Touchstone

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 112
Date: January 2016
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group
Focus: Earth mysteries, ley lines, sacred sites, ancient symbolism, mythology.

Sacred Springs of Surrey and Clump Alignments Round Addlestone

This section details a field trip undertaken in 1995 by the Travel and Earth Mysteries Society to explore sacred sites in Surrey. The journey began with a visit to Edward the Confessor's Well in Sutton Place, located east of St. Edward's Roman Catholic Church. The area was noted for roof tiles found in an adjoining field, which was once Edward the Confessor's hunting lodge.

During lunch at St. Catherine's Hill in Guildford, Eileen Roche shared the history of the hill as a sacred site, mentioning ghost stories and a St. Michael's Day fair. The group then visited the ruins of a chapel and St. Catherine's Spring at the base of the hill. Roche spoke of the spring's traditions of blessing for pilgrims to Canterbury and its association with granting wishes, drawing a parallel to the holy well at Upwey in Dorset.

The trip continued to the healing well at Dunsfold, linked to visions of the Virgin Mary and the healing of eye problems. Two small twin wells were discovered beneath the building housing the well, suggesting a connection to the eyes. Dowsing indicated the presence of two crossing leys. The group also passed a thousand-year-old yew tree in the churchyard.

Further exploration included Hascombe Church, noted for its wall decoration of St. Peter and the fishes by Henry Woodyer, and a border with small gold swastikas, on which Ruth Green briefly spoke about the ancient, widespread sacred nature of the symbol. This church is situated on the E-line, a significant ley.

The article also discusses 'Clump Alignments round Addlestone,' a video from the late 1980s examining ley patterns in Surrey. It highlights a high proportion of Scots pine clumps and the phenomenon of subconscious siting, where leys seem to impel the construction of significant places like places of worship. The parish church of Addlestone, the daughter church (now an Islamic centre), the ancient church at Thorpe, and the church at Weybridge were featured within this system. The spectacular earthworks on St. Ann's Hill hillfort and an oval earthwork at Ether Hill were also noted.

The Society of Ley Hunters Autumn Gathering

Reported by Adrian Hyde, this section covers the society's autumn gathering at Attenborough Nature Reserve Centre in Nottingham. The event included a field trip along a ley between Nottingham and Tamworth Castle, visiting ancient sites like the church and monastery site at Breedon-on-the-Hill.

Friday's talks featured Bob Trubshaw discussing 'The Queens of the Valleys,' focusing on 7th and 8th-century churches and comparing examples in Leicestershire and Wiltshire. He highlighted Brixworth as an Anglo-Saxon church example and noted that many early churches were wooden and have not survived. Trubshaw also discussed churches with a strong relationship to rivers, citing the lower Wye valley and Lancaut, as well as Durham Cathedral and Finchdale Priory, both situated within river loops.

Frank Earp spoke about the River Trent and its changing course. He mentioned a gravel island where archaeologist Bob Elvey monitored digging in 1969, uncovering large worked stones described as 'coffin-shaped' and forming a circle when upright, suggesting a Bronze Age piled settlement.

Early Churches and River Valleys

This section delves into the historical placement of early churches, noting their preference for well-drained sites away from flood-prone areas, often on hilltops. However, exceptions exist, such as Bottesford, which has a 13th-century tower but is near a river. The article states that in Leicestershire, most early churches are found near river fording sites, emphasizing the significance of fords for crossing rivers and paying respects to local deities.

The academic research discussed focuses on understanding the proto-parochiae (early parishes) associated with these minsters and their relationship to river valleys. It suggests that these minsters were strategically placed within river valleys, often on both sides, necessitating river crossings.

Corieltauvi Myths and Legends

David Knight spoke about the myths and legends of the Corieltauvi people, the ancient inhabitants of the Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Leicestershire area. He noted the scarcity of surviving information about their stories. However, he recounted a Welsh story about Bran the Blessed, the high chief of Britain. The tale involves Branwen, his sister, marrying the Irish king Matholwch. An insult by Bran's half-brother Elfrisin leads to conflict, eventually resulting in a devastating battle. Bran the Blessed sacrifices himself to destroy a magic cauldron used by the Irish to revive their dead. Only seven men survive, including Manawydan and Taliesin.

Pagan Symbolism and Christianity

Peter Knight's talk explored the transition of pagan symbols and myths into Christianity. He discussed how ley alignments often lead to ancient churches, where pagan symbols can be found integrated into architecture and stained glass. Knight argued that Christianity absorbed universal symbols and myths that people already trusted, and that while religions can have negative aspects, the early church fathers incorporated these symbols. He also touched upon the denigration of the divine feminine in new religions and the existence of Gnostic gospels and Dead Sea Scrolls that suggest a more liberal early Christianity.

Knight also presented examples of Christianisation of ancient sites, such as Neolithic tombs with Norman chapels and Neolithic henges with Norman churches. He discussed the origins of days of the week and terms of the year from pre-Christian traditions, and the lunar basis of Easter. The 'Green Man' symbolism and serpent symbols, representing life force, were also mentioned.

Other Articles and Features

• Rock Art Sensation: A discovery of Stone Age carvings near Kirkenes in northern Norway, potentially impacting a multi-billion oil terminal project.
• Films on YouTube: A list of earth mysteries-related videos available on YouTube, including topics like leys, crop circles, UFO sightings, and ancient sites.
• Meyn Mamvro: Information about a publication offering guides to ancient sites, paganism, and megalithic mysteries in Cornwall.
• The Hidden Unity and Beginnings: Descriptions of booklets by J. Goddard exploring subconscious siting, ley points, earth energy, and cognitive dissonance.
• Earth People, Space People: A booklet detailing claims of extraterrestrial contact, the STAR Fellowship, and evidence for life in the Solar System.
• The Legacy of Tony Wedd: A CD-ROM featuring Tony Wedd's research on flying saucers, landscape energies, and lost technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Touchstone are the interconnectedness of ancient sites, ley lines, and natural energies, often viewed through the lens of earth mysteries. There is a strong emphasis on historical and archaeological research, with a particular interest in the integration of pagan and Christian traditions and the interpretation of ancient symbolism. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages exploration and investigation into these phenomena, presenting findings from field trips, academic research, and personal discoveries. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into the hidden aspects of landscape, history, and spirituality.