Alternate Horizons Newsletter - Vol 1 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: ALTERNATE HORIZONS NEWSLETTER
Issue: Number 3
Volume: Volume One
Publisher: Foundation for Philosophic Advancement
Country: USA
Price: 50¢

This issue of the Alternate Horizons Newsletter delves into the complexities of dealing with unexplained phenomena, particularly those related to the 'AR' (Alternate Reality) theory. The editorial, 'YELL FIRE OR NOT?', grapples with the moral responsibility of warning individuals about potential threats posed by AR phenomena when definitive proof is lacking. It highlights the perplexing nature of such situations and the difficulty in categorizing what constitutes an actual 'threat'.

Editorial: YELL FIRE OR NOT?

The editorial discusses the moral quandary of how to act when recurrent AR phenomena appear to pose a threat. The author questions whether to warn individuals that 'dealing with me may endanger you' or to 'let it ride' due to lack of proof. The piece uses the situation in Atlanta as an example, where three cases of unusual happenings have been connected with speakers for the local UFO group, the CSIA. The most recent incident involved James W. Moseley, Editor of Saucer News, where a taxi stop by a policeman for obscure reasons, possibly related to a blinking light on the cab, is presented as a minor, seemingly innoxious disruption that nonetheless continues a pattern.

The author ponders whether future speakers should be informed of potential risks, based on the occurrence of only 'Minor Mongers'. The inherent difficulty in dealing with vague uncertainties is acknowledged, referencing 'Murphy's Law' which states that anything that can interfere with a goal will interfere. The editorial concludes by suggesting a cautious attitude, acting on clear and present dangers, and briefing those directly involved in realistic, non-alarmist terms.

Action Program: A Proposal for AR Development

This section outlines a program to develop the AR theory, described as a new name for an old concept or a restatement of old concepts from a fresh vantage point. The program has three main components:

1. Discussion: Encouraging those interested in AR to engage in discussions, either in person or by correspondence. A 'round robin' tape exchange is underway among four interested individuals, and the creation of tapes from in-person gatherings is proposed.
2. Contributions: Requesting material useful for AR Research, such as 'ARish' type incidents, rather than monetary donations.
3. Investigative Agency: Proposing the formation of a small investigative unit focused on AR problems. This agency would compile information, investigate cases with an AR tie-in (UFO or otherwise), and study specialized investigative techniques. Volunteers are sought.

SAUCER SIGHTINGS AND REALITY WARPS by AHG

This article, by AHG (Allen H. Greenfield), explores the concept of 'reality warps' as an integral part of the AR theory. A reality warp is defined as a 'door' between realities, which can be natural or artificial, permanent or temporary. Evidence for such warps is suggested to be abundant in fortean subjects, citing cases like the Lang disappearance (temporary warps) and rumors of caves where none exist or 'holes at the poles' (permanent warps).

The article speculates on the mechanics of these warps, drawing parallels with flying saucers ('mobile transfer warps') and teleportation. It questions whether certain locations on Earth exhibit proximity to other realities, leading to frequent appearances of phenomena. The author references John G. Fuller's work on UFO concentrations around Exeter, New Hampshire, and mentions Mount Shasta in California as locations for long-term manifestations.

Personal evidence is offered from experiences in Cartersville, Georgia, at the Ettowa Indian Mounds, where UFO sightings occurred regularly. Similar observations were made near Brooksville, Florida, in an area associated with the John Reeves contact case, which also happened to have an Indian Mound. The article connects these observations with the concepts of 'leys' (lines between ancient monuments) and the orthoteny theory (straight lines in UFO reports), suggesting that UFOs are seen everywhere in increasing numbers.

The association of UFO and fortean reports with ancient monument sites is considered to have validity, with 'reality warp' offered as a potential explanation. The article concludes by introducing a term with 'disturbing portent': 'BEACHHEAD', in the context of artificial reality warps and motive.

AR BOOKLIST & LIBRARY: The Tolkein Library

This section reviews J.R.R. Tolkein's 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy and other works from an AR perspective. The author notes that Tolkein may be more of a 'believer' in the subjects he writes about than is generally supposed, particularly referencing his essay 'On Fairy-Stories'.

The review recommends the Ballantine editions of Tolkein's works over Ace editions due to perceived quality and moral grounds. Specific books reviewed include:

• THE HOBBIT (Ballantine, 95¢, 287 pages): Described as a prelude to the trilogy, not just for the young.
• THE LORD OF THE RINGS, Part One, THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (Ballantine, 95¢, 527 pages).
• THE LORD OF THE RINGS, Part Two, THE TWO TOWERS (Ballantine, 95¢, 447 pages).
• THE LORD OF THE RINGS, Part Threee, THE RETURN OF THE KING (Ballantine, 95¢, 544 pages).
• THE TOLKEIN READER (Ballantine, 95¢): Contains poetry and, significantly, the essay 'On Fairy Stories'.

The author acknowledges a lack of firsthand knowledge of the entire trilogy but commends the other works. The connection between Tolkein's work and the AR theory is explained by the concept that folklore and UFOlogy are part of the same fabric, citing the persistent accounts of 'little men' (humanoids, goblins) in both.

Readers are invited to suggest any relevant books or materials to the editor.

THEN AND NOW: A COMPARISON by Lucius Farish

This article by Lucius Farish draws parallels between modern UFO sightings and historical accounts of unexplained phenomena, suggesting that UFOs are an integral part of human experience throughout history, not a recent development.

The author notes that UFOs have been recorded since ancient times, citing Egyptian papyrus scrolls from approximately 3500 years ago that describe 'circles of fire' or luminous discs, accompanied by a 'foul odor', similar to modern reports of odors like sulphur or ozone.

Reference is made to Frank Edwards' book 'Stranger Than Science', which recounts an incident involving Alexander the Great and two objects that repeatedly dived at his army during a river crossing. The article also mentions 'The Alliterative Romance of Alexander', which describes Alexander's trip to the bottom of the sea where an 'angel' showed him dragons and 'sea-monsters'. The author speculates if this could relate to modern concepts of 'submarine' UFOs or undersea bases.

The article highlights the work of writers like W.R. Drake and his exploration of UFOs and Fortean phenomena in classical literature. Examples include Livy's 'History of Rome', which mentions prodigies such as lights in the sky in the form of ships and apparitions of men in white garments. Pliny the elder's 'Natural History' is also cited, with a report from 163 B.C. by Julius Obsequens detailing phenomena such as two suns seen by day, a sky on fire, and a trumpet sound from the sky.

Another account from Dion Cassius (193 A.D.) describes three stars appearing around the sun, interpreted by soldiers as portending a dreadful fate for Emperor Julianus.

The article then draws a parallel between modern 'contactee' claims and older accounts, referencing Robert Burton's 'Anatomy of Melancholy'. It describes an account of Facius Cardan conjuring 'seven devils' in Greek apparel, described as 'aerial devils' who lived and died like men but for much longer periods. The author suggests that while these beings were called 'aerial devils' then, modern contactees might refer to them as 'angels' or 'space brothers', noting the similarity in information received.

The article concludes by stating that practically all phases of modern UFOlogy have counterparts in times long past, asserting that the UFO is an integral part of man's experience throughout recorded history.

An editor's note clarifies that this article was originally designated for the first in Mr. Farish's series but is published second, explaining the reference in the last paragraph.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the AR (Alternate Reality) theory, UFOlogy, and the historical precedents for modern unexplained phenomena. The newsletter consistently seeks to connect contemporary sightings and concepts with ancient myths, legends, and historical records, suggesting a continuity of these experiences throughout human history. The editorial stance, particularly in the 'YELL FIRE OR NOT?' piece, emphasizes a cautious, analytical approach to potentially threatening phenomena, advocating for informed communication rather than alarmism. There is a clear interest in developing research methodologies for AR phenomena, as evidenced by the proposed 'Action Program'. The publication also promotes the idea that folklore and UFOlogy are interconnected aspects of the same underlying reality.