An excitation function for resonance elastic scattering of ␣ particles on 18 O and 18 Ne was measured using the method of inverse geometry with a very thick target. Spectroscopic information was obtained for 23 levels in the excitation energy region from 11.9 to 13. Mg, are given. Evidence is presented that new perspectives on the study of nuclear structure and nuclear spectroscopy can be obtained in complimentary measurements of ␣-cluster states in mirror N Z nuclei.