Description and Origins of Ley Lines?

Question

Where did the term ley lines originate, and why are they called "ley" lines? Can you give a brief description of what they are?

Have there been any geological studies to search for physical characteristics in the earth that correspond to ley lines?

Answer 1

Origins: "The concept of ley lines was first proposed by Alfred Watkins. On June 30, 1921, Watkins visited Blackwardine in Herefordshire, and went riding near some hills in the vicinity of Bredwardine when he noted many of the footpaths therein seemed to connect one hilltop to another in a straight line. He was studying a map when he noticed places in alignment. 'The whole thing came to me in a flash,' he would later explain to his son."

It should be noted he attributed no supernatural or metaphysical properties to ley lines.  That came later with New Age interpretations.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ley_lines

I was unable to discover the origin of the word "ley".

As far as studies go, since there have been no scientifically identified ley lines, there isn't a whole lot to study.  The mapping of ley lines is done by those who presume such things to exist.  They are arbitrary and imagined lines drawn between two points of presumed significance.

Answer 2

In addition to what Cia says, they also had spiritual significance there are buildings in the jungles of South America where the actual building walls line up exactly miles apart. Did you ever wonder why churches and cemeteries were built in a specific place? And the alignment of the Pyramids?

Ignore Peter D. , he is a complete ***.

Answer 3

Ley lines, or Leys, are alignments of ancient sites stretching across the landscape. Ancient sites or holy places may be situated in a straight line ranging from one or two to several miles in length. A ley may be identified simply by an aligned placing of marker sites, or it might be visible on the ground for all or part of its length by the remnants of an old straight track. I added the webistes that can help you further, HOPE THAT helps!