport, investigated by William Stukeley and later excavated in 1944. The site revealed evidence of late Bronze Age and middle Iron Age occupation, including hut circles and a unique rectangular building, possibly a shrine or temple. Recent findings suggest a rectangular cropmark visible near the east end of the north runway. This cropmark is situated on a significant ley line that follows the Roman Silchester-London road. The ley passes through several churches, a Bronze Age site, and the Heathrow Airport chapel, described as a 'strange underground concrete cave' with a powerful 'head-hum'.

The Golden Fish

Jonathan Harwood presents his discovery of 'The Golden Fish,' an extraordinary pattern in the Dorset landscape formed by eight churches. This pattern is based on a precise measurement related to Roman feet and suggests deliberate sacred geometry in the placement of ancient sites. The article notes that some sites, like a church in Dorchester, appear subconsciously sited at the intersection of Roman roads.

Other Articles and Features

• Egham and Thorpe Virtual Roman Museum: A mention of a website detailing the Roman Silchester-London road and its branches.
• Letters: A letter from Bob Shave discusses the potential for moats to preserve alignments of pre-existing earthworks and mark leys.
• MEYN MAMVRO: An advertisement for resources on ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall.
• The Hidden Unity and Beginnings: Descriptions of booklets by J. Goddard exploring subconscious siting of ley points, earth energy, and extraterrestrial contact claims.
• Earth People, Space People: Information on a booklet by Tony Wedd detailing extraterrestrial contact claims.
• The Legacy of Tony Wedd: Details of a CD-ROM about Tony Wedd's research on flying saucers and landscape energies.
• Touchstone Newsletter: Subscription details for the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group newsletter.
• London Earthmysteries Circle Meetings & TEMS Meetings: Listings of upcoming events and lectures.
• Hatshepsut's Ley: A brief note on the alignment of Hatshepsut's Temple and the Temple of Amun.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interconnectedness of ancient sites, landscapes, and spiritual or energetic phenomena, particularly through the concept of ley lines. The magazine explores how historical structures, religious sites, and even natural formations can reveal underlying patterns and energies. There is a strong emphasis on archaeological and historical research, often viewed through the lens of earth mysteries and alternative interpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting research and discoveries from various contributors, and encouraging readers to explore these connections in the landscape.