Ley-lines. There are several developed theories on the purpose of ley-lines, many of which offer valid potential; something which in itself illustrates the complexity of unravelling the myriad of alignments from several millennia of activity.
It is likely that ley-lines are a product of different elements from several of the following theories, being created at different times, for different purposes. The following examples are the current contenders for explaining how such a dedication to straight-lines has led mankind its present position. It is important to recognise the distinction between ley-lines and geometric alignments. Spirit ways and Death roads - (Funerary paths): Although there is little direct evidence for 'religious' worship in the modern sense of the word at megalithic sites, there is certainly evidence that funerary rites were involved at several important locations (some of which may be classed a secondary use).
Feng shui - (Earths Magnetic Field) Astronomical Alignments: The St. Leylines. Abridged summary of paper given at the "WEGE DES GEISTES - WEGE DER KRAFT (Ways of Spirit - Ways of Power)" conference in October, 1996, in Germany The origin of the ley theory Leys for the 1960s Energy lines Parting of the ways Spirit Lines in the Americas Shamanic Landscapes The Geography of Trance Journeying in Aluna The subject of leys (or 'ley lines' or 'ley hunting') as we have come to know it is essentially a British one.
Alfred Watkins, pioneer proponent of the ley theory, shown taking photographs along one of his alignments. Photo: Major Tyler/Northern Earth. The origin of the Ley theory In 1921, Englishman Alfred Watkins had a sudden perception (he called it a 'flood of ancestral memory'), while looking at a map of the Herefordshire countryside. Members of the Straight Track Club at Stonehenge circa 1930. For about 7 years in the 1920s, Watkins referred to his alignments as 'leys'. Photo: Paul Devereux. In 1935, Watkins died. Leys for the 1960s Energy lines Parting of the ways. Ley Lines of the British Isles. Miscellaneous Page Contents miscellaneous alignments references [36] Selworthy Beacon, Somerset, Meon Hill, Chesterton, Great Bowden, Medbourne, Great Casterton, Surfleet Sands End Lincs.
(Coast to Coast Signal Alignment ?). [37] Beacon Hill Hampshire (SU454678), Goring on Thames, Aylesbury, Bedford, Guyhirn. [38] Beacon Hill Hampshire (SU454678), Cirencester, Longford Gloucester, Mortimer's Cross, Caer Caradoc. [39] Daventry Roman Fort, Great Bowden, Oakham, Sleaford. [40] Daventry Roman Fort, Halstead, Burrough Hill Fort, Lincoln. [41] Coventry, Lutterworth, Wansford. [43] Haydown Hill, Barbury Castle, Minety. [44] Haydown Hill, Lechlade, Bourton-on the -Water (Fort), Ryknield Street, Alcester, Redditch, Cannock. [45] Haydown Hill, Cirencester, Ermine Way, Malvern Hills, Tenbury Wells, Caynham Camp, Long Mynd. [46] Wall (Letocetum) (SK104064), Oldbury (SP315946), Cloudesley Bush Tumulus (SP464863), Cross in hand (A5) (SP508839), Honey Hill (SP640765), Brixworth (SP748707).