AMSKAYA

Magazine Overview

Title: AMSKAYA
Issue: No. 21
Date: January 1991
Publisher: STAR Fellowship
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of AMSKAYA, the newsletter of the STAR Fellowship, delves into themes of optimism versus pessimism, UFO contactee experiences, and anomalous phenomena. It contrasts the perceived hopeful spirit of the 1950s with a more cynical present, drawing parallels between scientific advancements of that era and the claims of early UFO contactees.

The Fifties - A Time of Optimism

The opening article reflects on the spirit of optimism prevalent in the 1950s, contrasting it with the perceived lack of hope today. The author uses the film "Sound Barrier" as an illustration of this era's belief in science and technology leading to a golden age. The film's depiction of overcoming challenges, like breaking the sound barrier, is seen as symbolic of a broader societal confidence. The article also touches upon the philosophical implications of the "big bang" theory versus the steady-state theory, suggesting that a finite beginning to the universe can imply a finite end and potential pointlessness.

The author argues that while the optimism of the fifties might have been unfounded, the current direction has swung too far into pessimism. The experiences of UFO contactees from that decade are presented as a potential source of hope, suggesting the possibility of a boundless energy source pervading the universe, referred to as "earth energy." Despite the phenomenon of "abductions" in the present decade, which are seen as symptomatic of pessimism, the article encourages a re-examination of the contactee experience for potential truths.

Outside Help

This section, authored by Tony Wedd, explores the concept of perpetual motion and cosmic energy. It posits the idea of a civilization's downfall but the survival of its technology, such as a continuously spinning motor or an aneroid-operated clock, which could be interpreted by future inhabitants as evidence of perpetual motion or the work of mysterious gods.

The article then focuses on Howard Menger's book "From Outer Space to You," specifically mentioning a photograph of a "free energy motor." The author describes a vision or conviction received while lying in bed, linking Menger's motor with the "Coffoostyn" coffee pot. The description of Menger's motor involves a three-ball affair on spidery stalks, a spindle, two bearings, a U-shaped chassis, and a central disc. The author details personal attempts to recreate a similar device using magnetized ball bearings, a quartz disc, and amber, involving specific construction steps and materials like copper and brass.

The Winged Serpent of Ashland

Authored by Gordon Millington, this article recounts the alleged abduction case of a Nebraska police sergeant named Schirmer in 1967. Schirmer, described as dependable and truthful, became the youngest police chief in Ashland. The incident involved seeing red lights that resolved into a UFO with small windows. Schirmer experienced temporary paralysis and a time lapse of twenty minutes between arriving at his office at 3 a.m. and writing in the logbook at 2:30 a.m.

Following the event, Schirmer communicated with Jacques Vallee and underwent psychological tests, including a lie-detector session, which did not cast doubt on his veracity. Dr. Leo Sprinkle, a psychologist, used hypnosis to help Schirmer recover memories of the missing time. Under hypnosis, Schirmer described being towed by the UFO and encountering two entities. These beings were described as about five feet tall, wearing tight-fitting suits, with enlarged, cat-like pupils and a small device over the left ear. One entity bore insignia of a winged serpent. The alien asked Schirmer if he was the "watchman over this place" and showed him a machine with spinning drums producing "reversible electrical magnetism," possibly a power source. Schirmer was also shown a hologram of a sun with six planets, identified as the aliens' home system.

The alien reportedly told Schirmer, "One day you, yourself, will see the universe as I have seen it." The abductors allegedly stated they had been observing humanity for a long time and believed that releasing reports and having contacts state the truth would help them, but that they had no pattern for contacting people, making it difficult for the government to track them. They also indicated a desire to puzzle people and confuse the public mind.

Notes and News

This section includes several brief reports:

• Martian canals seen yet again! It references an account from Fortean Times 56 about the sighting of Martian canals by Rodger Gordon and a friend using an eight-inch reflecting telescope on June 6, 1967. They observed two canals clearly and identified others, noting "oases" on one. The report concludes with a typical skeptical remark but is presented as further confirmation of the canals.
• Landed UFO in Chile at Samhain: This report, received from Gordon Millington, details a large UFO landing in broad daylight at Limari, Chile, on November 1, 1990. The object, described as approximately 100 meters in diameter and 20 meters high with six metal feet, remained stationary for half an hour and was observed by over a hundred people, including frontier police. Its metallic surface fluctuated in color between violet and pale rose red.

Some Interesting Reviews

This section briefly mentions reviews of Paul Screeton's "Folklore Frontiers," described as "intellectual gossamer," and Philip Heselton's review of a booklet in "Northern Earth Mysteries," which felt the contents were significant but might not interest many people due to the prevailing "anti-life" view of the universe.

Some Personal Experiences

Authored by Gillian Bull, this section shares personal experiences with non-human intelligence starting from early childhood. Bull describes being placed under surveillance by her parents due to her perceived "relationship" with other intelligences. She recounts vivid memories of floating down the stairs and seeing spirits. Later, around age thirteen, she discovered UFOs and became interested in Earth Mysteries, ancient civilizations, and Atlantis.

Bull also recounts a spectacular UFO sighting experienced with her family in 1983 at St. Michel en Grave, Brittany, France. During dinner, she felt strange and went to her room, where she became aware of two shining forms. The following evening, while watching the sunset, she experienced a localized power cut affecting the entire coastline except for her hotel. A large orange ovoid luminescence was observed hovering over the bay, surrounded by smaller dancing lights. Despite the extraordinary events, Bull reports feeling oddly calm and sleepy, even nodding off during the sighting.

Subscription Information

AMSKAYA is available for £2 for four quarterly issues from J. Goddard, 25, Albert Road, Addlestone, Weybridge, Surrey, KT15 2PX. The original cover design was by David Taylor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of AMSKAYA revolve around the contrast between optimism and pessimism, the nature of UFO phenomena and contactee experiences, and the exploration of anomalous phenomena like "earth energy" and alleged alien encounters. The STAR Fellowship, as the publisher, appears to advocate for continued investigation into flying saucer phenomena, viewing "contact" as a key aspect of this research. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond mainstream scientific consensus and to re-examine historical accounts of UFO sightings and alleged encounters.