Touchstone - No 100 - 2013 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 100
Date: January 2013
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group

This issue marks the hundredth publication of *Touchstone*, a magazine that originated in 1983 as the newsletter for the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group. Initially a discussion group in Addlestone, Surrey, the group's numbers dwindled, but the magazine continued its quarterly schedule, expanding its scope to investigate leys and their significance across the country and even internationally, with investigations in Florence and Istanbul mentioned. While the original group no longer meets due to a lack of local members, the magazine retains its title to honour its origins and maintains a loyal subscriber base spread throughout the country.

Investigations into Ley Lines

The magazine dedicates significant space to the investigation of ley lines, with a particular focus on the 'E-line', described as the widest and most powerful ley discovered to date. The E-line is reported to cross the country, passing through significant sites like the Cerne Giant in Dorset and reaching the Isle of Sheppey. It was initially discovered at Pitch Hill, Surrey, by Eileen Roche and Gordon Millington while investigating a UFO sighting. The E-line is characterized by its width, typically between 70 and 100 paces, though at South Holmwood Church, it was found to be exceptionally wide, measuring 200 paces. The E-line has also been traced as a great circle around the world, passing through places like Ayers Rock in Australia and Stewart Island in New Zealand.

Key Discoveries and Effects

Several phenomena related to leys are discussed:

• Solar Transition Effect: Dowsed widths of leys appear to double during a short period around sunrise and sunset, with the timing dependent on latitude. This effect was tested at various locations from Surrey to the Isle of Lewis.
• Energetic Structure: The energetic structure of leys was researched by Rienk Noordhuis.
• Staines Investigation: A possible stone circle site at Staines was investigated in depth.
• The E-line: This ley is highlighted for its width and power, with ongoing research since the early 1990s.

Field Investigations and Case Studies

The magazine details numerous field trips and investigations conducted by Eileen Roche, Gordon Millington, and others:

• Pitch Hill (October 7th, 1990): An investigation was organized on the anniversary of a UFO sighting. Dowsing at the triangulation point revealed a wide energy band, and a ley was found coincident with it.
• Shellwood Manor (November 17th, 1990): The theoretical E-line was tested. A dowseable energy line was found along a bridlepath, but it was not in line with the original ley. Energy lines were also found running between pairs of oak trees at houses along the drive. The width of the energy line was measured at 70 small footsteps, extending into the fields.
• South Holmwood (November 17th, 1990): The investigation moved to the church of St. Mary Magdalen, where the E-line was detected running directly up to the church and aligned with its east-west axis. The line felt stronger here than at Shellwood Manor.
• Hascombe (December 27th, 1990): The energy line was dowsed, beginning near a fountain and continuing southwards. The cold weather limited the investigation.
• Anstiebury Camp (January 12th, 1991): A strong north-south energy line was dowsed through the camp, passing through a water tank and near an archaeological dig. An oddly-shaped bone was found by Eileen. The E-line itself was not found here, but was later picked up clearly near Crockers Wood cottages, measured at 105 feet wide by Gordon and 112 strides wide by Eileen. The line was confirmed to be running approximately east-west.
• Bures Manor Plantations (May 11th, 1991): Investigations on Leith Hill detected several lines. The E-line was dowsed west of High Ashes Farm. A horseshoe shape was found at the edge of a field, and cuckoos were heard.
• South Nutfield Church (June 8th, 1991): This location was identified as a crossing point of the E-line and the G-line. The E-line was found to be very powerful, measuring 280 paces wide. Separate bands of energy were detected within the line. Investigations also occurred near electricity towers and in woods, noting a boat-shaped depression and a dead magpie.
• Cheesefoot Head (July 30th, 1991): Near Winchester, famous for crop circles, the E-line was dowsed, starting in the car park and extending west for 165 paces. A corn circle was found to align perfectly with the E-line. Another circle was observed nearby, and a 'Tree of Life' pictogram was examined. A new circle had formed overnight.
• The Cerne Giant (April 25th, 1992): During a field trip, the E-line was found to cut through the Cerne Giant figure and was strongly dowsable from the road. It was noted that the line skirts the Trendle earthwork near the Giant.

Other Earth Mysteries Topics

Beyond ley lines, the magazine touches upon other related subjects:

• Harry Patch Memorial: A memorial stone placed on a ley line at Wells Cathedral.
• Holy Grail: Juliet Faith's book suggests the Shroud of Turin may be linked to the Holy Grail legends.
• Noah's Anchor: A stone found aligning with Mount Ararat, possibly related to Noah's Ark.
• Female Figures in Landscape: A letter from Norman Darwen describes a perceived female figure in the landscape near Manchester, formed by natural features and man-made structures.
• Web Sites: A list of relevant websites for earth mysteries research is provided.
• Meyn Mamvro: An advertisement for publications on ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall.
• Book and CD-ROM Reviews: Several publications and a CD-ROM are advertised, including 'The Hidden Unity and Beginnings', 'Earth People, Space People', and 'The Legacy of Tony Wedd', all related to earth energies, subconscious siting, and extraterrestrial contact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation and mapping of ley lines, particularly the E-line, and the exploration of associated phenomena like the solar transition effect and subconscious siting. The magazine's stance is one of empirical investigation, relying on dowsing and field research to uncover and document these energetic pathways and their significance. There is a clear interest in the intersection of ancient sites, natural landscapes, and unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings. The publication serves as a record of ongoing research within the earth mysteries community.