Lecture 2: Keeping on the Old Straight Track Applying John Michell's legacy to new research. The John Michell Memorial Lecture, Hosted by Christine Rhone.

John's books and lectures reintroduced two generations or so to a global prehistoric science whose traces were still visible because they had survived into later Babylonian, Egyptian, Minoan, Greek and Roman times. Although the scientific establishment remains to be convinced of it, this 'megalithic science' (which John sometimes referred to as 'spiritual engineering') remains recogniseable to modern thought. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the ancient sciences when correctly understood and then applied, Robin will revisit some of John's favourite haunts, and pull a few new rabbits out of the hat.

Robin Heath is a graduate of UCNW, Bangor, and started his career as a research and development engineer in semiconductor technology prior to becoming a senior lecturer in mathematics and engineering. Since 1990 Robin has been seeking out evidence for the prehistoric science embedded within the surviving megalithic monuments in Britain, Ireland and France. In 1993 Robin founded Megalithic Tours and has written eleven books revealing evidence of high culture to be found in the astronomy, geometry and metrology of ancient monuments. This material has been presented in various ways to students at the Prince's School of Traditional Arts, The Sophia Trust, John Ruskin College, Brasenose College, Oxford, the British Society of Dowsing, The Gatekeeper Trust, RILKO (Research into Lost Knowledge Organisation), and the Royal Institute of Mathematics. He spoke at the first ever Megalithomania in 2006, and also in 2012. www.robinheath.info

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Richard Cassaro is an author, lecturer, and world explorer. He has studied ancient civilizations in the field for four decades. During this time, he discovered and interpreted a series of meaningful archaeological parallels they share, demonstrating connections to each other and to our modern culture that have not yet been recognized in standard academic histories. His research is widely acclaimed, appearing in print journals worldwide, and translated into more than a dozen languages. He has recently been featured on the History Channel and Magical Egypt. www.richardcassaro.com

Thomas shares his extensive research on evidence of magic and sorcery at megalithic sites worldwide. His most passionate area of work is mythology and folklore, as well as the magical traditions and megalithic sites of the IndoEuropeans. Thomas Sheridan's presentation at Megalithomania will be concerned with the magical aspects of certain ancient 'sacred' sites, along with presenting evidence that the famous Round Towers of Ireland are a part of the European megalithic tradition. Being far older than the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, they were a mixture of pagan temple and machine.

Thomas Sheridan is a best selling author having written books on topics ranging from psychology, true crime, mind control, megaliths, mythology and the occult. A former rock musician and stand up comic, Thomas is sought the world over as an entertaining and highly informative public speaker and media guest. His vast knowledge of the occult, folklore and Irish and European mythology, is complimented by his great passion for literature and fortean topics. Thomas is an Honourary Member of the Avebury ‘Council of Thirteen’ Druidry Study Circle. He is also known for painting the landscapes of Ireland, as well as retaining the history of Ireland intimately and is passionate about sharing this with others. thomassheridanarts.com

After visiting many Celtic sites around Europe, Gary Biltcliffe and Caroline Hoare discovered that these ancient tribes marked their territory by locating and honouring its geographical centre or ‘navel’ by either using the nearest natural feature or by constructing mounds, stone monuments, and ceremonial earthworks and re-shaping sacred hills to create a link to the cosmos. Based on their new book, they reveal evidence at these centre-points of the worship of the ancient British goddess, dragon pathways aligned to the sun and crossroads where old trackways to the cardinal points meet. These principles of cosmology adopted by the Celts from the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Etruscans can still be found throughout the British Isles and Ireland and in some of the foundation plans of our earliest towns and cities.

Gary and Caroline have dedicated many years to historical research and investigation of earth mysteries, ancient civilisations and lost knowledge. Gary has appeared on television and radio and lectured for dowsing and earth mystery groups both in this country and in America. He is the author of two books - The Spirit of Portland: Revelations of a Sacred Isle and The Spine of Albion: An Exploration of Earth Energies and Landscape Mysteries along the Belinus Line co-authored with his partner Caroline Hoare. www.belinusline.com

The astronomy of Stonehenge is a complex and controversial subject. Arguments have raged over the intent and depth of knowledge of the builders ever since the midsummer sunrise alignment was rediscovered in the 18th century, and the discipline of archaeoastronomy is still viewed with suspicion by some archaeologists. This talk will show you where to stand, in which direction to look to see for yourself what the ancients achieved, and will confront the issue of eclipse prediction using the Aubrey Holes. There may be some surprises along the way.

Simon Banton has been an amateur astronomer for over 45 years and was bitten by the archaeoastronomy bug in the mid 1990s. Since then he has been researching humanity's enduring relationship with the celestial sphere. Over a decade ago he moved to Wiltshire for two reasons: the dark skies of Salisbury Plain and the intriguing collection of large rocks in the middle of it. He worked for English Heritage at Stonehenge for 6 years as one of the custodians of - and guides for - the monument, is co-author of an academic paper about the stonehole parchmarks discovered in 2013 and curates the StonesOfStonehenge.org.uk, StonehengeMonument.co.uk and Web.org.uk/BarrowMap websites. StonesOfStonehenge.org.uk

THE JOHN MICHELL MEMORIAL LECTURE

Every year, Megalithomania welcomes Christine Rhone to introduce the John Michell Memorial Lecture. Previous speakers have included John Martineau, John Neal, Christine Rhone and Steve Marshall. Christine also organises a bi-annual event in London celebrationg the work of the great visionary.