Wisht Maen - No 5

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 5, of 'Wisht Maen: Devon Earth Mysteries Magazine' is priced at £2.30. The cover features a striking illustration of a dragon-like creature and highlights several key articles: 'The Way of the Dead', 'Frithelstock Priory', 'Cadbury Castle', and 'Hounds, Hollow Hills & Ancient Ways'. The magazine appears to be a continuation of 'Wisht Maen' until the editor, Elizabeth Hallam, can relocate to Devon.

Editorial and Contents

The editorial address is 144 Rodden Road, Frome, Somerset. The magazine thanks contributors and reviewers, including Anna Clarke, Spike Ryecroft, Andrew Sanders, Elaine Grayson, Mary Coombs, and Tracey Brown, who also wrote all other articles and book reviews. The contents list includes:

• Frithelstock Priory
• Book Reviews (multiple entries)
• Hounds, Hollow Hills and Ancient Ways
• Cadbury Castle
• The Way of the Dead
• Earthstars and Dartmoor Runes

The front cover artwork is credited to Andy Norfolk for 'Cadbury Castle', and the 'Green Man' on page 21 is by Anna Clarke.

Frithelstock Priory

This article reviews 'Twilight of the Celtic Gods' by David Clarke and Andy Roberts, which mentions a pagan statue in a chapel at Frithelstock Priory. The article clarifies Frithelstock's location in North West Devon. It details the history of the priory, founded around 1220 by Robert de Bello Campo, and its connection to St Gregory and the local name for daffodils, 'Gregories' or 'Giggaries'. A significant event recounted is Bishop Grandisson's complaint in 1351 regarding a 'house of idolatry' erected by the prior and convent, featuring a pagan image. The bishop ordered its destruction and the prohibition of pilgrimages to the site. The article also mentions a dispute between the Bishop of Exeter and the Prior of Frithelstock, alluded to in church carvings, and references a local legend of a black dog and a possible connection to Nemetona-Diana.

Hounds, Hollow Hills & Ancient Ways by Mary Coombs

This section explores Holy Trinity church in Buckfastleigh and local legends. It discusses the 'Devil's Steps' leading to the church and a local legend about the Devil thwarting attempts to build the church on a lower site. A fire in 1992 is mentioned. The article touches on the site's potential Roman use, evidenced by lead coffins found during restoration. It also recounts the legend of Richard Cabell, who murdered his wife and was subsequently attacked by his own black hound, leading to tales of the 'Wild Hunt' and Cabell's headless ghost. The story is linked to Conan Doyle's 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews:

• Twilight of the Celtic Gods by David Clarke with Andy Roberts: Praised for its combination of first-hand accounts, folklore, mythology, and archaeology, focusing on pagan survivals in Britain, particularly the Peak District.
• The Sacred Yew by Anand Chetan and Diana Brueton: An examination of the yew tree's traditions, religious practices, and myths, blended with science and history, including a gazetteer of ancient yews in Britain. The review highlights the yew's ancient origins and its current vulnerability.
• Dictionary of Witchcraft by David Pickering: Described as a comprehensive A-Z guide.
• Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend by Andy Orchard: A comprehensive A-Z guide to Northern European myths and legends.
• Celtic Myth & Legend: An A-Z of People and Places by Mike Dixon-Kennedy: An authoritative text based on 15 years of research, including a bibliography and pronunciation guide.

Cadbury Castle

This article details Cadbury Castle, a hillfort west of the Exe Valley, constructed in the early Iron Age. It notes its hilltop location and the view from the summit. Legends mention the Devil's involvement in its construction and a devastating fire in 1992. Archaeological surveys revealed Roman use of the site, with finds of women's possessions suggesting it may not have been solely a defensive structure. The article also discusses serpent legends associated with prehistoric sites, linking Cadbury Castle and Dolbury Hill with a dragon.

The Way of the Dead

This section discusses 'Corpse Ways', 'Church Roads', and 'Church Lines' – ancient paths that were strictly adhered to for funeral processions. It highlights the 'Lych Way' as a significant 'Death Road' in Dartmoor, noting its length and the challenges of traversing mountains and valleys. The article details the historical use of the Lych Way for transporting coffins from isolated tenements to Lydford Church, often involving crossing numerous rivers and streams. It mentions the 'Coffin Stone' along the route, a large boulder where bearers rested their burden. The article also recounts a fascinating incident involving a German prince who sensed a profound sadness along the Lych Way, and mentions ghostly processions seen along the track. It touches on the psychic imprint of these ancient routes and the folklore surrounding them, including tales of white-robed monks and the 'Turning the Devil Stone' ritual.

Lydford

The article describes Lydford, which was granted market status in 920 and was once a considerable place. It mentions the castle, a Saxon church, and a Norman stone castle. The Lydford Gorge is highlighted, featuring the 'White Lady Falls' and the legend of a white lady who saves people from drowning. The 'St Michael Line', a dowsed ley line, passes near the waterfall. The gorge also features 'Kit's Steps', haunted by the ghost of Kitty Lampiere, and the 'Devil's Cauldron', a rock chasm with a narrow iron bridge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of earth mysteries, ancient sites, folklore, mythology, and local legends, particularly within Devon and Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on the spiritual and historical significance of landscapes, ancient monuments, and traditional beliefs. The editorial stance appears to be one of deep respect and curiosity for these subjects, aiming to inform and engage readers with the rich heritage of the region. The inclusion of numerous book reviews suggests an effort to provide readers with further resources for their own exploration of these topics. The magazine also acknowledges the subjective and often anecdotal nature of some of the material, such as psychic imprints and ghostly sightings, while presenting them as part of the folklore and mystery of the areas discussed.

This issue of FATE Magazine, dated December 1995, is the 48th volume and features a cover headline related to "Points of Cosmic Energy." The magazine focuses on a variety of esoteric and paranormal topics, including ancient sites, reincarnation, spiritualism, conspiracy theories, and book reviews.

Book Reviews

Points of Cosmic Energy by Blanche Merz

This book is reviewed for its research into ancient sites in Egypt, India, Tibet, Chartres, Santiago de Compostela, Lourdes, and Annaya. Merz's work includes measurements of Hartmann network vibrations at temples and details the case of a Maronite monk whose body has remained intact since 1898. It also features an old woman in Jodhpur who has reportedly taken no nourishment for 35 years. The review notes the book's scientific exactness and the author's enthusiasm, but finds the translation from French a bit stilted and awkward.

We Are Another: The Cathars and Reincarnation / The Great Heresy by Arthur Guirdham

This series by a psychiatrist explores a client's memories of a past life in 13th-century France and the author's own past life as a Cathar Parfait. The review highlights Guirdham's skepticism and meticulous checking of facts. The books describe a group of people who lived and suffered together in 13th-century Languedoc and re-assembled in 20th-century England. "The Great Heresy" details the persecution of Catharism by the Inquisition. The final chapters reportedly cover reincarnation on other planets, animal souls, and healing jewels.

Universal Sufish by Dr H J Witteveen

This softback explores the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan, an Indian mystic who modernized Sufism at the turn of the century.

Gothick Devon by Belinda Whitworth

A gazetteer of haunted places with maps and directions, featuring photos but also amateur sketches.

Gothick Cornwall by Jennifer Westwood

Similar to the Devon book, this features line drawings and discusses fogous, though the review notes it rehashes old theories about them being cold stores or refuges. It's recommended as a guide for holidays.

Reading Toes by Imre Somogyi

This book studies toes and how they reveal personality, with each toe representing an emotion. The author claims high accuracy in reading strangers' toe positions.

The Robots' Rebellion by David Icke

Described as essential reading, this book explores how people have been programmed by those in power, revealing hypocrisy and the influence of secret societies. It's characterized as a "conspiracy theory to end all conspiracy theories."

The Gospel of the Essenes Translated by Dr Edmond Szekely

This book presents the "Gospel of Peace of Jesus Christ," described as the pure, original words of Jesus translated from Aramaic. It focuses on Jesus' teachings on natural healing forces and early Christian and Essene values. Originally published in 1936, it has sold over 500,000 copies, and the translator has now completed the full manuscript.

The Wheel of Eternity by Helen Greaves

This book continues the theme of Helen Greaves's earlier work, "Testimony of Light," detailing the experiences of two earth-bound souls living beside the author. It's a continuation of themes from a 1974 publication.

Moon Over Water: Meditation Made Clear for Beginners and Initiates by Jessica Macbeth

A comprehensive guide to meditation, praised for its flow and reassurance for practitioners. It's recommended for teachers and students of healing arts.

Magic Casements: The Use of Poetry in the Expanding of Consciousness by Sir George Trevelyan

An anthology of poetry intended to inspire and remind readers of the connection between literature and personal insights. It includes quotes from various poets and is commented on by Sir George Trevelyan to illustrate his lectures on the transformation of the human spirit.

Beyond the Lodge of the Sun by Chokecherry Gall Eagle

This book is presented as sharing the core wisdom of the Native American way. However, the review notes a photograph of the author with a holy man holding a cigarette, which detracts from the spiritual message. The book is also criticized for being too personal and showing the author's biases.

The Cosmic Connection: Worldwide Crop Formations and ET Contacts by Michael Hesemann

This book is praised for its thorough research, fine writing, and explanations of crop circles and UFOs, including photographs.

The Earth Goddess: Celtic and Pagan Legacy of the Landscape by Cheryl Straffon

This book covers native spirituality found in the landscape and folklore of England, Wales, and Scotland. It includes a gazetteer of Goddess sites and examines themes like prehistoric sites, temples, and the pagan legacy. Specific sites in Devon are mentioned.

Talking to Heaven: A Medium's Message of Life After Death by James Van Praagh

An extraordinary book detailing cases of communication with spirits of humans and animals. The author, a medium, has a three-year waiting list for private readings.

Nostradamus: The Final Reckoning by Peter Lemesurier

This book provides specific dates for over 150 of Nostradamus's prophecies up to the year 4500, with a message of "change or die." It also includes prophecies from Edgar Cayce, Mario de Sabato, and biblical prophets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the paranormal, spirituality, ancient mysteries, and alternative belief systems. The reviews suggest an editorial stance that is open to diverse spiritual and esoteric viewpoints, from ancient wisdom traditions like Sufism and Catharism to modern conspiracy theories and mediumship. There is a clear interest in books that offer unique perspectives on consciousness, history, and the human condition, often with a focus on personal transformation and uncovering hidden truths. The magazine appears to value well-researched content, even when dealing with controversial or unconventional subjects.