ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: VOLUME 2, NUMBER 4
Date: SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 1975
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES features a cover headline "Come Search With Us!" and delves into theories about ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial influences.

Astro-Archaeology and Legendry by Professor Hans Schindler Bellamy

Professor Hans Schindler Bellamy, an expert on Tiahuanaco, presents a compelling argument that the Moon was not always a natural satellite of Earth but was likely an 'intruder' planet captured by Earth's gravitational pull. He posits that this event occurred in the distant past, fundamentally altering the skies and the Earth's environment, and suggests that many ancient myths and legends serve as 'fossilized primeval history' reflecting this cataclysmic occurrence.

Bellamy supports his theory by referencing myths from various cultures, including the Pelasgians and the Chibchas, which speak of a time before the Moon existed or of celestial bodies being transformed. He notes that the Moon's peculiar phases and its independent movement from other planets made it a subject of fascination and a basis for early calendars, with the word 'Moon' itself possibly meaning 'measurer'.

He attempts to date this event by correlating it with geological and archaeological findings. Bellamy cites the formation of the Niagara Falls gorge at approximately 12,500 years ago, the loss of Atlantis around 12,550 years ago, and volcanic rock dating from the supposed site of Atlantis to about 13,000 years ago. Additionally, lava extrusions in Mexico City dating to 10,000 years ago and a major climatic breakdown ('Klimasturz') around 12,000 years ago are mentioned. A key piece of evidence is the Egyptian zodiac of Dendera, which begins with the sign of Leo, suggesting a significant celestial event occurred when Leo was the vernal point, estimated to be around 13,000 years ago.

Bellamy concludes that this period marked a profound change, where the 'ancient skies' and 'first Earth' passed away, giving rise to the familiar world we know today. He advocates for a new approach to understanding ancient myths, viewing them not as linguistic errors but as valuable historical records that can enhance our knowledge of humanity's past.

Letters and Contributions

Professor Bellamy's Contact: Professor Bellamy, a stamp collector, invites correspondence from Society members and can be reached at Blechturmgasse 23-5-10, A-1050, Vienna, Austria.

Peru Connection: John J. Jirik of West Allis, Wisconsin, proposes a connection between the 'Candelabra of the Andes' in Peru and the Nazca drawings. He suggests that survivors of Atlantis settled in Peru, using the trident symbol as a memorial and identifier, and may also be responsible for the Nazca markings, linking them to the 'Trident' symbol of Atlantis.

Conferences and Meetings

Toronto Mid-Winter Meeting (February 14, 1976): The Ancient Astronaut Society is organizing a meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Toronto, Canada. Special hotel rates are available for attendees. Speakers will include Erich von Däniken, Josef F. Blumrich, Dr. Luis E. Navia, and Stuart W. Greenwood. Erich von Däniken is expected to present a new slide presentation from his recent expedition to Asia.

Third World Conference (May 17-21, 1976): This conference will be held in Crikvenica, Yugoslavia. Confirmed speakers include Erich von Däniken, Jacques Bergier, Josef F. Blumrich, Vladimir Avinsky, and Alexander B. Minervin. The conference will feature original papers and panel discussions.

Radio Shack Donation

RADIO SHACK has donated a REALISTIC CTR-33 Cassette Tape Recorder to the Society for recording lectures at meetings and conferences. Previously, they donated two Realistic Citizens Band 'Walkie-Talkie' Radios for field expeditions. SHACK products are available internationally.

Machu Picchu Reflections

Lawrence Blazey shares his experience on the Peru-Bolivia Expedition, highlighting Machu Picchu and expressing his conviction that Erich von Däniken has opened up important questions for the Society to explore. He is particularly struck by the construction of gigantic structures with massive stone blocks in South America and invites members to share their opinions on how these feats were accomplished.

Authors and Books

This section highlights recent and upcoming publications by individuals associated with the Ancient Astronaut Society:

• Jacques Bergier: Elected as a Fellow to the World Academy of Arts and Sciences.
• Erich von Däniken: His book "Meine Welt in Bildern" (In Search of Ancient Gods) is now available in English paperback.
• Dr. Luis E. Navia: His first book, "A Bridge to the Stars," is scheduled for April 1976 publication in German.
• W. Raymond Drake: His book "Gods and Spacemen Throughout History" is available in hardcover.
• Stuart W. Greenwood: Authored an article on Ancient Astronauts and anthropology in the September 1975 issue of "Skylook" magazine.
• James A. Gupton, Jr.: Has written articles for S-9 and CB Magazines.
• Ulrich Dopatka: Is in Tunisia gathering material for a new book.
• Peter Krassa: Author of "When the Yellow Gods Came" and "God Came From the Stars," has traveled to China and the Soviet Union for research, assisted by Alexander Kasanzew. A figurine from Xochipala, Mexico, estimated to be 3,000 years old, is featured and discussed in Krassa's upcoming book, "When the Yellow Gods Came."

A list of French books by Jacques Bergier is also provided, along with contact information for EDITIONS ALBIN MICHEL.

Book Review: The Ancient Engineers by L. Sprague DeCamp

Keith J. Kulie reviews "The Ancient Engineers," a book that posits civilization resulted from technological innovation spread along trade routes, with some innovations developing independently due to natural barriers. The review notes DeCamp's premise that recorded history is sparse on engineering due to the nature of its chroniclers (priests and poets). DeCamp estimates that building the Great Pyramid required fewer workers than commonly believed, using sleds and a lubricant like milk fat. Kulie points out that the book, originally published in 1960, predates the current trend of re-evaluating ancient evidence with a space-age perspective and concludes that the author's conclusions are not widely shared by contemporary writers on the subject.

Proof is of the Essence by Peter Krassa

Peter Krassa emphasizes the growing human desire to understand our origins and existence, driven by space exploration. He argues that the core mission of the Ancient Astronaut Society is to gather 'proof' of extraterrestrial visits and their influence on advanced human cultures. Krassa acknowledges the significant opposition and ridicule faced by proponents of ancient astronaut theories from the media and certain segments of the public, who dismiss them as fads or trends.

He asserts that the increasing support for the 'Ancient Astronauts' theory is not a fleeting trend but a growing 'tendency' fueled by accumulating evidence. Krassa calls for a concerted effort from all Society members, particularly the experts, to continue the search for proof through teamwork and open exchange of ideas. He appeals for scientific expeditions to be equipped and dispatched to regions with potential evidence from ancient writings, prehistoric relics, and human experiences, aiming to build a comprehensive body of proof without excessive publicity.

Krassa draws a parallel to the amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, who found 'Troy', urging members to find their own 'Troja' through diligent research and evidence gathering.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interpretation of ancient myths as historical records of extraterrestrial contact, the scientific pursuit of 'proof' for ancient astronaut theories, and the exploration of archaeological and geological evidence that supports these ideas. The editorial stance is one of advocating for rigorous research, open discussion, and the systematic collection of evidence to validate the existence and influence of ancient astronauts. The magazine also serves as a platform for announcing upcoming conferences, promoting related literature, and fostering a community of like-minded individuals interested in these subjects.