Slimbridge Dowsing Group

OVER the centuries, much has gradually been revealed to us.

But it seems now, having entered the Age of Aquarius, we are gathering momentum, and discovering and learning more and more all the time.

In his talk on July 9, Yuri Leitch from Glastonbury introduced us to Mrs Kathleen Maltwood (1878-1961) who wrote several books filled with hints regarding the existence of a Glastonbury Zodiac.

She was also a pioneer in astro-archaeology, the science of dating events by studying the placement of the stars throughout the ages.

Mrs Maltwood took it a step further, using astro-archaeology to understand the relationship between the stories of many of the world’s ancient mythologies, and the constellations in the night sky.

Yuri and a group of like-minded folks recently formed the Maltwood Society, in order to learn and discover more from her hints and ideas.

Using both nature’s own boundaries, and ancient historical landmarks in the landscape, they have established many forms, e.g. a dog complete with ear and nose, and a bull, whose eye probably gave rise to the expression ‘bullseye’.

The fledgling Society’s discoveries have become increasingly exciting as they have been able to substantiate their findings with historic links to the Bronze Age, the Romans, the Knights Templar, seventeenth-century Freemasonry, and even in the ancient words of songs from Morris Dancers and Mummers.

For example, words in an ancient Morris song mention having ‘burnt the dog’s tail’.

This seems to refer to when Somerset apple orchards were deliberately torched during the Civil War (1642–1651), important when cider was safe to drink and water was not.

Again, many important symbols can tell us a great deal if we can only figure out their meaning and significance.

Myths, legends, word-of-mouth stories and old wives’ tales have survived for good reason.

They weren’t simply figments of the imagination, they had a sound base in facts and experiences.

The origins and evidence are there if we seek with open minds and free our own imaginations.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, August 13 - Peter Knight on Stolen Images - Pagan Symbolism in Church Architecture.

slimbridgedowsers.org.uk or phone 01453 545855.