Ancient Skies - Vol 04 No 2 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: Official Logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society
Issue: Volume 4, Number 2
Date: May-June, 1977
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA

This issue of the Official Logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society explores the intersection of proof, science, and the ancient astronaut hypothesis, featuring a lead article by Dr. Pasqual S. Schievella, book reviews, and discussions on significant archaeological sites and artifacts.

Proof, Science and the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis

Dr. Pasqual S. Schievella argues that the criticism of the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis by a small number of scientists is often based on a narrow definition of proof. He contends that scientists sometimes conflate their technical achievements and abstract language with absolute truth, while ignoring other valid forms of proof such as theoretical, logical, mathematical, hypothetical, deductive, statistical, probable, and documentary. Schievella asserts that scientific truth is at best probable, not absolute, and that the fundamental postulates of science are theoretical and continually in question. He criticizes scientists who dismiss knowledge not derived by the scientific method as "unscientific," likening it to papal infallibility. Schievella emphasizes that the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis, like much of recorded history, relies on logic, historical documents, and artifacts that are difficult to explain with current human knowledge and capabilities. He calls for scientists to accept the same kinds of proof used by ancient astronaut theorists and to lend their support to investigating the hypothesis seriously.

Book Reviews

A Bridge to the Stars

This section reviews Dr. Luis E. Navia's book, "A Bridge to the Stars," which is presented as part of a new generation of publications in the ancient astronaut field. The book, originally published in German, approaches the subject through philosophical, linguistic, and historical studies rather than physical evidence. Dr. Navia, a professor of philosophy and astronomer, aims to convince readers that the ancient astronaut hypothesis is a viable and philosophically acceptable concept, establishing a solid base for the theory.

On Looking and Seeing

Zdzislaw Leligdowicz discusses his experience with Professor Dr. Federico Kauffmann Doig's book, "El Peru Arqueologico." Leligdowicz finds the book to be an excellent resource that provides scientific bases for the ancient astronaut thesis, particularly concerning Equador, Mexico, and Peru. He notes that while Dr. Kauffmann does not explicitly affirm the thesis, it is apparent throughout the book. Leligdowicz highlights Dr. Kauffmann's observations on ancient American deities having elements of birds of prey, such as feathers and curved beaks. He also offers his own interpretations of figures like the Estela Raimondi and the "personage de Puncuri," suggesting they might represent dynamic scenes or even spaceships, rather than purely mythological figures. Leligdowicz also references A. Marks' book, "Wposzukiwaniu Kosmitow," noting similarities in depictions.

The American Rosetta Stone?

The article discusses the Davenport Calendar Stele, discovered in 1874 in Iowa. Initially declared a forgery by Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institute, the stele features inscriptions that Professor Barry Fell has interpreted. Fell suggests that the inscriptions, including ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, Iberan-Punic, and Libyan languages, provide instructions for regulating the calendar and describe the Festival of Osiris, linking it to the vernal equinox celebration around 700 B.C. in Iowa.

Some Advice on Tiahuanaco and Nazca

Professor Hans Schindler Bellamy provides insights for visitors to Tiahuanaco in Bolivia and the Nazca Desert Markings in Peru. He describes Tiahuanaco as a former harbor city with evidence of ancient strandlines. He emphasizes the "Sun Gate" (Puerta del Sol) as a significant monument, revealing a complex calendar. Bellamy notes that Tiahuanaco underwent reconstruction, but the Sun Gate remains the most important feature. Regarding the Nazca Desert, he discusses the "psammoglyphs" (figures) and "lines," highlighting their precise geometric shapes and the mystery surrounding their creation and purpose. Bellamy suggests that the best time to photograph the Nazca figures is shortly after sunrise or before sunset to capture the shadows that reveal the tracings. He also touches upon the difficulty of tracing such large figures on the desert floor and the possibility of "palimpsestic" tracings.

Mexico Adventure

An announcement details an upcoming expedition to Mexico City, Teotihuacan, Tula, Tenayuca, Villahermosa, and Palenque from November 20-27, 1977. The expedition offers members the opportunity to explore renowned archaeological sites, including the Palenque Slab, and visit local museums and studios. The cost of the expedition is provided, with limited space available.

Letter to the Editor

Thomas M. Barrett shares his intrigue regarding Erich von Daniken's proposed Amazon expedition. Having participated in three of the Society's expeditions, he concludes that with proper excavation equipment and supervision, significant discoveries like the "Palenque Slab" could be made much faster. Barrett believes that knowledge gained from such discoveries could help solve global issues like food and fuel shortages and advance space travel, but warns of the potential dangers if this knowledge falls into the wrong hands.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes the idea that knowledge and proof extend beyond the strict confines of the scientific method. It advocates for a broader acceptance of evidence, including historical documents and logical inference, in understanding phenomena like the ancient astronaut hypothesis. The publication appears to support critical analysis and investigation into alternative explanations for ancient mysteries, encouraging members to explore and question established paradigms. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry and a challenge to conventional scientific dogma, particularly concerning the origins and capabilities of ancient civilizations.