Ancient Skies - Vol 03 No 4 - 1976-77

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 3, Number 4
Date: September-October, 1976
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

The Palenque Vehicle

This article by O.M. Weiss, a mechanical engineer with experience in rocket engine design, explores the interpretation of the Sarcophagus Cover found in 1952 at the Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico. Weiss argues that this carving, often referred to as the "Palenque Slab," provides evidence for the existence of ancient flying machines, or "spaceships," in ancient times. He challenges the traditional scientific dogma that ancient astronautics is merely a theory, pointing out that the carving depicts a craft far beyond simple rocket technology.

Weiss posits that ancient "Chariots" or "Vimanas" were not built by stranded aliens, but were terrestrial vehicles. He suggests that the energy source for these ancient crafts was extraordinary, possibly involving "nuclear activation" rather than nuclear disintegration, as exemplified by the mysterious 1908 Tunguska explosion in Siberia. The Palenque Vehicle is described as a skid-gear craft, possibly using runways similar to those found at Nazca, Peru. The propulsion unit, as depicted by the Mayan artist, is interpreted as a "mysterious and legendary mercury engine." The vehicle was nose-guided and balanced by a secondary unit. Weiss believes that this technology evolved over a long period, with basic principles remaining unchanged until the advent of the jet propulsion age.

He also touches upon the idea of a secret society that may have retained knowledge of these ancient technologies. The article includes diagrams by O.M. Weiss illustrating his conception of the Palenque Vehicle, including its nose guidance unit, mercury engine, and skid gear structure.

Extraterrestrials Rescue the Legions of Rome

By W. Raymond Drake, this article recounts an event from 73 BC during the conflict between Roman Consul Lucullus and Mithridates of Pontus. According to Plutarch, as the armies were about to engage, a "huge flame-like body" described as resembling a wine-jar and colored like molten silver fell between them. This phenomenon reportedly caused both armies to separate in astonishment, leading Mithridates to flee and seek refuge in Armenia. Drake suggests that this was a "Spaceship" that broke the sound barrier, its thunder and radiance paralyzing the armies. He posits that this event secured victory for Rome and marked the beginning of Mithridates' downfall.

Zurich Group Flight to Rio Conference

This section announces a group flight organized by the Ancient Astronaut Society from Zurich, Switzerland, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the Fourth World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society. The flight is scheduled for June 15-30, 1977, and includes world-famous author Erich von Daniken among the participants. Interested individuals are directed to contact the Society for details.

It also notes that September 14, 1976, marked the Third Anniversary of the Ancient Astronaut Society, which had over 1,000 members in 35 countries and 45 US states.

Who Gave Us Our Identity-Card?

Authored by Zdzislaw Leligdowicz, this article discusses the origin of the cross symbol. It references Dr. Waclaw Korabiewicz's book "Sladami Amuletu," which suggests that the Egyptian "anch" symbol, meaning "key of life," "life," or "eternal life," was known in ancient Egypt. Leligdowicz also discusses the "Pachomius Cross" and the "Huzul Cross," noting their prevalence in various regions. He draws a parallel between these ancient cross designs and the schematic pattern of tRNA (transcriptional ribonucleic acid), which guides protein synthesis. Leligdowicz questions who provided ancient priests with the knowledge of the genetic code, represented by these symbols.

Viking Not of This World?

This brief piece by Johannes Fiebag compares a photograph of the Viking I lander on Mars (July 20, 1976) with a cave drawing from Cougnac, France, dating back to 15,000 BC. The author poses the question of whether beings from another planet sent a "Viking" to Earth thousands of years ago, suggesting a possible extraterrestrial connection to ancient human history.

Society to Co-Sponsor Tassilli Expedition

The Ancient Astronaut Society announces its co-sponsorship of an expedition to the Tassilli Range in the Sahara in December 1977 or Spring 1978. The expedition, organized by Stephen Woolley and John Sissons, aims to examine petroglyphs first reported by Henri Lhote. Interested individuals are invited to contact the Society office.

Book Review: Daniken Intim by Peter Krassa

This review by Peter Krassa discusses Erich von Daniken's book "Daniken Intim." The reviewer praises the book for its portrayal of Daniken and his wife, Elizabeth, and for detailing the legal challenges and accusations Daniken faced, particularly regarding financial matters. Krassa notes that Daniken was accused of a common capitalist practice of working with borrowed money and postponing tax payments, a practice from which ordinary workers are exempt. Despite paying all debts, fines, and interest, Daniken was arrested and sentenced to imprisonment. The reviewer suggests that this period of forced withdrawal from business allowed Daniken to refine his ideas for the Ancient Astronaut Theory. The review also touches upon the perceived "unfeeling and dense" nature of Swiss fiscal authorities and the ongoing attempts by some to discredit Daniken's work.

Authors and Books

This section provides a list of recent and upcoming books related to ancient astronautics and related topics:

• Erich von Daniken: "Miracles of the Gods" (paperback, Dell, USA), "Beweise" (Proofs) (soon in Germany by Econ Verlag).
• W. Raymond Drake: "Gods and Spacemen in Ancient Israel" (paperback, Sphere, London).
• Federico Kauffmann Doig: "El Peru Arqueologico" (Spanish, Kompaktos Ediciones G.S., Lima, Peru), a comprehensive work on pre-Inca civilizations.
• Peter Krassa: "Daniken Intim" (German, Hermann Bauer Verlag), "When the Yellow Gods Came" (English release postponed).
• Frede Melhedegaard: "The Past is the Clue of Our Future" (pamphlet, available from author, US$3.00).
• Richard E. Mooney: "Gods of Air and Darkness" (paperback, Fawcett, NY).
• Luis E. Navia: "Unsere Wiege Steht Im Kosmos" (Our Cradle Stands in the Cosmos) (Germany, Econ Verlag, Dusseldorf).
• George Sassoon and Rodney Dale: "The Lord of the Manna" (publisher secured in England, to be released in 1977).
• Pasqual Schievella: Completing a biography of Erich von Daniken.
• Andrew Tomas: "Shambhala, Oasis de Lumiere" (Paris, Robert Laffont), English edition "Shambhala, Oasis of Light" (Sphere, London).
• Colin Amery: "The Secret of the Sphinx" (Regency Press, London), researching for a new book on Lemuria.
• Other New Books: "Die Chronik von Akakor" by Karl Brugger, "We Called Them Gods" by J. S. Hatem, and "Footprints on the Sands of Time" by L. M. Lewis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Ancient Skies revolve around the concept of ancient astronautics, the interpretation of ancient artifacts as evidence of advanced technology, and the potential influence of extraterrestrial intelligence on human history. The magazine consistently promotes the idea that ancient myths and symbols hold clues to a past where humans interacted with advanced beings or possessed advanced technologies themselves. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of exploring these theories, often presenting evidence and interpretations that support the ancient astronaut hypothesis, while also acknowledging and sometimes critiquing traditional scientific viewpoints. There is a strong emphasis on the idea that ancient civilizations were more advanced than commonly believed, and that these advancements may have originated from off-world sources or been influenced by them. The magazine also highlights the activities and publications of the Ancient Astronaut Society, fostering a community of like-minded individuals interested in these subjects.