The second issue of this elliptical zine is a sort of departure – try not to roll your eyes. Unlike our titular whorl, this issue is instead interested in the geometric/geographic line. Our pattern-of-the-hour is the Ley Line. Put simply: a Ley Line is a primeval psychic-energy connection that undergirds the simulacra-structures built atop our hoary and arcane earth. Ah, the pleasures of succumbing to the energies of the earth and rigidly following their turgid lines.

The line compels me because it is an erotic preposition. A libidinal direction. An erect puncturing of space (or time), the line pushes forward. From the mean-spirited linearity of chronological space to the literal space of our pendulumic feet, our lives follow lines. At times, these lines are guides, walkthroughs to the world around us. Other times these lines are indomitable paths – fences for cattle, blinders for racehorses – fait accompli.

This issue is devoted to linearity and non-linearity (fuck you), graphs, networks, webs, spreadsheets, crosswords, spirals unspooling with art-deco edges and accumulating depth and dimension and becoming exponential polyhedrons. Here the Ley Line is an impulse to explain our unrelenting and sharp-edged desires. Unseen directional energy – compulsion, pathing, purpose. 

Lines connect and intersect, parallel, pierce, jut, plummet and climb, and yes perhaps even can whorl. Imagine: To form a line with strangers or dial in to a phone line or perhaps enjoy a white line above a dismal drain. We all wait in lines or walk in lines or line our pockets or forget our lines and of course time marches in a line at least as linearly limitedly as perception will allow. 

It is perhaps apt that our second issue has drifted toward lines. Our first issue argued that the Double is a mirror belying infinity, but this issue instead argues that the Double is the second point in a line. As even the most goonish grade-schooler learns, a line can only be ascertained from two points – the astrolabe requires a conversation with the heavens to disclose its secret lines. 

In this issue you’ll find our leaky brains exploring linear patterns. From fate (the teleological line) to schizophrenia (the erratic lightning bolt) to fascism (the dreaded spreadsheet) it doesn’t really matter because you’ll find that we can find a line anywhere, even right under your feet.