ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: VOLUME 2, NUMBER 5
Date: NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 1975
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY

This issue of Ancient Skies, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, delves into historical accounts and theories related to extraterrestrial influence on human history. The cover story, "Extraterrestrials Fought for Charlemagne," by W. Raymond Drake, examines a passage from the "Annals of Laurence" describing an event in AD 776 where "aerial spirits" or "flying shields" appeared during a battle, terrifying the Saxon rebels and aiding Charlemagne's forces. Drake connects this to other historical accounts of "flying shields" and "fiery shields" from antiquity, suggesting a consistent pattern of celestial intervention.

Key Articles and Features

Extraterrestrials Fought for Charlemagne

W. Raymond Drake presents a translation and analysis of a passage from the "Annals of Laurence" dating to AD 776. The account describes how, during a conflict with the Saxons who had rebelled against Charlemagne, "two large shields reddish in colour in motion flaming above the church" appeared. This phenomenon caused the pagan Saxons to panic and flee, leading to their defeat and the salvation of the fortress. Drake argues that these "shields" were likely advanced craft, drawing parallels to other historical mentions of similar phenomena, such as Pliny's description of a "burning shield" in 100 BC and a 1957 incident in Brazil involving a "luminous flying object" that overwhelmed a fort.

Sibley S. Morrill and the Crystal Skull

This section features a letter from Sibley S. Morrill, author of "Ambrose Bierce, Mitchell-Hedges and the Crystal Skull." Morrill posits that the famous crystal skull might have an extraterrestrial origin or was created by individuals who received knowledge from extraterrestrials. He highlights the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Maya and suggests that such artifacts could only have been created with techniques beyond those known to ancient races.

Anti-Gravity

O.L. Hope from Gastonia, NC, proposes that the development of anti-gravity technology is feasible. He draws an analogy to electromagnetism, suggesting that just as like charges repel, matter itself could be made to repel other matter through electromagnetic waves or quark bombardment. Hope believes that investing in anti-gravity research would yield immense benefits, including space exploration and soft landings on other planets.

Book Reviews

• "Miracles of the Gods" by Erich von Daniken: Reviewed by Gene M. Phillips, this book is noted as not being about the ancient astronaut theory but rather an analysis of famous apparitions and visions, such as Lourdes and Fatima. Phillips points out that von Daniken, in this work, challenges religious dogma, particularly concerning Christianity, the Bible, and Jesus, which is expected to draw criticism.
• "Peruvian Ground Drawings" (Peruanische Erdzeichen): This publication is described as a photographic record of the Nazca and Palpa desert markings in Peru. It features straight lines, geometric figures, and depictions of animals and birds, with accompanying text in German and English. The review highlights its collaboration with archaeologist Maria Reiche and its value as a source for those interested in astroanthropology.

Appeal to Authors and Society Objectives

Professor Hans Schindler Bellamy addresses authors and researchers, outlining the objectives of the Ancient Astronaut Society for its Third World Conference in Yugoslavia. The focus is on gathering well-authenticated evidence of extraterrestrial visits and the existence of advanced ante-historic civilizations. Bellamy specifically requests that controversial topics like UFOs and paranormal phenomena be excluded from lectures. He urges researchers to concentrate on collecting and documenting verifiable evidence, such as inscriptions and petroglyphs, and to send new material to the Society's headquarters.

Upcoming Events and Society News

• 3rd World Conference: Scheduled for May 17-23, 1976, in Crikvenica, Yugoslavia. Arrangements are being made for group flights from Chicago and New York via Lufthansa. The conference will be held at the Hotel Omorika and will feature official languages of Russian and English, with discussions also in German. The inclusion of participants from Eastern Bloc countries is highlighted as a significant aspect.
• Mid-Winter Meeting: Rescheduled for Saturday, March 13, 1976, in Chicago, Illinois, due to a postal strike in Canada that led to the cancellation of a Toronto meeting. Speakers will include Erich von Daniken, Josef F. Blumrich, Dr. Luis E. Navia, and Stuart W. Greenwood.
• Mexico Adventure: A report on a successful archaeological adventure to Mexico during Thanksgiving week 1975, with participants visiting sites like Teotihuacan, Tula, and Palenque. The "Palenque Slab" and its depiction of an "astronaut" are specifically mentioned. A second Mexican Archaeological Adventure is planned for April 4-11, 1976.
• Membership Contributions: Information is provided for European members to transfer their annual dues to a specific bank account in Zurich.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of ancient history, archaeology, and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine consistently promotes the ancient astronaut theory, presenting historical accounts and artifacts as evidence. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of rigorous research and the collection of verifiable data, as emphasized by Professor Bellamy's appeal. While the Society focuses on ancient astronauts, it actively discourages discussions on contemporary UFO phenomena, preferring to concentrate on historical interpretations. The magazine also engages with the work of prominent figures in the field, such as Erich von Daniken, and reviews relevant publications, positioning itself as a platform for disseminating information and fostering discussion within its specialized community.