Magazine Summary

Alternate Horizons Newsletter

Magazine Issue Foundation for Philosophic Advancement 1960s

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Summary

Overview

This issue of Alternate Horizons Newsletter features a 'Bookshelf and Library' section with reviews of various books, including those on psychiatry, astral projection, human consciousness, Kabbalah, and psychedelic experiences. It also includes a letter detailing a complex narrative of an off-world group's intervention on Earth, involving the manipulation of a local species, conflict with 'Serps', a natural disaster, and the establishment of a new base. Additionally, the editor reports on the 1968 Congress of Scientific UFOlogists, highlighting discussions on 'men in black' cases and unusual phone incidents.

Magazine Overview

Title: Alternate Horizons Newsletter
Volume: Two
Issue: Number Four
Date: 3/4/2540 (March 4, 2540)
Publisher: Foundation for Philosophic Advancement
Editor: Allen H. Greenfield

This issue of the Alternate Horizons Newsletter features a significant 'AR BOOKSHELF AND LIBRARY' section, presenting a curated list of books from the private collection of Allen H. Greenfield. The newsletter also includes a lengthy personal letter detailing complex extraterrestrial and human interactions on Earth, and a report on the 1968 Congress of Scientific UFOlogists.

AR BOOKSHELF AND LIBRARY

The 'AR BOOKSHELF AND LIBRARY' section, presented as Part Two of Allen H. Greenfield's collection, lists various books with their subtitles, authors, publishers, prices, page counts, and Library of Congress numbers. The note clarifies that these listings do not necessarily represent the only or best editions, nor are prices certified. Page listings may omit introductory material, and previously mentioned books might be relisted. The editor also notes that the works are not necessarily in accord with alternate reality theory and requests reports of errors.

  • Books listed include:
  • GOD BLESS THE DEVIL; Subtitle: The Key to the Liberation of Psychiatry by Luis J. Rodriguez.
  • ASTRAL PROJECTION by Oliver Fox.
  • YOU ARE NOT THE TARGET by Laura Archera Huxley.
  • THE STATES OF HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS by C. Daly King.
  • ON THE KABBALAH AND ITS SYMBOLISM by Gershom G. Scholem.
  • THE HOLY GRAIL; Subtitle: The Galahad Quest in Arthurian Literature by Arthur Edward Waite.
  • THE DRUG EXPERIENCE edited by David Eban.
  • THE AWAKENING OF FAITH attributed to Ashvagosha.
  • THE PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE; Subtitled: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead by Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner, and Richard Alpert.
  • INDUSTRIAL CREATIVITY; Subtitled: The psychology of the inventor by Joseph Rossman.

Fragments of Reality: Some Glimpses of a Possible Road

This section begins by referencing Charles Hoy Fort's philosophy of examining reality and recognizing trends. It then recounts several seemingly paranormal or unusual incidents:

  • The Elgee Apparition (November 1864): The wife of Major Elgee, while staying in Cairo, reported seeing the apparition of a friend enter her hotel room through a barricaded window. The apparition pointed at her companion, who was terrified, before retreating into the wall. Four years later, Mrs. Elgee confirmed the identity of the apparition with the man, who had been wishing to speak with her at the time.
  • John Cuthbert Lawson's Sighting: Lawson recounts a 'sighting' near Sparta, which his guide identified as a nymph. Lawson notes the phenomenon of multiple people seeing such apparitions.
  • Isle of Man Fairy Encounter: A woman on the Isle of Man was reportedly surrounded by fairies who attempted to abduct her, but she escaped by calling her son.
  • Staircase Apparition: A man related an experience of seeing a white apparition of a little old man with a beard and sack rise from a staircase. The figure reappeared later in an attic, and its presence caused an 'emotion; anger' that impacted the man like a piercing flame.
  • Josiah Quincy and the 'Daemon': It is reported that Josiah Quincy, former president of Harvard College, believed himself to be guided by a 'Daemon'.

The section also touches upon Siamese folklore regarding the 'Thevadas' and 'Phi' beings, and mentions Evans-Wentz's work on the Fairy-Faith.

Letter from Mike to Frey

This lengthy letter details a complex narrative from the perspective of 'Mike', an operative working with a group led by 'the Leader'. They are fugitives from beings called 'Serps'.

  • Impending Disaster and Evacuation: A comet is predicted to pass close to Earth, creating celestial wonders. The group plans to use this event to evacuate their people from Egypt, where they have been working with local natives.
  • Intervention on Earth: The group arrived on Earth years ago seeking refuge from the Serps. They found a world with potential for development and decided to accelerate the evolution of a local species. However, a Serp spy introduced a 'quick-think drug' to their experimental subjects, rapidly increasing their intelligence without corresponding moral development.
  • Dealing with the Consequences: The Leader decided to intervene to prevent the newly intelligent beings from acquiring longevity drugs and becoming tools of the Serps. They aimed to educate and protect these beings, acknowledging their own responsibility.
  • Challenges and Setbacks: Over the years, the local population developed a tolerance to their environment but also exhibited moral corruption and potential Serp infiltration. A major natural upheaval, including a flood, necessitated the construction of a large boat for evacuation. A new crisis arose with the construction of a city by the locals, intended as a landing point for Serps. The group used a nerve-scrambling device to scatter the locals.
  • New Strategy and Current Problem: Facing limited resources and increased offworlder influence, the group elected to focus on an isolated pocket of natives under strong Serp influence. They encountered resistance, resulting in a lynch mob attack from which they barely escaped. They then 'wiped out the entire area'. A subsequent problem arose when some friendly locals moved to Egypt and one became a high official, leading to their current 'low estate'. The approaching comet is seen as an opportunity to address this issue.
  • Personal Note: Mike expresses hope of receiving a reply from Frey and sends regards to Freya, Bragi, and Iduna.

The Ghost of AR at the 1968 Congress of Scientific Ufologists

This report by the editor, James W. Moseley, details his experiences at the fifth Congress of Scientific UFOlogists in Cleveland, Ohio.

  • Carry-over from Previous Years: The report mentions the continued presence of the 'Library of Congress Woman' from a previous year.
  • Telephone Incidents: A significant portion of the report focuses on a series of unusual phone troubles. Moseley experienced difficulty being reached at his motel, and Allan Manak of the UAPA also had issues trying to contact him. Tony Price and Rick Hilberg also encountered phone problems, including strange signals and busy signals, leading to operator consultation.
  • 'Men in Black' Cases: The closed sessions of the congress addressed 'men in black' cases. Stories were shared, including one about UFOlogist Robert S. Easley, who reported telephone threats and a gun pointed at him. Rick Hilberg also recounted an incident where two men, claiming to be local police, questioned him about his UFOlogical activities.
  • Overall Assessment: Moseley concludes that the congress, like previous ones, did not solve the UFO problem but highlighted its persistent 'weird angles'. He humorously suggests that the phone problems might be a sign of the congress's unimportance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently explores themes of the paranormal, unexplained phenomena, and alternative realities, as suggested by its title and the content of the reviewed books and reported incidents. The 'Bookshelf and Library' section indicates an interest in a wide range of subjects, from psychiatry and philosophy to mysticism and altered states of consciousness. The letter from 'Mike' introduces a science fiction narrative involving extraterrestrial contact, intervention, and conflict, suggesting a speculative and imaginative editorial stance. The report on the UFOlogists' Congress highlights the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, including the persistent 'men in black' motif and unexplained occurrences like phone disruptions, reflecting a continued engagement with the UFO subculture and its associated mysteries. The editor's tone, particularly in the UFOlogy report, is somewhat wry and observational, acknowledging the strangeness of the events while maintaining a degree of skepticism or at least a questioning attitude towards coincidence.

There were several other minor phone hang-ups (literally, in a couple of cases) during the convention that I know of that add strain to the coincidence answer.

— Editor (James W. Moseley)

Key Incidents

  1. 1864-11Cairo, India

    The wife of Major Elgee reported seeing the apparition of a friend in her hotel room, who then pointed at her companion who was terrified.

  2. near Sparta

    John Cuthbert Lawson reported a 'sighting' of what his guide identified as a nymph.

  3. Isle of Man

    A woman was surrounded by fairies who attempted to take her away, but she escaped by calling her son.

  4. A man reported seeing a white apparition of a little old man with a sack on his back rise from a staircase, which later reappeared in an attic and emitted a flame of anger.

  5. 1864

    Josiah Quincy, former president of Harvard College, believed himself to be guided by a 'Daemon'.

  6. 1968-06Cleveland, Ohio

    The fifth Congress of Scientific UFOlogists featured discussions and incidents, including phone troubles and 'men in black' cases.

  7. UFOlogist Robert S. Easley reported telephone threats and a gun pointed at him.

  8. Rick Hilberg reported being visited by two men claiming to be local police officials who questioned him about his UFOlogical activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the 'AR BOOKSHELF AND LIBRARY' section?

This section presents books from the private collection of Allen H. Greenfield, offering information on editions, prices, and page listings, though not all may represent the best editions or be in accord with alternate reality theory.

What is the main narrative presented in the letter from Mike?

The letter describes an off-world group's efforts to protect locals from 'Serps' by accelerating their development, dealing with a resulting crisis of intelligence without morality, managing a natural disaster, and establishing a new base, all while being fugitives themselves.

What were some of the notable incidents reported from the 1968 Congress of Scientific UFOlogists?

The congress saw unusual phone incidents, including repeated wrong numbers and busy signals, and discussions about 'men in black' cases, such as those involving UFOlogist Robert S. Easley and Rick Hilberg.

What is the publication information for Alternate Horizons Newsletter?

Alternate Horizons Newsletter is the official publication of the Foundation for Philosophic Advancement, edited by Allen H. Greenfield, with a mailing address in Atlanta, Georgia. Back issues and single copies are available for 50¢ each.

In This Issue

People Mentioned

  • Allen H. GreenfieldEditor
  • Luis J. RodriguezAuthor
  • Oliver FoxAuthor
  • John C. WilsonForeword writer
  • Laura Archera HuxleyAuthor
  • Aldous HuxleyIntroduction writer
  • C. Daly KingAuthor
  • Roy FinchForeword writer
  • Gershom G. ScholemAuthor
  • Ralph ManheimTranslator
  • Arthur Edward WaiteAuthor
  • David EbanEditor
  • +8 more

Organisations

  • Foundation for Philosophic Advancement
  • Bookman Associates, Inc
  • University Books
  • Farrar Straus and Company
  • Schocken Books
  • Orion Press
  • Pantheon Books, Inc.
  • UAPA

Locations

  • Part Two
  • India
  • Cairo
  • Sparta
  • Isle of Man
  • South Barrule Mountain
  • China
  • Eden
  • Egypt
  • Cleveland, USA
  • Atlanta, USA

Topics & Themes

Book reviewsParanormalFolkloreUFOlogyConspiracylibraryphilosophypsychiatryastral projectionconsciousnessKabbalahArthurian literaturedrug experiencepsychedelic experienceindustrial creativityapparitions